Lifelab Testing

Testing For Gluten Intolerance

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Some ingredients are everywhere, essential parts of our favourite dishes and indulgences. What is tolerable for some may be intolerable for others. Food intolerances are common, and much more so than many people believe. Intolerances are often underlying conditions that can cause mysterious symptoms. That makes testing for gluten intolerance and other intolerances a good idea if you are living with strange symptoms. Especially if you are looking for relief! Below, we’ll explain more about gluten intolerance and the most common gluten intolerance symptoms. This information can help you to decide what next step is best for you.

What exactly is gluten intolerance?

If you are gluten intolerant, your body is physically unable to digest the active protein in gluten, called gliadin. It is safe to eat gluten-containing foods, but not recommended. After all, the body will struggle to digest them. Gluten intolerance symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on the intolerance severity.

Gluten is in many different foods, and it can feel like a minefield trying to figure out what is okay to eat and what isn’t. The good news is that gluten intolerance is common. So, there are many resources online to help guide your diet and meal plans.

Is gluten intolerance the same as Coeliac disease?

While they sound the same, gluten intolerance is not the same as Coeliac disease. Those living with Coeliac disease can damage their intestines if they eat gluten. It is a dangerous food ingredient for them. If you are gluten intolerant, you can have severe symptoms (which we’ll discuss below), but it isn’t dangerous for the body. Someone with gluten intolerance will not have intestinal damage from eating gluten-containing foods, no matter how much they eat.

Of course, determining whether you have Coeliac disease is essential. You need to know what you’re dealing with. You can do that by approaching your GP. Or, consider testing for gluten intolerance at home. This can help you learn about other food intolerances you were unaware of.

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance

Is gluten intolerance the same as Coeliac disease

There are quite a few common gluten intolerance symptoms that you can watch for, but the most common ones are below:

Stomach pain

One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is stomach pain. It could be a mild ache or a severe pain that may cause you a lot of concern. While unsettling and scary, it’s important to remember that an intolerance can’t hurt you or cause damage. It will pass.

Diarrhoea and constipation

These two symptoms may seem contradictory, and they are, but they’re also both possible with gluten intolerance. Many people living with an intolerance to gluten can have diarrhoea and constipation. This can be mild to severe as well.

Headaches or migraines

Most people wouldn’t connect the dots between a headache or a migraine and gluten intolerance, but there is a strong connection. These headaches are often the aching kind rather than the sharp pain. Some can have full-on migraines due to gluten intolerance.

Chronic fatigue

Most of the general population is tired, but chronic fatigue is entirely different. This crippling, long-term tiredness can be present in your body no matter how much or how long you sleep. This is a gluten intolerance symptom because the body is working hard to digest the “problem” food ingredient and working overtime!

Joint pain and inflammation

The body will become inflamed as it struggles to digest gluten, so those living with gluten intolerance can have sore joints and general inflammation in the body. Some blame this on the weather or overworking the problem joints, but it could be as simple as what you’re eating.

Brain fog

This is one of the easiest gluten intolerance symptoms to overlook. This is like fatigue you might feel, but in the mind. You’ll have difficulty focusing on things you enjoy and often feel mentally aimless as you try to get things done. This is a classic food intolerance symptom.

Intolerances vs allergies

You can have food intolerances and food allergies. Food intolerances are different from allergies, and the main concern is that a food allergy can be dangerous. An intolerance is a form of indigestion; an allergy is an immune system reaction where your body attacks the problem food. You should never knowingly eat something to which you are allergic.

Gluten intolerance vs. wheat allergy

Other than Coeliac disease, the “dangerous” competition to gluten intolerance is a wheat allergy. Mild wheat allergies can be easily confused with intolerances to gluten. This is especially true if there is no family history of allergies. It’s always best to consider testing for gluten intolerance if you aren’t sure. Then you’ll determine if you are allergic to wheat or intolerant to one of its core ingredients, gluten.

If you’ve seen a lot of information about gluten-free cooking online, you can see why now. With it being as common a problem as it is, many are finding symptom relief in gluten-free options. These substitutions allow food to be enjoyable again. Perhaps most importantly, test results can give you an answer to those strange and mysterious symptoms.

Say Goodbye to Bloating: Is It an Allergy or Intolerance?

Posted on by Dr. Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Repeated episodes of bloating can indicate an underlying condition. It’s not just swallowing air or drinking fizzy drinks. The underlying cause is likely a particular food. The problem? Well, several conditions can cause such a reaction, including allergies and intolerances.

The symptoms of food allergies and intolerances can overlap. You may notice bloating, rashes, feeling generally unwell, and more. How do you differentiate between allergy vs intolerance? And how do you treat each condition? Find out below.

Understanding Allergy vs Intolerance

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an immediate immune system reaction to a trigger. Usually, the body flags certain components of the food, e.g., a protein, as a threat to the body, launching a full immune response. This leads to symptoms such as:

  • Respiratory: Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing.
  • Skin: Hives, itching, swelling.
  • Digestive: Nausea, diarrhoea, pain.
  • Severe: Throat swelling, breathing difficulty (emergency).

Symptoms appear within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen. In severe cases, a person may experience anaphylaxis – a dangerous, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

What is an Intolerance?

An intolerance is another immune response triggered by exposure to a certain foodstuff. Unlike an allergy, which causes symptoms acutely, intolerances usually manifest over hours or days. The symptoms are rarely life-threatening and can be hard to detect. They include:

  • Digestive: Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain.
  • Skin: Rashes, itching.
  • General: Fatigue, headaches, irritability, muscle aches, joint pain.

