Gluten Allergy Test & Gluten Intolerance
Our downtown Vancouver Naturopathic doctors provide gluten allergy testing.
If you have a gluten allergy, you probably are well aware that wheat protein sensitivity or gluten intolerance can take many forms and shades of reaction. The most commonly occurring symptoms of gluten intolerance or the more severe, celiac disease include the following:
- Migraine
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- Psoriasis
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel
- Eczema
- Hay fever
- Hives
- Abdominal discomfort
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Ear infection
- Depression
- Epilepsy
In addition to each or all of the above symptoms, the more severe gluten sensitivity including celiac disease may also cause:
- Neuropathy
- Polymyositis
- Lupus
- Diabetes, type 1
- Vasculitis
- Osteoporosis
So what is a Gluten Allergy?
Simply put, a gluten allergy is the body’s reaction to a common protein found in wheat and other grains, known as gluten. Gluten is within almost every grain and subsequent grain product from wheat to barley, semolina to spelt, Kamut to malt, and couscous to rye.
Celiac disease, gluten allergy, gluten sensitivity, and gluten intolerance, are all terms that describe symptoms of reactions of those people whose body reacts adversely to gluten grains. The most severe of the reactions to gluten grains is Celiac disease, which is an immune reaction; an acute onset allergic reaction, to the protein called gluten.
Celiac disease, although rather rare, can usually be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test for the anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA). For individuals with celiac disease, diligently avoiding gluten for the rest of their lives is often the main course of management and effective treatment.
The good news, however, is that true celiac disease only affects less than 1% of the population. Nonetheless, many other gluten-sensitive sufferers must also try to abstain from gluten grains in order to overcome troublesome symptoms and difficulties. About 15-30% of the population has some sort of allergy or reaction to gluten and while it is less severe than celiac disease, this sensitivity can wreak havoc on our bodies and energy levels.
Testing for Gluten Intolerance
Naturopaths often see undiagnosed or misdiagnosed gluten sensitivities and intolerances. Our naturopaths have the scientific and clinical experience to help determine if a gluten allergy or sensitivity is part of the underlying cause of your health complaints.
Testing for gluten intolerance can generally be diagnosed with a simple blood test. For patients wanting to discover their gluten tolerances or intolerances, you can either visit one of our Naturopathic Physicians at our Vancouver clinic and/or visit a Medical Doctor, who may ultimately refer you to an allergist for further gluten allergy testing, depending on your condition.
Our naturopathic doctors will begin your gluten allergy assessment by conducting an in-depth medical history that takes into consideration your current food intake and lifestyle habits. Blood tests, either by blood draw or a finger prick test, depending on the severity of your conditions, will also be conducted as part of your assessment.
In Vancouver, gluten allergy test results usually take about two to three weeks to come back. Once the results are in, your naturopathic doctor will review the results with you and discuss the necessary next steps, such as dietary changes and other natural interventions to help reduce your reactions and ease your symptoms.
Some of our prescribed treatments for effectively treating gluten allergies may include dietary counseling, lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, vitamin-mineral protocols, homeopathy, or other therapies chosen specifically for your symptoms.
Our naturopaths will also spend the time to educate you on the food options available to you. Most people with gluten intolerance can generally tolerate small amounts of gluten included in a healthy diet without causing a severe reaction. Your naturopathic doctor can help decipher the specialized ingredient names found on the back of foods and drinks as a strategy to eliminate as many gluten products as possible. Once your food sensitivity has been diagnosed, they can discuss all the healthy options available to you.
Do you have a gluten allergy?
The Electra Health naturopathic doctors offer patients gluten allergy testing and will develop and implement a specifically targeted and customized health plan to combat gluten intolerances.
Food allergy testing therapy as we practice it is firmly established on clinical and scientific evidence. At The Electra Health’s Vancouver Naturopathy Clinic, we use only the most advanced testing processes available to keep you feeling your best.
If you feel that you are a candidate for gluten allergy testing and would like more information on the process, please contact one of our Naturopathic Doctors.
