Allergies and food intolerance tests (The Sunday Times, 11 June 2006)

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Q. Despite avoiding salty and processed foods and following a healthy, organic diet, I swell up like a balloon as the day goes on, and can be 7lb heavier at bedtime than in the morning. My GP thinks I may have a food allergy and feels it would be worth paying for a private blood test to identify the culprits. Can you tell me where I can be screened?




A. Your GP is probably correct, as an intolerance or allergy to a food can certainly cause oedema (swelling), with the telltale symptoms of a puffy face and swollen abdomen, arms, fingers and ankles.

Individual Wellbeing Diagnostic Laboratories (IWDL) offers an extensive range of tests, including the food allergen cellular test (Factest), which assesses the body’s responses to food by measuring the chemical changes that happen in the immune system when an intolerance or allergic reaction occurs.

The most comprehensive covers 230 foods and involves a simple blood test that can be carried out at your GP’s surgery or one of IWDL’s clinics. Factest is available at the special price of £220 for Sunday Times readers (020 8336 7754, www.iwdl.net). In addition to the results, you will receive a blood-group analysis, a four-day rotation eating plan and an interpretation guide. IWDL can also put you in touch with a qualified nutritionist or naturopath in your area.

For home-testing, try the Yorktest Foodscan method, which tests for food intolerances using a sample of blood taken from a finger prick (£250 to test for 113 foods; 0800 074 6185). The price includes a results package advising you about foods to avoid. You will also receive a 30-minute consultation with a trained expert in nutritional care, and a follow-up call.

You may be interested in reading The Food Intolerance Bible by Antony Haynes and Antoinette Savill (Thorsons £14.99) and Hidden Food Allergies by Patrick Holford and Dr James Braly (Piatkus £7.99).






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