The term intolerance can be used for the inability to digest a particular food substance, e.g., lactose intolerance. Such reactions are not caused by the immune system and are a separate category. Immune-related intolerances are linked to leaky gut syndrome, food additives, chronic inflammation, and sensitivity to certain natural or added chemicals.

Comparing Allergies vs Intolerances

Struggling to understand the differences between allergies and intolerances? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. The key differences are the reaction time, symptoms, and underlying mechanisms. Look at this comparison table for reference:

AspectAllergiesIgG-Mediated Intolerances
DefinitionImmune system reaction involving IgE antibodies.Immune system response involving IgG antibodies.
Reaction TimeImmediate (minutes to hours).Delayed (hours to days).
SymptomsSneezing, hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, anaphylaxis.Fatigue, headaches, digestive discomfort, joint pain, muscle aches.
SeverityCan be life-threatening (e.g., anaphylaxis).Non-life-threatening but can significantly impact quality of life.
TriggersSpecific proteins in foods, pollen, or other allergens.Specific food proteins or components.

Remember, intolerances are more systemic and diffuse than allergies. It’s common for allergies to cause swelling and discomfort at any contact sites. In comparison, intolerances require digestion before the symptoms begin to develop.

Is Bloating Caused By an Allergy or Intolerance?

Bloating is usually caused by an intolerance. If you consume a food allergen, the reaction would be instantaneous. You would notice throat and lip swelling, a red urticarial rash (hives), coughing, and much more. In contrast, intolerances commonly cause gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.

Symptoms like bloating occur due to several factors. These include fluid retention, delayed gut transit time, and even excessive gas production, as the gut bacteria ferment the undigested food. This is part of the reason why bloating and other symptoms take longer to appear for intolerances.

An allergy is an immediate immune system reaction to a trigger

Testing for Allergy vs Intolerance

Allergies and intolerances might both be triggered by the immune system. However, the underlying mechanisms are different. Allergies are typically associated with IgE antibodies, which are diagnostic signs. On the other hand, intolerances are linked to the IgG4 antibodies. Each of these antibodies is specific to a particular trigger.

This key difference allows us to detect your allergies and intolerances via a blood test. The Complete Body Test by Life Lab Testing, for example, analyses a small blood sample for IgE and IgG4 antibodies related to 38 allergens and 79 intolerances. These range from almonds, rice, and wheat to mustard, oats, and tomatoes. The results provide a helpful insight into what’s going wrong with your diet.

Alongside the test results, you have a free consultation with a Nutritional Therapist. They’ll help you understand the results, advising on the best strategies to optimise your diet and minimise symptoms.

Managing Allergies and Intolerances

So, you’re dealing with frequent bloating or a similar symptom? If you’ve taken the Complete Body Test, you know what the underlying cause is. But how do you manage your condition? Well, the treatment is usually the same – avoid the trigger food.

There’s no cure for either allergies or intolerances. Lifelong avoidance of the trigger food is the only preventative measure. That being said, some medications can relieve an allergic reaction.

  • Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can minimise the symptoms of an acute reaction as histamine is behind the majority of symptoms. Taking an antihistamine if you believe you might be exposed to an allergen is a sensible option.
  • Adrenaline autoinjectors (EpiPens) are reserved for severe reactions. If you suspect you’re experiencing anaphylaxis, injecting the EpiPen can save your life. It prevents the worst symptoms from occurring, e.g., not being able to breathe.

Unfortunately, there is no similar treatment for intolerance. Some people argue that by tackling the underlying triggers, you can reduce or even eliminate symptoms. For example, if a leaky gut is causing chronic inflammation, resolving this issue may reduce your immune reaction to certain foods. However, research is limited and ongoing.

Hosting an Allergy-Friendly Christmas Dinner: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Dr. Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Inviting all your family and friends for Christmas dinner is always fun, if a little exhausting. People expect the turkey, roast potatoes, and veggies. But it’s not that simple. Some people like beef as well as turkey, others consider Brussell sprouts the worst vegetables, and then, there are people with food allergies.

Unlike simple food preferences, allergies come with a higher risk. Even preparing the foods together carries the risk of an allergic reaction. Dealing with this problem can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to.

With the right tips and tricks, you can host an allergy-friendly Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and festivities (and without the stress). Here’s how.

Consider the Biggest Allergy Risks

What foods pose the biggest allergy risks? Some are obvious. If a vegetarian requests a nut roast, it’s likely to be a risk to anyone with nut allergies. Unfortunately, not all Christmas-related allergies are so obvious. Here are some to consider:

  • Nuts – Desserts, stuffing, nut roasts, oils.
  • Gluten – Stuffing, bread, gravy, desserts.
  • Dairy – Potatoes, sauces, desserts, chocolates.
  • Eggs – Puddings, cakes, custards.
  • Shellfish – Prawn cocktails, seafood starters.
  • Alcohol – Sauces, puddings, trifles.
  • Soy – Processed foods, gravies, desserts.
  • Sesame – Bread, crackers, spreads.
  • Mustard – Sauces, dressings, marinades.
  • Celery – Soups, stocks, stuffing.
  • Fish – Sauces, pâtés.
  • Sulphites – Dried fruits, wines, processed foods.
  • Chocolate – Milk, nuts, soy.
  • Meat Substitutes – Nuts, soy, gluten.
  • Coconut – Vegan dishes, desserts.

