The Benefits of Food Intolerance Testing: Understanding Your Body's Reactions to Different Foods

Published on: 10th October 2023
Medically reviewed by: General Practitioner at First Response Healthcare

Food intolerance is a common condition affecting a significant number of people worldwide. Unlike food allergies, which affect the immune system, food intolerances occur when the body cannot digest certain foods without manifesting as food allergy on skin. Symptoms of food intolerance, including those that may manifest as food allergy on skin, can range from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal issues, which make it difficult to pinpoint specific foods as culprits. However, food intolerance testing or food sensitivity tests, not to be confused with food allergy testing, provide individuals with valuable insight into their body’s reactions to different foods, helping identify potential triggers, including those related to food allergy on skin. A food allergy on skin test is a valuable diagnostic tool used by medical professionals to identify specific allergens causing skin-related reactions. This blog will take you through what a food sensitivity test entails, as well as food intolerance testing benefits and how it can help you understand and manage your food intolerances.

What Does Food Intolerance Testing Entail?

Skin Prick Test: In this test, a small amount of a suspected food allergen is applied to the skin (usually the forearm or back) and the skin is pricked or rubbed to allow the allergen to penetrate. If you are intolerant or allergic to any of the foods tested, you may develop a red bump at the injection site within 15-20 minutes.
Blood Test: Blood tests, such as the specific IgE (sIgE) blood test and the ImmunoCAP test, can measure levels of allergen-specific antibodies in the blood that can help understand food intolerance. A medical professional will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Results show the presence and levels of specific IgE antibodies to specific food allergens, helping to identify the allergen that may be causing symptoms.
Oral Food Challenge: This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food intolerance. Under the supervision of a medical professional, increased doses of the suspected foods are administered orally in a controlled environment to monitor for any bodily changes. This method is the most accurate method for confirming or ruling out food intolerance or allergies but should only be performed in a clinical setting due to the potential for serious reactions.

It is important to note that a food sensitivity test or food intolerance testing should be performed under the guidance of a medical professional who can interpret the results accurately and make appropriate recommendations for the management of food intolerance or allergy. A medical professional will take into consideration the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and test results from food allergy testing and dietary intolerance assessments to make a comprehensive diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan. This often includes strict avoidance of foods that cause intolerance, allergies and the use of rescue medications tailored to the specific food allergy on skin testing results.

What Are the Benefits of Food Intolerance Testing?

Food intolerance test benefits include the following:

Helps Identify Trigger Foods: One of the main food intolerance test benefits, including those related to food allergy on skin, is how the results help identify problematic foods. Food intolerances or dietary intolerance manifest differently in different people, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Through food intolerance testing and dietary intolerance individuals can get personalized results that reveal which specific foods are causing the reaction whether related to food allergy on skin or other symptoms. This knowledge gained through food intolerance testing , is invaluable in guiding diet and avoiding trigger foods, which can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
Alleviate Symptoms and Illnesses: Food intolerances can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and overall health. A dietary intolerance or food sensitivity test allows individuals to identify foods that are difficult for their body to digest properly. Eliminating or minimizing the intake of these trigger foods can significantly reduce symptoms, leading to increased feelings of well-being.
Improves Gut Health: The digestive system plays an important role in our overall health, and an imbalance in gut health can lead to a variety of health problems. Knowing your dietary intolerance can help manage your gut balance and contribute to improved well-being. Food sensitivities can upset the delicate balance of your gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and other digestive problems. Food sensitivity testing helps restore balance in your gut by identifying and eliminating trigger foods. This promotes a healthy gut microbiome, improves digestion and improves nutrient absorption.
Helps With Weight Management Efforts: Weight control is a concern for many people, and food intolerances can often hamper people’s efforts. Certain trigger foods can cause water retention, bloating, and increased inflammation, which can interfere with your weight loss goals. Identifying and managing your dietary intolerance can be a key step in achieving your desired weight and wellness. A food intolerance test can identify the foods that cause these, so the individual can adjust their diet accordingly. By eliminating or reducing intake of foods that cause side effects, individuals can streamline their weight management efforts and achieve better results.
Personalized Plan for Nutrition: Everyone reacts differently to different foods, and what works for one person may not work for another. Results of food intolerance testing, including assessments for conditions like food allergy on skin, gives you personalized insight into your unique intolerances and allows you to customize your diet to meet your needs. This personalized approach helps individuals make informed decisions about the foods they eat, leading to improved overall health and reduced illness.
Better Mental Health: Another one among the food intolerance test benefits is better mental health. Living with a food intolerance, particularly when it’s linked to skin issues like a food allergy on skin, can be emotionally challenging, especially if the symptoms are frequent or severe. It can lead to frustration and feelings of isolation. Food intolerance testing helps alleviate some of this psychological distress by allowing individuals to clearly understand their causes. With this knowledge, a person can regain a sense of control over their diet and make informed decisions about the foods they eat. This improves mental health and reduces stress and anxiety associated with diet-related symptoms. Dietary intolerance testing is a valuable tool for improving mental health, since it empowers individuals to make healthier dietary choices which in turn enhances their overall well-being.

