food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. Most of these physical reactions to certain foods are usually from food sensitivity rather than an allergy.People often confuse the two as food sensitivities can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food intolerances. So what is the difference between the two?  A true food intolerances generates an immune system reaction affecting numerous organs in the body; the reaction can be severe or life-threatening. Food intolerance is much more common than a true food intolerances. In contrast to a food intolerances, the symptoms are generally less severe and often manifest as problems such as digestive disorders, migraines, chronic fatigue, ADD/ADHD, joint pain, skin disorders and arthritis.  Unfortunately many people are unaware that they suffer from food intolerances because their symptoms may vary widely and often appear hours or days later. As a result it becomes difficult to locate which foods are actually causing intolerance. Thankfully there is a solution to this, known as the Alcat Test.

What is the Alcat Test? The Alcat test has been available for over 25 years. Simply put, it is a blood test that can tell you which foods you may be sensitive to (the Alcat test is not an “allergy” or IgE test). This is a laboratory test designed to identify non-IgE mediated reactions to foods, chemicals and other categories of substances.

The test is a ” functional response test and captures the final common pathway of many of the pathogenic mechanisms, immunologic, toxic and pharmacologic that underlie non-IgE mediated reactions to foods and chemicals”.

Alcat technology has been devised by Cell Science Systems, Corp. Cell Science is a specialty clinical laboratory that develops and performs laboratory testing in immunology and cell biology which supports treatment and prevention of chronic disease. The core technology is a blood test that measures the body’s cellular response to challenges from a large variety of substances such as food, additives, colorings, chemicals and medicinal herbs. Cell Science operates a CLIA certified laboratory and is FDA inspected and meets ISO EN13485 standards. All Alcat test results are presented in an easy to comprehend, color-coded format which highlights a patients food sensitivity and the level of each reaction (ranging from severe, moderate and mild). Each test also includes a customized 4-day rotational food plan as studies have shown that variety in the human diet is very important to health and well being. It is believed that by eating foods in a particular family one day and then omitting them for at least three days prevents the occurrence of food intolerances; this is because food molecules will have time to clear ones system avoiding the effect of overload. The Alcat Test offers many comprehensive panels which can test as high as 320 items and as low as 70 items. Please contact the dispensary for an electronic copy of the various panel testing and prices.

The Alcat Test and Athletic Performance

For athletes, diet is imperative as it can greatly influence performance levels. The Alcat Test has helped many athletes from professional organizations such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and the MLB to name a few.  You can find their testimonials here.

For more information on the Alcat Test and available testing options please contact our dispensary and speak with our qualified staff.