IgG allergy testing---would like your input

September 17, 2009

Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would enjoy input

from some of you who have researched these issues and understand them better

than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal input from

your own experiences.

It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back negative

or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had previously

(but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with IgG, I came

back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---tested Level 3

or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly) tried a

gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve, but when I

had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy and eggs.

When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly within a

few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for gluten

and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and from

genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from my

digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making any further

ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my allergy level

would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I have

accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even without

knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example, talking to a

restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at a Level

2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I eat them

in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I don't think

I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and has had

positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with the

removal of some of the same foods.

Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but when she got

the results back (she tested positive for several, though not wheat), the

results included the statement that the test was not authorized by the FDA

for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her about the

validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of what to

believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions when we had

it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions were more

about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.) than about

the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research today to

try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the last couple

of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there is no

established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

considered reliable for determining food allergies or intolerances. A page

out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I found: www.*

allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has to do with

IgG.)

I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy, eggs, and

gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable, would

that explain my reactions?

However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing),

who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so, what do

you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for you? What

have you read or found or learned? Why would study results repeatedly not be

valid if the testing is valid?

This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able to pass

along further thoughts to my friend.

Thanks.

Sally

September 17, 2009

We have had positive results with IgG testing. My feeling is that you are having

problems if you are testing so at least the tests may give you a starting place

for what to try to eliminate rather than a total elimination diet which is

tedious and very difficult.

The main problem that I see is that most insurances don't pay for IgG tests but

I have had 3 of my children tested my bio-daughter, my step son and my adopted

son and eliminating problem foods led to very positive results even though they

are not all bio related. Weight loss, positive changes in behavior, skin

clearing up.

The problem with IgG testing is that it tests reactions over time and food

intolerances rather then an immediate reaction. These reactions can be just as

severe are the immediate ones but it is hard to demonstrate cause and effect.

For me I know that exactly 7 days after I eat tomatoes I will have joint pain

and tomato zits (as you say). Not easy to prove but I can set my clock by it.

Hope this helps, Patty

September 17, 2009

Sally,

I had the IgG test done about 7 months ago. I had always known I had a wheat

allergy but it was so hard to stay away from wheat that I didn't stick to the

diet. My nephew, aunt and brother have all been diagnosed as celiacs but I

tested negative. However, I have a weak immune system and finally got sick of

being sick and decided to pursue allergies - hence the IgG test. I tested

positive for wheat, egg and dairy and have been mostly off these foods for 6

months. My mom was also tested recently and had some of the same concerns your

friend has. She tested positive for wheat, eggs and cane sugar.

While neither of us can speak to the scientific research or validity of the

tests, I can tell you that my lifelong symptoms are gone and so are my mom's. I

notice very specific and different reactions when I eat each of these foods. I

couldn't identify any specific reaction until I'd been completely away from

these foods for a couple months but now it's clear when I've had something I

shouldn't.

We decided that the science of the test isn't as important to us as whether or

not we see a difference and we're clearly feeling better so it's working for us.

What also is working besides symptom relief is that my immune system is

significantly improved and I haven't been sick much since eliminating foods.

I also had my 7 year old daughter tested, expecting her to have similar

allergies but she came back with only a couple allergies to non-major foods.

That gave me some comfort that the test was reliable for us. My daughter didn't

have symptoms, I was just testing because we have a family history on my side,

not her dad's.

One side note...I've heard that many people test positive for eggs but they may

not actually be allergic to eggs. My naturopath recommended just eating an egg

(not something with egg in it but a scrambled egg) and see what happens. In my

case, it's clearly an allergy. This elimination and then reintroduction test is

the only way I know of to truly see if the test is reliable for you. In our

case, it's been very helpful and accurate.

Laura

, Sally Parrott Ashbrook

<sally.parrott wrote:

>

> Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would enjoy input

> from some of you who have researched these issues and understand them better

> than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal input from

> your own experiences.

