Has Anyone Had The Carroll Food Intolerance Test Done And Think It's Reliable?

I recently responded to a question asked on a website, whether anyone had the Carroll Food Intolerance Testing done and thought it was reliable. They explained how they had been tested but didn't take it seriously, that they were still suffering. They further questioned if maybe they have a wheat sensitivity.

This was my response:

Hello, I find it fascinating that you would go to the effort and expense of being tested and then not follow through, yet doubt the validity of the testing! Over 30 years ago I was evaluated by Dr. Harold Dick using the Carroll Food Intolerance testing method. It saved my life! I referred, and personally took others, to see him, now refer people to his daughter Dr. Letitia Dick (Windrose Naturopathic Clinic, Spokane WA.) and to Dr. Jared Zeff (Salmon Creek Clinic, Vancouver WA.). Countless patients can testify to being cured by these methods when nothing else worked. One acquaintance I know of had schlera derma, she was in incredible pain and the allopathic meds weren't helping. Dr. Dick tested her for food intolerances, she avoided them and not only did the swelling and pain go down but she was able to live without the meds.

The nature doctors know that every dis-ease known to man is created in the digestive system. It doesn't matter what the ailment is. The body is a healing machine if allowed to do what Nature intended it to. IBS is an obvious and immediate condition that points to something being ingested that the body is not able to break down and utilize, thus causing disruption and irritation. Without the proper digestive enzymes to break down the food, it then causes toxic reactions. We are all genetically predisposed to not having one digestive enzyme or another. Hence, the doctors using the Carroll Food Intolerance Test will evaluate the patient for a number of food categories.

I suggest you give it a try before touting that it doesn't work. I suspect you question that yourself, otherwise why bother asking others what results they've had? Aren't you just a little tired of searching for answers? And yet, it's right in front of you!

We have all been exposed to AMA indoctrination, and that of the western medical world. For over a century they have treated and out-rightly called Naturopathic physicians "witch-doctors." They have made fun of us to our faces when we inquired about natural options. Yet, their methods of treatment only address symptoms, not causes. In doing so, the immediate symptoms might be masked, but the body is still sick, and the problem will only arise somewhere else.

My personal food intolerances are potato and a combination of fruit/sugar. There are many derivatives and chemicals created from the different food categories, so it takes a little effort to totally avoid them.

It's worth a try, staying off the foods you've tested intolerant to. What have you got to lose but the pain and discomfort of being sick all the time?

I want to add something to this: It is common to feel sick and show symptoms of other dis-ease as the body goes through the healing process. It must reverse itself from the existing condition, basically going backwards, through the steps of chronic illness, through acute illness, then to wellness. It's possible, if this person was actually refraining from eating their food intolerances, that they may be going through healing crises on their way to reaching well being.

Best wishes. In Health,

Sandra

Diagnosis and Testing of a Food Allergy

It is estimated that about four percent of adults and six to eight percent of children under the age of three have a food allergy. A food allergy is when the immune system responds abnormally by causing an allergic reaction in an individual when a certain type of food is consumed.

These reactions typically occur within minutes of having eaten the food and can be mild to severe and in some cases life threatening. These allergic reactions should not be confused with a food intolerance which affects the digestive system and is considerably more common but does not involve the immune system.

If you suspect you may have a food allergy it is important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor who can help you with performing certain tests to determine whether you have an actual food allergy or food intolerance.

It is essential that you make a list of all the foods which you normally consume as well as the symptoms you are experiencing and bring this with you to your appointment. Your doctor may then try and determine through the process of elimination which foods are causing you to have a reaction by asking you to remove certain suspect foods from your diet then gradually adding them back one at a time. However, this method will not be used if you have had a severe or life threatening reaction to any type of food.

Your physician will perform a physical examination as well to try and determine whether there are any other medical conditions which could be causing the problem. Your physician may also refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergies who can perform skin or blood testing which may determine the exact allergen that is causing the reaction.

While medications can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of an allergy attack, there is no cure for a food allergy. Therefore, it is essential that you make every effort to avoid the foods which you know or suspect are causing your symptoms.

NAET Allergy Treatment - NAET Therapist Identifies Little Known Allergens That Have a Big Effect

As an NAET Allergy Practitioner I do allergy testing using Applied Kinesiology or muscle testing, and NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) Allergy treatment using Acupressure. The results from testing can sometimes highlight some little known allergens that surprise many of my clients. Once identified, the NAET treatment can be used to desensitise the person to the allergen.

People come with various conditions including Asthma, Eczema, Hay fever and IBS. Testing people for the first time using muscle testing is always entertaining as you watch their expressions as the strength in their arm changes when I give the various NAET allergy vials to hold. Their expressions usually start of with them looking at you as if you are a Martian with three head and change to puzzlement and intrigue. The next interesting part is when you tell them what allergens are causing their symptoms.

Below are a list of my top five with the conditions they are linked to.

My number 5 is Pollen. Usually associated with Allergy related Asthma and Hay fever but can be linked with heartburn and indigestion.

My number 4 is Formaldehyde. Found in Exhaust fumes and paints and sprayed on new clothes as a preservative. Common allergy related symptoms include ADHD, Asthma, Eczema, and Hyperactivity.

My number3 is Plastics. Especially soft or thin plastics used to make bottles, tubs and packaging. Common allergy related symptoms associated with plastics include fatigue, Endometriosis, IBS, infertility, nausea, and rashes.

My number 2 is Artificial Sweeteners. Found in toothpaste, diet drinks, medication, sweets, chewing gum.... they get everywhere! Common allergy related symptoms/ conditions associated include ADHD, Autism, Hyperactivity, Learning difficulties, and Multiple Sclerosis.

My number 1, and enemy of the people, is Fluoride. Found in tap water (especially in North America), toothpaste and tea leaves. As well as being a common allergy for many people, fluoride is also toxic to humans. It does act as a fairly effective antibacterial, so can help the built up of plaque on teeth, but its toxic and allergy effects far out weigh its benefits. Some of the common allergy related symptoms I have found linked to fluoride allergy are a Depression, Hyperactivity (especially in children), infertility, joint pain, Osteoporosis, and panic attacks.

Testing For Eczema Symptoms

Is your skin showing some eczema symptoms? If so, you need to get an appointment with a professional likely to be a skin specialist to see what your diagnosis is.

There are some common medical tests to help the skin specialist determine whether you have eczema or some other dermatological condition. In many cases, the skin specialist can simply look at the affected area and make a diagnosis based on what it looks like. "Eczema sensitive areas" are where the skin specialist will look first. These areas include the chest, skin creases, and the face. If these parts of your body are experiencing redness, itchiness, are swollen, or are extremely dry, then your skin specialist may believe that you have eczema symptoms.

There are additional ways that your skin specialist will diagnose for eczema symptoms as well. He will take a detailed history of your life to help him make his diagnosis as well. A detailed family history will also be taken to rule out allergies, asthma, or hay fever.

You will also be asked questions about your diet, allergies, lifestyle, prescription medications that you are taking, and whether or not you work or live around any chemicals or other hazardous materials at home or at work.

You should also tell the skin specialist when the skin condition first appeared, what it looked like and felt like when it began, and whether you have noticed that things like stress, sweating, dry air, etc. make it worse.

Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your eczema symptoms when you visit your skin specialist. However, keep in mind that he is only asking so that he will get a better idea of your diagnosis and the key to your skin flare-up. It may be helpful to write down all these answers before visiting your skin specialist so that you do not forget anything.

Your skin specialist may suspect that your eczema symptoms are caused by an allergen or irritant that you have come into contact with. If so, he or she will probably ask for a blood test to see if there are any antibodies in the blood and to check the number of a variety of different cells.