Remember, these are just the food-based allergens. Anyone with an alcohol sensitivity should be aware of certain chocolate and hidden forms of alcohol. Meanwhile, even the Christmas Tree can trigger asthma flare-ups and other respiratory allergies (known as “Christmas Tree Syndrome”).

Ask Your Guests

Nobody knows their allergies like your guests. If you’re struggling to remember who’s allergic to what, send an email or message asking them to RSVP with their dietary requirements. You could also ask for recipe ideas.

For example, if someone has a dairy allergy, you could ask for their dairy-free mashed potatoes recipe (or just stick with roasts). Your guests will have a clear idea of what they can and can’t eat, providing helpful advice and recipes to follow. It’s just one more weight off your mind.

Think About Your Food Prep

Hosting an allergy-friendly Christmas dinner is 80% prep and 20% action. One of the biggest risks to people with allergies is cross-contamination. It involves other foods coming into contact with the allergen due to residues on utensils and surfaces – even sharing an oven can be a risk.

Plan out your meal ahead of time. Ask yourself what needs to go in the oven and when. During the prep stages, it’s also important to be strict about using different chopping boards and knives to prepare allergen-free food. Keep a bowl of hot, soapy water ready to wash the surfaces and utensils immediately after preparing the trigger food.

Bring Your Own Food

Still struggling to come up with ideas for an allergy-friendly Christmas dinner? Or maybe you’ve planned the logistics and realised it’s impossible to cook everything without risking contamination? Whatever the reason, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring their own dishes. After all, it’s only likely to be one or two things they can’t eat.

You can rest easy knowing the allergy aspect is covered, letting you concentrate on getting the rest of the dinner right for everyone else. It also means that you don’t have to do two versions of certain dishes. This is also the best option if there are two or more allergies at your Christmas dinner table.

Be Wary of Dessert

Dessert is something of a minefield – and one that gets forgotten. If you’re focused on cooking an allergy-friendly Christmas dinner, it’s easy to forget about the allergy risks in the puddings. Everything from Christmas pudding to the humble mince pie can pose a risk.

Eggs, chocolate, nuts, gluten, and more are all present in Christmas desserts. Plus, there are the niche ingredients you don’t see throughout the year. Always read the labels on desserts carefully. The allergens should be listed in bold writing.

If you’re making your own, that simplifies things. You can find allergy-free recipes of all the Christmas favourites online.

Take an Allergy Test

Hosting an allergy-friendly Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. The secret to success lies in understanding specific triggers for you or your guests. The Essential Allergy Test from Lifelab Testing is designed to identify reactions to 38 common allergens, including dairy, nuts, eggs, gluten, and more.

This easy-to-use home testing kit provides reliable insights by analysing a small blood sample. You’ll receive detailed results within just 3–5 days, allowing you to plan your festive feast with confidence. Knowing which allergens to avoid helps reduce the risk of reactions and ensures everyone can enjoy the festivities worry-free.

Why leave things to chance? Take control of your holiday planning today and make this Christmas safe, inclusive, and memorable for everyone at the table.

Make Your Health Your Black Friday Priority

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

As the world prepares for Black Friday, shoppers also start planning how to pick their deals. Black Friday sales are everywhere, and figuring out how to make the best of it can be challenging. If you want to avoid the basic holiday and tech sales, why not shop for your health? Health-based shopping has many benefits if you want to do what’s best for your body and general health all year. Below, you’ll learn about the availability of complete allergy and intolerance testing and how it, along with other options, can give you a health-based Black Friday shopping spree!

Why should you prioritise your health?

Let’s start with the most basic question you should ask yourself right now. Why should health be at the top of your shopping list when you could buy the newest tablet or headphones instead? It’s a fair question, after all. There are a few reasons, it turns out.

Diet relates to our health

This is an obvious statement, perhaps, but important when deciding between health-based purchases and “just because” purchases. A balanced diet is essential for good physical and mental health. Since many of us find we have to compromise at some points on both or either of these focuses, take the time and effort now to prioritise your health when planning your focus for Black Friday sales.

Our bodies are hard to understand sometimes

Another reason to consider something health-based during this shopping season is to get more in the know about what’s happening in your body. One of the most exciting details about the complete body testing results is that you get concrete data about what your body is doing. This information will help you better understand your body’s needs, likes, and dislikes.

The other feature is that it’s hard to understand what our bodies do not need or want (such as food intolerances). We don’t know what’s happening until we feel the effects of the wrong choice. This can greatly impact our overall well-being, and it’s easily fixed with the proper support.

How to make your health a priority

With that in mind, let’s look at just how to keep your health a priority daily, and also when it comes to your approach to life. For the most part, it comes down to understanding what good health means for you! You can take several approaches to it.

Try a basic allergy test

If you’re curious about possibly having allergies, try our Essential Allergy Test. This is a great starting point to see if you have mild, moderate, or severe allergies to many food or environmental elements you don’t know about!

Take a look at our basic intolerance test

Did you know you can have a food intolerance and not even know it? Food intolerances can create a lot of mysterious symptoms that have real impacts on our daily lives. Consider a Essential Intolerance Test if you want to learn more about your body.

Get the full picture with a complete body test

You can work seamlessly with your body by getting to know it detail by detail with a complete body test. This is a wonderful way to understand what’s going on with your body from head to toe and make any adjustments to help you feel at your best in the future.

