Should I do an elimination diet or do an allergy blood test?

In dealing with inflammatory and irritable bowel diseases, elimination diets and IgG food testing are an important tool in crafting a treatment plan. In this post, Jonah Lusis, ND discusses what they are, and which is preferred.

I suspect my diet may be contributing to my digestive symptoms. Should I do an elimination diet or do an allergy blood test?

You can do either.

The strength of an elimnation diet is that it is a “bottom line” evaluation, asessing whether or not a food causes you to feel unwell regardless of whether the cause is immune-related, intolerance-related or sensitivity-related. It is ideal for conditions in which symptoms are the primary concern, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Allergy blood testing is for an “IgG immune response” and will only identify foods causing an autoimmune response (i.e., “allergic”).

This approach is recommended for persons having autoimmune (i.e., inflammatory) conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, widespread rheumatoid arthritis) because it identifies foods that cause an immune system response, regardless of whether you are aware of symptoms in the digestive tract.

The bottom line:

• Irritable bowel disease: elimination diet > IgG assessment (but IgG assessment can be helpful if an elimination diet is not possible)
• Inflammatory condition: Do an IgG assessment

In our final post for Crohn’s and Colitis month, Jonah Lusis, ND will explain the difference between a food allergy test administered by an MD and an IgG test.

Let us know if we can help (with your digestive health or otherwise)!

Posted: 2014 November 20