Approximately 3 million Americans suffer from Celiac Disease, an autoimmune digestive disorder, caused by a food sensitivity to gluten, a common ingredient in bread and cereal among other foods and products. Could an ALCAT test provide answers?
Celiac Disease is just one among dozens that comes as a direct result of food sensitivities. Food sensitivities, not to be confused with food allergies, can produce symptoms that range from mild stomach upset and nausea to more serious issues such as fatigue and low blood pressure, and even psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression.
Because the symptoms of food sensitivities are sometimes mild, many people disregard them or attribute them to other problems; however, if left unrecognized and untreated, food sensitivities can cause significant disruptions to the quality of life.
The ALCAT test is designed to accurately pinpoint food sensitivities and offer practical recommendations (including dietary modifications) to alleviate or eliminate symptoms.
What does ALCAT stand for?
ALCAT stands for the Antigen Leukocyte Antibody Test, a food sensitivity blood test that measures your immune system’s response to over-stimulation of white blood cells called leukocytes. When repeatedly stimulated and activated, your immune system can cause chronic health conditions such as asthma, Crohn’s Disease (inflammatory bowel disease), and even diabetes.
What does the ALCAT test for?
The ALCAT uses one simple blood sample to screen for over 450 foods, additives, colorings, biological, and chemical substances to determine sensitivity.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get an ALCAT food sensitivity test
It is imperative that you prioritize understanding the root cause of your symptoms and take proactive measures to prevent, reduce, or eliminate them. The most crucial step towards achieving this goal is obtaining an ALCAT test. Here’s why.
1. Food sensitivity testing is the only way to know if your symptoms are caused by food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities affect up to 20% of people worldwide, so it is reasonable to assume that some of your symptoms are caused by a sensitivity. However, the only reliable way to know is through food sensitivity testing like the ALCAT because it measures your specific response to foods and other substances at the cellular level.
Food sensitivities have been linked to a host of symptoms, including but not limited to:
Gas
Diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea
Migraines
Achy joints
ADHD
Fatigue
Chronic cough
Eczema
The above symptoms may be a result of a food allergy, sensitivity, or something else. The ALCAT measures the stimulation of five classes of white blood cells, so it can provide the most accurate answers as to whether you have a food sensitivity and to what.
2. The ALCAT food sensitivity test is the best food inflammation test for a targeted and personalized approach.
You are an individual, so how your body responds to certain foods will likely be different from how others respond. Like your fingerprints and your DNA, the cells in your immune system can paint a vivid picture of the foods causing negative reactions, leading to inflammation and associated symptoms.
Although basic food sensitivity tests can provide some information like what substances are triggering a response because of exposure, they fall short in revealing intolerance and the pathological process of the sensitivity.
Because the ALCAT can identify food and other substances regardless of the pathway (immunologic, toxic, or pharmacologic), it can inform you and your healthcare provider about what substances are affecting you on a cellular level.
3. Elimination diets can reverse chronic disease, improve digestion, aid in weight management, and increase energy and vitality.
The ALCAT is not a treatment for food sensitivities, but the results inform you and your doctor about the foods and substances that should be eliminated from your diet to reduce or even completely eradicate chronic and painful symptoms.
Food sensitivities commonly cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems that lead to dehydration, exasperating your digestive system and your adrenal system. They also impact your metabolism, slowing or stalling your weight loss efforts, and the constant response and reaction can cause extreme fatigue and brain fog that can lead to more serious complications such as depression.
The ALCAT, which provides guidance for dietary modifications, has been proven to significantly improve many common symptoms.
Like many others, you may find that eliminating wheat, dairy, pineapples, Red 40, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or other substances can reduce your symptoms or eliminate them altogether.
ALCAT test FAQs
Are ALCAT tests reliable?
The ALCAT test uses a highly reliable method for identifying potential triggers of chronic inflammation and a multi-step quality assurance process to ensure accurate results. It uses an impedance methodology-based flow cytometer to test your white blood cells against various foods and substances by analyzing a small blood sample in a certified testing lab.
Is the ALCAT test covered by insurance?
The ALCAT test is not covered by insurance, but it does qualify for HSA/FSA payment.
Is the ALCAT the same as the IgG?
The ALCAT measures reactions on a cellular level regardless of the pathway while the IgG test is more about measuring reactions from exposure rather than intolerance.
How long does it take to get ALCAT results?
It usually takes 5-7 business days to receive your confidential ALCAT results through email.
Who should have ALCAT testing?
ALCAT testing is suitable for anyone experiencing symptoms that affect the digestive system, skin, nervous system, lungs, metabolism, muscles, or bones, as well as anyone with an autoimmune condition.
Visit www.arcpointlabs.com to schedule an appointment or walk into one of our 130+ nationwide locations and speak with our friendly professionals on which food sensitivity test is best for you.