Diagnosis

Q:  What’s An Easy Way To Determine If I Have A Dairy Allergy Or Sensitivity?

A:  While it’s not 100% fool-proof, the easiest way to test for a sensitivity is to take note of what foods you are eating and how they make you feel afterward.   Then eliminate the food from your diet entirely for 21 days.  This means more than just not drinking milk with cookies.  No dairy of any kind.  No cheese, no ice-cream, no whey protein shakes—total elimination.  After three weeks see how you feel.

Q:  Are there blood tests to see if I have allergies or sensitivities?

A:  Yes.  The IgE test and the Alcat are very clinical tests to check for allergies.

Q:  What’s the IgE?

A:  The IgE, or immunoglobin E test, measures the blood levels of IgE, one of the five subclasses of antibodies.  The level of IgE can help to determine if someone is allergic to a certain allergen.  If it is elevated then the IgE is attacking something within the body which lets the individual know that a dietary change is needed.

Q:  What is the Alcat Test?

A:  The Alcat Test is a simple blood test that measures food sensitivities based on reactions of immune cells when exposed to different foods. It’s the only proven laboratory method of detecting food sensitivities and is performed under careful control by only one U.S. Government certified laboratory.  There are home kits available to allow someone to perform the basic blood drawing and subsequent shipping to a lab to help determine if someone is allergic or sensitive.