Did you know...
Food sensitivities and related diseases affect at least 100 million people worldwide and cause a wide variety of illnesses ranging from skin rashes and headaches to chronic intestinal diseases.
The prevalence of food sensitivities of the general population has increased by more than 50% in recent years. Delayed food sensitivities can occur up to 72 hours after ingestion, making it difficult for a patient to pinpoint which foods are causing reactions.
It is useful to test for food sensitivities when a patient has chronic symptoms, including digestive issues, infertility, fatigue, arthritis, cancer, in addition to other lasting problems.
Dr. Brent Dorval has discovered a new way to test for these correlations with the FIT, FIT 22 and Zonulin tests, which are now offered through Stratford Acupuncture & Nutritional Wellness Center with KBMO Diagnostics!
KBMO Fit Test
The FIT Test (Food Inflammation Test, developed by Dr. Brent Dorval) is a patented, multi-pathway delayed food sensitivity test. The test measures sensitivities to up to 132 different foods and additives spanning all major food groups.
These tests use new technology that measures both IgG (Immunoglobulin G) and Immune Complexes, the most common food-related pathways in the body. Dr. Dorval found that looking at both IgG and C3d, one of the primary complement products triggered by the antibody/food antigen complex, would improve reliability of the IgG test, and give the best picture available of the causes of inflammation in the body.
These test results can aid in the structuring of elimination diets that may relieve symptoms of many chronic neurological, gastrointestinal, and movement disorders.
KBMO's Food Inflammation Test
Patients who reported a variety of symptoms were screened using the FIT test to determine which foods caused sensitivities. The foods which tested positive were removed from the diet and the patients were re-tested and the original symptoms were reviewed to determine if the patient felt better. A significant reduction in food sensitivities was observed and in many cases the symptoms were also reduced. This study demonstrates that food elimination based on the FIT Test reduces symptoms and is an effective tool in patient care.
The FIT Test measures sensitivities to 132 foods and additives. The sample can be obtained by using a finger stick or a blood draw. When patients discover which foods they are sensitive to, they should begin an elimination diet and take out reactive foods for at least 8-12 weeks and assess if there is improvement or reduction of symptoms. If the test shows a reaction to a large amount of foods or shows a reaction to yeast, the patient should consider testing for intestinal permeability, or Zonulin Testing.
Zonulin Testing
Zonulin is a protein that is synthesized in intestinal cells and liver cells. It is a key biomarker for intestinal permeability and is the only regulator of intestinal permeability that is reversible. Zonulin is one of three ways the FIT test can diagnose a leaky gut, along with finding a sensitivity to Candida and multiple Food Sensitivities. In addition to food sensitivities, elevated levels of zonulin can lead to a number of chronic issues and diseases. Additionally, anywhere between 50 and 100% of patients with food intolerances also have increased intestinal permeability.
Some of the diseases caused be intestinal impremiability, or "leaky gut", are:
- Autoimmune disease
- Type I Diabetes
- Celiac Disease
- Elevated levels of zonulin can also lead to:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Asthma
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Adult Glucose Intolerance
Signs of a leaky gut show that the functions of the intestinal barriers have stopped working properly. The intestinal lining is essentially a wall of tightly joined cells that open and close when necessary. zonulin remotely controls the opening of tight junctions between cells. If too much zonulin is produced, the tight junctions remain open.
It is helpful to test for food sensitivities and inflammation caused by food to assist in reducing leaky gut. Therefore, testing for both food sensitivities and elevated levels of zonulin all together allows the patient to pinpoint causes of chronic issues and symptoms. From there, the patient can make necessary changes in diet, as outlined from both Joseph and the KBMO team to achieve optimal health.
Fit 22 Testing
Signs of a leaky gut show that the functions of the intestinal barriers have stopped working properly. The intestinal lining is essentially a wall of tightly joined cells that open and close when necessary. zonulin remotely controls the opening of tight junctions between cells. If too much zonulin is produced, the tight junctions remain open.
This test evaluates 22 of the most common food sensitivities tested on the FIT 132 test. The test measures IgG and Immune Complexes the same way the FIT 132 test does. The test is run using a blood sample obtained from a finger prick. The test requires one blood spot at a minimum, but more are preferred.
The foods tested are:
- Gluten
- Whole Wheat
- Egg White
- Egg Yolk
- Cow’s Milk
- Casein
- Candida
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Banana
- Beef
- Broccoli
- Coffee
- Corn
- Chicken
- Peanut
- Tomato
- White Potato
- Almonds
- Pineapple
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Turmeric