The ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing is a diagnostic tool used to determine the specific types of food that trigger various degrees of allergic reactions to certain individuals. The body reacts differently to a variety of foods and chemicals. Each individual does not exhibit the same level of sensitivity or intolerance to similar types of food, which depends highly on the varied eating habits, hormone levels, medical conditions, nutritional status, stress levels, and other factors that influence the immune system.
Through the ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing, the types of food that should be included and excluded from the daily diet plan are grouped accordingly using a colour coding scheme. For example, those foods that trigger severe allergic reactions are categorized under the red column. This means that the foods must not be included in the diet plan and should be avoided for at least six months. Those that fall under the orange column stimulate a moderate reaction; hence, the individual should keep it out of his or her diet plan for a period of three to six months. The yellow group includes the foods that induce a mild reaction. While it may not be strictly avoided, it is still advisable to avoid the foods that fall under this group to prevent the onset of allergic reactions.
Green light is to go as to green group is to eat. Foods classified under the green column do not usually trigger any allergic reactions; thus, individuals can consume these foods freely though it is highly recommended that they eat these on a rotational basis.
Another coloured section, the blue box, is specifically allotted for a particular food that contains substances, which could lead to certain types of diseases. The blue box is divided into three distinct sections. The first box indicates that the individual exhibits reactions to a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Due to this reaction, foods that show sensitivity to this yeast must be avoided to prevent the yeast infection called candidiasis. Processed foods such as bread, pizza, and gravy mixes contain baker’s yeast and this should not be included in the diet. The second box tells the individual to maintain a gluten-free diet because he or she exhibits sensitivity to a protein called gluten. Grain products including barley, malt, oats, rye, and wheat must be removed from the diet plan. The last blue box shows adverse reactions to another protein, casein or whey. Thus, it is advisable to avoid dairy products.
The ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing helps individuals identify their degrees of food sensitivities by utilizing a pure extract of each type of food. However, most foods do not come in their pure form—they are already in cooked meals and ready to eat packs that makes it hard to determine their content. Thus, it is important to carefully read the product labels, specifically the ingredients section, to identify the foods in it. The ALCAT Test usually provides a list of foods that must be avoided to guide individuals in searching for the right kinds of food that can keep them healthy and free from food sensitivity and adverse allergic reactions.
