Allergies Archives - Page 8 of 11 - Lifelab Testing

Category: Allergies

Recording your symptoms after an allergy test

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

If you have taken an allergy test then you are probably doing an elimination diet. This is when you remove certain foods from your diet which have been highlighted as a food allergy. Fortunately, Lifelab Testing is here to help you with any symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Individual nature of our symptoms

As we are each unique and individual, it is important that you remember how to cope with your individual foods. How a food makes you feel, is not actually how another person may feel (including a member of your family).

Rate your foods at the start

One of our key suggestions is that you need to record and track your symptoms. If you have purchased an allergy test and are doing our 30 days follow up, then you will see that we like to track your symptoms every 7 days.

Patience is key

Sometimes people find that their symptoms often get worse before they have got better. But you must not be surprised if this is the case, as you just need to monitor your symptoms further. An allergy test identifies which foods you probably need to remove from your diet, but please do monitor your symptoms.

Which test would be right for you?

Using our Find the right test tool, we can help point you in the right direction as to which test you need to purchase. Depending on your symptoms, it could be an intolerance or an allergy, but it is important you find out.

If your symptoms are occurring right away after every single moment that you eat food, then it is likely that you have a food allergy. For this, we would point you towards a Basic Allergy Test or a Complete Body Test, and it is so important that you are able to identify which foods are causing you the issue.

If your symptoms are similar to a bloated stomach and other stomach related issues, which sometimes occur up to 72 hours later, then it will be either a Basic Intolerance test or a Complete Intolerance test.

For more information on getting your hands on an intolerance or allergy test, then please log on to www.lifelabtesting.com and order your test now.

Read our success stories

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

At Lifelab Testing, the most important thing is our customer. We endeavour to help our customers feel much better after an allergy test, when they have reevaluated their diet to help them alleviate their symptoms, some of which include a bloated stomach or headache. Check out some of our testimonials below:

Georgia Cole – Bloated Stomach

Georgia Cole from Survival of the Fittest (ITV) decided that she would like to a Complete Body test. This is our most popular test and one that we would recommend to anyone who is looking to identify both your allergies and intolerances. A bloated stomach, as well as stomach cramps, were seriously affecting her. However, Georgia had a home-to-lab allergy test kit delivered straight to her door, and she was able to do her blood spot testing kit from the comfort from her own home. Now the days of Georgia’s bloated stomach are behind her. If you would like to alleviate your allergy symptoms, then please do order an allergy test.

Hayley Clough – Lethargic

Hayley Clough, a bodybuilder who was feeling fatigued and lethargic due to her intolerances. Fortunately, for someone in her position, she was not suffering from a bloated stomach, but she did also have to change her diet in order to help manage her symptoms. She stated she felt a huge improvement after taking advice due to her allergy test, and she also experienced a boost in her performance and training.

The Darcys – No not those ones!

The Darcys are epic foodies.They openly admitted that in their testimonials, but what they also admit is that they are suffering from severe allergy and intolerance symptoms. In their testimonial, this sentence stands out as something that many people would relate to:

“But we’ve faced some issues with our diets for a while, so we did a Lifelab Test to see what we’re intolerant to.”

Having followed a new diet for a while, they both reported an upturn in how they were feeling and what it meant for them to feel much better. Allergy symptoms are no longer thanks to the Lifelab Testing allergy test.

Nambo – Bloated stomach

Nambo is a personal trainer who was desperate to get into peak physical fitness, as he was suffering from a bloated stomach. He turned to an allergy test to try and find out what was causing his symptoms.

Leading up to competition, Nambo changes his diet, routine and lifestyle to ensure he’s in top physical shape. However, he was struggling with bloating which was keeping him awake until 3 o’clock in the morning. Uh oh.

For more information on allergy testing and doing an allergy test, Lifelab Testing offer solutions to your questions about allergy testing.

The truth about chocolate

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

If you are looking to be happier and healthier then you will know the importance of having a healthy diet and cutting out the snacks and treats you are usually so accustomed to. If you have learned that you have a food allergy, but still want to consume foods like chocolate, then this article is perfect for you, unless you have a food allergy to it.

With chocolate being by far the all-time ultimate comfort food for people who are stressed or are tired, many people turn to it as a food of choice. Additionally, it is also a reliable mood enhancer when life gets too much. But is it healthy? It’s not if you have a food allergy to chocolate… But let’s take a look around the alternatives, including dark chocolate.

Obviously, if you eat lots of it, no! However, research is continuing all the time and experts have found that dark chocolate (with a cocoa percentage of 70% or more) is really good for us. Lifelab Testing are going to tell you the medically proven health benefits, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty. After you finish your food allergy test, of course!