>

> It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

> allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back negative

> or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had previously

> (but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with IgG, I came

> back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---tested Level 3

> or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly) tried a

> gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve, but when I

> had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy and eggs.

> When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly within a

> few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for gluten

> and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and from

> genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from my

> digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making any further

> ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my allergy level

> would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I have

> accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even without

> knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example, talking to a

> restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at a Level

> 2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I eat them

> in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I don't think

> I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

>

> Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and has had

> positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with the

> removal of some of the same foods.

>

> Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but when she got

> the results back (she tested positive for several, though not wheat), the

> results included the statement that the test was not authorized by the FDA

> for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her about the

> validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of what to

> believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions when we had

> it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions were more

> about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.) than about

> the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research today to

> try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the last couple

> of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

> information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there is no

> established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

> considered reliable for determining food allergies or intolerances. A page

> out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I found: www.*

> allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has to do with

> IgG.)

>

> I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy, eggs, and

> gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable, would

> that explain my reactions?

>

> However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

>

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing),

> who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

>

> Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so, what do

> you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for you? What

> have you read or found or learned? Why would study results repeatedly not be

> valid if the testing is valid?

>

> This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able to pass

> along further thoughts to my friend.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Sally

>

September 18, 2009

I had negative results but they did the test a few years after I had removed

all problem foods out of my diet.

My GI doctor (an MD) explained to me that the gut has it's own ecosystem and

that all problem foods will not necessarily show in the blood. Though there

are definite reactions when the problem foods are consumed, they may not

show up on any of the tests to determine allergies. The

elimination/challenge diet is the best way to figure out what foods should

be eliminated from the diet (Quoted from my GI Dr. E. Stanley, MD!) A food

intolerance can seem just as bad as an allergy, although it's not a true

allergy.

I agree with you about the FDA. Had a good debate with the same MD mentioned

above over the FDA~he gave up and walked away from me! Without really

saying much, he said a lot! Basically, doctors have no real choice because

the FDA is the " Big Brother " of medicine and doctors really can't say

anything bad about them. It all comes down to money!

Anyway, good luck with your diet! I cheated for a long time, mostly with

cheese. Most people approach it with the attitude that it's worth it to

suffer a little to enjoy what you like occasionally. When you reach the

attitude that the suffering really isn't worth it, you know you've succeeded

in dealing with your restrictions. Nobody wants to give up foods that taste

good. It's a difficult journey that takes patients and self forgiveness &

respect. Listen to your body, forgive yourself for cheating and mistakes,

and take it one day at a time.

Best of luck & good health to you!

Jae

September 18, 2009

-Hi Sally,

I had a positive IgG test done for gluten as I have rheumatoid arthritis. I

have strictly avoided gluten for all of this year plus dairy as well. 6 weeks

ago I had hair analysis allergy testing done on the recommendation of another

person who has RA and has gone from being bedridden to completely mobile again,

this took 6 months.

I wasnt 100% convinced on the efficacy of hair analysis but in the past 6 weeks

I have gone from flaring almost continually for all of this year to having very

little pain and no flaring of joints at all.

My allergies were nightshades (well known as causing problems with joints)

grapes, detergents and perfumes and I also can have sugar, pulses and soy every

4 days. It has not been easy and I am hoping I can eat tomatoes, potatoes etc

again at some time - essential food items for vegans!

I am still in a state of disbelief that those foods could cause such severe pain

for 10 years.

My blood tests confirmed the gluten allergy but no other foods so I have more

faith in the hair analysis than the blood tests.

Hope this is of interest.

-- In , " laurarider88 " <laurarider

wrote:

>

> Sally,

>

> I had the IgG test done about 7 months ago. I had always known I had a wheat

allergy but it was so hard to stay away from wheat that I didn't stick to the

diet. My nephew, aunt and brother have all been diagnosed as celiacs but I

tested negative. However, I have a weak immune system and finally got sick of

being sick and decided to pursue allergies - hence the IgG test. I tested

positive for wheat, egg and dairy and have been mostly off these foods for 6

months. My mom was also tested recently and had some of the same concerns your

friend has. She tested positive for wheat, eggs and cane sugar.