If you have eczema symptoms, then your "IgE" (or eosinophilia) will be raised. Your blood may have to undergo a test called a Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) or a Paper Radioimmunosorbent Test (PRIST). This test is completed by mixing your blood with a variety of allergens separately to try to determine whether you have an allergic reaction to them. The test determines this by the number of antibodies that the blood creates. A high number of antibodies means that you have an allergy to that specific allergen.

Your skin specialist may decide to order a test called a skin patch test. This test is usually ordered when the skin specialist suspects a specific irritant or allergen to your eczema symptoms. For this test, they simple take some of the suspected irritant, press it to your skin, and hold it there with an adhesive patch. Then he places an adhesive patch without an irritant near the same area for him to compare to. These patches are left on from one to two days and then removed at the skin specialist's office. If the skin where the irritant was is inflamed, red, and/or itchy, then you probably have an allergy to it.

A skin lesion biopsy is sometimes ordered. This test consists of removing a small part of the skin and then viewing it under a microscope. This kind of test and the blood tests are not ordered for every suspected case of eczema, but if your eczema symptoms are very severe then they may be ordered.

Food Intolerance Test - Which Type is Best?

Taking a Food Intolerance Test is becoming ever more popular as people associate symptoms such as indigestion, stomach cramps, headaches, insomnia and constipation with food intolerances.

There are many different types of food intolerance tests available (eg the RAST test, York test, Vega Testing) and over the years I have tried most in my nutrition clinic.

These tests all work to some extent, but the trouble I find is that the results from each food intolerance test varies by person, on a day-to-day basis, as our individual body chemistry changes. I also find that these food intolerance tests can be expensive and a hassle, as they may involve a visit to a specialist clinic or involve having to take a blood sample at home and then posting it and waiting a few days for the results.

Luckily I have now found a much simpler food test which gives instant results. It is quick and easy to do and costs nothing. I can do it on my patients and then teach them how to do it on themselves or on their friends and family in just a couple of minutes.

I know this sounds too good to be true but I assure you what I say is true. The food intolerance test I refer to is based on kinesiology and energy medicine. It involves doing a simple resistance muscle test on your arm and shoulder to see if a certain food is good for your body or if that food is likely to weaken the body.

This form of testing has actually been around for many years and used to identify food intolerances in many different healing modalities such as kinesiology, osteopathy, naturopathy and even by some Doctors nowadays.

If you'd like to learn how to do this simple food intolerance test you can see instructions by following this link - Food Intolerance Test 1. Here you will see full instructions on how to do this test.

In addition to using the muscles in your arm and shoulder to test for intolerances, you can use other parts of your body such as your fingers and legs. I have now learnt 5 different energy medicine techniques which I use myself at different times to test which foods suit my body best at that time.

Two of the tests need someone to do the test with you, but the other three I can just do myself. One of them is so simple I can do it when out in restaurants or shops to help identify which food to pick at that time. I learnt these tests from a great DVD called Food Testing Made Simple which as well as teaching me the ways to do food testing, showed me energy exercises, which I now use on a regular basis to help keep my body strong and able to tolerate most foods.

Symptoms of Allergies and Allergy Tests

There are different symptoms of having an allergy. Some can be mild, some can be very annoying, but some can be dangerous and even life threatening. Below is a list of some common allergy symptoms:

1. Skin rashes - annoying and itchy and sometimes painful. Depending on where they are on the body, they can make someone to look quite ugly.

2. Breathing problems - when allergy causes problems with breathing and lack of oxygen, it is very serious and requires attention.

3. Itchy notes, mouth, throat and skin - this is one of the most common and annoying allergy symptoms - an itch that can't be smoothed.

4. Conjunctivitis - burning and itchy eyes, is also a common allergy problem.

5. Coughing - another common allergy problem for many people - constant cough that sometimes is also painful.

6. Hives - hives can be painful and they can cause attention of others in public.

7. Headache - distracting headache that makes difficult to do anything constructive or relax.

8. Diarrhea - long time diarrhea can be also life threatening.

When you have an allergy the next step is to find out what causes it. You should talk to your doctor who will after checking the symptoms, know what to do. You should have a physical examination. The next step is usually tests which can find out precisely what causes the allergy. There are three kinds of tests:

1. The Skin Test - it is the least expensive and is very accurate. To do the skin test, a small amount of allergen is put on the skin and then the spot is pricked or scratched with a needle. A bit of allergen is also injected into the outer part of the skin. If there is an allergy to the tested product, after about 15-20 minutes after the test, there will be redness, swelling and itching on the skin

2. The Patch Test - it is done to find a contact dermatitis. A small amount of allergen is put into skin and then covered with a bandage. A doctor then checks the spot within forty-eight hours to see if a rash develops.

3. The Blood Test - this test is done when there are skin conditions or medications taken that might interfere with a skin test. In the blood test, the blood is taken to a laboratory and allergens are added to the blood sample. The amount of antibodies that are going to be made will be measured in this test.

Chronic Ear Infections? Test For Allergies

I learned something recently about ear infections that I think is worth sharing. If your child seems to have one right after another, or if his/her ears are frequently filled with fluid, the problem may be related to allergies says ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. David Hurst. He devoted much of his career researching why some children have repeated ear infections and recently published a book titled Freedom From Chronic Ear Infections: The Role of Allergies and the Way to a Cure.

According to the National Institutes of Health, three out of four children will have an ear infection by the time they are three years old. The medical term is otitis media. Acute ear infections often go away on their own in two or three days with little or no treatment, yet antibiotics are prescribed for them more than for any other infection. Partly because of concern that over prescribing can lead to antibiotic resistance, the American Academy of Pediatrics established evidence-based treatment guidelines for an otherwise healthy child with an ear infection:

• Make an accurate diagnosis


• Relieve pain


• Wait 48-72 hours to see if infection resolves on its own. If child doesn't improve, start antibiotics


• Prescribe antibiotics without waiting if determined that child is likely to benefit


• When antibiotics are used, prescribe amoxicillin for most children

Chronic ear infections and ear tubes

If a child gets repeated infections and antibiotics don't seem to help, the doctor may recommend ear tubes. Ear tubes are little metal or plastic cylinders that are surgically inserted into the ear drum. They are meant to provide a way for air to get into the ear and prevent fluid from building up inside. In the first ten years of his practice, Dr. Hurst noticed that some patients kept coming back for their third, fourth, and even fifth set of tubes and that many also had allergies.

Ear tubes versus allergy treatment - a study

He offered 20 patients, each of whom had tested positive for allergies and were in need of a third set of tubes, the option to either replace the tubes or try allergy treatment. "Three chose no treatment and their ears remained full of fluid," he reported. "In six patients whose allergies were treated for a time, the fluid cleared, but as soon as they quit their allergy shots or they ate foods that made them congested, their ears filled up again, so I judged the treatment to have failed. Eleven maintained their allergy treatment for a full three years and remained free of middle ear fluid."

Many ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics and many times, ear tubes are necessary. But you might want to suspect allergies when:

• Fluid in the ear has persisted more than two months


• The child has tubes that continually drain


• The child has a hole in the ear drum that drains


• The child has failed a school hearing test and has no history of ear infections

Understanding the allergy connection

If you are allergic, when you're exposed to an allergen the mucous membranes in your nose and upper airways will become inflamed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. The same allergic reaction can occur in the lining of the eustachian tube, which leads from the back of the throat to the middle ear. When that happens it causes fluid to build up behind the eardrum. So, what should you do if you suspect allergies may be at the root of your child's chronic ear problems? One recommendation is to ask your child's doctor to screen for these potential allergens:

• Dust mites (two)


• Cats


• Dogs


• Grass


• Trees


• Ragweed


• Molds (at least two)


• Milk


• Corn


• Soy


• Wheat

It happens that one of my daughters had chronic ear infections and ended up having a set of tubes put in when she was three. About 20 years later, she tested positive for allergies to cats and dust mites. Perhaps we could have avoided the tubes, the repeated infections, and the build up of fluid if we'd realized then that she had allergies.

