Food Sensitivity Testing (ALCAT) in Los Angeles — Personalized Digestive Health at My Concierge MD

Are you facing restrictions on eating your favorite food, but don’t understand the reason? Our body is exposed to a variety of food items having several chemicals, additives, herbs or molds that we sometimes don’t even realize. What you need to understand is that you may be intolerant to any food item or chronic inflammatory triggers that impact your quality of life. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is a leading authority on food allergies and sensitivities, providing trusted information and research in this field.

At My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills, we have your back, utilizing a potent diagnostic tool known as Food Sensitivity Testing (ALCAT). It is designed to expose an immune reaction that helps your physician better understand your intolerance to a specific ingredient or food item. ALCAT enables our providers to lead a tailored, inflammation-reducing nutrition approach.

Introduction to Food Sensitivities and Allergies

Food sensitivities and allergies are increasingly common health concerns, affecting millions of people and manifesting in a wide spectrum of symptoms. A food allergy is a serious immune system reaction that can occur rapidly after consuming a particular food, sometimes resulting in life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis. In contrast, food intolerance, like lactose intolerance, does not involve the immune system and typically leads to digestive discomfort rather than acute allergic reactions.

Food sensitivities occupy a unique space between these two conditions. They refer to adverse reactions to certain foods or other substances that may not be mediated by the immune system in the same way as classic allergies, but can still cause chronic symptoms and impact quality of life. Common symptoms include digestive issues, skin rashes, headaches, and fatigue, which can be difficult to trace back to a specific food item without proper testing.

The ALCAT Test is a valuable tool used by healthcare professionals to measure how your immune system’s cells react to a wide range of foods and other substances. By identifying which foods may be triggering your symptoms, the ALCAT Test guides effective dietary modification, helping you avoid problematic foods and reduce the risk of both mild discomfort and potentially life-threatening reactions.

Food Intolerance and Celiac Disease

Food intolerance is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. Unlike food allergies, which involve an immediate immune response, food intolerance is typically related to the digestive system and does not provoke life-threatening reactions. However, the symptoms can still significantly affect daily life and overall well-being.

Celiac disease is a specific type of food intolerance with an immune component. It is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to chronic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and a range of symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to skin rashes and fatigue. Left untreated, celiac disease can result in serious health complications, including nutritional deficiencies and increased risk of other autoimmune disorders.

Identifying food intolerance and celiac disease often requires specialized testing, as symptoms can overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. The ALCAT Test can help pinpoint specific foods that may be causing chronic symptoms, allowing for a more personalized diet and improved digestive health. If celiac disease is suspected, additional testing and consultation with a healthcare professional are essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

What is the ALCAT Test?

The ALCAT (Antigen-Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) is a cutting-edge and renowned laboratory assessment that evaluates the response of white blood cells when exposed to a variety of foods. These foods may include molds, additives, herbs, and chemicals. This test helps physicians understand several conditions associated with chronic immune system activation.

The ALCAT test assesses cellular immune activation, rather than antibodies such as IgE or IgG. It does not measure food specific IgG antibodies or use IgG antibody testing, which are traditional methods for identifying food sensitivities. The ALCAT test does not assess the specific immune system, such as antibody-mediated responses, but rather focuses on cell-mediated reactions. It primarily emphasizes the innate immune response that causes chronic inflammation.

Orthodox tests cannot assess delayed, subtle, and cumulative reactions. However, the ALCAT test enables providers to identify dietary or environmental factors that contribute to inflammation-driven symptoms. Our physicians at My Concierge MD assess every dimension of patients’ bodies and follow up accordingly. The ALCAT test has demonstrated high correlation with clinical outcomes in studies using placebo controlled study designs.

How Does Cutting-Edge ALCAT Work to Detect Cellular Reactions?

The ALCAT test utilizes cutting-edge blood test technology to assess the cellular responses of your body to an extensive range of substances, including colorings, various foods, additives, and chemicals. It is an innovative testing method that has the potential to particularly assist patients grappling with a wide range of medical conditions.

We will provide you with a color-coded and detailed summary of your results once your test is completed. ALCAT Test results are presented in an easy-to-interpret, color-coded format, which helps you quickly identify reactive foods and supports dietary planning. These results highlight your body’s reaction, and your physician will help you understand the implications. Moreover, we will guide you regarding nutritional consultation. It allows you to explore your food sensitivities, enabling you to stay educated about your dietary choices.

Food and Chemical Sensitivities

Food and chemical sensitivities refer to adverse reactions that occur when the body responds negatively to certain foods, food additives, or chemicals commonly found in the environment or in processed foods. Unlike classic food allergies, which involve a rapid immune response, these sensitivities often trigger delayed or chronic symptoms, making them challenging to identify without targeted testing.

Common triggers include artificial colorings, preservatives, flavor enhancers, and even some medicinal herbs or functional foods. Symptoms can range from skin rashes and headaches to cognitive impairment, chronic fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In some cases, exposure to specific chemicals or food additives can lead to chronic inflammation, affecting the immune system and contributing to ongoing health disorders.

The ALCAT Test measures cellular reactivity to a wide array of foods and chemicals, providing valuable insight into which substances may be provoking your symptoms. By understanding your unique sensitivities, you can make informed choices about which foods and products to avoid, reducing the risk of chronic activation of your immune system and supporting long-term health.

Benefits of ALCAT Testing

ALCAT Testing investment never goes to waste, as it empowers you to become more knowledgeable about your food choices and makes you eat your favorite foods with care, without chronic inflammation. Patients who follow dietary recommendations based on ALCAT testing have shown significant improvement in symptoms related to food sensitivities. Here are the benefits of ALCAT Testing

Identification

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it may indicate a need for food sensitivity testing: headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems, or other unexplained discomforts.

Eating foods and getting into trouble is one of the biggest mistakes that significantly impacts the quality of life. It is your chance to eliminate chemicals or ingredients that trigger low-grade immune activation.

For instance, people who enjoy lattes but have lactose intolerance make themselves sick right after they have their first coffee. Certain symptoms, such as headaches or digestive issues, may be linked to food sensitivities. However, once they experience ALCAT testing, they will understand that their body is lactose intolerant. Yet, they can empower themselves to make premium choices without compromising their health by preferring lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives, such as oat, almond, rice, or soy milk.

Relieve Symptoms

Many patients experience alleviation of symptoms related to food and chemical sensitivities, such as digestive distress, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and mood fluctuations.

Preventive Health

Subclinical inflammation is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and immune activation can contribute to both acute and chronic pathologies. The ALCAT test helps provide insights to address these issues early. One should not overlook the fact that early detection leads to better health outcomes. Identifying triggers can help prevent the development of chronic pathologies associated with ongoing immune system activation.

Personalize Experience with a Personalized Diet

Not every person can have the same intolerance or food sensitivity. Hence, it is highly significant to have a personalized experience that honors distinct choices, issues, immune balance and lifestyle. Food sensitivity is far more than just healthy eating. What makes you healthy might not suit others. My Concierge MD provides a tailored plan that follows what suits you best.

Symptoms of Food Sensitivity and Intolerance

Food sensitivity and food allergy are distinct conditions, but people often confuse them. If you are allergic to certain foods, such as peanuts, you may experience swelling of the throat and lips, also known as anaphylactic shock. However, when it comes to food intolerance and sensitivity, your innate immune system is involved, which leads to chronic inflammation. The innate immune system also plays a crucial role in defending against acute infections, and chronic activation of this system can result in ongoing symptoms.

Food sensitivity and intolerance symptoms may include brain fog, migraine, headaches, hyperactivity, various skin conditions, digestive disorders, aching joints and arthritis. If you are intolerant to some food items or have food sensitivity, you might end up experiencing obesity, ADD, eczema, chronic fatigue, rhinitis, and asthma. Sometimes these symptoms appear due to the chemicals like colors, flavor or preservation added to the foods. A sensitivity test, such as the ALCAT test, can help identify the foods or chemicals responsible for these symptoms.

Foods Triggering Children and Adults

The most common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, and sesame seed. These are among the common food allergies tested to help identify and manage symptoms effectively.

Food allergy symptoms are complicated and intense than rashes or swollen lips.

Sesame seed is now recognized as a significant allergen and is included in many food allergy testing panels, alongside other common food allergies.

