Your body is constantly changing.
Some are evolutionary changes, and some are influenced by factors such as
lifestyle, environmental and even more.
Lifestyle is one of the biggest factors,
and keeping yourself active is a large part of helping your body to change for
the better; it is well known that a moderate fitness regime and a well-balanced
diet are associated with positive body changes.
It is these factors which makes
food intolerance testing so important as it won’t always be new foods that are
causing you troublesome issues with your body, it can sometimes be foods that
you are eating sporadically which could
be causing you food intolerance symptoms.
Using an Intolerance test is the
easy way to check quickly how your body is responding to particular foods or allergens.
A food intolerance test is likely to tell you which foods are causing you
symptoms of a food intolerance.
If you can stop yourself
suffering a reaction or putting yourself at risk of harm, why wouldn’t you?
Intolerance symptoms tends
to happen up to 72 hours after you have eaten the offending food. Not knowing
where they are coming from makes food intolerance testing so important and
essential to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes you might be exposed to a potential
intolerance if your body is not used to new foods and isn’t able to adapt.
How to pick an Intolerance Test?
The most common test for the detection of food reaction is a blood test, like the ones offered by Lifelab Testing. Nowadays there are multiple home tests available to help you get your results as fast as possible and allow you to act promptly.
Here at Lifelab Testing we are offering
blood intolerance test, using well-known ELISA technology. Our intolerant test offering
allows the possibility to investigate those delayed reactions that could be
caused by the prolonged consumption of particular food, with the manifestation
of intolerance symptoms. In fact, the possibility to test the presence of IgG4 antibodies
using our intolerance test could help you and your GP to understand
those delayed reactions further and get you back to a healthy version of
yourself. Although IgG antibodies are not recognised by scientific boards for
the investigation of Intolerances, there are scientific studies showing the use
of an IgG elimination diet as a possible solution to manage some of the
symptoms associated with IBS and migraines (1,2).
Armed with all the tools you need to understand your body, try an intolerance test today, to start your journey to find a better, healthier version of yourself.
Atkinson, Sheldon, Shaath, et al (2003) – Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial
Introduction – A total of 150 outpatients with IBS were randomised to receive, for three months, either a diet excluding all foods to which they had raised IgG antibodies (enzyme linked immunosorbant assay test) or a sham diet excluding the same number of foods but not those to which they had antibodies.
Summary – A clinically significant improvement in IBS symptomatology was observed in patients eliminating foods to which they were found to exhibit sensitivity, as identified by an ELISA test for the presence of IgG antibodies to these foods.
Lewis et al., (2012) – Eliminating Immunologically-Reactive Foods from the Diet and its Effect on Body Composition and Quality of Life in Overweight Persons
Introduction – 120 subjects over the age of 18 took part in a study, involving elimination of their IgG reactive foods for 90 days.
Summary – Those who eliminated their IgG reactive foods from their diet experienced reductions in weight, BMI, waist & hip circumference. Subjects also saw improvements in all quality of life measures after 90 days.
Dixon HS. (2000) – Treatment of delayed food reactions based on specific immunoglobulin G testing
Introduction – Conducted by Hamilton Dixon MD in 2000, this study focused on patients that had a history of suffering from a variety of symptoms, including Fatigue (and fatigue after meals, Diarrhoea, Migraines and Itchy Skin. All patients had been unable to find the route of their problem/s using conventional methods.
Summary – 114 patients in total were tested for food sensitivities using a food specific IgG antibody test. Of the 114 initial subjects, 80 completed the study by following an elimination diet based on their IgG reactive foods. Upon elimination of reactive foods, subjects showed significant improvements in their previously reported symptoms. In subjects who reported having symptoms, the following improvements were observed, 71% of subjects realised a 75% or greater improvement in their condition/s, half of the study group realised 90% or more relief from their symptoms and perhaps most importantly, the 15 patients that did NOT eliminate their reactive foods, experienced no relief in their symptoms.
Zar, S. e.a. (2005) – Food-Specific serum IgG4 and IgE titels to common food antigens in irritable bowel syndrome.
Introduction – Food hypersensitivity is a common perception among irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Data from dietary elimination and food challenge studies support an etiopathological role of diet in IBS, but there are no well-established tests to identify food hypersensitivity. The aim is to compare IgG4 and IgE titers to common food antigens in IBS and controls.