Pollen Allergy and Food Sensitivity: The Oral Allergy Syndrome and Food Intolerance

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a well-recognized but little known condition. It is characterized by a burning sensation or mouth pain and swelling when you eat specific foods that cross react to pollens to which you are allergic. Interestingly, the specific foods causing this reaction are well established to cross react with certain trees, grass, or weed pollens, house dust mite or latex. There are common groups of foods that cluster with certain nasal allergies. For example, ragweed allergy commonly causes an oral or gut reaction after eating melons or bananas but usually not other foods. Birch tree pollen is commonly associated with reactions to numerous foods as is latex allergy. The explanation for these reactions include similarities in protein structures as well as some chemicals in the foods.

Though this reaction is well documented in the allergy literature it is not commonly recognized or diagnosed by most doctors including some allergy specialists and many stomach specialists. Various allergy web sites include lists of the common foods associated with certain pollens, dust mite or latex. However, a comprehensive list that is easy to read or interpret can be difficult to find. Also, the names of some pollens or the common links between a group of pollens and a group of foods can be confusing.

In its classic form OAS should be easy to recognize. After eating a food associated with a pollen to which you are allergic you experience near immediate burning sensation in your mouth or throat with or without swelling. However, it is commonly recognized that frequently in medicine, symptoms do not occur in the "classic" or typical manner in a specific person. Worded another way doctors are taught "patients don't read the textbooks". Therefore, you may experience variations of the reaction such as throat swelling or tightening, burning when swallowing, a lump in the throat or a sense of swallowing difficulty but not make the connection to what you ate or what is happening to you.

You or your doctor may misinterpret your symptoms. Frequently people just assume it happened because they were having a choking spell on food that was poorly chewed, swallowed too fast, or eaten or drank while too hot or cold. Commonly, it is assumed that an esophageal (swallowing tube) disorder, especially acid reflux with a hiatal hernia is the cause. Acid reflux can cause an esophageal constriction called a stricture or ring that can result in a food sticking sensation, but this is usually associated with heartburn symptoms or food getting stuck which then prompts an upper endoscopy or scope exam. Other times, especially if occurring in an elderly person, a neurological condition like stroke or Parkinson's disease is blamed. Sometimes doctors decide that your symptoms are due to a nervous reaction or neurosis that historically was called as globus hystericus. The hystericus portion of the term is usually dropped these days to the shorter term globus or globus sensation especially since it is not proven it is due to a psychiatric problem. However, globus may be the diagnosis arrived at if your complaint is that you feel a lump in your throat and an 'evaluation" appears to turn up nothing even if OAS was not considered or excluded.

An unusual condition that has been more recently recognized in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the stomach and intestines) that may be related to or a variant of OAS is called eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) or allergic esophagitis. It was first described in the pediatric population but is now known to occur in adults. Classically described in teenage boys and young men who presented with food sticking episodes without heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, it is associated with a strange appearance of the esophagus on endoscopy (lighted scope exam of the upper gastrointestinal tract). What the doctor doing the scope sees is that the esophagus resembles a cat's esophagus. That is it looks like it has rings (cats have cartilage rings in their esophagus, we do not) and this is referred to as "ringed esophagus" or felinization of the esophagus. On biopsy of such a ringed or felinized appearing esophagus (that is also often narrowed resulting in food sticking) microscopic signs of allergy are noted. The lining shows numerous eosinophils, a reddish pink appearing white blood cell, characteristic of allergic conditions. These eosinophils release chemicals like histamine that trigger swelling, pain, and damage to tissue.

Food allergies are commonly found to present in EE though sometimes the search for a food allergy by traditional skin tests or IgE blood tests is negative. Treatment is avoidance of known food allergens and swallowed nasal steroids sprays that are designed for use in the nose for nasal allergies. Though not specifically proven yet, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) may be a variant of OAS.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic or allergic colitis also exist and can be diagnosed by biopsies of the stomach, small intestine and colon respectively. Allergic colitis is typically seen in infants who have a cow's milk protein allergy. It presents as colic type abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and bloody diarrhea in an infant on cow's milk formula or sometimes in breast-fed infants whose mom is drinking a lot of cow's milk.

Allergic gastroenteritis occurs in any age group presenting typically as abdominal pain, with or without intestinal blockage or perforation; diarrhea; anemia; weight loss; and microscopic bleeding in the intestinal tract also known as occult blood in the stool. Such bleeding is detectable only by special stool chemical tests known as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or stool guaiac testing.

At least some people with food intolerance that does not make sense on limited diet diary information, blood tests, biopsies, or allergy testing, may have a form of OAS. In other words, the presence of known pollen or latex allergies may be predisposing to reactions to foods known to cross react with allergies noted in OAS. However, instead of classic oral allergy syndrome symptoms other stomach and intestinal symptoms or even non-gastrointestinal symptoms may result.

Support of this concept can be found in detailed screening of individuals for food intolerance. Those with known pollen or latex allergies, any known food allergies or intolerance including gluten intolerance (celiac disease) and casein intolerance, are asked to complete a series of symptom assessments and severity rating scales followed by a strict elimination diet. This is followed up by re-assessment of response of symptoms while re-introducing foods one at a time while monitoring for recurrence.

This type of analysis is the basis for the Neopaleo Specific Diet. In the near future online symptom assessments and screening for food intolerance along with dietary recommendations specific to individuals will be available at www.thefooddoc.com. An online diet symptom diary will also be available. A simplified table illustrating the common foods that may cross-react with the broad categories of pollen allergens and latex allergy is available. Food intolerances are more commonly being recognized as a common cause of illness and symptoms. Individualized specific diet recommendations and elimination diet trials may be more helpful in discovering any possible links to what you are eating and how you feel.

Copyright 2006 The Food Doc, LLC. All rights reserved.

What is Casein Test?

A cold glass of milk, a slice of cheese or a crunchy piece of toast with butter melting on it. These may look enticing to some. For others, they are nothing short of instruments of torture.

According to research, cow's milk is one of the most leading food allergies. It can cause vomiting, nausea, giddiness and diarrhea in many young children. One of the reasons for this widespread allergy could be the fact that milk protein is usually the first protein that is ingested by infants, and those children who are allergic to milk will develop severe allergic reactions easily. Of course, more than 50% of such children outgrow their milk allergy in the course of time.

But, even as adults, many of us experience bloating, heaviness, gas, nausea and even vomiting when we take in milk or milk products. In fact, a good majority of adults are sensitive to milk and milk products. A person who is sensitive to milk is unable to digest milk proteins. This is what causes the symptoms to occur.

Typically, people who suffer adverse reactions from taking in dairy products believe that they are allergic to milk. This is not always true. Milk and milk products can cause two different kinds of reactions in people:

- Lactose intolerance

- Milk allergy

An inability to digest lactose causes lactose intolerance, which though uncomfortable is not life threatening. But milk allergy is caused by the proteins in milk.

Milk contains two important proteins - whey and casein. Whey, as you know, is the watery portion which makes up 87% of milk. Casein is the thick portion that sets into curd when milk is left to curdle and it accounts for 4% of the rest. Some people are allergic to whey, while others cannot take in casein.

Unlike lactose intolerance, casein allergy triggers severe symptoms. It can cause stomach cramps, skin problems and pain in the gut. Ultimately, it can even make the sufferer unable to absorb nourishment from any food, thus leading to dangerous weight loss. Casein allergy can trigger an anaphylactic reaction in the body. This is a severe and rapidly occurring reaction that can have dire consequences.

Casein is found in varying ratios in the milk of every kind of mammal. If you are allergic to casein, you cannot have any product that contains milk or milk components. Remember, even half to one percent of the allergen may be enough to trigger an allergic reaction in you if that level is above your tolerance limit. So, you need to be aware of the smallest percentage of the ingredient in the food you take in. A casein test is done to determine whether a product contains casein or not.

Unfortunately, casein being tenuous (almost like glue when set) is not only found in food products. It is even used in the manufacture of glue and cosmetic products. Even the label on a bottle of beer may contain this glue. If you are allergic to casein, inhaling or touching it may be enough to trigger a reaction.

Different Kinds of Allergy Tests

Before, if you wanted to see what you were allergic to you would have to have several tests that could take weeks or months before getting any news back. If your allergy was to something exceptional, it could take years or often you would not even find out what is the cause of your allergies.

If you suffered from seasonal allergies, they may have gone away before the testing clinic was able to see what was bothering you, and you would stop clinic testing and go back to regular life as before. It just took too long to obtain any definite results from tests. This method has all been revamped and is more up-to-date and speedier nowadays, however if you are being tested for allergies, it is likely that you will go through a number of tests still to determine what you are actually allergic to.

This certainly as well depends on what medical history you have. There are three procedures that a clinic or hospital can use to test you for allergies. These are a skin test, elimination test, and a blood test. Indeed each of these tests has its upsides and downsides and a good doctor will be able to decide which one is necessary for you to start with in order to obtain the best results.

Skin Test

This is the most common of the test used to determine allergy substances. This involves placing a small amount of suspected allergens on your skin. Most of the time the area used is your forearm. In some cases this may also include the upper arm or back. The next step is to prick that area of the skin so that the allergen is allowed to literally get under your skin. The process is that if you are allergic to the allergen then you woul have a skin reaction in the next 10-15 minutes. This reaction can include redness, swelling and itching. It should be stated that in rare circumstances this test can lead to a dramatic allergic reaction that includes issues with the respiratory system.

A different kind of skin test is the intradermal allergy test. This test includes using a small needle to inject the allergen underneath the skin. Skin tests are often used to pin point things in the air that you breathe in that might be the cause of your allergy to insect and animal bites as well.

Elimination Test

The next type of test that is used for allergy testing is called the elimination test and is commonly used to pinpoint diet and food allergies. As the name implies the test process will have you add certain foods to your meals or take away certain foods from your meals and then register your reaction. Most of the time this is performed with the food being camouflaged so that no psychological factors can impede the accuracy of the test. You may sincerely dislike or believe you are allergic to something that you may not really be allergic to.

Blood Test

The final technique to test for allergies is the blood test. This process involves taking a small amount of blood that is then submitted to laboratory testing. They will expose your blood to a number of known allergens and look for any reactions to them. This will take the form of your blood creating IgE antibodies that can then be detected. This allows the lab to make a determination to what you are allergic to and to what degree of severity.

UniCAP and RAST are the two most common forms of allergy blood testing. The UniCAP is an almost entirely automated process with the ability to check for a large number of allergens and assign a severity level from 1 to 6 with any it finds. And while blood testing is probably the most accurate way to determine your allergic status it does require specialized, expensive equipment to run the tests. Because of this your hospital or clinic will probably send your blood sample out to a lab to get the work done and this can take time.

MRT Testing Is Helpful For Food Intolerance And Sensitivity That Is Not Caused By Food Allergies

Food intolerance and sensitivity reactions that are not due to an allergy:

Certain foods, additives and chemicals are capable of triggering immune reactions that are not due to allergies. Chemicals mediators released by the immune system are capable of producing a variety of body reactions and symptoms. Avoiding foods that produce such reactions is suppose to resolve or at least significantly improve symptoms resulting from eating those foods. Mediator release (MRT) testing measures the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells and platelets in response to specific foods, additives or chemicals. Such chemical reactions presumably indicate sensitivity to these foods or additives.

Principles of commercially available mediator release testing (MRT):

Commercially available mediator release testing (MRT, Signet Diagnostic Corporation, http://www.nowleap.com) is based on measuring in the blood the reaction of various immune mediator chemicals released into in response to a food or chemical to which you have become sensitive or intolerant. The result is that when exposed to such foods or chemicals your blood cells release various chemicals that cause an alteration of the ratio of solids (cells) to liquid (serum) in your blood that can be measured. The white blood cells and platelets shrink and the volume of the liquid increases. The degree of change can be measured and reported as mild or moderate to severe corresponding with the degree of sensitivity to that particular food, additive or chemical.

Test results of 150 foods and chemicals combined with elimination diet and counseling:

A panel of 150 food and chemicals (123 foods and 27 chemicals) is available. The foods or chemicals producing abnormal reactions are summarized in color tables provided along with a comprehensive report containing a result's based specific elimination diet plan supplemented with several hours of personalized counseling from a dietician.

Insurance coverage for MRT food sensitivity and intolerance testing:

Several insurance carriers pay for at least a portion of the cost of this testing however because it is considered "out of network" for most plans patients are usually responsible for payment of the service. Some carriers consider the testing "experimental" or not validated and therefore do not cover the testing.

Conditions benefited by MRT testing include migraines, IBS, fatigue and fibromyalgia:

Signet markets the testing for several conditions based on limited published research combined with their extensive clinical experience and patient testimonials. They claim success with reducing or eliminating a myriad of symptoms or conditions. These include migraines, headaches, autistic behavior, anxiety, depression, ADD, sinus and ear, nose and throat problems, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting syndromes, Celiac, chronic stomachaches, bladder problems, fibromyalgia, arthritis, eczema, hives, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Skeptical doctor and frustrated patients look for answers:

Initially, I was skeptical about MRT. However, I began advocating it several months ago because many of my patients had ongoing symptoms or findings that suggested an ongoing food intolerance or sensitivity but the testing available to us could not tell us what food or foods may be a problem. After reviewing the available research data I concluded MRT testing had adequate scientific basis to recommend it as an option to those who were interested and would consider making dietary changes based on the results.

Expert food allergy doctor and patients find MRT testing helpful and worthwhile:

So far, my experience is that most of those who have undergone the testing and implemented dietary changes as a result have noted significant improvement in a variety of digestive and non-digestive symptoms. I have also noted some very interesting patterns in people with other allergies. There appears to be a strong correlation with food-pollen cross reactions, more commonly known as the oral allergy syndrome (OAS). I am following this systematically and hope to report my observations formally in the future.

Previously available testing and diet interventions fail to provide relief in some patients:

All of my patients who have decided to undergo MRT testing have already been tested for Celiac disease and most have had food allergy testing as well as both upper and lower endoscopy exams with biopsies. All also had already tried dietary interventions. Some have had tests that confirmed one or more food allergies, Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity or have presence of mast cell enterocolitis; eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenteritis or colitis; or lymphocytic enteritis. Though most had some improvement with dietary interventions based on their previous tests, many had ongoing symptoms with or without inconclusive or negative food allergy testing.

Get MRT testing and try an elimination diet:

I believe MRT testing is a helpful addition to the evaluation and treatment of food intolerance. The testing does require a doctor's order. If your doctor is not familiar with the testing they can learn more at http://www.nowleap.com. If your doctor will not order the testing Signet can help you locate a doctor in your area or you can obtain the testing as part of an on-line consultation. An elimination diet based on specific foods to which you are intolerant but not necessarily allergic to may be the key to relief from a variety of symptoms and conditions. If you are suspecting a food intolerance, get tested today.