>

> While neither of us can speak to the scientific research or validity of the

tests, I can tell you that my lifelong symptoms are gone and so are my mom's. I

notice very specific and different reactions when I eat each of these foods. I

couldn't identify any specific reaction until I'd been completely away from

these foods for a couple months but now it's clear when I've had something I

shouldn't.

>

> We decided that the science of the test isn't as important to us as whether or

not we see a difference and we're clearly feeling better so it's working for us.

What also is working besides symptom relief is that my immune system is

significantly improved and I haven't been sick much since eliminating foods.

>

> I also had my 7 year old daughter tested, expecting her to have similar

allergies but she came back with only a couple allergies to non-major foods.

That gave me some comfort that the test was reliable for us. My daughter didn't

have symptoms, I was just testing because we have a family history on my side,

not her dad's.

>

> One side note...I've heard that many people test positive for eggs but they

may not actually be allergic to eggs. My naturopath recommended just eating an

egg (not something with egg in it but a scrambled egg) and see what happens. In

my case, it's clearly an allergy. This elimination and then reintroduction test

is the only way I know of to truly see if the test is reliable for you. In our

case, it's been very helpful and accurate.

>

> Laura

>

> , Sally Parrott Ashbrook

<sally.parrott@> wrote:

> >

> > Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would enjoy input

> > from some of you who have researched these issues and understand them better

> > than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal input from

> > your own experiences.

> >

> > It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

> > allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back negative

> > or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had previously

> > (but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with IgG, I came

> > back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---tested Level 3

> > or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly) tried a

> > gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve, but when I

> > had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy and eggs.

> > When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly within a

> > few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for gluten

> > and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and from

> > genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from my

> > digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making any further

> > ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my allergy level

> > would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I have

> > accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even without

> > knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example, talking to a

> > restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at a Level

> > 2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I eat them

> > in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I don't think

> > I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

> >

> > Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and has had

> > positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with the

> > removal of some of the same foods.

> >

> > Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but when she got

> > the results back (she tested positive for several, though not wheat), the

> > results included the statement that the test was not authorized by the FDA

> > for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her about the

> > validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of what to

> > believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions when we had

> > it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions were more

> > about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.) than about

> > the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research today to

> > try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the last couple

> > of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

> > information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there is no

> > established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

> > considered reliable for determining food allergies or intolerances. A page

> > out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I found: www.*

> > allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has to do with

> > IgG.)

> >

> > I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy, eggs, and

> > gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable, would

> > that explain my reactions?

> >

> > However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

> >

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing),

> > who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

> >

> > Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so, what do

> > you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for you? What

> > have you read or found or learned? Why would study results repeatedly not be

> > valid if the testing is valid?

> >

> > This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able to pass

> > along further thoughts to my friend.

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> > Sally

> >

September 18, 2009

Thanks, Jae. I don't actually cheat, because my well-being means too

much to me for that. Self-care rules my life at this point.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 17, 2009, at 9:13 PM, Jae Jones <recyclednew wrote:

> I had negative results but they did the test a few years after I had

> removed

> all problem foods out of my diet.

>

> My GI doctor (an MD) explained to me that the gut has it's own

> ecosystem and

> that all problem foods will not necessarily show in the blood.

> Though there

> are definite reactions when the problem foods are consumed, they may

> not

> show up on any of the tests to determine allergies. The

> elimination/challenge diet is the best way to figure out what foods

> should

> be eliminated from the diet (Quoted from my GI Dr. E. Stanley, MD!)

> A food

> intolerance can seem just as bad as an allergy, although it's not a

> true

> allergy.

>

> I agree with you about the FDA. Had a good debate with the same MD

> mentioned

> above over the FDA~he gave up and walked away from me! Without

> really

> saying much, he said a lot! Basically, doctors have no real choice

> because

> the FDA is the " Big Brother " of medicine and doctors really can't say

> anything bad about them. It all comes down to money!