Summary – IBS had significantly higher IgG4 titers (µg/L) to wheat (395 IQR ± 1,011 vs 0 IQR ± 285, p < 0.001), beef (1,079 IQR ± 930 vs 617 IQR ± 435, p < 0.001), pork (481 IQR ± 379 vs 258 IQR ± 496, p < 0.001), and lamb (241 IQR ± 460 vs 167 IQR ± 232, p = 0.009) compared to controls. These differences were maintained across all three subgroups. The antibody titers to potatoes, rice, fish, chicken, yeast, tomato, and shrimps were not significantly different. No significant difference in IgE titers was observed between IBS and controls. SPT was positive for only a single antigen in 5 of 56 patients tested with the same panel of foods. No correlation was seen between the pattern of elevated IgG4 antibody titers and patients’ symptoms.
Serum IgG4 antibodies to common foods like wheat, beef, pork, and lamb are elevated in IBS patients. In keeping with the observation in other atopic conditions, this finding suggests the possibility of a similar pathophysiological role for IgG4 antibodies in IBS.
Bentz et al. (2010) – Clinical relevance of IgG antibodies against food antigens in Crohn’s disease: a double-blind cross-over diet intervention study
Introduction – In this pilot study, 79 Crohn’s Disease patients and 20 healthy controls were examined for food specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). Thereafter, the clinical relevance of these food IgG antibodies was assessed in a double-blind cross-over study with 40 patients. Based on the IgG antibodies, a nutritional intervention was planned.
Summary – A nutritional intervention based on circulating IgG antibodies against food antigens showed effects with respect to stool frequency. Significant improvement in Crohn’s disease sufferers who followed diet removing food they showed sensitivity to (food sensitivity highlighted though IgG test). A clinically significant improvement in IBD symptoms was observed in patients eliminating foods to which they were found to exhibit sensitivity.
Bentz, S., Hausmann, M., Piberger, H., Kellermeier, S., Paul, S., Held, L., Falk, W., Obermeier, F., Fried, M., Schölmerich, J. and Rogler, G., 2010. Clinical relevance of IgG antibodies against food antigens in Crohn’s disease: a double-blind cross-over diet intervention study. Digestion, 81(4), pp.252-264.
Virdee et al., (2015) – Food-specific IgG Antibody—guided Elimination Diets Followed by Resolution of Asthma Symptoms and Reduction in Pharmacological Interventions in Two Patients: A Case Report:
Introduction – A pilot study looked at two case studies of individuals with Asthma. The two subjects were put on an elimination diet after taking an IgG food intolerance test.
Summary – Both patients demonstrated substantial relief in symptoms of Asthma after following a IgG antibody guided elimination diet.
Rees et al. (2005) – A prospective audit of food intolerance among migraine patients in primary care clinical practice
Introduction – This prospective audit was set up to investigate whether migraine sufferers have evidence of IgG-based food intolerances and whether their condition can be improved by the withdrawal from the diet of specific foods identified by intolerance testing. Migraine patients were recruited from primary care practices and a blood sample was taken. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were conducted on the blood samples to detect food-specific IgG in the serum. Patients identified with food intolerances were encouraged to alter their diets to eliminate appropriate foods and were followed up for a 2-month period
Summary – This investigation demonstrated that food intolerances mediated via IgG may be associated with migraine and that changing the diet to eradicate specific foods may be a potentially effective treatment for migraine. Elimination of food that caused high IgG response lead to 30% of subjects reporting benefit to migraine symptoms after 1 month and 40% after 2 months. 60% subjects who reintroduced their reactive foods suffered onset of migraine symptoms.
Lee and Lee (2017) – Alterations of Food-specific Serum IgG4 Titers to Common Food Antigens in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Introduction – 32 Patients diagnosed with IBS and 32 health controls were tested using and IgG antibody test.
Summary – Patient with IBS had significantly higher IgG antibody reactions than the control group.
Serum antibody levels to common foods are abnormally elevated in IBS
patients.
There are a lot of dairy alternatives on the market if you’re looking to avoid cow’s milk: Soya, Almond, Cashew, Hazelnut, Hemp, Pea to mention a few. People with cow’s milk intolerances or people who are vegan rely on them for their replacing their consumption of milk and dairy products. Thankfully, those new dairy alternatives are now very common and you can find easily in the every supermarket, but we have one you won’t have heard of: Donkey milk! That’s’ right, you heard us, donkey’s milk has a combination of health benefits and due to the similarity to human milk in structure, can be used as cow’s milk dairy alternative for people with Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).
Donkey’s milk has been around since the Egyptian era. It is reported that the Queen Cleopatra was bathing in donkey’s milk to keep her skin beautiful and soft! Imagine what it’s doing for your insides…
Dairy Alternatives
This milk has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumoral, antiproliferative and antidiabetic activity. In addition, it stimulates the immune system, regulates the gastrointestinal flora, and prevents inflammatory diseases.
