How a food sensitivity test can help IBS sufferers

Last Updated: 12th January 2023 · Written by Donna Mastriani

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. There’s no known cure for the condition, but there are a variety of ways we can manage it. Interestingly enough, recent research has found that food sensitivity testing can help IBS sufferers manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Here’s how a food sensitivity test can help those living with IBS;

Identify problem foods

The first and most obvious way that food sensitivity testing can help people with IBS is because it identifies problem foods. Those sneaky ingredients which are likely to be causing flare-ups, worsen symptoms and are ultimately making your life miserable. Instead of having symptoms constantly surprise you, you’ll be well aware of which foods your stomach doesn’t agree with and which it does.

Reduce symptoms

Secondly, you’ll be able to reduce your IBS symptoms. Research has shown that following an elimination diet guided by a food sensitivity test can significantly reduce IBS symptoms. A 2018 study compared two groups of people with IBS follow either an IgG test informed elimination diet or a ‘sham’ diet with randomly selected food items. The group who followed the IgG guided diet reported a marked improvement in IBS symptoms.

Potentially overcome intolerances

Because food sensitivities come and go throughout your life – unlike allergies – removing a problem food for a while and then later reintroducing it may result in the intolerance disappearing. While this isn’t always the case, it’s comforting to know that there’s a chance your intolerances may go away with time.

The more we research into IBS and food sensitivities the more solid the case becomes for food intolerance testing. It looks like IBS can be made much easier to deal with through food sensitivity testing. Why wouldn’t you go ahead and learn which foods are causing you havoc?