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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.

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.

Seasonal Allergies vs COVID-19

Posted on by Kate Young

In the UK, every year thousands of people suffer from uncomfortable symptoms caused by a reaction to environmental allergens. Seasonal allergies, otherwise known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are a common part of many people’s lives, yet recent circumstances have brought about challenges not faced before.

Following the outbreak of coronavirus, it is now difficult to know whether you’re experiencing hay fever or COVID-19, as symptoms could overlap between the two. As a result, we’ve put together all the information you need to know about seasonal allergies vs COVID-19.

Check out our quick infographic guide below, or read more detail behind specific allergies and symptoms.

Allergies Versus COVID Infographic

Do I have COVID-19 or Seasonal Allergies

Common Allergy Types

Pollen Allergy

Pollen is the most common allergen thought to affect 1 in 5 people during their lifetime. This mainly occurs in Spring and Summer as plants release pollen, resulting in people experiencing an adverse immune response. Sometimes these reactions are to specific plants, such as a tree pollen allergy or grass pollen allergy.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is the body’s allergic response to environmental outdoor or indoor substances (mainly pollen) that are wrongfully identified as harmful. An allergic reaction to pollen is called hay fever.

How long does hay fever last?

Hay fever begins immediately after being exposed to an allergen, and symptoms will continue for as long as you are exposed.

When does hay fever season end?

Depending on where you live in the UK, allergies to pollen tend to occur from March to September, starting with tree pollen first and ending with weed pollen.

Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mites are tiny, microscopic bugs that exist in our homes in warm environments such as bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Although dust mites are perennial allergens and can impact people all year, symptoms can be worse during winter when there is less ventilation.

Mould Allergy

Like dust mites, allergy to mould can be experienced all year round, yet with less ventilation around the home in colder months, there may be more issues during this time.

Pet Dander Allergy

An allergy to pet dander is caused by the body reacting negatively to proteins in dead skin cells that are shed by animals. Suffering from a pet allergy is more common in those who also have asthma or hay fever. There are a few reasons why pet allergies may worsen during winter, including staying inside with your pet for longer, lack of ventilation in the house, and pets having thicker fur with winter coats.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are consistent whether you are reacting to pollen, dust, mould, or pet dander.

Seasonal allergies symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, runny, or blocked nose
  • Itchy watering eyes
  • Itchy ears or throat
  • Postnasal drip

COVID-19 Symptoms

People suffering from coronavirus have described experiencing symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • A fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • A continuous cough and sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • A loss or change to taste or smell
  • Aching body or headache

Is it seasonal allergies or COVID-19?

If you are wondering whether you have hay fever or coronavirus, there are distinctions between the two in terms of symptoms. Seasonal allergies tend to induce symptoms that are related to itchiness, such as an itchy nose, eyes, ears, or throat. On the other hand, COVID-19 symptoms are more cold-like so include a fever, headache and a change in taste or smell.

What do I do if I think I have an allergy?

If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy and want to know what’s causing them, you can order an allergy test online. We’ll send you a simple blood spot test, then in our laboratory we’ll use your sample to test against 38 common allergens including house dust mites, different grasses and different types of dander.

We hope this guide had been useful in helping you differentiate between seasonal allergies and COVID-19. You can also learn more about different types of allergies by accessing tons of resources here.

How Could Living With Allergies Affect My Relationship?

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Moving in together can be such a magical experience for couples, especially around this time of year. February means it’s time to light the candles, to sit down for a romantic meal at home with the one you love most; until disaster strikes! Suddenly, you discover your partner is living with allergies to some of your favourite foods, and you’re left reeling as you adjust to life without these dishes. For people living with allergies, this is a daily issue. Sadly, this is the reality for many couples who fail to adjust to life after discovering an allergy (1), and if you fear that this all too familiar story could become you and your partner, then it’s time to do something about it!

Understanding the basics.

