09/15/2026
🧪 I’m often asked if I offer food sensitivity testing.
The answer is yes — it’s a test I can order.
But the truth? I rarely recommend it.
I know that might surprise some of you, especially with how commonly these tests are promoted in the wellness space.
Here’s why 👇
1️⃣ The evidence just isn’t strong enough for me.
The problem is that the presence of IgG can simply reflect that you've been exposed to — and may actually tolerate — that food. It doesn't necessarily mean that food is causing your symptoms.
Instead, I prefer to choose an approach based on the concern we're actually trying to address.
Dealing with IBS? We might explore whether a properly structured low-FODMAP diet is appropriate.
Dealing with eczema? We need to look at your individual history and potential triggers rather than assuming a long list of foods needs to be eliminated.
2️⃣ The results can lead to unnecessarily restrictive diets.
It's not uncommon to see frequently eaten foods like wheat, dairy, eggs, or soy show up on these panels.
Removing multiple staple foods at once can make your diet more complicated, more expensive, and potentially less nutritionally balanced — especially when we don't know whether those foods were actually causing your symptoms in the first place.
3️⃣ Feeling better after eliminating those foods doesn't necessarily prove the test was right.
This is an important one!
If someone eliminates wheat, dairy, soy, and several other foods, their overall diet often changes dramatically at the same time.
They may start eating fewer highly processed foods, cooking more meals at home, eating more whole foods, or inadvertently reducing something else that was contributing to their symptoms.
So yes, they might feel better — but that doesn't necessarily mean every food that appeared on their test was a true sensitivity.
🌿 Don't get me wrong: I've ordered food sensitivity testing before, and there may be select situations where I'll consider it.
But given the cost and limitations of the testing, it's rarely my first step.