What To Know About Food Sensitivity and Allergy Tests
Food sensitivity & allergy tests are available for home use today. Read about DIY food sensitivity & allergy tests available in 2021.
Effects of allergic reactions go beyond sneezes and sniffles. Food sensitivity and other types of allergies cause shortness of breath, rashes and hosts of other problems. When an allergic reaction kicks in it is important to have the ability to understand its source as quickly as possible. What types of food sensitivity and allergy tests can be done at home? How do home-based food sensitivity/allergy test kits work?
Researching and comparing prices on the top-rated food sensitivity kits to buy right now helps find the right allergy test product for you. What are the average costs for allergy tests and food sensitivity kits today? Read ahead to learn what you need to know about food sensitivity and allergy tests available in 2021.
Food Sensitivities & Allergies 101
An important distinction exists between food sensitives and allergies. Another important distinction also exists between food sensitivity and food intolerance. Understanding the differences between these three issues help you understand your experiences/reactions and also how to use a DIY allergy test kit properly.
Food Intolerance
Most people in the U.S. have heard of lactose intolerance, or the inability to process/digest dairy products. Lactose intolerance is considered the most common food intolerance today but it is not considered a serious disease. A food intolerance is essentially the inability to fully or easily process/digest specific types of foods. Intolerance is not labeled as a disease although the symptoms are occasionally painful and inconvenient.
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities are more serious than intolerances but are still not considered life-threatening. A food sensitivity results in your immune system reacting adversely when exposed to certain foods. Food sensitivity symptoms include stomach/joint pain, confusion, exhaustion/fatigue and rashes. While disruptive and distracting, food sensitivities are (again) neither considered diseases nor a threat to a person’s life.
Food Allergies & Allergic Reactions
A legitimate allergic reaction often involves significantly more issues and risks than food intolerances/sensitivities. An allergic reaction can be described as an exaggerated biological/physiological response in the immune system to what would otherwise seem to be a benign substance. Allergic reactions range in severity from mild through extreme to potentially deadly depending on several factors. Food allergies are particularly threatening because the allergen is absorbed into the stomach and blood stream, making it impossible to simply eliminate. Allergic reactions to food and other allergens have potential to cause asthma attacks, shortness of breath, low/high blood pressure, muscle spasms, cramps, seizures and a host of other high-risk complications.
Types of DIY Allergy Test Kits Available Online
Allergy kits for home use come in a variety of testing types. It is perhaps useful to first think of these kit types in terms of how the tests are conducted. Most kits collect sample data though one of the following methods:
- Finger prick (blood sample).
- Saliva swab.
- Cheek swab.
- Breath test.
DIY allergy & sensitivity kits are also categorized based on the types of allergens they are detecting. Certain kits test for allergies/sensitivities to food groups and specific foods within each group. Some kits test for allergies to dust, dander or pollen. Other kits, such as those sold by Sylvane, are designed to test the condition and quality of your indoor air supply. These types of DIY kits test for fiberglass issues, mold, formaldehyde, lead, toxic vapors and more.
Average costs for DIY food sensitivity and allergy test kits vary based on product quality and type of allergen targeted. Some limited kits cost approximately $50. Other kits cost hundreds of dollars. Some of the more expensive kits also include lab fees in the purchase price, however.
Top-Rated Food Sensitivity & Allergy Test Kits to Buy Right Now
What DIY food sensitivity and allergy test kits are the most accurate? Which kits are the best quality for the price? Three of the best top-rated food sensitivities and/or allergy test kits to buy right now are:
1. TestMyAllergy
The DIY home blood test by TestMyAllergy is widely considered the best test kit on the market today. Priced at $149 when purchased directly on the TestMyAllergy website, this kit tests both allergies and intolerances for individuals, couples and families. The $149 price point is for individuals and tiers up accordingly for couples ($279) and families ($533). The TestMyAllergy combined allergy & tolerance kit tests for seventy possible allergens by searching for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This method, which is referred to as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), analyzes blood to obtain its results. Once you mail your blood sample to the lab, results are then emailed back to you in PDF form along with a thorough description of all issues discovered.
2. EverlyWell
EverlyWell food sensitivity tests cost approximately $160 and search for intolerances to ninety-six food items. Screening for food allergies is not included with this kit, which is designed primarily to help create an elimination diet. The EverlyWell DIY food sensitivity testing kit uses a finger prick blood sample method to collect its data. Blood is screened for IgG antibodies pursuant to each tested food item. This affordable kit is an excellent choice for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or migraine headaches who need to eliminate specific foods from their diets to improve their health and quality of life.
3. Prime 110 Allergy Test
The Prime 110 Allergy Test is a top-rated DIY test kit designed to screen for 110 potential allergens. Similar to the TestMyAllergy kit, the Prime 110 Allergy Test uses the proven ELISA method to screen blood for IgG/IgE antibodies. This effective DIY kit is priced at approximately $235/kit, which is slightly more expensive than some kits because it screens for a higher number of allergens. After placing your order the kit arrives at your home in approximately ten days. Once you send your blood sample to the lab your results are emailed to you in PDF form along with extensive explanations about what was discovered.
