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Life Extension® offers three primary ways to identify an individual’s abnormal immune response to different allergens.
- Inhalant Allergies - mediated by IgE – Examples are allergies to pollen, grasses, and molds.
- Fast reacting food allergies - mediated by IgE (True food allergies) – Examples are peanuts, shellfish, wheat, dairy.
- Slow reacting food allergies - mediated by IgG (Food sensitivities) – These are different than fast reacting true food allergies. Symptoms related to slow reacting can be hours to days later. Examples are dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, fruits, meat.
IgE is a type of antibody that causes the body to react against foreign substances (allergens) such as pollen, mold, animal dander or nuts. We are all familiar with these “rapid-acting”, IgE mediated food allergies such as your throat swelling shut after eating peanuts or instant hives after eating shrimp. On the other hand, doctors too often overlook the impact that slow reacting IgG mediated food allergies have on overall health. These IgG mediated responses are known as food sensitivities and may be a major reason why you don’t feel well. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, upset stomach, and irregularity can often result from the foods you are eating. Many times these “sensitivities” can cause symptoms hours to days after the food is eaten.
Life Extension’s Food Safe Allergy test measures antibodies called IgG (subclass4). This type of antibody reacts with certain foods and may cause such delayed symptoms as chronic headaches, skin changes, heartburn, and indigestion. The food sensitivity results you will receive provide important information about your immune system and whether it is in conflict with various components of your diet.
And who hasn’t heard about allergies to wheat or gluten! In addition to the IgE allergy test available for wheat, Life Extension also offers a screening panel that can help you and your doctor evaluate your risk for Celiac Disease. While Celiac Disease is caused by a reaction to wheat proteins, it is not the same thing as a wheat allergy. It is actually an autoimmune disorder.
Take advantage of Life Extension’s food sensitivity and allergy testing by ordering today!
Ideally you should test all three – inhalant allergies, as well as fast and slow reacting food allergies. Remember that since IgE (fast) food reactions are often different than IgG (slow) food reactions your body may react to wheat on the slow reacting food test (IgG). That does not mean it will also show up on the fast (IgE) reacting food test. People often get confused by this … but it is important to remember the tests are looking at how different aspects of the immune system react to foods. It is often very helpful to assess all the different ways your body may be reacting to inhalants and foods.
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