Who Should Take a Food Sensitivity Test?

If you suspect that you have food allergies based on your symptoms or medical history, it is recommended that you take a food sensitivity test or a dietary intolerance test. Food intolerance testing, and food allergy testing, should be considered for:

People who have a history of allergic reactions: For people who have experienced allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal upset, or anaphylaxis immediately after eating certain foods, it is important to identify the specific food allergens that cause these reactions. Food intolerance testing or dietary intolerance tests can help confirm or rule out suspect allergens and guide appropriate management strategies.
For people who have a family history of food allergies: Allergies, including food allergies or food intolerances, may be because of a genetic component. If a family member, especially a close relative such as a parent or sibling, has food insensitivity, that person is more likely to have food insensitivity as well. In such cases, a food intolerance test or a diet allergy test can help identify specific allergens and enable early intervention and preventative measures providing valuable information distinct from food allergy testing.
Children with eczema or atopic dermatitis: Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Children with moderate to severe eczema or atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of developing food intolerance and allergies. Identifying food allergies through diet allergy testing and making appropriate dietary changes can help manage skin conditions and reduce the risk of food intolerance or allergic reactions.
People with a history of asthma or allergies: People with other allergic conditions, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever), are also at increased risk of developing certain food intolerance. Food sensitivity testing and diet allergy testing can help identify potential foods that cause respiratory symptoms and guide appropriate treatment, including dietary changes.
People with vague or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms: Some people experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting, with no apparent cause. Food allergies, especially common allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts, can contribute to these symptoms. Food allergy testing or food sensitivity tests can help identify potential causative foods and guide dietary changes or elimination diets to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Furthermore, a diet allergy test can provide a comprehensive assessment of dietary intolerances, aiding in symptom management.

At Home Food Sensitivity Test in Dubai | First Response Healthcare

If you wish to get an at home food allergy testing or diet allergy testing, First Response Healthcare (FRH) is one call away. FRH is a JCI-accredited home healthcare company in Dubai that offers comprehensive food sensitivity consultation that includes an at-home food allergy testing and diet allergy testing. FRH provides quality, patient-centered care and offers a range of healthcare services right at your doorstep, including food allergy testing. FRH has a highly competent team of DHA-licensed doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and medical professionals, who provide their service 24/7. They can come to any location in the Emirate, whether it’s your home, hotel or office. FRH provides professional home care services that you can trust and rely on. Our team strives to provide compassionate care to patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Benefits of the First Response Healthcare At Home Food Allergy Test

24/7 home sampling facility.
You can choose from 200-300 food items.
Review of results and dietary recommendations by experienced physicians
A doctor will come to your home and explain the test results.
You can make an appointment at any time that is convenient for you. Our service is available 24/7, all year round.
Once you call us to make an appointment, we can reach you within 30* minutes.
We can come to you anywhere within the Emirate of Dubai.
We can take the food allergy test sample from your home, hotel, or office.

To book an at home food allergy test in Dubai, you can call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also reach out to us by visiting Website