>

> Anyway, good luck with your diet! I cheated for a long time, mostly

> with

> cheese. Most people approach it with the attitude that it's worth it

> to

> suffer a little to enjoy what you like occasionally. When you reach

> the

> attitude that the suffering really isn't worth it, you know you've

> succeeded

> in dealing with your restrictions. Nobody wants to give up foods

> that taste

> good. It's a difficult journey that takes patients and self

> forgiveness &

> respect. Listen to your body, forgive yourself for cheating and

> mistakes,

> and take it one day at a time.

>

> Best of luck & good health to you!

> Jae

>

September 18, 2009

Thanks for your input, Patty. I appreciate it.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 17, 2009, at 5:34 PM, patty.paolini wrote:

>

> We have had positive results with IgG testing. My feeling is that

> you are having problems if you are testing so at least the tests may

> give you a starting place for what to try to eliminate rather than a

> total elimination diet which is tedious and very difficult.

>

> The main problem that I see is that most insurances don't pay for

> IgG tests but I have had 3 of my children tested my bio-daughter, my

> step son and my adopted son and eliminating problem foods led to

> very positive results even though they are not all bio related.

> Weight loss, positive changes in behavior, skin clearing up.

>

> The problem with IgG testing is that it tests reactions over time

> and food intolerances rather then an immediate reaction. These

> reactions can be just as severe are the immediate ones but it is

> hard to demonstrate cause and effect. For me I know that exactly 7

> days after I eat tomatoes I will have joint pain and tomato zits (as

> you say). Not easy to prove but I can set my clock by it.

>

> Hope this helps, Patty

>

September 18, 2009

Thanks, Laura. Forwarding your response to my friend, as well.

If any more folks have thoughts, I'd love to hear those as well.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 17, 2009, at 5:42 PM, " laurarider88 " <laurarider

wrote:

> Sally,

>

> I had the IgG test done about 7 months ago. I had always known I had

> a wheat allergy but it was so hard to stay away from wheat that I

> didn't stick to the diet. My nephew, aunt and brother have all been

> diagnosed as celiacs but I tested negative. However, I have a weak

> immune system and finally got sick of being sick and decided to

> pursue allergies - hence the IgG test. I tested positive for wheat,

> egg and dairy and have been mostly off these foods for 6 months. My

> mom was also tested recently and had some of the same concerns your

> friend has. She tested positive for wheat, eggs and cane sugar.

>

> While neither of us can speak to the scientific research or validity

> of the tests, I can tell you that my lifelong symptoms are gone and

> so are my mom's. I notice very specific and different reactions when

> I eat each of these foods. I couldn't identify any specific reaction

> until I'd been completely away from these foods for a couple months

> but now it's clear when I've had something I shouldn't.

>

> We decided that the science of the test isn't as important to us as

> whether or not we see a difference and we're clearly feeling better

> so it's working for us. What also is working besides symptom relief

> is that my immune system is significantly improved and I haven't

> been sick much since eliminating foods.

>

> I also had my 7 year old daughter tested, expecting her to have

> similar allergies but she came back with only a couple allergies to

> non-major foods. That gave me some comfort that the test was

> reliable for us. My daughter didn't have symptoms, I was just

> testing because we have a family history on my side, not her dad's.

>

> One side note...I've heard that many people test positive for eggs

> but they may not actually be allergic to eggs. My naturopath

> recommended just eating an egg (not something with egg in it but a

> scrambled egg) and see what happens. In my case, it's clearly an

> allergy. This elimination and then reintroduction test is the only

> way I know of to truly see if the test is reliable for you. In our

> case, it's been very helpful and accurate.

>

> Laura

>

> , Sally Parrott Ashbrook

> <sally.parrott wrote:

> >

> > Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would

> enjoy input

> > from some of you who have researched these issues and understand

> them better

> > than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal

> input from

> > your own experiences.