Make health a group thing

We are social creatures, so doing things as a “pack” is a great way to make a positive change easier, especially at first. This could be meal planning, adding exercise, focusing on mental health activities, etc. Regardless, doing it with a trusted friend or family member is a great way to help make the change stick and build a stronger relationship and bond with the person you’re doing it with! Plus, it also helps them have a companion on a journey to a healthy future. So, it’s a win-win!

Understand what your body needs

You can put your health at the forefront of your life simply by taking the time to “translate” your body’s needs or wants into a language you can understand. This is what comprehensive testing does. It gives you precise data to help you know what you can and should do to adjust your diet and take the best care of your body daily and long-term.

Top tips for healthy Black Friday shopping

Now, all that’s left is to sort out how you want to go shopping with your best health in mind. It doesn’t need to be hard, thankfully. You’ll want to do your shopping research in advance. Sometimes, Black Friday sales seem good but create hype over something that isn’t as good as it promises. Pick brands and products that you trust.

For Black Friday we’re offering up to 15% off on our allergy and intolerance tests when you use the code BFHEALTH15 at checkout. Get the most out of your savings by signing up for alerts from those top health brands and products you want so you don’t miss out on the deal!

Your health is easy to care for with the tips, tools, and Black Friday sales to help you! The next step is to start researching and shopping to give yourself a wonderful, thoughtful gift that will last long after the sale season ends!

How to Prepare and Protect Yourself No Matter the Season

Posted on by Dr. Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Ever find yourself suffering symptoms at specific parts of the year? You could have a seasonal allergy. From watery eyes to runny noses, seasonal allergies are more than a nuisance during the spring and summer months. Such allergies can affect your sleep, give you a headache, and prevent you from going about your everyday activities.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the right preparation and protection, you can reduce your symptoms and ensure you enjoy the warm summer months. Read on if you’re one of the 10% of people with a seasonal allergy.

Did you know? 10% of the UK population have a seasonal allergy, and you could be part of that figure

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, usually refer to an allergic reaction caused by exposure to pollen. Like any allergic reaction, it occurs because the immune system wrongly flags the pollen as a threat, marshalling a strong immune defence. Histamine is released, flooding the system and causing the characteristic symptoms.

Not everyone with hay fever experience symptoms at the same time, however. For example, tree pollen occurs in the springtime, grass pollen is released in the late spring and summer and weed pollen peaks in later summer and autumn.

Nor is that the only seasonal allergy. Other possible allergies include:

  • Mould Spore Allergy. Mould spores from outdoor fungi, which can be prevalent in damp or decaying vegetation, are common in late summer and fall.
  • Dust Mite Allergy. Though not strictly seasonal, symptoms can worsen in humid summer months or when homes are closed up during winter, increasing exposure.
  • Insect Allergy. Stings from bees, wasps, and other insects can cause allergic reactions. Bites from mosquitoes or fleas can also trigger symptoms, particularly in warmer months.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

The underlying mechanism behind an allergy remains the same. However, the areas of the body that are exposed to the body determine the symptoms. Dust mite exposure, for example, is primarily tactile, causing rashes on the skin. On the other hand, mould spore and pollen allergies irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itchy throat or ears
  • Coughing
  • Postnasal drip
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
  • Worsening of asthma symptoms (in asthmatic individuals)

Less common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Shortness Of Breath
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing

Reducing Your Allergen Exposure

The best defence against a seasonal allergy is to avoid exposure in the first place. Reducing your allergen exposure will depend on the allergen in question.

Mould isn’t just a serious allergen but an overall health hazard. Minimising your exposure means tackling dampness inside bathrooms and windows and removing any decaying vegetation. Dust mites are also easy to manage – simply wash your bedding regularly and put items like pillowcases or pillows in the freezer overnight.

 Hay fever, on the other hand, is more problematic. Try these tips:

  1. Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay indoors during peak pollen times, usually early morning and windy days.
  2. Use Air Filters: Install HEPA filters in your home to reduce airborne allergens.
  3. Shower and Change Clothes: After being outside, shower and change to remove pollen from your skin and clothes.
  4. Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering your home.
  5. Put Petroleum Jelly Around Your Nose: Apply a thin layer around your nostrils to trap pollen and prevent it from entering your nasal passages.

Following these best practices will minimise your pollen exposure, reducing symptoms in peak seasons. However, you should still consider over-the-counter remedies to counteract any lingering symptoms.

Try Over-the-Counter Remedies

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are the quickest and easiest way to tackle seasonal allergies. These nonprescription medications reduce histamine levels and soothe inflammation, preventing the congestion normally experienced by people with hay fever. Although they also work for other forms of seasonal allergies.

  • Oral Antihistamines: Relieve sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. Examples include cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin).
  • Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays: Reduce nasal symptoms effectively. Examples are fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). Consult your healthcare provider for long-term use.
  • Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Spray: Eases symptoms by blocking immune system agents. Best used before allergen exposure, typically 4 to 6 times daily. It is a very safe treatment option.

Discover Your Hidden Seasonal Allergies

You can only manage an allergy you’re aware of. Plenty of people experience seasonal downturns, putting it down to the warm weather or an ongoing cold. Unbeknownst to them, the underlying cause is actually an allergy – be it pollen, mould, dust mites, or another seasonal factor.

The simplest way to identify such allergens is to take a test. The Complete Body Test from Life Lab Testing is the ultimate home-to-lab test, analysing 38 allergens and 79 intolerances, including food and environmental factors. Everything from Bahia Grass to House Dust Mite allergies is tested to ensure we cover all bases.

