Identify food and chemical sensitivities with the Alcat Test
The Alcat Test identifies adverse immune cell reactions associated with food and chemical sensitivity. It is an accurate method to evaluate the immune system’s reactions to foods following an ex vivo challenge of the white blood cells.
The results from the Alcat Test can help determine which foods and other substances may trigger unwanted inflammation and related symptoms. The Alcat Test enables providers to help patients improve chronic health issues through dietary change.
Alcat Test Overview
The Alcat Test gives healthcare professionals a tool for managing conditions linked to inflammation and chronic activation of the immune system. The Alcat Test measures individual responses to foods and other substances at the cellular level and may reveal the underlying trigger of certain symptoms.
Food and chemical sensitivities have been linked to migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and other symptoms related to chronic activation of the immune system. 1-6
Clinical assessments of the Alcat Test used to guide dietary modification have shown significant improvement in many common symptoms. 1, 2, 7 -9 The efficacy of the Alcat Test has been documented in numerous studies implementing rigorous double blind and often placebo controlled study designs. 10, 11
Methodology
The Alcat Test measures food/immune reactions through stimulation of leukocytes. The leukocytes, which comprise five classes of white blood cells (WBCs), including monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils (~ 70 – 80% of WBC’s) can be challenged with individual food or chemical extracts. Immunologic defense reactions, e.g. of neutrophils, initiate an instrumental primary role in inflammation. While this is a very effective first-line defense strategy against acute infections, chronic activation of the immune system may lead to health disorders.
The Alcat Test does not identify type 1 classical IgE mediated (anaphylaxis) allergies.
The difference between the Alcat Test and IgG antibody testing: Food and Chemical sensitivities are mediated by multiple pathogenic mechanisms. By using the cellular approach, instead of a single antibody such as IgG, the Alcat Test can identify food and chemical sensitivities regardless of the pathway (immunologic, toxic, pharmacologic). The cells release free radicals and inflammatory mediators without antibody involvement.
The majority of studies suggest that food specific IgG antibodies are protective and thereby not pathogenic.
Clear test results
Alcat Test results include an easy to read color-coded test report classifying tested items according to degree of cellular reactivity. Included with each report is a wallet-sized test results card, Foods to Avoid list, food rotation plan (when testing 100 foods or more) and a comprehensive Understanding your Alcat Test Results patient guidebook.
This type of testing will require some support with understanding the results, so with an ALCAT intolerance test, we have included a 30 minute consult via phone or in person with the Naturopath and this is included in the investment value.
There are many options to this type of testing, we have listed the options and investment values, as you can see some have a very comprehensive array of items tested for. If this is a test you think you may be interested in, please contact us here at Hair2Health so we can discuss the best option for you.
FAQ’s
Why should I invest in such a test when I can just eat healthier?
Have you been struggling with ill health for a while? Do you wish you had more energy, sleep improvements or a digestive system that does not give you grief?
Then ALCAT testing should be considered. Sometimes we can spend months and months trying to heal and work on lots of different aspects of our health, which can take time and money, and sometimes it may take a while to really see the benefit of all of the work you are doing.
With this test, you will very quickly see the impact of the changes on your general health and well being very quickly, and this is feedback that has come from hundreds of patients who have used this test before.
They say it will shorten the time it takes, and has saved them from spending hundreds of dollars on unnecessary supplements too.
We highly recommend this ALCAT test.
If I have been avoiding a certain food, will it show in my test?
Sometimes if you have cleared this from your body, it may not show in your test results. But as like other tests for allergies and intolerances, if you know this food reacts for you, please do not consume it.
I am a Coeliac, will the gluten containing grains show up?
If you know you are Coeliac, and you have been avoiding grains, they should not show in your test. Also due to the difference between Coeliac and Gluten Food Sensitivities, you will see different results.
I have allergies to some of the listed foods, will they show? If not can I eat them?
No you can not eat them. This test does not show allergies. Please continue to avoid any foods that are an allergen for you.
ALCAT 200 Foods: $849
ALCAT 150 Foods $689
ALCAT 100 Foods $539
ALCAT Moulds test $360
ALCAT CHEM50 test – 20 food chemicals/additives, 10 environmental chemicals, 20 moulds, 20 antibiotics/anti-inflammatories. $593
ALCAT Comprehensive Profile – Platinum This test includes all 200 foods, 20 food chemicals/additives, 10 environmental chemicals, 20 moulds, 20 antibiotics/anti-inflammatories. $1523