Now, it is important to note that we are not saying to go and eat bucket loads of the stuff, but 3 squares (30g) a day will give you a health boost like you won’t believe!  The darker the chocolate the better, dark chocolate is packed full of antioxidants and minerals with impressive qualities. Milk chocolate has 2-4 times fewer antioxidants and contains much more sugar and fat and for every four squares of milk chocolate you eat instead of dark, you will be eating a whole 2.5 teaspoons more of sugar. Mind Blown! But that’s not the exciting bit, this comes next…

Here are 5 reasons you should consume more dark chocolate!

1) Weight-Loss

Dark Chocolate can help you lose weight. However, if you have a food allergy to it, then it could cause symptoms like nausea and a bloated stomach. Neuroscientist, Will Clower says a small square of dark chocolate melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal triggers the hormones in the brain that say ‘I’m full’, cutting the amount of food you actually eat and finishing a meal by doing the same thing can reduce snacking! Pass me the chocolate!

2) Better Skin

Science shows that dark chocolate is actually GOOD for our complexion. So, if your food allergy has previously seen you break out in a skin rash, then chocolate could be IDEAL. This is because cocoa contains flavanol, a type of phytochemical that boosts skin hydration, plumps up the density and improves blood flow to the surface. It also helps in boosting your skins natural protection against sun damage – you won’t want to ditch the sun cream but you may want to up the dark choc uptake before you hit the beach!  Combined with an allergy test, eating the right foods will help you sparkle from the inside out!

3) Dark Chocolate is Brain Food

Flavanols are thought to reduce memory loss in older people, and the anti-inflammatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found to benefit in treating brain injuries! Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like your falling in love and it also encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins.

4) Packed with Minerals

Dark chocolate is packed full of goodness, it is packed full of iron and minerals such as immune-boosting zinc and potassium.  Remember, don’t go overboard as it does still contain sugar and calories so 30g a day is more than enough!

5) Healthy Heart

Dark Chocolate can help prevent white blood cells from sticking to the walls meaning it can keep your arteries healthy and unclogged. Eating a moderate amount of good quality (over 75%) dark chocolate can also lower blood pressure and improve blood flow!

More information on food allergy

For more information on allergy testing, healthy eating and looking to cope with your food allergy, check out Lifelab Testing and discover your healthier future.

Anyone can have an allergy – make sure you take an allergy test

Posted on by Kate Young

If you’ve not been keeping up with the news recently, then you maybe haven’t seen how many news stories there have been about allergies and intolerances. If you haven’t then you may need to, as you will realise the importance of taking an allergy test with Lifelab Testing.

Kylie Jenner has revealed that her daughter Stormi has had to be taken to hospital because they suffered from an allergic reaction. The good news is that her daughter is now back at home making a full recovery, but it does highlight the importance of taking an allergy test.

If you are not sure whether or not you have an allergy then you should immediately seek an allergy test and also a consultation with your Health Professional. Lifelab Testing are available to offer dietary advice to customers who are highlighted to have an allergy, but it is a dietary plan. We also offer an intolerance test for those who suspect that they may have an intolerance rather than an allergy.

With up to three Love Islanders also in the news recently regarding allergies and dealing with the symptoms of intolerance, the high profile nature of allergies and intolerances is so much more important. If you recognise any of the following symptoms then it is highly recommended that you take an allergy test and then seek dietary advice, which you can do with Lifelab’s nutritional therapists:

  • Itchy skin rash
  • Swollen lips
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing

These symptoms will vary depending on what you are allergic to, and this is why we believe in the importance of an allergy test, as you learn what food items and non-food items you need to remove from your diet.

Whilst we are talking about the severity of allergies, you desperately need to check out our blog on anaphylaxis and what going into anaphylactic shock means. It is very important that you know what to do!

For more information on intolerance testing or allergy testing, you can purchase your allergy test here.

Allergy People making a difference

Posted on by Kate Young

There are so many people looking to make a difference in their lifestyle and diet, but it does not stop there. Allergy testing people are making a difference and spreading the word, so we thought it was time to celebrate their awareness and ability. Look at how we have helped some of our customers to improve their lives, and how they have spread their own awareness.

Chris Jones – Lifelab Testimonial

“My experience was great, particularly as I messed the first one up so getting a second kit was easy.  I was intrigued by the results and have found that reflecting this in my diet has helped my health and well-being. But overall the whole process was easy and I would recommend, in fact, I already have. Thanks!” – Chris wanted to make a change in his life, and he was dedicated to improving his diet. He did this with Lifelab Testing and allergy testing kits, and he loved the whole process, recommending it to any others who suffer from food allergies.