Just send us a small pinprick blood sample using the test kit. You’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing our findings within 7 days.

Take control of your health and identify your allergies with the Complete Body Test.

How Allergies Can Develop Over Time

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Can allergies develop in adulthood? The short answer is yes. The standard narrative about allergies is that they primarily begin early in childhood and either resolve by the time we reach adulthood or else become much less severe.

But that’s not an accurate picture – allergies can develop in adults, worsen, or stay exactly the same. In fact, allergies appear to be on the rise due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

Managing allergies requires an understanding of these causes and why allergies can worsen or develop late into adult life.

Why We Get Allergies?

What is an allergy? Allergies happen because your body flags an otherwise harmless substance, say pollen, foods, or animal dander, as a dangerous invader. As soon as it detects the “antigen” – a chemical marker – it launches a full-scale immune response. Histamine floods the bloodstream, and an allergic reaction occurs.

Allergies develop in the first place when a person is exposed to an allergen. Some people’s immune system is more trigger-happy than others, flagging the allergen and developing antibodies (IgE) in response. Then, when the allergen is present again, the reaction occurs – even if previously the person had no response.

Such a sensitisation reaction usually occurs in childhood – especially if the child isn’t exposed to a particular foodstuff. For example, peanut allergies may be increasing due to a lack of exposure to peanuts.

Common Adult Allergies

Food and environmental allergies aren’t the same. While the underlying mechanism is similar, environmental allergies are more likely to be seasonal, involve different symptoms, and are less severe. Food allergies may lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition, while a pollen allergy does little more than cause a severe case of the sniffles.

You can suddenly find you can no longer eat prawns safely

According to the research, shellfish is the most common adult-onset food allergy. You can be 50 years or older and suddenly find you can no longer eat prawns safely.

Another potential cause is oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS). This condition results from cross-reactivity between pollen and certain foods. Individuals with specific types of hay fever may experience symptoms when consuming certain raw fruits and vegetables due to the similarity between pollen allergens and food proteins. These symptoms usually occur only with raw foods and are primarily localised to the mouth.

Other common adult allergies include:

  • Seasonal Allergies. The most common adult-onset allergies are seasonal, triggered by pollen, ragweed, and other plant allergens that peak during certain times of the year, typically in the spring or fall.
  • Pet Allergies. Owning a cat or dog can lead to developing allergies due to constant exposure to their dander (skin flakes that become airborne) and chemicals from their urine and saliva that adhere to the dander.

Why Can Allergies Develop in Adulthood?

The short answer is we don’t know. Some evidence points to the idea that a severe allergic reaction during childhood increases your likelihood of adult-onset allergies. Moreover, so-called “atopic” individuals, i.e., those with asthma, eczema, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis), are more at risk.

Symptoms may fade in such individuals before resurging due to one of these factors:

  • Getting a pet for the first time.
  • Moving to a new home or workplace.
  • Little exposure to an allergen as a child.
  • Lower immune function, e.g., being sick, pregnant, or immunocompromised.

Three of these factors have one thing in common – lack of exposure. When your body isn’t routinely exposed to certain allergens, a new exposure increases the chance it flags it as a threat.

However, even if you develop allergies as an adult, symptoms can still fade over time. As your immune function declines, so does its trigger-happy response to allergens.

Managing Allergy Symptoms

Managing allergies fall into two parts: diagnosing the culprit and managing allergy symptoms. The first part usually involves some kind of allergy test.

Allergy tests are often quite uncomfortable, requiring direct exposure to the allergen. Skin-prick tests, for example, involve the application of an allergen to your skin. If a reaction occurs, the allergy is confirmed.

However, there is another option – an IgE allergy test. Our Complete Body Test looks for 38 allergies (and 79 intolerances) by measuring levels of IgE antibodies specific to a particular allergen in the blood. It’s a simple, affordable, and non-invasive option.

Once you’ve diagnosed the cause, managing allergy symptoms requires eliminating the offending food or environmental culprit from your life. Depending on the severity of your reaction, you should carry either antihistamines or an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) to counteract symptoms should you be exposed.

Get Tested with Life Lab Testing

So, can allergies develop over time? Yes! If you suspect you’ve developed an allergy, try the Complete Body Test. It’s the gold standard for home-to-lab testing. Simply provide a pinprick blood sample using the test kit and send it to our lab. You’ll receive your results within 1 week.

That’s not all – we also provide a free 30-minute nutritional therapist session to help you understand your results and place any lifestyle changes.

Buy the Complete Body Test today and take control of your health.

Bloating After Eating: Causes And Solutions For Digestive Discomfort

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Bloating occurs when your belly feels full, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. You’ll feel tightness and pressure in your gut when you’re bloated. Sometimes this can be accompanied by a visibly distended belly. Some people experience stomach bloating after eating very little, and it must be managed if it’s a regular problem.

The feeling of bloating can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. Usually, a bloated stomach goes away after a short while. Most people experience bloating from time to time. However, when you experience it often, there’s something wrong with your health or diet, and you may need help.

Bloating can result from digestive issues and hormone fluctuations, among other issues. If bloating is a common issue, it’s essential to seek your doctor’s advice. Sometimes one gets very tired after eating, especially if they’ve overeaten.

Why am I bloated after every meal?