> >

> > It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

> > allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back

> negative

> > or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had

> previously

> > (but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with

> IgG, I came

> > back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---

> tested Level 3

> > or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly)

> tried a

> > gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve,

> but when I

> > had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy

> and eggs.

> > When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly

> within a

> > few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for

> gluten

> > and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and

> from

> > genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from

> my

> > digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making

> any further

> > ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my

> allergy level

> > would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I

> have

> > accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even

> without

> > knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example,

> talking to a

> > restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at

> a Level

> > 2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I

> eat them

> > in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I

> don't think

> > I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

> >

> > Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and

> has had

> > positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with

> the

> > removal of some of the same foods.

> >

> > Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but

> when she got

> > the results back (she tested positive for several, though not

> wheat), the

> > results included the statement that the test was not authorized by

> the FDA

> > for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her

> about the

> > validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of

> what to

> > believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions

> when we had

> > it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions

> were more

> > about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.)

> than about

> > the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research

> today to

> > try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the

> last couple

> > of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

> > information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there

> is no

> > established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

> > considered reliable for determining food allergies or

> intolerances. A page

> > out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I

> found: www.*

> > allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has

> to do with

> > IgG.)

> >

> > I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy,

> eggs, and

> > gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable,

> would

> > that explain my reactions?

> >

> > However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

> >

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing

> ),

> > who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

> >

> > Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so,

> what do

> > you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for

> you? What

> > have you read or found or learned? Why would study results

> repeatedly not be

> > valid if the testing is valid?

> >

> > This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able

> to pass

> > along further thoughts to my friend.

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> > Sally

> >

September 18, 2009

Sally: I've read that IgE testing isn't reliable for food allergies, only

environmental allergens. So that may be why you got differing results

between the two tests.

I just found this article. It looked interesting.

http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html

I (think) I just had IgG testing done; I know my hematologist did

IgE--there's always so many tests I can never remember them all! But this

conversation piqued my curiosity, so I will call tomorrow and see if I can

get copies of the results.

Marie

On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 6:51 PM, hollyhedge_2004 <bethbellwrote:

>

> -Hi Sally,

> I had a positive IgG test done for gluten as I have rheumatoid arthritis. I

> have strictly avoided gluten for all of this year plus dairy as well. 6

> weeks ago I had hair analysis allergy testing done on the recommendation of

> another person who has RA and has gone from being bedridden to completely

> mobile again, this took 6 months.

> I wasnt 100% convinced on the efficacy of hair analysis but in the past 6

> weeks I have gone from flaring almost continually for all of this year to

> having very little pain and no flaring of joints at all.

> My allergies were nightshades (well known as causing problems with joints)

> grapes, detergents and perfumes and I also can have sugar, pulses and soy

> every 4 days. It has not been easy and I am hoping I can eat tomatoes,

> potatoes etc again at some time - essential food items for vegans!

> I am still in a state of disbelief that those foods could cause such severe

> pain for 10 years.

> My blood tests confirmed the gluten allergy but no other foods so I have

> more faith in the hair analysis than the blood tests.

> Hope this is of interest.

>

> -- In

<%40>,

> " laurarider88 " <laurarider wrote:

> >

> > Sally,

> >

> > I had the IgG test done about 7 months ago. I had always known I had a

> wheat allergy but it was so hard to stay away from wheat that I didn't stick

> to the diet. My nephew, aunt and brother have all been diagnosed as celiacs

> but I tested negative. However, I have a weak immune system and finally got

> sick of being sick and decided to pursue allergies - hence the IgG test. I

> tested positive for wheat, egg and dairy and have been mostly off these

> foods for 6 months. My mom was also tested recently and had some of the same

> concerns your friend has. She tested positive for wheat, eggs and cane

> sugar.

> >

> > While neither of us can speak to the scientific research or validity of

> the tests, I can tell you that my lifelong symptoms are gone and so are my

> mom's. I notice very specific and different reactions when I eat each of

> these foods. I couldn't identify any specific reaction until I'd been

> completely away from these foods for a couple months but now it's clear when

> I've had something I shouldn't.

> >

> > We decided that the science of the test isn't as important to us as

> whether or not we see a difference and we're clearly feeling better so it's

> working for us. What also is working besides symptom relief is that my

> immune system is significantly improved and I haven't been sick much since

> eliminating foods.

> >

> > I also had my 7 year old daughter tested, expecting her to have similar

> allergies but she came back with only a couple allergies to non-major foods.

> That gave me some comfort that the test was reliable for us. My daughter

> didn't have symptoms, I was just testing because we have a family history on

> my side, not her dad's.

> >

> > One side note...I've heard that many people test positive for eggs but

> they may not actually be allergic to eggs. My naturopath recommended just

> eating an egg (not something with egg in it but a scrambled egg) and see

> what happens. In my case, it's clearly an allergy. This elimination and then

> reintroduction test is the only way I know of to truly see if the test is

> reliable for you. In our case, it's been very helpful and accurate.

> >

> > Laura

> >

> > --- In

<%40>,

> Sally Parrott Ashbrook <sally.parrott@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would enjoy

> input

> > > from some of you who have researched these issues and understand them

> better

> > > than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal input

> from

> > > your own experiences.

> > >

> > > It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

> > > allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back

> negative

> > > or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had

> previously

> > > (but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with IgG, I

> came

> > > back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---tested

> Level 3

> > > or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly) tried a

> > > gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve, but

> when I

> > > had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy and

> eggs.

> > > When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly

> within a

> > > few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for

> gluten

> > > and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and from

> > > genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from my

> > > digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making any

> further

> > > ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my allergy

> level

> > > would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I have

> > > accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even without

> > > knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example, talking to

> a

> > > restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at a

> Level

> > > 2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I eat

> them

> > > in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I don't

> think

> > > I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

> > >

> > > Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and has had

> > > positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with the

> > > removal of some of the same foods.

> > >

> > > Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but when she

> got

> > > the results back (she tested positive for several, though not wheat),

> the

> > > results included the statement that the test was not authorized by the

> FDA

> > > for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her about

> the

> > > validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of what

> to

> > > believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions when

> we had

> > > it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions were

> more

> > > about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.) than

> about

> > > the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research today

> to

> > > try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the last

> couple

> > > of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

> > > information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there is no

> > > established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

> > > considered reliable for determining food allergies or intolerances. A

> page

> > > out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I found:

> www.*

> > > allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has to do

> with

> > > IgG.)

> > >

> > > I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy, eggs,

> and

> > > gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable,

> would

> > > that explain my reactions?

> > >

> > > However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

> > >

>

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing

> ),

> > > who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

> > >

> > > Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so, what

> do

> > > you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for you?

> What

> > > have you read or found or learned? Why would study results repeatedly

> not be

> > > valid if the testing is valid?

> > >

> > > This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able to

> pass

> > > along further thoughts to my friend.

> > >

> > > Thanks.

> > >

> > > Sally

> > >

September 18, 2009

Marie---IgG testing is for latent allergies---for food, the way the body

reacts to food during the digestive process, basically. So I would

absolutely expect my IgE and IgG results to be different from one another

(and I don't really consider the skin test worth anything, for me

personally, when it comes to food). I know that I don't have IgE-mediated

reactions to foods, though I do have some severe IgE-mediated inhalant

allergies.

Sally

On Fri, Sep 18, 2009 at 1:25 AM, Marie Nelson <marie.nelsonwrote:

>

> Sally: I've read that IgE testing isn't reliable for food allergies, only

> environmental allergens. So that may be why you got differing results

> between the two tests.

>

> I just found this article. It looked interesting.

> http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html

>

> I (think) I just had IgG testing done; I know my hematologist did

> IgE--there's always so many tests I can never remember them all! But this

> conversation piqued my curiosity, so I will call tomorrow and see if I can

> get copies of the results.

>

> Marie

>

> On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 6:51 PM, hollyhedge_2004

<bethbell<bethbell%40clear.net.nz>

> >wrote:

>

> >

> > -Hi Sally,

> > I had a positive IgG test done for gluten as I have rheumatoid arthritis.

> I

> > have strictly avoided gluten for all of this year plus dairy as well. 6

> > weeks ago I had hair analysis allergy testing done on the recommendation

> of

> > another person who has RA and has gone from being bedridden to completely

> > mobile again, this took 6 months.

> > I wasnt 100% convinced on the efficacy of hair analysis but in the past 6

> > weeks I have gone from flaring almost continually for all of this year to

> > having very little pain and no flaring of joints at all.

> > My allergies were nightshades (well known as causing problems with

> joints)

> > grapes, detergents and perfumes and I also can have sugar, pulses and soy

> > every 4 days. It has not been easy and I am hoping I can eat tomatoes,

> > potatoes etc again at some time - essential food items for vegans!

> > I am still in a state of disbelief that those foods could cause such

> severe

> > pain for 10 years.

> > My blood tests confirmed the gluten allergy but no other foods so I have

> > more faith in the hair analysis than the blood tests.

> > Hope this is of interest.

> >

> > -- In

<%40>

> <%40>,

>

> > " laurarider88 " <laurarider wrote:

> > >

> > > Sally,

> > >

> > > I had the IgG test done about 7 months ago. I had always known I had a

> > wheat allergy but it was so hard to stay away from wheat that I didn't

> stick

> > to the diet. My nephew, aunt and brother have all been diagnosed as

> celiacs

> > but I tested negative. However, I have a weak immune system and finally

> got

> > sick of being sick and decided to pursue allergies - hence the IgG test.

> I

> > tested positive for wheat, egg and dairy and have been mostly off these

> > foods for 6 months. My mom was also tested recently and had some of the

> same

> > concerns your friend has. She tested positive for wheat, eggs and cane

> > sugar.

> > >

> > > While neither of us can speak to the scientific research or validity of

> > the tests, I can tell you that my lifelong symptoms are gone and so are

> my

> > mom's. I notice very specific and different reactions when I eat each of

> > these foods. I couldn't identify any specific reaction until I'd been

> > completely away from these foods for a couple months but now it's clear

> when

> > I've had something I shouldn't.

> > >

> > > We decided that the science of the test isn't as important to us as

> > whether or not we see a difference and we're clearly feeling better so

> it's

> > working for us. What also is working besides symptom relief is that my

> > immune system is significantly improved and I haven't been sick much

> since

> > eliminating foods.

> > >

> > > I also had my 7 year old daughter tested, expecting her to have similar

> > allergies but she came back with only a couple allergies to non-major

> foods.

> > That gave me some comfort that the test was reliable for us. My daughter

> > didn't have symptoms, I was just testing because we have a family history

> on

> > my side, not her dad's.

> > >

> > > One side note...I've heard that many people test positive for eggs but

> > they may not actually be allergic to eggs. My naturopath recommended just

> > eating an egg (not something with egg in it but a scrambled egg) and see

> > what happens. In my case, it's clearly an allergy. This elimination and

> then

> > reintroduction test is the only way I know of to truly see if the test is

> > reliable for you. In our case, it's been very helpful and accurate.

> > >

> > > Laura

> > >

> > > --- In

<%40>

> <%40>,

>

> > Sally Parrott Ashbrook <sally.parrott@> wrote:

> > > >

> > > > Hey, everyone. I have something I'm very curious about and would

> enjoy

> > input

> > > > from some of you who have researched these issues and understand them

> > better

> > > > than I do---and/or from some of you who may just have anecdotal input

> > from

> > > > your own experiences.

> > > >

> > > > It was a little over two years ago that I got IgG-tested for food

> > > > allergies. My IgE testing had previously (but recently) come back

> > negative

> > > > or very low for a wide range of things, and my skin testing had

> > previously

> > > > (but recently) come back negative for foods entirely. But with IgG, I

> > came

> > > > back heavily positive for gluten, soy, cow dairy, and eggs---tested

> > Level 3

> > > > or higher for each of those. I had previously (albeit briefly) tried

> a

> > > > gluten-free diet and had not had some medical symptoms improve, but

> > when I

> > > > had tried going gf at that time I had increased my intake of soy and

> > eggs.

