If you’re someone who’s been struggling with gut issues for what feels like an eternity, I get it. The discomfort, the bloating, the unpredictable bathroom trips—it’s exhausting. After all the dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments that have barely moved the needle, it’s no wonder many turn to food intolerance tests for answers. These tests promise quick solutions to your unrelenting digestive problems, but let’s dig a little deeper before you fork out your hard-earned cash.
The temptation of a quick fix
When you’re frustrated and suffering, a test that promises to pinpoint the exact foods causing your misery can be very appealing. It offers something tangible to hold onto, some way to regain control. But are these tests really what they seem?
Food intolerance terms like ‘IgG testing’, ‘kinesiology’, or even ‘hair analysis’ sound scientific, and the idea that one simple test could reveal a hidden intolerance is incredibly enticing. You’re told that avoiding these foods will resolve your symptoms, which is a powerful promise for those of us who’ve had more bad days than good.
But here’s the kicker: these tests aren’t usually valid, and usually lead you down a rabbit hole of unnecessary food restrictions, potentially worsening your health and relationship with food. The only scientifically valid food intolerance test is for lactose intolerance, which assesses the body’s ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.
The problem with alternative or supposed ‘food intolerance’ testing
Many of the tests available through commercial companies, though heavily marketed, don’t hold up under scientific scrutiny. Let’s explore some common ones:
- IgG testing: This test looks for IgG antibodies to foods in your blood, but here’s the truth—everyone has IgG antibodies to many foods, whether or not they experience symptoms. So in reality, these tests measure exposure to food rather than an intolerance or sensitivity. This means that a positive result doesn’t necessarily indicate that the food is causing your symptoms; it simply shows that your body has encountered that food, which is completely normal and not a sign of a problem. There’s no evidence to suggest that IgG tests can accurately diagnose food intolerance.
- Kinesiology, hair analysis, pulse testing, and electrodermal tests: These methods claim to detect food sensitivities based on muscle strength, energy fields, or changes in your pulse after eating. Despite how high-tech or holistic they sound, research shows these tests are no better than chance. They don’t provide reliable results, and relying on them could lead to misguided food restrictions that do more harm than good.
- Provocation-neutralization testing: Involves injecting food extracts under your skin to “neutralize” symptoms. This method isn’t backed by science and shouldn’t be used for diagnosing food issues.
Why restricting foods without proper guidance is dangerous
While it might feel empowering to get a list of foods to avoid from these tests, eliminating major food groups or cutting out multiple foods can lead to serious health issues. Without the right guidance, you may end up with nutrient deficiencies, lose weight and become malnutrition, and develop even more digestive distress and symptoms. And if you’re restricting foods without reintroducing them at the right time, you might never know whether they’re truly causing the problem.
For example, avoiding dairy without professional advice could leave you short on calcium, affecting your bone health. Or cutting out wheat could mean missing out on essential fibre, worsening your gut symptoms rather than alleviating them.
So, what should you do instead?
If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, don’t waste your time and money on unproven tests. Instead, consult a registered dietitian who specialises in gut health (like me!), who can guide you through an evidence-based approach, such as a proper elimination diet paired with clinical history. Yes, it may take time (usually up to 12 weeks), but it’s far better than getting stuck in a cycle of unnecessary restrictions and confusion.
As frustrating as your gut symptoms are, remember that the path to relief lies in reliable, science-backed methods, not quick fixes that promise the world but deliver nothing. You deserve real answers—ones that will actually improve your quality of life.
You’ve already been through so much, and I hope this helps guide you toward making the right choices for your next steps.