How Safe Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also known as Immunotherapy, are becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the fact that they are the only proven long term treatment for people's symptoms. An Allergy shot can help to reduce common allergy symptoms that include itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and breathing difficulties. Although the shots are generally harmless, you should take into account the benefits and risk of this treatment.

Most sufferers will try everything to avoid allergies including changing eating habits, taking vitamin supplements or oral medication. These can help to lower allergy symptoms, but are a short term solution. Immunotherapy on the other hand are more effective because they contain a small quantity of the substance that you are actually allergic to. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen is added to the allergy shot. The amount is just small enough so that you body begins to fight the allergen. The next time you come into contact with pollen, your body will now be familiar with fighting it off.

The vast majority of people will have encouraging results from Immunotherapy, but they are not suitable for everyone. Allergy shots are not suggested for people who are suffering from respiratory problems or asthma. For safety reasons, children under the age of 5 should not be given Immunotherapy.

Allergy shots are an effective treatment for most individuals in helping to eliminate symptoms, but some individuals may experience harmful side effects. These side effects may include an experience of shock when the shot is initially injected, light-headedness and sometimes nausea. For this reason, all doctors are required to keep patients for at least 20 minutes after receiving Immunotherapy in order to ensure the patient's wellbeing.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reported that over a ten year period, 79,593 immunotherapy injections were conducted at the Mayo clinic and that the incidence of adverse reactions to be less than two-tenths of 1 percent. Nearly all of the reactions reported were mild and responded well to immediate medical treatment. There were no fatalities or severe problems. All allergy shots should be carried out by a qualified allergist-immunologist or other physician who is trained in this therapy.

The results show that Immunotherapy provided by a qualified physician, is an effective and safe treatment for many types of allergies. There have been cases of fatalities from an allergy shot, but these remain extremely rare. It is important to speak to your physician if you have any concerns regarding having an allergy shot or if you suffer from heart or asthma problems.

Have You Had Allergy Testing Done by Your Doctor?

If you suffer from an allergy, it usually manifests itself in spring and fall. You begin to have difficult breathing, your nose runs as you cough and sneeze and your eyes water and itch. Most people opt for the doctor's prescribed medications or run to the drugstore and try the hit and miss method of over the counter remedies.

Allergens (things that cause an allergy) are too numerous to list but the most common are dust and pollen. Some are also allergic to cats, bees, wasps and certain foods such as dairy products, nuts and fruits. In rare cases people can be allergic to household chemicals and medications such as penicillin. The reaction can range from simply annoying to life threatening. If you know what you're allergic to you can take steps to avoid it but if you don't know you're stuck with the trial and error method.

Doctors can perform allergy tests to determine exactly what you're allergic to and prescribe ways to prevent any further discomfort. About one in three people will seek a doctor for allergy testing during their lifetime. They usually wait until the pain and discomfort has become unbearable which is totally unnecessary because allergy testing has become increasingly more sophisticated, accurate and affordable.

There are three prime tests for allergens that are causing your body harm. They're the skin prick, patch and blood tests. All three can be performed in the physician's office experiencing little discomfort or expense. With the results you can obtain proper medication and/or avoid the cause.

The skin prick test is simple and quick. It can be performed on all age groups including babies. Up to 40 allergens can be tested simultaneously with the pricks done on the back or arm. Each prick is mildly painful depending on your pain tolerance. You can wait for the results, usually available in about 20 minutes. Patients should avoid taking antihistamines and other medications about six weeks prior to testing or inconclusive results may occur.

The patch test is done with various allergens prepared and spread on a small metal disc. These discs are placed on the skin, usually the back, and left on for 48 hours. Patients are cautioned to keep the patches dry until they're removed and test results are determined.

The blood test is most helpful when unusual or rare allergens are suspected. It also can be performed in the doctor's office with a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in the arm. The discomfort is minimal but it may take up to two weeks to gain results.

All tests should be interpreted by the doctor after a full review of the patient's history of allergic reactions. A person's immune system and how it reacts to certain substances can change as that person ages. There is little need to take the tests unless you're willing to act on the results. In other words, be prepared to take the needed medications or avoidance measures to prevent recurrence on whatever positive results are indicated.

Allergy Tests

If a person is feeling like they have allergies, they may need to have an allergy test to figure out where the problem is coming from. Allergy testing will involve having skin or blood tests done to determine what substance or allergen is bringing on the problem. Skin tests are the most common because they are fast, reliable, and much less expensive than blood tests. However, any one of them can be used.

A small amount of a suspected allergy-causing item can be placed on or below the skin to see if a reaction starts. There are three types of skin tests that can be performed to determine the problem. It will be up to the person and the doctor to decide what is going to be the best route in finding the culprit.

A skin prick test is done by using a drop of solution containing a possible allergen on the skin and a series of scratches or needle pricks that allow the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red or raised itchy area, it is going to mean that the person is allergic to the allergen. This is called a positive reaction.

Putting a small amount of allergen solution into the skin does an Intradermal test. An intradermal allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still thought of as an allergen for the patient. This is going to be the more sensitive test than others and is often found to be positive in people that do not have symptoms to the allergy.

A skin patch test is something that is placed on a pad and is taped to the skin for 24 to 72 hours. This test is used to find a skin allergy called contact dermatitis. In addition, a blood test can be performed on a patient. Allergy blood tests are going to look for things in the blood that are called antibodies. Blood tests are not always as sensitive as skin tests but are most often used for people that are not able to have the skin test performed on them.

The most common type of blood test is called radio-allergo-sorbent testing or RAST. It is used to determine the blood level of a type of antibody that the blood may produce in response to a particular allergen. IGE levels are often higher in those that have allergies or an asthma problem. RAST may be used for people who cannot have skin tests like those that are taking different medications like antidepressants because this will make the tests less accurate.

There are other lab testing methods like the immunosassay capture test and it may be used by your health care professional to find out more information on what is causing your allergy problems. Again, it is all up to the patient and the doctor to determine what types of testing are going to be used to find the real reason behind the allergy.

Types of Allergy Testing

Our immune system plays impotent role to keep our body safe from dangerous harms. Allergy is response of our immune system, when the body dose not recognizes a foreign substance through air, orally or directly on the skin. Fortunately many types and methods for allergy testing are available now days.

The Skin Pricks or Scratch Allergy Testing

In skin tests allergy testing is done on the skin. A small number of the substance suspected to cause of the allergy are contacted and provoke the allergy. Skin test usually takes about 30 minutes and maximum one hour as the body reacts almost instantly for these kind of allergies, if any allergic reactions to the substance used.

This is a fast and sure way to find out if you are allergic to something that you suspect and not sure. You can conduct this test with several other suspected substances at the same time to find the right culprit and a possible treatment as well.

Intradermal Allergy Testing

Intradermal are same type of skin tests and are much used to diagnose allergy and to test cellular immunity. An agent or pollen is inserted into the skin to test the reaction it provokes. Several times these tests are much used to determine and diagnose allergic reaction.

RAST (radioallergosorbent test) Testing

RAST stands for RadioAllergoSorbent Test; RAST is done on a sample of blood. RAST (radioallergosorbent test) is used to check allergy sensitivity to specific substance. These tests measure the level of allergic antibodies in the body or a specific type of antibodies known as IgE, IgE that are only present when an allergic reaction occurs. These blood tests may not be as effective as skin testing and tend to be more expensive, but can be useful sometimes.

