When to Take a Food Sensitivity Test: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

When to Take a Food Sensitivity Test: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Published on: 26th December 2022 Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare Food sensitivity or intolerance is when some people show unwanted physiological reactions to certain foods. These bodily reactions can include symptoms such as upset stomach, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems. People often get confused between the difference in food sensitivities/intolerances and food allergies. The major difference to understand between the two is that food allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system, whereas the reactions of food sensitivities and intolerances are generally predictable and they increase based on how much more of the same food is consumed. Over and above this, allergic reactions can have unpredictable severity and they can occur even with minimal exposure to certain foods or even just skin contact. Examples of food sensitivities and intolerances include: Lactose or dairy intolerance Non-celiac gluten sensitivity Caffeine intolerance Alcohol sensitivity Intolerance to food additives like sulfites Intolerance to FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols)