Food Allergy Testing in Sacramento, CA
Could the foods you eat every day be the hidden cause of your health problems? Hidden and delayed food allergies affect hundreds of body systems and are responsible for a wide range of symptoms — from fatigue and weight gain to anxiety, skin issues, and digestive distress. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, we offer comprehensive food allergy testing to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms. Call (916) 446-2591 to get started.
FREE 15 Minute ApptWhat Is Food Allergy Testing?
It has been said, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine your food.” But what if the foods you eat every day were quietly making you sick — and you had no idea?
Many common health conditions have a surprising connection to food allergies and sensitivities. Attention deficit, abdominal cramping, anxiety, arthritis, and asthma have more in common than just starting with the letter “A” — all of these conditions, plus hundreds of others, including headaches, obesity, recurrent ear infections, chronic fatigue, PMS, and insomnia, may be associated with hidden food allergies. Allergies promote inflammation throughout the body, and as Dr. Chris Meletis, ND, puts it: “Anywhere the blood flows, inflammation from food allergies follows.”
The Difference Between IgE and IgG Food Reactions
Conventional medicine typically tests only for IgE reactions — the immediate, dramatic responses like hives, itching, or anaphylactic shock. Most people are familiar with this type of allergy.
What most people — and even many conventional medical professionals — don’t know is that there’s a second type of food allergy called an IgG (hidden or delayed) reaction. With IgG food allergies, the body’s response to a trigger food is delayed by hours, days, or even weeks after eating that food. This delay makes it nearly impossible to identify problem foods on your own. Some estimates suggest that one-half or more of the American population may have multiple hidden food allergies — without ever knowing it.
At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, we test for both IgE and IgG food reactions using a comprehensive panel. Dr. Godby has seen hundreds of patients dramatically improve their health after simply avoiding the foods to which they are allergic.
What Symptoms Can Hidden Food Allergies Cause?
Hidden food sensitivities can affect virtually every system in the body. Common symptoms associated with IgG food allergies include:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Anxiety, depression, and mood instability
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive issues — gas, bloating, constipation, cramping
- Skin conditions — acne, rashes, eczema
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Recurrent ear infections and sinus congestion
- PMS and hormonal imbalances
If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms without a clear explanation, hidden food allergies may be a contributing factor. Our functional diagnostic testing approach helps uncover these connections so we can build a targeted elimination and healing plan.
How Is the Test Done?
We perform a simple finger-stick blood test right in our office — no need to schedule ahead or go to an outside lab. We use US Biotek’s proven immunology panels to test for a comprehensive range of IgG and IgE food reactions. Results are reviewed with you by one of our naturopathic doctors, along with personalized guidance on how to eliminate trigger foods and restore gut health.
Call (916) 446-2591 or visit our Appointments page to schedule your food allergy testing at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergy Testing in Sacramento
What is food allergy testing and how does it work?
Food allergy testing at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center uses a simple finger-stick blood test to identify both IgE (immediate) and IgG (hidden/delayed) food reactions. A small blood sample is analyzed against a comprehensive panel of common foods to determine which ones your immune system is reacting to. Results are reviewed with you by one of our naturopathic doctors, who will then create a personalized elimination and healing plan.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?
Food allergies (IgE reactions) cause immediate, often dramatic symptoms like hives, itching, or anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities (IgG reactions) are delayed reactions that can occur hours or even days after eating the trigger food, making them extremely difficult to identify on your own. IgG sensitivities are far more common and are associated with a wide range of chronic symptoms including fatigue, bloating, headaches, skin issues, and mood changes.
Can food allergies cause anxiety, depression, or mood problems?
Yes. Hidden food allergies promote systemic inflammation, which can directly impact brain chemistry and mood. Many of our patients at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center have reported significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and brain fog after eliminating their IgG trigger foods. Our neurotransmitter testing can also help identify brain chemistry imbalances that may be compounding these symptoms.
Do I need an appointment to get food allergy testing?
No advance scheduling is required for our finger-stick food allergy blood test — you can walk in during office hours. However, we recommend calling (916) 446-2591 first to confirm availability and to discuss whether a full consultation would be beneficial before testing. A consultation allows our naturopathic doctors to put your results in the context of your full health history.
How many foods are tested in the food allergy panel?
Our panels test for reactions to a comprehensive range of commonly consumed foods — including dairy, gluten, eggs, various meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and more. The exact panel used will depend on your health history and the testing approach recommended by your naturopathic doctor. We use US Biotek’s IgG and IgE panels, which are among the most comprehensive available.
What happens after I get my food allergy test results?
Your results will be reviewed with you by one of our doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, who will explain which foods are causing reactions and how significant those reactions are. You’ll receive a personalized elimination protocol along with guidance on how to heal your gut and reduce systemic inflammation. Many patients also benefit from pairing food allergy testing with our broader functional diagnostic testing to get a complete picture of their health.
Can food allergy testing help with weight loss?
Yes — for many patients, eliminating trigger foods leads to significant improvements in weight management. Hidden food sensitivities promote chronic inflammation and can disrupt hormonal balance, making weight loss difficult. By identifying and removing reactive foods, many patients at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center have found it much easier to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Our nutrition programs can complement this process with personalized dietary guidance.