Food Allergy Testing &

Treatment

Understand the difference between allergies and sensitivities, then test and treat

the root cause.

What is it?

Sometimes the words allergies and sensitivities are used interchangeably, which causes a lot of confusion. Both occur because your immune system mistakenly identifies the protein in a particular food as a threat and attacks it, but each refers to a very different immune response, with very different symptoms and testing and treatment options. We help you understand the difference and begin your path to wellness.

Food allergies

A food allergy is an immediate hypersensitivity response to eating, or being exposed to, a particular food. Symptoms appear quickly, within seconds to an hour, and are often obvious: hives, sneezing, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Shellfish and peanuts are among the most common and most dangerous. This type of reaction is typically identified through an IgE blood test, and because it is so immediate, people often discover these early in life and learn to avoid them.

Food sensitivities

Food sensitivities, or intolerances, occur when particular foods cause irritation and inflammation at a delayed rate. You may not notice symptoms until days after eating the food, which makes the cause much harder to pin down. Targeted testing helps identify these hidden triggers so you can address the inflammation at its source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

A food allergy is an immediate immune response, with symptoms like hives or breathing trouble within seconds to an hour. A food sensitivity is a delayed reaction that can take days to appear, which makes it harder to trace without testing.

How are allergies and sensitivities tested?

Immediate food allergies are typically identified through an IgE blood test, while delayed sensitivities are pinpointed with targeted testing so you can address the underlying inflammation.

Can you help treat the root cause, not just the symptoms?

Yes. Our Downtown Vancouver practitioners focus on identifying your specific triggers and building a plan to address the inflammation at its source, rather than only managing symptoms.

Ready to heal?

Book an appointment online with one of our specialized practitioners at our Vancouver clinic.

inspire the healing

within...

A multidisciplinary holistic health clinic on Seymour Street, offering coordinated, root-cause care seven days a week. Direct billing available for most extended health plans.