Something that many couples may not consider when making the decision to live together is how each other’s allergies and intolerances may impact the types of food that both are consuming together on a daily basis. For some of the lucky ones, this may never be an issue. However, for others, it may be difficult to adjust to a new way of living without a certain type of food in the house. Especially where the most severe reactions for sufferers living with allergies could experience an anaphylactic reaction just from breathing in a particular substance, such as nuts or sesame seeds. (2) This Valentine’s Day, Lifelab Testing is committed to ensuring that you and your loved ones have the most comprehensive look at your allergies and intolerances possible, so that you can make smart and informed decisions about the food you choose to stock your shelves with to make your home an allergy-safe environment for everyone!

Living with Allergies in the 21st Century.

For some couples, adapting to a new situation such as the discovery of an allergy is a breeze, as you may not have enjoyed the foods causing reactions, or have no trouble compromising on food items for your partner’s sake. For others, though, discovering your partner has an allergy to common foods can be a difficult thing to accept. Especially if it is an item that has been incorporated into your diet for a long time, which makes early discovery absolutely essential. Adjusting to a new way of eating can take time, patience, and communication, but is vitally important for the sustainability of your relationship with your partner, especially if the allergy is potentially life-threatening.

What happens next?

Rarely, both people in the relationship will have the same trigger foods (3), which makes the elimination process far simpler and less stressful for the parties involved. In most situations, however, measures will have to be taken from a non-sufferer to protect the allergy sufferer in the relationship, but all hope is not lost! If the allergy is non-life threatening, there are a number of measures you can take in the home to keep the trigger foods away from the sufferer without losing the joy of enjoying that food yourself, such as:

  • Store trigger foods separately from all other foods.
  • Never cross-contaminate utensils preparing trigger foods when also preparing other foods.
  • Refrain from physical contact (kissing, touching etc.) with the allergy sufferer after the trigger food is consumed by a non-sufferer.

Get tested and live happier

It is always important to consider the needs of the sufferer when making a decision on whether to continue purchasing the trigger food, as well as how possible it is to avoid cross-contamination in order to protect your loved one from the allergen. Getting a Lifelab Test kit is the quickest way to learn what your body can and can’t tolerate. Living with allergies doesn’t need to put the end to your Valentine’s Day plans, so get tested and enjoy your day.

References

  1. https://www.ecarf.org/en/relationships-and-food-allergies/
  2. https://www.gq.com/story/food-allergies-dating
  3. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/allergies-romance

The Difference Between Hay Fever and Covid

Posted on by Kate Young

A few years ago, a sore throat, sudden loss of smell or wheezy cough might not have worried you. But as scientists continue to discover potential symptoms of coronavirus, the smallest sensation can now cause serious anxiety – and this could get even worse with hay fever season fast approaching.

From headaches to fatigue, there is a considerable overlap between the symptoms of hay fever and COVID-19. If you’ve noticed unusual symptoms but have received a negative covid test, hay fever testing could be the best way forward.  

In this blog post, we’ll share some key hay fever symptoms and explain how our complete body test could help you tell the difference between hay fever and COVID-19, and take control of your health.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

We’re probably all familiar with the typical hay fever symptoms: a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. But did you know there are a number of other hay fever symptoms that you may have overlooked? According to the NHS, these include:

  • Loss of smell
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Blocked nose
  • Itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears

Several of these have also been identified as potential covid symptoms, so it’s important to get a reliable covid test first. But once that’s been ruled out, you may be wondering whether pollen is to blame for your discomfort.

How does hay fever testing work?

At Lifelab, our complete body allergy test will test for 40 different allergies. And it’s not just food and drink allergies we can identify. By testing a small sample of your blood, we can test for pollen-related antibodies that could indicate you have hay fever – i.e. an allergy to pollen.

If your symptoms are noticeably worse around certain plants, such as cut grass or crops in a field, you may already suspect that you have hay fever

Hay fever season is typically between late March and September as this is when the pollen count is highest. However, some people experience symptoms all year-round, so don’t wait until September for the sneezing to go away!

With a reliable hay fever test, you can get to the bottom of the problem and start managing your symptoms as soon as possible.

Order your complete body test today

With Lifelab Testing, you can find out whether you’re suffering from hay fever once and for all. Order your complete body test online to get fast and reliable answers from the comfort of your own home.

Covid-19 or Allergies: How can I distinguish the symptoms?