Chris Jones loved his Lifelab Testing testimonial

Danielle Lloyd – Spreading the word

We’re absolutely delighted to have helped model and TV star: the AMAZING Danielle Lloyd, kickstart her year in the best way possible by helping her discover her Intolerances with an easy to use at-home Intolerance Test ? Just take a look at what she had to say about her Lifelab Testing experience below! ??

“I’m starting the new year feeling great after finding out what was causing me bloating and pain after eating food, with Lifelab Testing‘s at-home intolerance and allergy testing kit. The results were so good that my son Harry did a test, too, and since changing his diet to gluten free, he hasn’t been in any pain. My results showed I had to cut out eggs, yoghurt and white beans, which I eat regularly as part of a healthy diet, so it’s been a total change but it’s for the better and means I’m not bloating after meals anymore! The test was so easy to do and really thorough as it checks over 159 intolerances, so I knew it’d be a good way of finding out what was causing the pain.”

Danielle Lloyd is spreading the benefits of understanding your allergies and intolerances

Lauren McQueen spreading the news

We are so proud to have helped people cope with their allergies, and with people coming to us and ask how we could help them with their allergies through allergy testing, they wanted to spread the word. Lauren McQueen was another one, check out her testimonial below and also, you can hop over to Instagram to find out more:

I have been struggling with bad breakouts on my skin alongside extreme bloating of my stomach. I contacted Lifelab Testing and purchased their Complete Intolerance Test without any hesitation. I took my blood sample and returned it to Lifelab for testing. Within days, my results were ready in the ‘my account’ section. After I studied my results, I was put in contact with Lifelab Testing’s Nutritional Therapist who helped me to understand my results more and how to structure my diet around this. With this knowledge, I am now aware of what I should eat less of and what to completely avoid.

Lauren shared her experience on her Instagram page, and utilising our nutritional therapists, she was able to improve her health and lifestyle. We are very keen to see people spread the word about allergies and healthy living.

Allergy Testing with Lauren

For more information on allergy testing and finding out about the way people share their experiences with allergy testing, check out www.lifelabtesting.com.

What are the dangers of hidden allergens?

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

Watch out for your hidden allergens. If you don’t know what they are, a Lifelab Testing allergy test helps you to identify which dangerous foods could cause your symptoms.

Taking allergies more seriously

Remember last year when Pret A Manger hit the headlines due to the tragic consequences of mislabelled food products? Well, now, Pret A Manger has pledged to improve labelling with a roll-out of full lists of ingredients on freshly made products to begin this week. The pledge comes amid government consultation on tougher allergen labelling following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died after eating a Pret sandwich containing sesame, which saw the existing system branded inadequate.

Though Pret’s pledge is a move in the right direction, the current lack of labelling of on-site freshly made produce across sandwich shops nationwide means that for sufferers, being vigilant isn’t always enough. Lifelab Testing’s in-house nutritionist Sian Baker shares her tips on how you can protect yourself against an allergic reaction or intolerance flare-up when purchasing food or dining out.

Allergens listed by law

There are just 14 foods that are required to be labelled by law, allowing many ingredients or traces to go undeclared. Additionally, hidden allergens can be found in beauty, household and pet products as well as medication, and can be disguised under different names – egg, soy and wheat all have a variety of widely used alternative names, so if you do have an allergy, it’s important to be aware of what these might be. An allergy test could help you to identify which items you need to look out for.

Allergens can also be hidden through cross-contamination during the growing and manufacturing processes, or through the use of the equipment and serving implements in restaurants and eateries. While many food labels or menus state that cross-contamination may occur, it is important to remember that if products are freshly made on-site then ingredients do not need to be stated – instead, look for signs that advise you speak to staff about potential allergens.

Allergy sufferers are urged to take extra care when consuming processed foods, due to ingredients such as soy, milk, egg and wheat frequently being added to act as preservatives or to enhance texture or flavour.

Where can you get an allergy test?

If someone is experiencing allergic or intolerant reactions, keeping a food diary of items consumed and symptoms can be put together with the results of an allergy test to achieve the greatest possible understanding of which ingredients may be causing them. Lifelab Testing offers a range of at-home intolerance and allergy testing kits, alongside access to a nutritional therapist to discuss any results the customers receive.

Intolerance and allergy tests are available at www.lifelabtesting.com. Whether it is an allergy test or an intolerance test that you want, we can help you!