The leading cause of stomach pain and bloating is often excessive intestinal gas. If every time you eat, you experience bloating; it could be due to digestive issues. Digestive issues can be caused by underlying illnesses or reactions to the food you’re eating. Other causes of bloating include:

Eating too much fibre

Fibre is present in all plant-based foods and is a carbohydrate that the body can’t digest. However, it helps regulate blood sugar, add bulk to stool, and manage appetite. The drawback is that high-fibre foods can cause some people to produce excessive gas. According to studies, reducing fibre consumption in those suffering from constipation can reduce bloating.

High-fibre foods include beans, lentils, whole-grain oats, fruits, split peas, brussel sprouts, and broccoli.

Food intolerances

Bloating can result from digestive issues and hormone fluctuations

When you have a food intolerance, it means that you lack enough enzymes to break down that specific food. Usually, when food reaches the small intestines, enzymes are released to break it down into molecules which can quickly go past the digestive walls into the bloodstream.

When you have a food intolerance, food isn’t broken down in the small intestines due to a lack of specific enzymes or other reasons, and this often leads to this food being pushed down into the large intestines. When in the large intestines, it needs a lot of water to pass it along. The large intestines contain gut bacteria that ferment that food causing gas.

Since the food also extracts a lot of water from the colon, the combination of water and gas in the belly often causes bloating and sometimes pain. An Intolerance Test can help you know which food intolerances you’re suffering from so you can eliminate the trigger food from your diet.

Carbonated drinks

Such drinks contain carbon dioxide. Usually, when you drink a carbonated beverage, you belch to get it out of your body. However, you can’t get all of it out, and if it ends up in your intestines, it causes bloating. If you notice you get bloated after taking fizzy drinks, you must avoid them and only take still water and other non-fizzy drinks.

High-fat foods

Any balanced diet requires you to indulge in healthy fats as they’re an essential energy source. Usually, the body digests fat slowly. Hence it takes longer for fats to get through the digestive tract. This can delay your stomach from emptying, and in some people, it results in bloating.

People whose gastrointestinal tract takes long to empty need to avoid high-fat foods. Studies show that for people with stomach emptying problems, high-fat solid foods aren’t the solution. However, cutting down on such meals prevents bloating.

Heartburn

Heartburn results from the stomach acid travelling back up the throat. When this happens, it can cause uncomfortable burning sensations. It’s common for heartburn to cause bloating. When you treat heartburn, it can help reduce bloating for some people. It will also prevent you from suffering from those uncomfortable sensations when acid goes up the throat.

When suffering from heartburn, you can use over-the-counter antacids to treat heartburn. Antacids can treat heartburn, and if heartburn causes bloating, you’ll kill two birds with one stone.

Eating fast and chewing gum

When you drink or eat quickly, it increases the amount of gas you consume. When gas accumulates in your intestinal tract, it causes bloating. However, if you eat slowly or mindfully, you won’t have excess gas in your gut.

Chewing gum can also cause gas to accumulate in the intestinal tract. When chewing gum, you’ll often also swallow lots of air. This gas can build up in the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause bloating in some people.

How to get rid of bloating after eating

If the bloating you’re experiencing is due to something you ate or drank or hormonal fluctuations, it should begin within a few hours or days. Constipation usually doesn’t go away until you poop. So, there are ways you can help harden the process to relieve your body.

These include:

  • Exercise: A light exercise after meals, like gentle yoga, can relieve your stomach of gas, especially if you’ve been consuming fast food or had many carbonated drinks. Also, regularly doing strengthening exercises, especially for the core, can help combat bloating.
  • Herbal teas: Teas such as peppermint, ginger, fennel, turmeric, and chamomile help digestion and also reduce gas in the belly. If you have water retention, dandelion tea can help you relieve that too.
  • Supplements: You can also consume a supplement like magnesium which relaxes intestinal muscles and neutralises stomach acid. It’s also a natural laxative, and you should use it sparingly.
  • Peppermint oil: You can take them in the form of capsules. Peppermint oil naturally relaxes your stomach muscles, which helps you pass poop easily, especially if you’ve been suffering from motility issues.
  • Probiotics: These help balance the gut bacteria. While some probiotics can help you digest food better, others can help absorb excess gas. For you to notice a difference, you need to take probiotics frequently for a few days or weeks.
  • Psyllium husks: This popular fibre supplement can help you poo more often. When introducing fibre supplements, do so gradually with lots of water.

Final thoughts

Bloating is quite common, but when it’s persistent, you should be more attentive since there could be an underlying problem. Food sensitivities, hormonal imbalance and lifestyle factors often contribute to bloating. Managing these factors and taking an Intolerance Test can push you one step closer to realising the root cause of your bloating and combating it.

If you get persistent bloating that won’t go away after a week and after all the remedies, then you need to talk to a specialist so they can help you figure out what the problem could be. It can quickly get exhausting dealing with bloating after eating, but with some lifestyle changes, you can manage it.

Could I Have A Sugar Allergy

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Most of us will reach for a sugar fix on a low-energy day. It’s effective, after all, and readily available. But what about if sugar doesn’t agree with your body? Sugar can be a problem ingredient for many people and even be dangerous for some. A sugar allergy isn’t as often talked about as other types of food allergies, but it is something to consider if you have a sugar issue. If you’re ready to learn why a complete body test might be what you need to help explain a sugar allergy or at least help you know what’s going on in your body, read on!

What is sugar?

