Allergy Testing

1 in 3 of the population suffers from undiagnosed food allergies or food intolerances at some time in their life. This is due to the fact that symptoms may not always appear immediately after eating an offending food, as they may develop after a day or two. Also, if you’ve always felt a certain way, you won’t realise there’s a problem.

An allergy is an exaggerated reaction by our immune system to a protein found in the environment, such as that present in pollen, nuts, fish, dust mite, dander or moulds. These proteins are known as allergens and are normally harmless as our body recognises them and does not produce a response. However, in allergic individuals, the allergen triggers their immune system to cause an allergic reaction involving the release of histamine from mast cells lining the skin, lungs, nose or intestine. Allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, swelling, flushing and wheezing can occur. In severe cases, anaphylaxis or even death can result.

Genetic predisposition, global warming with changing patterns of natural vegetation and increased pollen production are contributing factors to the increased prevalence of allergies. Other contributing factors include passive smoking, being overweight and frequent courses of antibiotics. Research has shown a clear link between hayfever and the later development of asthma. People with allergies rarely suffer from only one allergy i.e. Sufferers from eczema tend to also suffer from hayfever or asthma.

The inability of our body to digest certain foods is known to be intolerance and does not involve our immune system. This commonly manifests itself as lactose intolerance inducing abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea. Problematic foods such as wheat, tomatoes or citrus fruits can be eliminated from your diet for a while, then gradually re-introduced and tolerated by your body. At Azamay, we know dealing with food intolerance can be hard work, as you often crave the foods you are intolerant to, but we can advise and support you along the way.

Here at Azamay we can organise tests to determine and correctly diagnose any food allergies or intolerances you may have. We carefully compose an individual prescription for your diet and lifestyle along with the supervision and monitoring of your symptoms.