Intro
When dealing with persistent symptoms like digestive discomfort, skin irritation or fatigue, the cause may not be obvious. Many people find themselves eliminating foods, trying supplements or following internet advice without clear results. An intolerance test offers a structured, evidence-based way to investigate whether certain foods are contributing to these symptoms.
What is an Intolerance Test?
An intolerance test, such as the Essential Intolerance Test, measures your immune system’s IgG antibody responses to specific foods. These antibodies indicate a delayed immune reaction, often associated with symptoms that appear several hours, or even days, after consuming a particular food.
Studies have shown that food-specific IgG responses may be associated with a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraines (Atkinson et al., 2004; Aljada et al., 2018).
What Can it Reveal?
An intolerance test can identify a range of food-related issues, including:
- Foods your body finds difficult to digest
- Delayed immune responses linked to chronic symptoms
- Patterns of intolerance related to food groups (e.g., dairy, gluten, nightshades)
- Inflammation markers that may point to deeper imbalances in the gut
How it Helps
With this information, you can take targeted action, reducing or eliminating problem foods for a specific period while monitoring symptoms. This avoids the trial-and-error approach of unstructured elimination diets and provides a clearer path to healing.
Many individuals report improvements in:
- Digestive comfort
- Skin clarity
- Energy and mental focus
- Immune function
A 2010 study by Bentz et al. found that individuals who removed IgG-reactive foods experienced significant symptom relief, including in fatigue and joint pain.
Who Should Consider Testing?
Intolerance testing is especially helpful for those who:
- Experience ongoing, unexplained symptoms
- Suspect food triggers but cannot identify them
- Want to optimise gut health and reduce inflammation
- Have tried elimination diets with limited success
Conclusion
An intolerance test is a powerful tool for understanding how food affects your wellbeing. By taking the guesswork out of your diet, you can make informed decisions that support long-term health and comfort.