Most of us assume that sugar is the white stuff that we add to tea or feed to horses in a cubed form. This is correct, of course. However, there is more than one type of sugar. There are multiple types, actually.

The different types of sugar

Some of the most common and widely consumed types of sugar include the following:

  • Sucrose
  • Fructose
  • Glucose
  • Lactose
  • Galactose
  • Maltose
  • Xylose

Of these types of sugar, fructose is the most likely problem ingredient for those that have a sugar allergy. However, it isn’t the only possibility. Understanding what’s going on from head to toe should involve a complete body test to see what your body responds well and poorly to and how to change your diet to accommodate your body’s needs.

Is a sugar allergy possible?

Now for the moment of truth. Can you be allergic to sugar? A sugar allergy is possible, but it is very rare. Statistically, it’s amongst the options on the list of rarest food allergies (right up there with vanilla and beef). However, in that small percentage of people with an actual sugar allergy, it’s a big deal. A sugar allergy is often very strong in its allergic reaction. Those allergic to sugar will most likely have more severe symptoms or even anaphylaxis.

Many veg options are loaded with sugar!

If you have a sugar allergy, you will need to know what types of sugar you are reacting to to avoid it and learn what kind of sugar-free diet works best for your health and safety. Since sugar is in so many things (we’ll touch on that shortly), it’s a good idea to consider reaching out to a nutritional specialist so that you have expert advice guiding you.

All food allergies should be taken seriously, but this is especially important since sugar allergic reactions can be very strong and severe. Who better than a “food specialist” to help you determine a safe, healthy, well-balanced diet?

Why is sugar such a problem?

So, if a sugar allergy is real but rare, why is sugar such a problematic ingredient for many people? The answer to this is sugar intolerance. Above, we listed off the many types of sugar, and it’s possible to be intolerant to all or any of those.

Food intolerances are very common, though many people live their entire lives without knowing they have them. Sugar intolerances, similar to a sugar allergy, can have strong and severe symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath. This is why a sugar intolerance can easily be mistaken for a sugar allergy.

Those with sugar intolerances often avoid or greatly limit their sugar intake to avoid those troublesome symptoms. Many use sugar substitutes or adjust their diets to be as reduced as possible in their sugar use.

What has sugar in it?

As mentioned above, sugar is practically everywhere. There are some obvious places, such as packets of sweets, fizzy drinks, and sauces. But some (seemingly) illogical choices can make it hard to avoid sugar without a lot of help. For example, many veg options are loaded with sugar! Cabbage, broccoli, and asparagus are all sugar-rich dinner plate staples. Since these are often nutritious sides for dinners, it can be frustrating and confusing.

Many natural foods, which are healthy for us in other ways, are loaded with sugar. Fruits and fruit-based products are a prime example of this.

Then there is the whole category of hidden sugar in processed foods. Even something like takeaway or crisps (which we associate with fat and salt) can have a terrifying amount of hidden sugar!

Determining if you do have a sugar allergy

No matter where you look, sugar is there and waiting for you. Knowing what is happening to your body is essential whether you are sugar intolerant or have an actual sugar allergy. Instead of asking yourself, “Can you be allergic to sugar?” take action and consider a complete body test. Not only can it help you get to know yourself better, but it can also help give you peace of mind to show you what to avoid.

It’s eye-opening to realize that you could be allergic to something as commonplace as sugar. It makes you think twice when you reach for the much-loved sugar fix, right? Use this as your launchpad to get accurate data about what’s going on in your body to make any changes you need for a healthy, happy life!

Symptoms, Precautions, and Embracing Egg-Free Alternatives

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Eggs are a staple in many people’s diets. Easy to cook in many ways and perfect for protein-packed snacks, it makes total sense. However, that assumes no egg allergy. If you think you have an allergy or egg allergy symptoms, this logical and easy snack suddenly becomes inconvenient and, in some cases, downright dangerous. Here are the essential details to get familiar with when looking at your egg-related life: allergy testing, symptoms, and how to enjoy egg-free options.

Egg allergy basics

For the most part, egg allergies are most common in life. Babies and toddlers can have allergies to eggs that they later outgrow. Studies show that introducing eggs to your baby’s diet as soon as possible can reduce their chances of having an egg allergy later in life.

In many cases, egg allergy reactions and mild, and they’ll happen soon after eating the egg. While severe reactions (such as anaphylaxis) are possible, most allergies have mild symptoms, which we’ll discuss below, so you can know what to look for.

Egg allergy symptoms

As mentioned above, egg allergy symptoms are generally mild, with only the occasional severe reaction causing anaphylaxis. The most common egg allergy symptoms include:

  • Red rash
  • Swelling in the face
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Stomach upset or cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Eczema flare-ups

Since these symptoms can be hard to pinpoint in foods, especially if you are introducing your baby or child to a series of new foods, you’ll want to consider allergy testing to know what the problem food is and how to avoid it.

After all, for infants, how can you tell the difference between refusing to eat an egg because they “don’t like it” and because it hurts them? Allergy testing takes the guesswork right out of it.

The egg type matters

Depending on your egg allergy, one egg type may set off an allergic reaction, and another might not. An allergic reaction to an egg is caused by the egg’s protein. If the protein is changed by heat (such as cooking), you might not have an allergic reaction to eggs.

For example, eating scrambled or boiled eggs will likely cause an allergic reaction if you have an egg allergy. However, if you eat a cookie (made partially from beating eggs into the batter), you might not have an allergic reaction. The cooking/processing of the egg in the cookie batter breaks down the protein enough that you might not have an allergic reaction. Statistically, about 80% of those with egg allergies can eat a cookie baked with eggs in the batter.

