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There are a lot of factors that go into your health profile.  Unless you’re a dietician or nutritionist (or perhaps a doctor), the odds are that you aren’t aware of all of them.  Why not get a little support through proper testing to help guide you?  Food sensitivity and intolerance testing could be what you need.

What are food sensitivity and intolerance tests detecting?

Food sensitivity is when your body is sensitive to something that you eat.  Just like you might have sensitive skin, your body doesn’t enjoy eating a certain food.  Food intolerance is when your body is not equipped to digest something you’ve eaten (gluten and lactose intolerance are two of the most common examples of this).

Both dietary sensitivities are allergies, which is when your immune system attacks a food it determines as a threat.  But, even though they aren’t “as serious” as an allergy, food sensitivities and intolerances will still create problems for your day-to-day life!

What factors go into the pricing of the test?

If you’ve done some research, you may find that the prices seem to be all over the board regarding the test details, the time frame, what it includes, and just the number value.  How are you supposed to figure it out?  Here are some helpful tips to show why those prices vary so much.

  • How many foods are being tested: Some will offer under 100 foods in their basic test.  Others will offer 300+. The price will differ based on how many food ingredients are being tested.  You’ll want to go with tests that offer the most testing since you’re getting the test done anyway.
  • How many non-foods are tested: Some food sensitivity intolerance tests simply focus literally just on food ingredients.  Very few will include non-foods, too, to help you get a full health profile.  This is great if you are sensitive to your dish soap rather than something you’re eating.
  • How many people are tested: Some tests will offer single testing for one person; others can be coupled packs or even family packs.  The number of people being tested will often cause the price to skyrocket.  However, keep an eye on those combination packs, because sometimes they will offer discounts since you are buying a package for everyone in your household.  It can be worth your while!
  • Added services such as nutritionist consultation and guides: Some food Intolerance companies offer the test and the results.  Straight-forward and simple.  Others will include information such as a guide on how to adapt your diet to avoid those “problem” foods and non-foods, helpful consultations, advice from dieticians who will be happy to look at your profile and help you adjust your habits, and so on.  At this point, choosing the right package and adding extras would be a personal decision.

What’s the actual cost of a food intolerance test?

As you can expect, it will fluctuate a little bit depending on where you turn for help and support.  When it comes to lab tests done in person with a full panel (like an allergist), you can expect to pay between $400-$500. That’s a pretty large amount.  If you’re on a budget or taking the “I’ll be fine” route, you might be tempted to skip it altogether.

Getting a food intolerance test is really important for your short-term and long-term health.  

Firstly, at-home tests will always be more affordable because you are paying for the test and not the time and expertise of the specialist giving you the test.  You’ll find prices ranging from $50-$150, depending on which one you choose.  If you are really serious about making it work for your budget, don’t be afraid to do some coupon searching!

For instance, you can now find various Intolerance Lab test discount options stretching from a sale price for a couple’s test, or even something tempting like free shipping on your at-home test.  Plus, at-home tests will always be more cost-effective and less stressful than going to a clinic or a lab to get it done, so that’s another perk!

How do food sensitivity and intolerance tests work?

Food sensitivity and intolerance tests are typically done through a blood test or a skin prick test. The blood test is usually done by taking a small sample of blood, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. The skin prick test is done by placing a small amount of the food in question on the skin and then pricking the skin with a needle to see if there is a reaction.

Both tests work by measuring the body’s immune response to certain foods. If there is a reaction, it indicates that the person may have a sensitivity or intolerance to that food. However, it’s important to note that these tests can only indicate a potential sensitivity or intolerance and should be followed up with a medical professional for further evaluation and diagnosis.

Why are food sensitivity and intolerance tests important?

Food sensitivity and intolerance tests can be beneficial for people who are experiencing symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues. These tests can help identify the specific foods that may be causing these symptoms, allowing the person to make dietary changes and improve their overall health.

Additionally, food sensitivity and intolerance tests can also be helpful for people who have chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or autoimmune disorders. Identifying and avoiding certain foods can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

In conclusion

Food sensitivity and intolerance tests can provide valuable insights into the foods that may be causing symptoms and impacting overall health. By identifying and avoiding certain foods, individuals can improve their symptoms and overall well-being. While the cost and type of test can vary, it’s important to do research and consider whether the test is covered by insurance before making a decision. Additionally, by utilizing discounts and coupons, you can make the test more affordable and easily understand your dietary sensitivities and intolerances.