Chemical Sensitivities and Food

Chemical sensitivities are not limited to environmental exposures, they can also be triggered by substances found in everyday foods. Many processed foods contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can provoke adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions may manifest as skin symptoms, respiratory issues, digestive problems, or even cognitive changes such as brain fog and difficulty concentrating.

For some people, even small amounts of certain chemicals or food additives can lead to significant symptoms, including chronic cough, aching joints, or persistent fatigue. Identifying the underlying trigger is essential for effective management and symptom relief. The ALCAT Test is designed to detect cellular reactions to a broad spectrum of food and chemical substances, helping to uncover hidden sensitivities that may be contributing to your health concerns.

By working with a healthcare provider and using test results to guide dietary modification, you can minimize exposure to problematic chemicals and foods, leading to significant improvement in your overall well-being. This personalized approach empowers you to take control of your health and reduce the burden of chronic symptoms.

Ideal Candidates for ALCAT Testing

People with the following conditions should opt for ALCAT Testing:

1. Experiencing low-level symptoms, including brain fog, bloating, fatigue, headaches or skin issues.
2. If you have chosen elimination diets but can’t predict the exact reason for low-level symptoms, ALCAT Testing is for you.
3. Those who want to optimize their longevity, performance, and support their overall health through a data-driven approach.
4. If your family have a history of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, or autoimmune disorders, you should not take any risk and should prevent yourself beforehand.

At My Concierge MD, our physicians thoroughly analyze and make your journey to wellness a comfortable one.

Why Choose My Concierge MD for ALCAT Testing?

My Concierge MD offers executive-level care, integrating our cutting-edge ALCAT testing for food sensitivity and intolerance with a comprehensive health assessment. It provides a comprehensive view of wellness under the guidance of our board-certified physicians.

Our physician, Dr. David Nazarian, along with their team, holds extensive experience in preventive health, integrative medicine and personalized nutrition. It enables our patients to have a premium experience, from the blood-drawing process to a tailored teleconsultation with a dietician.

At My Concierge MD, in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, we believe in an evidence-based approach, where the ALCAT method is grounded in peer-reviewed research. It assures your safety while reducing inflammation and eliminating diets. This actionable and sustainable plan translates your testing into rotational diet plans and long-term lifestyle changes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Understanding your body’s unique reactions to foods and chemicals is a crucial step toward achieving optimal health and well-being. Food sensitivities, food intolerance, and chemical sensitivities can all contribute to a range of chronic symptoms, from digestive discomfort to skin rashes and fatigue. The Alcat Test offers a science-backed, personalized approach to identifying the specific foods and substances that may be triggering your symptoms.

At My Concierge MD, our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process—from sample collection to interpreting your test results and developing a tailored nutrition plan. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms or want to optimize your health through a personalized diet, consider scheduling an ALCAT testing consultation with us.

Take the next step toward better health by uncovering your unique food and chemical sensitivities. With expert support and a data-driven approach, you can make informed dietary choices, reduce inflammation, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Convenient Journey at My Concierge MD

You can schedule your ALCAT testing consultation for food intolerance and sensitivity at My Concierge MD at your convenience. Our expert healthcare providers collect your blood sample for ALCAT testing.

Once our color-coded results are received, our professional physicians interpret the results by examining them in detail and demonstrating the findings to the patients.

We collaborate with dietitians for expert nutrition coaching to create your personalized nutritional plan and provide ongoing support through scheduled follow-up appointments.

FAQs

Do allergy test and ALCAT test have similarities?

The ALCAT test does not assess IgE-mediated food allergies; instead, it evaluates cell-mediated sensitivities.

How long does it take to gain benefits after testing?

Adjusting your diet can make a noticeable difference within weeks to months. However, the time frame is based on adherence, health factors and immune reactivity.

Is ALCAT an IgG test?

The ALCAT test emphasizes assessing your cellular immune response. It taps into innate immunity, rather than traditional antibody tests like IgG or IgE.

How many substances can be tested through ALCAT testing?

Tests at My Concierge MD provide brief details for up to 250 foods, including herbs, additives, and mold. We also customize your package to meet your specific needs.

How to assess color-coded results?

Yellow to red signifies enhanced levels of reactivity. In contrast, green-colored results indicate safe foods and are non-reactive.