Helpful Tip

Allergy testing can be tricky and complicated. It can have several different testing methods and testing types. You need to remember that food allergy can be very critical to handle and for it you should know the food items which were not allergic before. Allergic reaction to an allergen in food can occur so people should have all the required information about it.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Taken From a Health Talk Given Recently

I've been practicing alternative health care over the last twenty-five plus years and we do a lot of functional health care testing in our office to help people get well from chronic conditions that they have been suffering from. In a variety of conditions, we will rely on information from food sensitivity and food allergy testing as part of our protocol for helping these individuals get well. These difficulties with food sensitivities can be found in the most obvious situations such as reflux disorders, digestive disorders, colitis and irritable bowel as well as in other less obvious situations where people may have hidden allergies that they are really not aware of, and these may be undermining their immune system and their energy levels such as in adrenal fatigue syndromes and in other chronic health problems where people are worn down over a long period of time and progress to more degenerative processes that spiral-down their health.

There are three major ways of looking at food allergy outside of skin testing that I would like to address. Many people familiar with skin testing where many items are tested at once and this is a valid form of allergy testing and, in my opinion, should be reserved for those who have medically threatening conditions related to allergic responses where they may be at risk for anaphylaxis or closing up of the throat and disorders leading to compromise of the kidney and other grave medical conditions. Those are the kinds of patients that belong with a medical allergist. On the other hand, the vast majority of people with sensitivities and food allergies that are hidden from their awareness would likely be best served from the evaluation by a simple blood test, where your blood is drawn in the usual fashion and then reacted with, let's say, a hundred different foods, to see whether or not certain reactions occur to the blood indicating that there is a problem with that food.

So, in the area of food antibody testing, there is the classic IgE antibody assessment and the blood will be reacted with a number of foods and the laboratory will measure whether or not your blood has developed an antibody to the particular food substance and then measure how severe the antibody response is. The IgE food allergy assessment and IgE assessments in general, such as for other environmental elements like molds and trees, etc., that type of allergic response is more of an immediate response. Sometimes we call it an atopic response. An example would be the classic strawberry and hives reaction where you eat strawberries and some minutes later, you notice that you are developing hives. So these are the types of allergies that very often people would be well aware of and indeed, some authorities state that when somebody has an IgE allergy, that they are generally always aware of it. My experience has been different. There are actually many people who do have IgE allergies to foods and other inhalants and environmentals that are not aware of it, and so that is an important point to keep this in mind.

We do have testing for what we called "hidden allergies" and that would be IgG food allergies where a different type of antibody is produced by the food and this type of response can take anywhere from 72 hours up to a whole week to develop and so the impact on the body is delayed by the timing of the reaction in such a way that it is very hard to track. One cannot usually tell that the sweet potatoes that they were allergic to, that they had at dinner four days ago, is what is impacting their health and perhaps dragging down their energy levels at this point in time. So the finding of hidden food allergies can be a gold mine of value to the person who is suffering chronic health disorders in enabling them to get a hold of a list of foods that is pulling down their health quotient that they did not even know about, and that with that list, they are then equipped to eliminate those foods and avoid that "drag" on their physiology and help open up a new avenue towards healing and improved health.

The third area of food testing that I would like to talk about is leukocyte sensitivity testing and that is where we react your blood samples with the various foods that we are testing and we look to see what happens with the white blood cells. The white blood cells, the leukocytes swell in size, and they are rated as to a level of sensitivity; if they burst open they are considered severe reactions and these are rated for you. This is another form of testing in which we can detect foods that are offensive to your system, actually damaging your white blood cells which would signal alarm reactions in your body as it does in any form of allergic insult.

This alarm mechanism is then distressing to the rest of your system and your body has to deal with this. If you are compromised in one area and you are fighting this hidden allergy at the same time, you are left with less reserve. Solving food sensitivities and food allergies can follow a process to recovery in a variety of chronic health conditions especially fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic digestive problems, and often chronic headaches. There are many conditions in which this can be a very valuable tool.

Autism Treatment - Food Allergy Testing

The issue with food sensitivity is a big one for children on the spectrum. And because it impacts children of various ages and ethnicities, it cannot be pinpointed easily in just one group. However, we also see this in adults as well and we are seeing more people with intolerances to different foods. Wheat is a common allergen as well as dairy and soy but other things can be problematic as well and testing can be challenging.

There is not just one test that can tell you what you need to know in regards to food intolerances. An IgE test gives you information on true food allergies but will not give you information on other foods that may be problematic for you. IgE reactions are more classic allergic responses like hives, itching, runny nose and eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylactic reactions. For example, the person who reacts to the peanuts and has a life threatening reaction. But, an IgG test can pick up on some of those other foods that cause your body to produce an IgG chemical reactions. IgG reactions are typically more mild and can be delayed and so you can have reactions to foods from hours to days after exposure. You may have fatigue, gas and/or bloating and it can be difficult to pinpoint.

Other tests out there can look at immune system reactions in general as well. You can look at other reactions to things besides just IgE and IgG foods. You can look at chemical sensitivities like for phenols, salicylates, artificial flavors and colors. Some tests just look at food proteins but other immunological tests can look at more of a broad range of immune responses not just to foods but also chemicals in foods too.

Recent studies report that children with Autism are four times more likely to have digestive food allergy reactions that their neurotypical peers. So you can see that children with Autism often suffer with bowel issues directly related to the foods they are eating. The more you learn about this issue the more your realize that inflammation in the gut increases the inflammation in the rest of the body and we know neurological inflammation is very detrimental to children with Autism. So knowing what testing is out there is important as is addressing this issue and removing foods that are causing immune reactions in your child with Autism.

Methods of Allergy Testing Your Doctor Might Recommend

If you think that you may have an allergy, but you are uncertain of the specific allergen causing this allergic reaction, your doctor may suggests a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition. The different types of allergy tests identify a variety of allergens.

Since many tests work better than others depending on your specific allergy, it is recommended that you make sure you are familiar with the various kinds of allergy tests prior to making an appointment with your doctor. The basic tests fall into three areas: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.

Scratch Tests

The scratch tests are the most common of the allergy tests that are done. This test consists of placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the patient's skin, and then making a scratch or prick to allow the substance to penetrate the skin. The site is then observed closely for indication of an allergic reaction.

Swelling, redness, or itching are signs that an allergic reaction has occurred. A result can often be detected in as little as twenty minutes using this type of testing. The other advantage to this kind of test is that many different allergens can be tested together. This makes this method especially useful if the allergen is unknown, airborne, or a food allergy.

Elimination Diets

If a food allergy is suspected, the elimination diet may be performed. A variety of foods that are potential allergens are eliminated form the diet for several weeks. Each food is then gradually added back to the person's diet, with attention being mad to see which of the selections of food is causing the allergy symptoms to return.

This method of allergy testing works best with mild allergic reactions. However, it can pose a potential danger to patients who have severe, anaphylactic allergies. If there is a severe allergy suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient. Thus, a life-threatening substance is not placed into the system of the allergy sufferer.

Blood Tests

The last type of allergy testing is the blood test, commonly called the RAST test. This is performed in the laboratory and uses blood that has been drawn for the patient. The blood is examined for presence of immunoglobulin antibodies. These will indicate if the body is producing an allergic reaction. Elevated levels of IGE's can tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain types of allergens. This method is not always accurate or precise as are the other methods. Should your doctor decide to have allergy testing done, he will examine your family medical history and tell you when to stop your medications.

Allergy Testing at a Kinesiologist - Part of Your Candida Treatment

This article will explain about allergy testing at kinesiologist based on one of my friends. She went to a kinesiologist/massage therapist/acupuncturist/energy healer person on one day and here is her experience.