Several types of milk (goat, dromedary, donkey, and horse) are known to have lower allergenicity than cow milk, and it has been suggested that differences in nitrogen distribution and digestibility of milk proteins play an important role in determining the allergenic capacity of milk(1).
The amount of Donkey’s milk components, such as whey protein, lactose, and caseins, are similar to that of human milk, although they differ significantly compared to cow, goat, and camel milk(2). For this reason, it can be used for people with CMPA, whilst it is not recommended for people that are lactose intolerant due to the higher concentration of lactose that could accentuate symptoms as bloating and digestive problems. Several studies have revealed that donkey’s milk is an adequate alternative to children suffering from CMPA(3), due to its low composition of caseins, which constitute the main allergenic components of milk. Sarti et al. (2019)(3)have shown that DM has no negative influence on infants and children and have assessed its ability to manage the ‘Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome’ (FPIES) caused by cow’s milk.
Donkeys are great storytellers; they always have the best tales!
Several scientific studies showed that donkey’s milk has an anti-bacterial property against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria such as: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogene, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Shigella dysenteria, and against some yeasts(2). A study comparing the donkey’s milk, cow milk and donkey’s milk powder in terms of antioxidant activity has shown that DM has a higher antioxidant capacity than cow milk. It has a high ability to remove anionic superoxide radicals and to eliminate hydroxyl radicals, which are free radicals generated by body metabolism(4). Anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic effects were also reported in literature(3,5).
Other positive effects were also observed in the skin care showing that the retinol present in donkey’s milk gives your skin a youthful appearance. A rich source of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, the milk has skin therapeutic properties that are incredibly beneficial for the skin. Regular applications can help you with luminous youthful skin.
So, after all that, Queen Cleopatra was right! If you would like to boost your immunity, switch to dairy alternatives and get all the benefits reported in this article you need to start drinking like an Egyptian!
Here at Lifelab Testing we are providing you with all the useful information and scientific advancement in the field of allergies and intolerances. Hope you enjoyed that reading and please keep an eye on our website for news and updates.
References:
Fantuz, F.; Salimei, E.; Papademas, P. Macro- and micronutrients in non-cow milk and products and their impact on human health. In Non-Bovine Milk and Milk Products, 1st ed.; Tsakalidou, E., Papadimitriou, K., Eds.; Elsevier Academic Press: London, UK, 2016; pp. 209–261.
Vincenzetti, S.; Pucciarelli, S.; Polzonetti, V.; Polidori, P. Role of proteins and of some bioactive peptides on the nutritional quality of donkey milk and their impact on human health. Beverages 2017, 3, 34.
Sarti, L.; Martini, M.; Brajon, G.; Barni, S.; Salari, F.; Altomonte, I.; Ragona, G.; Mori, F.; Pucci, N.; Muscas, G.; et al. Donkey’s Milk in the Management of Children with Cow’s Milk protein allergy: Nutritional and hygienic aspects. Ital. J. Pediatrics 2019, 45, 102.
Li, L.; Liu, X.; Guo, H. The nutritional ingredients and antioxidant activity of donkey milk and donkey milk powder. Food Sci. Biotechnol. 2017, 27, 393–400.
Simos, Y.; Metsios, A.; Verginadis, I.; D’Alessandro, A.-G.; Loiudice, P.; Jirillo, E.; Charalampidis, P.; Kouimanis, V.; Boulaka, A.; Martemucci, G.; et al. Antioxidant and anti-platelet properties of milk from goat, donkey and cow: An In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo study. Int. Dairy J. 2011, 21, 901–906.
Allergies are when the body experiences a harmful reaction to something that would not usually be considered harmful. Common allergens include fish, nuts, wheat and pollen. Do you have an allergy?
A pollen allergy is often known as hay fever. Sometimes, the body will react to either food, animals including dogs and cats, and pollen.
Which cities are the most common?
Allergies are extremely common and affect more than one in four people in the UK. Which city has the highest amount of people suffering from allergies?
A nationwide study reported in the Daily Express identified that the allergy capital of the UK is Liverpool, with a whopping four in five of the North West city’s residents claiming to suffer from some sort of animal, food or pollen allergy. The national average is considered to be around 60 per cent! Wow!
Interesting facts about pollen allergy
The report itself found that Norwich was at number two on the cities of people suffering from allergies. Apparently, 72 per cent of those living there suffer from an allergy, whilst Plymouth came in at number three. Do you live in any of these cities? If so, an allergy test could certainly be what you need!