80% of those with egg allergies can eat batter with eggs

This is not always the case, of course. After getting your egg allergy diagnosis, you can test to see if eggs in a cookie batter set you off the same way a plate of fried eggs will. If you are reaction-free, you can safely eat cookies, cakes, etc. If you still find you are having an allergic reaction, it might be wiser to find an egg alternative.

Egg-free alternatives to consider

If you have a severe egg allergy or you just want to properly learn how to avoid eggs if you need to, there are plenty of egg alternatives that you can consider! Some of the most common healthy and easy egg alternatives include:

  • Ground flax seeds
  • Apple puree
  • Mashed banana
  • Chia seeds

There are plenty of recipes online and instructions for using these as egg substitutes when baking so that everyone in the household can enjoy baked goods. If you’re interested, try using these alternatives before allergy testing, or you can wait until afterward to be sure of an egg allergy before changing.

How do I know when to use an egg alternative?

If your test results tell you you have an egg allergy, it’s a good idea to at least consider learning to use an egg substitute like the ones listed above. Not only does it give you flexibility, but it also helps remove any concern that you might have an allergic reaction.

That being said, as we discussed above, you don’t have to use an egg alternative if you are among the 80% of people who can tolerate baked eggs. Most of it concerns personal preference and watching for egg allergy symptoms.

Eggs are staple ingredients in dieting, cooking, and baking. However, many people with egg allergies can still have as much flexibility as anyone else when it comes to dieting, cooking, and baking. It’s all about understanding your allergy, its symptoms, and how they make you feel, and using egg substitutes when you need or want them.

Take Charge of Your Health During World Food Safety Day

Posted on by Dr. Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

World Food Safety Day highlights the importance of food security and quality, promoting sound practices and reducing the burden of foodborne diseases globally. Food safety is all about the shared responsibility between governments, producers, and consumers.

Throughout much of the world, food safety means diseases and contamination. However, in Western nations, most of these problems have either been solved or reduced. The problem here is the rising wave of allergies and food sensitivities. It’s an underreported issue.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to take charge of this issue, from dietary adjustments to food sensitivity testing.

What is World Food Safety Day?

World Food Safety Day, observed annually on June 7th, aims to raise awareness about food safety and encourage actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, it is jointly facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The day underscores the importance of food safety in ensuring food security and promoting good health.

Prevent, Detect, And Manage Foodborne Risks

The UN often uses the date to raise awareness about a particular topic, such as ‘Safe Food Now for a Healthy Tomorrow.’ However, it also serves as a general conversation starter, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and educating the wider public.

Indeed, World Food Safety Day is a fantastic opportunity to understand more about your health.

Taking Charge of Your Health

Sometimes, when we talk about health, we talk about things that happen to us, as if we’re a passive partner in the relationship. If we feel unwell, tired, or bloated, we chalk up to the way things are.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Exercise, good sleep, and a nutritious diet are the building blocks of health and well-being. Taking charge of your health means eating responsibly and making time to be active. But some people find even with the right diet and fitness regimen, they still feel… off.

Something else is going on. Being proactive with your health isn’t just about the basics. It’s about identifying symptoms and diagnosing problems – even vague, systemic symptoms like tiredness, bloating, or brain fog. They could be indicators of an underlying allergy or food sensitivity.

Understanding Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Food allergies and sensitivities are increasingly common, particularly in Western nations where other food safety issues are better controlled. Why this is happening isn’t fully understood. Various theories, ranging from antibiotic overuse to pesticides, have been suggested.

But what do we mean by food allergies and sensitivities? Let’s explain:

  1. Allergies involve the immune system reacting to certain foods, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common allergens include nuts, shellfish, and dairy.
  2. Food sensitivities, or intolerances, are generally less severe and involve the digestive system. Symptoms can include bloating, gas, and fatigue, with common triggers being lactose and gluten.

While allergies are much more obvious, food sensitivities can be surprisingly subtle. It’s only after the symptoms subside that the person wonders how they ever lived with such tiredness or bloating.

Getting Tested

Food sensitivity tests can help pinpoint specific intolerances, while allergy tests can identify immune responses to certain foods. Keeping a food diary and noting reactions can also aid in identifying problems. However, without the results from food sensitivity tests, it’s hard to interpret the patterns. After all, symptoms of food sensitivities can take up to 48 hours to appear.

Once identified, managing these conditions typically involves eliminating or reducing the intake of the offending foods and finding suitable alternatives to maintain a balanced diet.

Perform a Complete Body Checkup

Want to know what’s going on inside your body? If you’ve noticed some unusual symptoms but can’t pinpoint the cause, consider taking the Complete Body Test. It tests for 38 allergens and 79 intolerances – including foods and inhalants – to give you a comprehensive picture of your body’s health.

Thanks to the complete list of tested items, it’s the best way to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Getting tested is simple. When you purchase a test kit, we’ll send you everything you need to send a sample. Once we’ve received the sample, we’ll perform an expert analysis and send you the results within a week.

Alongside the results, you’ll receive a free 30-minute consultation with a nutritional therapist. You can clarify your results and ask questions about changing your diet. It’s personalised healthcare at its finest.

So, if you’ve experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, headaches, swelling, rashes, itchiness, or diarrhoea, try the Complete Body Test today.