The doctor used a computer to do the allergy testing and it was really fascinating. In one hand you hold a copper tube that has a wire extending to a machine that is hooked up to the computer. She wets your hand that is holding the tube. She then takes a metal wand that is also hooked up to the computer, selects a possible allergen from a list on the computer screen, dips the wand in water and then presses it on your free hand as the computer shows a graph to measure your resistance to the current, thus determining your

sensitivity to the allergen. She has hundreds of allergens in the computer for which she could test.

Based on her research on treatments using electromedicine (which revealed that everything on earth has a frequency), the test seems scientifically based. She wants to do more research.

She liked that the process was not just based on her ability to feel resistance in her body.

Then she had her lie down on a table and hold vials that contained some of the allergens she reacted to during the testing. She then "cleared" her of the allergens using energy work and also by stimulating points on her body. This is the part she is most skeptical about. But she is also open minded.

It was fascinating. She really loved the experience and the woman who did that. She obviously uses her intuition a lot and was quite comforting.

Peanut Allergy Diagnosis and Testing

A common question people have is "How do I know if I have a nut allergy?", and people often expect to have formal peanut allergy testing by their doctor. This may not always be necessary.

The history is the most important factor here. If someone consistently gets symptoms of an allergic reaction - a rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing - shortly after being exposed to nuts then that is very suggestive of a reaction and formal peanut allergy testing may be unnecessary unless there is doubt as to what substances are involved. It should be noted that reactions are unpredictable, and it is possible for someone to have a mild reaction at first and then a much more severe reaction the next time, so you should never 'taste test' food, and an apparently mild allergy to nuts should be taken seriously as they do have the potential to develop over time.

Peanut allergy testing can be worthwhile even in situations where an allergy seems very likely as it allows monitoring over time; this is more useful in children who some proportion may outgrow the disease, although that is rather controversial.

More formal medical testing involves Skin Prick Tests (SPT) and IgE tests (a blood test). Looking at the skin prick test first, a needle is used to introduce a small amount of the substance just under the skin, and the size of the lump raised is used as an indication of the degree of allergic response to it. Interpretation of this test can be a little subjective, and it can be affected by medications such as antihistamines. Studies have been done to identify the sizes of lump that mean that a significant allergic reaction is likely.

IgE testing measures the levels of antibodies in the blood to allergenic substances, such as peanut protein. This is not affected by antihistamines, and produces a count of antibodies which is divided into a 'grade' from 0-6, with 0 being no significant number of antibodies and 6 being a large amount. Sometimes the actual number of antibodies is given instead.

However, both skin prick tests and IgE peanut allergy testing give an indication of the likelihood of a reaction, and it doesn't necessarily mean that a reaction will be a severe one, even if someone has a grade 6 IgE to peanut.

Finally, if results don't mesh with the history, a formal challenge can be done in hospital. These involve a small amount of the substance being touched to the skin, and then to the lip, then a drop being consumed, then more, and so forth. This is done very slowly over a period of hours, and the test is abandoned if a reaction clearly occurs. These should only be done in hospital because, as mentioned before, there is a risk of a significant reaction. They are more commonly used to prove that someone can now eat a food safely.

In summary, the history is the most important factor in determining if someone is likely to have an allergic reaction to a substance. Blood tests or skin prick tests can be used to give an indication of the likelihood of a reaction but not necessarily how severe the reaction is. Food challenges are used to identify if someone has grown out of an allergic reaction to a substance, and should only be performed in supervised conditions such as in a hospital.

Allergy Testing Through Skin and Blood Test

In the United States alone, there are already over 50 million of people who are diagnosed with allergies. The very first important step in allergy testing and therefore effective treatment, is to identify what you are allergic to. Current developments in medical technology have made allergy testing more efficient and convenient han used to be the case. Allergy tests are conducted in order to identify what specific things - food, environment, etc., actually trigger one's allergic reactions and results are compared with a study of the patient's medical history to obtain more efficient results.

Allergies are exaggerated reactions from our immune system in response to body contact with a particular unfamiliar substance. It is an exaggerated reaction because only people with an allergic condition react to these foreign substances. When our body comes in to contact with allergens or the "unfamiliar substances", people who are allergic to that substance cause their immune system to develop an allergic reaction. If your body reacts to a substance that is not harmful to others, then you are said to be allergic or atopic. An allergy test is suitable for both adults and children, since all ages can be susceptible to allergic reactions.

Allergy Testing can take two forms - skin test and blood test. Normally, testing is done under the guidance of a specialist in allergy, who are skilled in the best methods for identifying allergies as well as the appropriate methods for treating them.

In the first form, skin testing, a sample of a potential allergen is taken from the surface of the skin. The test is usually carried out on the back or on the forearm. Various suspected allergens are tested at the same time. If you prove to be allergic to a particular test, you are likely to develop a swelling and redness at the test spot. Occasionally, the doctor will suggest a second test procedure. With this process, a small amount of assumed allergen is injected into the skin of the of the forearm. As with first test, many suspected allergens can be tested on the same time.

The result of a skin test is usually available immediately. Positive reactions often appear within 20 minutes for either of the tests. Swelling and redness may occur few hours after the test was completed, but this delayed reaction often fades away within 24 to 48 hours. It should however, always be reported to the doctor or nurse. With both types of skin test, there is usually only minimal pain or indeed no pain at all. A positive reaction on the test however, can be more annoying as it can feel like a mosquito bite and is likely to be accompanied by redness and swelling. On a lighter note, these can be expected to disappear within just a few minutes or hours.

The second form of allergy testing, the blood test, is often used in cases that the patient is undergoing a medication that would hamper skin testing or if the patient is suffering from severe skin conditions such as eczema. Blood testing is also used when dealing with babies or young children as a single needle stick for the test is better than various skin tests. Unlike the skin test, the result of a blood test takes some time as the sample needs to be analysed by a laboratory. It is however more costly to administer than the skin test.

Each test method has its advantages and disadvantages and the test results alone are not enough to completely diagnose an allergy. In all cases, using either type of test, results need to be considered together with the patient's personal medical history.

Allergy Tests - 2 Types of Allergies

Type 1 allergies, the classic type, are IgE-mediated. IgE is an antibody of immune cell that binds to an irritant, such as a food or pollen. High 1gb levels, which are detected by blood tests, are confirmation of type 1 allergies. However, the type of blood test used does not generally identify cyclic food allergies.

Cyclic food allergies can be identified by both objective and subjective methods. Complementary physicians measure IgG food antibody levels or white blood cell reactions to antigens.

Skin testing may also be done to check for reactions to food, chemicals, pollens, dusts, molds, and other agents. Underlying problems, such as parasitic infections, Candida and the insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes, may improve absorption and lessen reactivity to foods. In addition, patients answer questionnaires to help determine the cause and extent of the problem.

The reason behind allergy-like symptoms could be infective dental toxicity. Biological dentistry postulates that allergies can be triggered by infections in root canal-treated teeth, cavitations abscess and periodontal disease, or that they can be implant related.

Applied kinesiology is another technique sometimes used as an allergy test. This diagnostic procedure has a patient place a food under the tongue while lowering and outstretched arm against the resistance of the doctor. Difficulty lowering the arm indicates that the food is causing weakness.

Allergies produce stimulating effects, followed by degenerative ones. Doctors rate severity on a scale of one to four.

The first level of stimulation, in which a person remains relatively symptom free, is called +1. The person is active, alert and responsive and behaves normally. At the +2 stage, a person becomes hyperactive, irritable, hungry, thirsty, tense, jittery, talkative, argumentative and overly sensitive.