Do you know how to use an EpiPen?

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

How to use your EpiPen

The EpiPen user guide explains that using an EpiPen doesn’t have to be too difficult. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen by your doctor then you need to familiarise yourself with the simple user’s guide. If you or someone you know looks like they are going into anaphylactic shock, then you need to administer epinephrine in order to stop anaphylaxis.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis itself is a severe allergic reaction which can have devastating consequences. Reactions usually begin within a couple of minutes and it is essential you treat it right away. Watch out for swelling of the glands, widespread flushing of the skin, and also nettle rash! Common signs of anaphylaxis, particularly when peanuts are involved include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. An allergy test may help you to identify what your symptoms are and what is causing them, but it will not cure your allergies.

How do you do it?

So, how do you use an EpiPen?

1) Remove the Pen

Hold your EpiPen and unscrew the yellow cap from the container, then you should slide out the EpiPen.

2) Remove the Gray Safety Cap

Take off the grey safety cap from the back of the EpiPen. If you do not do this, then it will not work as the cap has to be removed.

3) Inject the Epinephrine

You do not have to remove any clothes in order to use the EpiPen. Hold the EpiPen with your hand in a fist, and then press the black, rounded tip hard into the thigh. Count to ten whilst you hold the instrument in place. Remember it can penetrate the clothing.

4) Immediately call 999

If you are experiencing an allergic reaction then you should immediately call 999. Even if you don’t think it is an allergic reaction, you should never take a risk, especially as epinephrine is only a quick fix. Sometimes, it could even be necessary to provide a second dose of epinephrine.

Remember, and we must emphasise this, please dispose of the epinephrine properly. Do not just chuck it away.

Allergy testing is essential

With food allergies becoming more common in children, there is a massive need for people to be aware of what to do. Many doctors recommend that parents always carry automatic epinephrine injectors that can be used if their child has an anaphylactic reaction. The same applies if they were an adult.

An allergy test can help you to identify your allergies or intolerances but do you know what to do if you have an allergic reaction? Depending on your allergies and reactions, it is likely that you will have to use an EpiPen.

If you would like further information on ordering an allergy test or an intolerance test, then please do not hesitate to check out our website at www.lifelabtesting.com.

5 ways allergy testing can help you start eating clean

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

Everybody in the UK is wanting to start to eat clean and get healthier. Of course this is always harder than it sounds, unless you have discovered food allergy testing. If you find yourself unable to exercise or simply do not have the time, then eating clean is more important than ever.

1) Food allergy testing can set you on your way

Clean eating is when someone sets out a new diet which allows them to eat healthily and lose weight, as well as flush toxins out of their body. While many people turn to juice cleanses in an attempt to eat clean, food allergy testing can set you on your way. By highlighting what foods you need to avoid, you will feel happier as your symptoms begin to disappear and your diet becomes cleaner. Many people find this lifestyle easy to follow, but only after afood allergy test.

2) Encourage you to eliminate processed foods

Whilst processed foods do conflict with clean eating, many people cannot resist the lure of chucking something in the microwave and looking for a quick fix for their hunger. However, with food allergy testing, you can learn exactly how bad processed foods might be. A food allergy test could be exactly what you NEED!

3) Help you to avoid oils and spreads

Yep, you might be disappointed to learn that veggie oils and margarines aren’t healthy, especially if you have an allergy to these food items. Containing higher levels of acid there are some items which you just must avoid, particularly if you have a food intolerance. If you are looking to go clean and eat healthy, look at what items you have an allergy to.

4) Eye-Opening Results

Have you ever woken up in the morning and just thought: “I’m never drinking again.” This doesn’t necessarily mean it is because you have drunk too much, but an alcohol allergy or an alcohol intolerance is actually a thing. Food allergy testing can help you identify if you are allergic to any ingredients in alcohol. Don’t put your headaches down to a hangover, it could be due to a food intolerance.

5) Resist the temptation to snack

Food allergy testing can help you to resist the temptation to snack. It can help you to resist the temptation to snack on some foods which have highlighted an allergy. Drinking water will also help you resist the allure of said snacks, some of which are hidden in the cupboards.

Find out more about food allergy testing and symptoms from our website: www.lifelabtesting.com.

All you need to know about allergy testing and intolerance tests

Posted on by Lifelab Staff

At Lifelab Testing, we ensure that all our samples for our allergy testing and intolerance test are handled with the utmost care, treated confidentially and looked after.

