Food Allergy Testing

What do food allergies have to do with my health problems?

From hay fever to heart disease, arthritis to IBS, inflammation often exacerbates, if not causes, a myriad of health problems. And when we eat foods that our bodies are sensitive to, they cause inflammation. The inflammation is caused by antibodies that are produced as the immune system is activated when it comes into contact with substances it perceives as “foreign” to our bodies. We acquire allergies and sensitivities throughout our lives.

Conventional treatment of health issues caused by inflammation is only a band-aid solution. By identifying food sensitivities and eliminating those from our diets, we attack the root cause of our health issue and can finally become well.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation can be caused by anything that triggers an immune system response: bacterial, viral, fungal or environmental…including the food we consume. If we eliminate the sources of inflammation we have control over (e.g.; food), we leave our immune systems better prepared to deal with those we don’t have control over (e.g.; pollen). Inflammation can cause fatigue, pain, increased mucous production, tissue damage and other underlying symptoms.

How does conventional medicine miss the boat?

Conventional medicine recommends the use of antihistamines and even steroids to deal with environmental allergies. For other health issues, any number of drugs may be prescribed, each targeting only the symptoms and not the cause of the problem. Often patients become dependent, suffer from side effects and may even see the deterioration of their overall health as a result of continual immune system suppression.

Why don’t I already know if I have a food sensitivity?

Food sensitivity symptoms are often delayed, and may present hours later or even the next day after consumption. The other issue is that many of the foods that cause reactions for many people are so commonly consumed (wheat, dairy, eggs) that it is difficult to connect the symptom with a particular food.

How do I know if I have a food sensitivity?

The most difficult way to determine sinsitivities is to do a food elimination diet, whereby you eliminate many common sources of food allergens from your diet for a specified time, and then reintroduce them one by one and wait to see if symptoms develop. The easiest way to determine your food senstivities is to undergo food allergy testing. This is done by testing your blood (through a blood draw or finger poke) for antibodies. We use a US Biotek ELISA test covering 96 common foods. For a sample report, click here.

What is IgE and IgG testing?

When the immune system recognizes a foreign substance, it produces antibodies to fight off the allergens. IgG and IgE are two different types of antibodies produced in allergic reactions to food. IgE reactions are immediate and usually more severe, such as hives, swelling of the tongue and sudden diarrhea. IgG reactions are more common and more subtle and can result in many other delayed symptoms such as chronic pain, sinusitis, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue and abdominal pain.

Cost: $126 for IgG testing, payable directly to US Biotek

Visit and blood draw fees are separate.

Mindful Nutrition is a wonderfully informative and thorough overview of how to eat healthy. We learned the basics of nutrition in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Mindful nutrition will give you the tools to succeed whether your goal is to lose weight, choose the most nutritious foods, or understand food labeling and additives. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to embrace a healthy, vital, whole food approach to enjoying life.
Sally Abbey, July 14, 2008, Current Patient

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

"Bowenwork is a very effective bodywork therapy, where very gentle moves are performed over muscles and soft tissue, stimulating the nervous system to reset and heal. By combining moves the practitioner can either benefit the body as a whole, or target a specific problem." (www.Bowenwork.com)

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

Through the integration of Acupunture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern-day medical diagnostic techniques, it is our goal to help restore your mind, body and spirit to a natural state of equilibrium.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

360.568.2686

Info@SnohomishNaturopathic.Com