With a +3 reaction, an individual becomes hypomanic, toxic anxious, egocentric, aggressive, loquacious, clumsy and apprehensive. An extreme +4 stimulation causes mania, excitement, agitation and possibly convulsions.

At the degenerative end of the scale, a-1 reaction gives an allergic manifestation that might include a runny nose, hives, gas, diarrhea, frequent urination or various eye and ear symptoms.

At the -2 stage, there are systemic allergic reactions such as tiredness, mild depression, swelling, pain and cardiovascular effects.

With a -3 reaction there re depression, disturbed mental processes, confusion, moodiness and withdrawal. Finally at the -4 stage, severe depression and possibly paranoia or even suicide, can result.

When Is Allergy Testing Necessary?

So, what's your primary allergy trigger? Pollen, mold or maybe your pets?

If you don't know what causes your allergies or asthma to flare, how can you avoid further contact with your particular irritant?

If you have suffered from allergies for a number of years, or have the added concern of allergy-triggered asthma attacks, it may be time to get tested. Allergy testing is the most efficient way to determine what exact element in your environment is causing your body to react. Rather than avoid all of the possible allergens both indoors and outside, once you know your allergy type, you can stop stressing and target the cause alone.

So, why lock yourself indoors to avoid pollen if you're really allergic to mold (that will grow in your home anyway?) Or why rip up your carpets and ditch your curtains to keep away dust mites when bathing your pets in anti-allergy shampoos would offer you more relief?

Here are a few common tests to determine the cause of your allergies:

RAST Allergy Test

For this test, a small amount of blood is drawn and tested. Later, a lab technician will add trace amount of allergens with some of the patient's drawn blood. Under a microscope, the amount of allergy antibody or IgE is produced by the blood is measured and used to determine how allergic you are to the allergen. Usually this method is better in cases of severe reactions, because only a small sample of blood is reacting to the allergens instead of your whole body.

Skin Prick or Scratch Test Allergy Test

This is the most common type of allergy testing- it is very effective and inexpensive. This test involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin of the forearm, upper arm or back and then scratching or pricking the skin so that the allergen penetrates the skin's surface. Any allergen that produces a reaction will cause the skin to turn a bit red and swell slightly, so that it looks a bit like a mosquito bite. Several allergens can be tested at the same time and it only takes 20 minutes to get the results.

Intradermal Allergy Test

This second method of skin testing is more sensitive and yields very consistent results. For this test, a small amount of allergen to be injected just under the skin's surface. Several allergens can be tested at once and after about 20 minutes, a small hive or red, swollen area with appear on the skin.

How to Prepare for Testing:

• Before being tested, stop taking all antihistamines or else the results of the test may not be accurate. Typically your doctor will tell you what medicines to avoid taking before the test.



• The allergist or healthcare provider performing the test will ask for a detailed medical history as well as questions about past illnesses, eating habits, lifestyle, work environment, emotional and social conditions, etc. All of this information helps them in determining the cause and prescribed treatment of you allergies.

What You Can Expect After an Allergy Test:

• In cases where your skin is pricked or scratched, you may feel mild discomfort. If you have a "positive reaction" (allergic reaction) to one of the sample allergens used in the test, the area may be itchy for a little while.



• If you are worried about having a severe reaction, bring along some benedryl or other antihistamine to take after the test is completed.



• After it is determined what allergens you are most sensitive to, you will be better able to avoid exposure, which in turn will reduce your dependency on medications to control symptoms.

Allergy Testing - Explanation of The Different Methods

Allergy testing may be recommended by your physician for several reasons:

-Your medication is no longer alleviating your symptoms.

-You have experienced a severe reaction that requires knowing its exact cause.

-Your allergy symptoms are worsening over time.

-Simply want to know what allergens to avoid.

Allergy testing is a fairly basic procedure that is completed within the doctor's office, with almost immediate results. Most patients opt for one of three basic skin tests since they are faster, easier, more accurate and less expensive than a blood test to determine what allergens affect you the most.

The Skin Prick is the most common of all the allergy tests used. It involves dipping a set of 5-10 needles into a solution of individual allergens, then pressed into the skin (usually on the back) to see if any reactions occur. The entire test takes less than 20 minutes and is considered highly accurate. Once the solution has been allowed to seep under the skin, a physician will check the area for redness, bumps, hives, or any other type of allergic reaction. Since most patients will undergo as many as 100 of these pricks during the testing, some itchiness may occur at the affected sites, but can be alleviated after the test is done with a basic antihistamine or other prescription drug offered by the physician.

The skin prick test can be used to detect airborne allergens; food allergies and to determine what medications a patient may be allergic too before prescribing certain drugs. An intradermal test may be required if the skin prick test comes out negative to suspected allergens, yet symptoms continue. This test requires actually injecting a small amount of allergen serum into the skin to see if a reaction occurs. This is usually only done to verify a few allergies.

The skin patch is primarily used to determine a skin allergy called contact dermatitis. This test involved soaking a prepared patch in allergen solution, then placing it on the skin for 24-72 hours.

In the event a patient can not undergo any of the skin tests to determine allergies due to medications that may alter the findings or a severe case of eczema which would make it difficult to see any reaction form the testing, a radioallergosorbent (RAST) blood test may be ordered. Although is can detect allergies by measuring immunoglobin E and lgE levels produced in people with allergies and asthma, the RAST test is not as sensitive as the skin testing available and is reserved for patients who can not undergo skin testing or who has tested positive to too many foods that a more detailed test is required.

Being tested for allergies is fairly simple and very accurate, allowing both patients and their physicians to see exactly what allergens are causing distress in order to best treat the patients symptoms and sometimes even alleviating the need for ongoing medications.

Kinesiology for Allergy Testing

Allergy testing

Allergies or insensitivities to foods and substances may cause impaired health, weight gain or symptoms which doctors find difficult to resolve. The starting point is to detect, what are the problem foods or substances for you? There are different methods which can be used, including blood tests. However, one method, kinesiology is less invasive and highly effective, and allows many different foods or substances to be tested.

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology applies a light pressure to the muscle being tested, while a test vial is held against your body. When your muscle goes weak it indicates a sensitivity to the food, or the presence of a pathogen. Patients find it fascinating to feel the difference to their muscle strength as different allergens are held against their body. The results are tangible! Furthermore, results generally concur with other more conventional tests, e.g. blood tests.

Kinesiology was developed in 1964 by George Goodheart, a chiropractor, and has gained widespread use amongst chiropractors, naturopaths and a few medical doctors.

Allergy testing using Kinesiology

Allergy testing using kinesiology (muscle testing) can determine food and substance intolerances, nutritional deficiencies and the presence pathogens. This method gives very specific results, unique to you. This helps to reveal the source of your symptoms.

Allergy testing uses homeopathic quantities of foods, substances or pathogens in sealed glass tubes, these test vials are harmless.

What can be tested?

• All common foods including wheat, yeast, dairy, fruits, meat and vegetables.


• Deficiencies in any proteins, vitamins, amino acids or essential fatty acids.


• The presence of pathogens: viruses, bacteria, parasites including candida.


• The presence of chemicals, toxic metals and radiation (eg. from mobile phones).

Allergy testing for children

This treatment can be used to test food allergies in children

Treatment

Initially, it will be suggested that the allergens (foods and substances detected) are removed from the diet. Although, through an understanding of the allergens, and potentially the pathogens, there may be a route to health, which might ultimately allow a normal diet and routine to be resumed.

Allergies can develop due to stress or due to "poor living". However, if a healthy lifestyle is adopted, and a method or habits adopted to reduce stress, symptoms will start to resolve. Kinesiology is a route to determine what is going on in the body, what is stressing it, and what might be the path to health.

Kinesthetic allergy testing is available in London.