All our Allergy and Intolerance testing products work in the same way. They are immunoassay’s that determine levels of antibody reactivity against specific allergens. We test using a blotting procedure which is very similar to ELISA (which you may see with other providers of similar tests). Western Blotting procedures are commonly used diagnostic tools and provide analytics for many areas of health care and immunology that can aid in diagnosis of medical conditions.

But how do they do this?

In order to measure a specific antibody response, we require several things. A client’s sample, and a panel of specific allergens derived from foods or other triggers (such as pollen or epithelium cells). Then we also need conjugate, wash solution and substrate.

Each client’s sample will be unique to them, and all our testing panels are produced in an identical way by our supplier and adhere to forms of quality control and compliance as an accredited provider of analytical tests. We ensure that every delivery from our supplier confirms to these standards by checking its certificate of conformance. Our supplier also provides us with IgG4 and IgE conjugates and a substrate which also conform to quality control standards, as well as a washing solution.

How many allergens are on a panel will vary based on the test that you purchased but the reaction will be the same.

The first stage of the immunoassay will be to apply a quantity of patient sample (dependent on whether it is IgE or IgG4 and which panel tested based on purchased product) to the testing panel. If there are any specific antibodies present in the sample, specifically relating to those on the panel, they will bind. Every panel also has three control values that will always react the same way with known values.

Next up the panel will require to be washed with the wash solution, this is designed to remove all unbound sample from the panel and prevent non-specific binding to the panel, whilst also not being too abrasive to remove bound allergens and antibodies.

Next the specific conjugate is used. A conjugate has been devised to react to either IgG4 or IgE antibodies. So, if there have been any reactions to the allergens on the panel, the conjugate will then bind to the complex of antibody and allergen. If this happens the complex will be marked by the presence of the conjugate binding. This will be left to react for a period of time.

The next step is to use the wash solution again to remove unbound conjugate.

A substrates job is to make this reaction complex visible for analysis. There are many ways to do this. We use a colorimetric method, which means we apply a numeric value to the shade of a colour.

When we apply the substrate to the panel, if there has been a reaction between a conjugate and an allergen/antibody complex the position on the testing panel will be visibly coloured. If there has been no reaction the substrate won’t react, and the position will remain clear.

The three control areas of the panel will always react in the same manner. These controls correlate to three known values of increasing reactivity. The reaction on the panel is then stopped and then scanned, software analyses the strength of the present colour against these three controls and determines the value of reactivity.

These are then presented as a client’s reactivity profile for the results. The stronger the colour the more concentration of specific antibodies in their blood.

Want more information on allergy testing and intolerance tests? Log on to www.lifelabtesting.com and get your advice and information here.

What’s new in allergy testing?

Posted on by Kate Young

Allergy testing is becoming increasingly important across the UK as there are people waking up every day feeling sluggish, fatigued or blotchy. The good news is that people are coming up with new ways to avoid their symptoms, and allergy testing is at the forefront of this allergy movement. Check out all the latest news and information about allergies below:

Contagious allergies

READ: Lifelab Testing understands that a woman has been branded ‘contagious’ for a mystery allergy which causes her body to break out in hives every day. The woman, from Ireland, has been diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a skin condition which often has an unknown cause. A lot of people have undiagnosed allergies, but that is because they have not considered allergy testing. You can order yours here.

When small red patches appeared on her skin two years ago, Miss Campbell thought it must have been caused by her washing detergent. But over time, the patches worsened and became more recurrent, developing into large ring-shaped welts that are burning and itchy… ? If you recognise any of these symptoms, then it is likely that you have an allergy, and this is something that you need to look out for.

If you have ever seen anything like this, let us know via our Facebook page!

Travelling with food allergies

READ: With the holiday season rolling around, lots of people are wanting to go on their holidays, which will involve travelling. Fortunately, airline companies are beginning to realise the serious nature of the symptoms that allergies can cause. Some symptoms are even considered to be life-threatening.

EasyJet said this:

“The safety and welfare of all of our customers and crew is our highest priority, so we have a number of procedures in place to assist customers travelling with a nut allergy.”

Before you go on your holidays, make sure you consider allergy testing, as this could affect your allergy symptoms.

Allergy Testing can be of real benefit

READ: “Food allergies are unforgiving. You cannot make a mistake. You cannot slip up and accidentally eat something unsafe without suffering the consequences.”

These are the hard truths written by freelance journalist Beth Mahoney, take a look at this fantastic blog in the Metro recently! Want to discover your hidden allergies and intolerances? Why not try one of our easy to use at-home kits.

For more information on purchasing your allergy testing kits, or if you suspect that you have an intolerance, then order your test today.