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

During this challenging time, with every sneeze, cough or tickle in the throat, many people wonder: Do I have COVID-19 or allergies? This could be a tricky question since most of those symptoms are also associated with seasonal flu. If this was not enough, millions of allergy sufferers around the world are finding this question tricky to answer, causing them to unnecessary self-isolate and constant worries: COVID-19 or allergies?

Today, we are here to shine some light on the recent findings to help you distinguish the symptoms between COVID-19 and allergies. If you think that you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please call your local NHS practice and get tested for COVID-19 first.

Allergies can occur seasonally or be present year-long including mild to severe symptoms. Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to pollen, dust, mould, pet dander to mention some and are not contagious.

Common allergies symptoms include:

Sneezing, running nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or ears, mild fatigue, and mild sore throat.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness spread through droplets via coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. Symptoms typically start between 2-14 days after exposure and they can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, intense fatigue, body aches, loss of smell.

How to distinguish between the two: Checklist for COVID 19 or Allergies
  • Allergies symptoms tend to be long-lasting than viral symptoms and can be treated with allergy medications

  • Itchiness is normally a clear symptom of allergy while is not a symptom of viral infection

  • Fever is not a symptom of allergy, but is a common symptom of people with COVID-19

  • Constant sneezing is associated with allergy symptoms.

To help you check the symptoms we are summarising the symptoms for COVID-19 and allergies in the table below so you could check your symptoms and help determine what health issue you may be suffering from. On our website, we have allergy and intolerance tests available that can help you to determine the cause of your symptoms. Please stay alert and keep safe, together we will get through that.

Symptoms Allergies COVID-19
Body aches Rare Positive
Chills No Positive
Fever No Positive
Headache Sometimes Sometimes
Nasal Congestion Positive Rare
Running nose Positive Rare
Sneezing Positive Rare
Itchy/watery eyes Positive No
Dry cough Sometimes Positive
Shortness of breath Sometimes Positive
Wheezing Sometimes Rare
Loss of smell Mild Positive
Sore Throat Sometimes Sometimes
Nausea, vomiting No Sometimes

Five ways an allergy test will change your life

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

As Francis Bacon once said, “Knowledge is power.” and an allergy test can give you the power to change your life. Once you’re aware of the allergies you suffer from and the effects they’re having on your body and life, you can take the steps necessary towards a healthier lifestyle.

There are many ways allergy testing can change your life; below are five we’ve identified.

1. You can finally enjoy social events

Allergies can hurt your ability to enjoy your social time. Meals can be riddled with ingredients that upset your stomach, going for a coffee can leave you feeling anxious, and bar snacks can leave you struggling for breath. Allergy testing can help you avoid foods that cause these and many other symptoms, empowering you to get the most out of time with friends.

2. Improved workout performance

Allergies can encourage any number of symptoms that impair athletic performance. In some cases, the symptoms, combined with exercise, can be life-threatening. An allergy test can help you identify foods and substances that leave you puffing for breath, long before your muscles feel fatigued, or cutting your workout short to make an unexpected trip to the nearest bathroom. In turn, exercise can help manage the symptoms of an allergy.

man running on treadmill

3. Improved cognitive function

Brain fog leaves you unable to focus on even the simplest of tasks and certainly far short of being able to deliver your best work. Allergies can cause inflammation which affects sleep patterns leaving you in a state of sleepy wakefulness. This can have a real impact on your working and social life as essential tasks can take twice as long. Allergy testing can help identify potential causing factors that you can eliminate from your diet or life, helping clear your mind and allow you to focus entirely on the tasks at hand.

4. Improved mood

Studies have found that allergies can have mental effects as well as physical. Allergy induced fatigue can lead to depression and anxiety as sufferers struggle to get quality sleep. Depression has been shown to be twice as common amongst allergy sufferers than the general population. Identifying the culprit using allergy testing can help combat depression and lift your mood.

5. Improved sleep quality

There are a significant number of effectors on sleep and eliminating them one by one will lead to enhanced rest. Amongst the things that can have an impact on sleep is an allergy. Sleep is the time your brain uses to recuperate and restore damaged cells. To do this, your brain requires a steady flow of oxygen which can be in short supply when an allergic reaction inflames nasal passages. 

 To begin your life-changing journey, you can take one of our allergy tests today to eliminate your culprit.

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.