TOP TEN MOST ALLERGIC UK CITIES
As listed in the Daily Express
Liverpool (80 per cent)
Norwich (72 per cent)
Plymouth (71 per cent)
Sheffield (70 per cent)
Oxford (67 per cent)
London (66 per cent)
Birmingham (63 per cent)
Cardiff (61 per cent)
Leeds (60 per cent)
Bristol (59 per cent)
The study adds to the evidence that the UK is in the throes of an allergy epidemic. Allergies and intolerances are on the rise and without spreading awareness, people will not be able to manage their symptoms. Identifying what symptoms are being caused is a key factor in coping with allergies.
What are the top symptoms of allergies?
When it comes to symptoms of allergies, the Express report that the number of people suffering from these symptoms was this: Sneezing (66 per cent), runny nose (60 per cent) and watering eyes (56 per cent) were the most prevalent problems.
Two-thirds say they don’t get enough sympathy and 90 per cent believe there should be more research into the science of the problem. Allergy UK reports that more than 44 per cent of the UK now suffers from an allergy.
Allergy testing and how it can help you with hay fever in the summer
Symptoms of hay fever include:
sneezing and coughing
a runny or blocked nose
itchy, red or watery eyes
itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
loss of smell
pain around your temples and forehead
headache
earache
feeling tired
You should look out for these symptoms and if you are suffering from any of these, there could be something underlying at play which you will need to get checked out.
According to the NHS, hay fever will last for weeks or months, particularly when the pollen levels are incredibly high.
If you are not sure what could be causing your symptoms, Lifelab Testing can definitely help.
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 withLifelab 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.
For more information on allergy testing and finding out about the way people share their experiences with allergy testing, check out www.lifelabtesting.com.
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!
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?
Anaphylaxisitself 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.
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.
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!
“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.
“Pollen
is the most commonly known of the seasonal allergens and it is responsible for
hay fever – however there are three different types of pollen to be aware of;
tree, grass and weed, each of which is prevalent at different times of the
year.
“February to June is peak time for tree pollen, whilst grass pollen is usually found between May and July, and weed pollen between June and September. During these times, you will expect to experience symptoms outdoors, however there are a number of ways to prevent the pollen from affecting you indoors, too, including: drying any washing inside, keeping windows and doors closed, taking a shower and changing clothes after having been outside, and brushing or bathing any dogs after a walk.
“People who suffer from an allergy to any pollens should also be aware of Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), which manifests as reactions to certain foods, in the form of tingling and itching in the mouth, throat and lips. The foods wihch are most likely to cause this include specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and spices, whose protein structure is similar to that of each pollen.
“An example
of this would be a person with a birch allergy experiencing symptoms after
eating apples, plums, kiwis, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflowers
seeds, oregano, basil or dill, all of which have a similar structure to birch. Such a reaction only usually occurs after ingesting raw
varieties of fruits and vegetables. A person may also experience reactions to
certain items but not others. ”
Mould
“A mould allergy can cause very similar symptoms to that of hay fever, including itchy eyes or throat, watering or red eyes, sneezing, and/or a blocked or runny nose. It can also trigger asthma, should the mould spores reach the lungs.
“When
the mould grows and spreads, it produces spores, which travel through the air
and can cause reactions. These moulds can be found both outdoors, on fallen
leaves, on rotting logs, in compost piles and on dead plants, and in damp spots
indoors.”
“With mould, year-round reactions can occur, however, others are seasonal, including Cladosporium, which is most prevalent between June and August, Alternaria, which can be found between July and September, and both Aspergillus and Penicillium between October and March.
“To avoid
reactions from mould, reduce damp in the home by improving airflow through
rooms, using an extraction fan, cleaning windows to remove mildew, keeping
bathroom tiles and utilities clean, not leaving damp clothing around, repairing
leaks and investing in a dehumidifier. When
working in the garden, consider wearing a mask, particularly when mowing the
lawn, removing any leaves or digging around plants.
“Any allergy symptoms can be further reduced by limiting the consumption of histamine-rich foods when symptoms are severe – these foods tend to be those which are fermented and aged, including alcohol, matured cheeses, smoked meats, ready meals and products containing yeast. Keeping hydrated can also minimise the symptoms of allergies.”
Information on allergies
For more information on allergies and intolerances, including dealing with hay fever or pollen intolerance then check out www.lifelabtesting.com in order to find out more. Remember, once you have purchased a test, you can also purchase sessions with our Nutritional Therapists who will be delighted to assist you with understanding your reports and walking you through your results!
