Array 10 - Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen
Performed by: Cyrex Laboratories
Written By: B. Dame
Updated On: January 27, 2025
Comprehensive Guide to IgG Food Sensitivity Testing: A Key Tool for Managing Food-Related Symptoms
What is an IgG Food Sensitivity Test?
This test is a comprehensive food immune reactivity assessment, evaluating 180 foods in the form they are typically consumed—whether raw, cooked, or both. By measuring Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody responses to these foods, the test provides actionable insights into potential food sensitivities and immune reactions.
How Does IgG Food Sensitivity Affect the Body?
Elevated IgG antibody levels can trigger an inflammatory response, which may lead to tissue damage and a range of symptoms. While the antibodies themselves do not cause harm, their role in initiating inflammation can contribute to:
- Gastrointestinal distress (e.g., bloating, gas, diarrhea)
- Neurological issues (e.g., headaches, fatigue)
- Skin problems (e.g., rashes, itching)
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion, asthma)
It’s important to note that IgG reactivity does not always correlate directly with symptoms. However, elimination of reactive foods has been shown to reduce these symptoms significantly in many cases.
The Importance of IgG Food Sensitivity Testing
IgG food testing is a valuable tool for individuals with chronic conditions, including:
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Metabolic concerns (e.g., obesity, diabetes)
The test helps guide elimination diets, which have been clinically proven to alleviate symptoms associated with food sensitivities. For example:
- A study reported a 71% success rate in symptom improvement after patients eliminated IgG-reactive foods.
- Commonly improved symptoms included fatigue, headaches, chronic coughing, asthma, rashes, diarrhea, and nasal congestion.
IgG vs. IgE: Understanding the Difference
Food-related immune reactions are broadly categorized into IgG-mediated sensitivities and IgE-mediated allergies:
-
IgE Food Allergies:
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., hives, anaphylaxis).
- Triggered by the release of histamine, often within minutes of eating the offending food.
-
IgG Food Sensitivities:
- Delayed hypersensitivity reactions, with symptoms appearing hours or days later.
- Caused by inflammation from IgG food antigen-antibody complexes binding to complement.
Benefits of IgG Food Testing for Symptom Management
Elimination diets based on IgG test results have demonstrated success in improving conditions such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Reduced symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and rectal discomfort.
- Migraines: Decreased frequency and severity of headaches.
- Celiac and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Symptom relief through gluten-free diets.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioral improvements linked to dietary changes.
- Epilepsy: Reduced seizures and hyperkinetic behavior.
- Cystic Fibrosis: Improved growth rates and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Alleviation of inflammation-related pain.
The Role of Elimination Diets
Elimination diets guided by IgG food test results can help pinpoint specific food triggers and improve overall well-being. Research has shown these diets to:
- Decrease stool frequency in Crohn’s disease.
- Improve kidney function in glomerulonephritis.
- Reduce atopic symptoms, such as eczema and respiratory issues.
- Enhance behaviors in children with ADHD.
Clinical Evidence Supporting IgG Food Testing
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of IgG-guided elimination diets:
- 93% of non-celiac gluten-sensitive patients showed significant improvement in gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms after adhering to a gluten-free diet for six months.
- High IgG antibody levels have been frequently observed in individuals with diabetes mellitus, obesity, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease, highlighting the potential link between food sensitivities and chronic health conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Elevated IgG reactivity to certain foods doesn’t always indicate intolerance, but elimination diets can significantly reduce symptoms in many cases.
- Symptoms like headaches, skin issues, fatigue, and digestive discomfort are often improved by removing IgG-reactive foods.
- IgG food testing provides a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions and optimizing health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does an elevated IgG level mean?
Elevated IgG levels suggest an immune response to specific foods but don’t necessarily indicate intolerance. It’s a marker of potential sensitivity, and elimination diets can help determine if symptoms improve by avoiding those foods.
2. How long do IgG food antibodies stay in the body?
IgG antibodies can remain in the body for several weeks, which is why symptoms of IgG food sensitivities may appear hours to days after consuming the triggering food.
3. What conditions can IgG food testing help with?
IgG food testing has been shown to benefit conditions like IBS, migraines, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy.
4. How is IgG different from IgE testing?
IgE testing identifies immediate food allergies, while IgG testing identifies delayed food sensitivities that cause symptoms over time. Both play distinct roles in understanding immune reactions to food.
5. Can IgG food testing help with weight loss?
While not directly designed for weight loss, identifying and removing IgG-reactive foods may help reduce inflammation and improve energy levels, supporting overall health and weight management.
6. How accurate is IgG food sensitivity testing?
IgG food testing is supported by research and clinical evidence, but results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. Combining test results with elimination diets often yields the best outcomes.
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