> > > > When I removed all of those foods from my diet, I improved greatly

> > within a

> > > > few weeks. (In the meantime, I also did the Enterolab testing for

> > gluten

> > > > and casein intolerance; both were positive from stool samples and

> from

> > > > genetic testing.) I have seen vast improvements in everything from my

> > > > digestion to my acne since making those changes---without making any

> > further

> > > > ones. When I have tried out soy again, quite hopeful that my allergy

> > level

> > > > would have decreased, I've definitely gotten sick from it. When I

> have

> > > > accidentally ingested dairy, I have gotten sick, as well---even

> without

> > > > knowing it was dairy causing the problem until, for example, talking

> to

> > a

> > > > restaurant later. Meanwhile, on my testing, tomatoes came back at a

> > Level

> > > > 2; I don't avoid them entirely, but it has become clear that if I eat

> > them

> > > > in large doses too often, I get what I call my 'tomato zits.' I don't

> > think

> > > > I'm merely having a psychosomatic reaction to these foods.

> > > >

> > > > Since then one of my dear friends has also done the testing and has

> had

> > > > positive results and has had her health improve in some ways with the

> > > > removal of some of the same foods.

> > > >

> > > > Recently, one of my friends, K., has had IgG testing done, but when

> she

> > got

> > > > the results back (she tested positive for several, though not wheat),

> > the

> > > > results included the statement that the test was not authorized by

> the

> > FDA

> > > > for diagnosis. I had known that already and tried to comfort her

> about

> > the

> > > > validity; I certainly don't consider the FDA the end-all/be-all of

> what

> > to

> > > > believe or disbelieve. My husband and I asked a lot of questions when

> > we had

> > > > it done (he came back negative for everything), but our questions

> were

> > more

> > > > about the methodology of the testing (purity of samples, etc.) than

> > about

> > > > the validity of the very idea. However, when I did some research

> today

> > to

> > > > try to pass along information to my friend, I found that in the last

> > couple

> > > > of years, many allergy-related organizations have been disseminating

> > > > information (based on some studies, it seems) stating that there is

> no

> > > > established validity for the testing and that tests are not actually

> > > > considered reliable for determining food allergies or intolerances. A

> > page

> > > > out of South Africa is pretty representative of much of what I found:

> > www.*

> > > > allergy*sa.org/pdfs/intolerance_*tests*.pdf (The second part has to

> do

> > with

> > > > IgG.)

> > > >

> > > > I have read previously, I believe, that gliadins in soy, dairy, eggs,

> > and

> > > > gluten may be similar. If the IgG tests are actually not reliable,

> > would

> > > > that explain my reactions?

> > > >

> > > > However, there are also doctors, like the one at this page (

> > > >

> >

>

http://www.milforddailynews.com/lifestyle/columnists/x1304906432/WHATS-UP-DOC-Ma\

king-sense-of-allergy-testing

> > ),

> > > > who believe that IgG mediation of allergies make sense.

> > > >

> > > > Have people in this group had experiences with IgG testing? If so,

> what

> > do

> > > > you think---have the tests seemed to provide accurate results for

> you?

> > What

> > > > have you read or found or learned? Why would study results repeatedly

> > not be

> > > > valid if the testing is valid?

> > > >

> > > > This is a very interesting puzzle to me, and I'd love to be able to

> > pass

> > > > along further thoughts to my friend.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks.

> > > >

> > > > Sally

> > > >

September 18, 2009

Holly---Thanks for sharing your input, as well. The same types of articles

that seek to debunk IgG also commonly seek to debunk hair (and a variety of

other alternative) testing. Isn't it funny how we can seem to get valid

results from tests that are considered non-scientific by some? I find it

fascinating right now.

Sally

On Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 9:51 PM, hollyhedge_2004 <bethbellwrote: