Food Allergy Testing

Boca Raton, Palm Beach Florida


Food allergy testing at Ennis Plastic Surgery offers a medically and scientifically based treatment option for individuals who suffer from food allergies. The treatment approach is based on identification of trigger foods or food compounds, addressing the underlying medical issue and building a nutrition and/or supplement plan toward health and vitality. By identifying food allergies, the medical team at Ennis Plastic Surgery is able to create a customized plan toward wellness. The trigger foods are eliminated and the patient is provided the education and resources to a more appropriate nutritional diet.

It is common for people to have physical reactions to certain foods. Many of these reactions are caused by food intolerances, as opposed to food allergies. A food intolerance, or food sensitivity, can cause some signs and symptoms similar to a food allergy, so it can be confusing to distinguish between the two.

A medical food allergy causes a reaction of the immune system, in which many body organs are affected. A food allergy is caused when the body mistakenly identifies a food ingredient as harmful and creates a defense mechanism to fight against it. The reaction can be mild to severe, or even life threatening. Alternatively, a food intolerance will cause a more mild reaction, and the reaction is oftentimes related to digestive issues.

For individuals with true food allergies, it may be necessary to carry an emergency epinephrine shot (such as EpiPen, Auvi-Q etc) for self-treatment. These medications are necessary to fight the life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Even if past allergic reactions have been mild, individuals can suddenly develop a more severe and life-threatening reaction, in which it becomes difficult to breath. That is why it is essential to identify allergic food triggers.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Symptoms of food allergy can be mild or severe. The amount of food needed to trigger the reaction varies from one person to the next. Food allergies are most common in people who have a family history of allergies.

The most common food allergies include:

  • shellfish
  • many types of nuts
  • fish
  • eggs
  • peanuts
  • milk

Common symptoms of food allergies include:

  1. Rash or hives
  2. Cramping in stomach
  3. Pain in stomach
  4. Diarrhea
  5. Nausea
  6. Shortness of breath
  7. Wheezing
  8. Itching of the skin
  9. Swelling of the mouth or throat
  10. Anaphylaxis: potentially fatal reaction that includes a sudden drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and body system failure

Food Allergy Causes

Food allergies develop after an individual is exposed to a food protein that the body finds harmful. The first time the food is ingested, the body creates a specific antibody, which is intended to fight off the invading food protein (much the same way the body would create an antibody to fight off an invading germ). When the food is eaten again, the protein triggers the release of the antibody, in addition to other chemicals such as histamine.

This is done in effort to remove the protein from the body. Unfortunately, histamine can significantly affect the systems of the heart and lungs and digestion, creating an onset of unwanted symptoms. Depending on where the histamine is released, the body with experience different allergic reactions.

If the histamine is released in the skin, then the body may develop a rash or itching skin. If it is released in the nose and throat, then the body may experience difficulty breathing. Additionally, it is important to recognize that many individuals have allergies to environmental compounds, such as grass or mold, as well as food additives and preservatives.

Fortunately, at The MIAMI Institute, we are pleased to offer comprehensive food allergy and food sensitivity testing in order to help our patients on their path toward wellness. The first step needed to overcome food allergies is to identify the trigger substances and food proteins. Once the food or foods are identified, patients are able to modify their diets and nutritional focus to accommodate for the allergy.

With a specialized blood test, we can identify the trigger food proteins without unnecessary scratch testing.

What to Expect during Food Allergy Test

The MIAMI Institute has formed a medical partnership with Immuno Labs. Immuno Labs is a leading organization in the field of medical and scientific lab testing. They are recognized and respected as one of the leading facilities for food and environmental allergy testing in the world.

At The MIAMI Institute, we utilize the Immuno Bloodprint blood test in order to identify unknown food and environmental allergens as well as food sensitivities.

The blood test uses the IgG Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) technique, which is highly specialized and scientifically precise. The test can identify over 154 allergens and sensitivities that trigger unwanted bodily reactions. A comprehensive blood test is 154 of the most common types of food proteins, additives, chemicals and preservatives evaluates how each body responds to what is digested and exposed to in the environment.

Testing Results and Support

The results of the ELISA blood testing are analyzed and reported within days. The detailed report identifies the unknown food allergies, as well as any other food or environmental sensitivities. Based on this list, the patient is educated in foods to avoid and medical steps to take in the case of an allergic reaction.

By eliminating the allergen food protein, the cycle of inflammation, irritation and itching can be stopped. The patient is also given a comprehensive list of alternative foods to enjoy and recommended meal plans. Patients have access to online support as well as individualized support from The MIAMI Institute team.

Food Allergy Treatment

After the blood test, the real fun begins. The dedicated team at The MIAMI Institute continues to give support and coaching as patients improve their diet and lifestyle, including exercise guidelines and steps to reduce stress and anxiety. The patients are offered complementary services such as IV Nutritional Therapy to provide missing and needed nutrients for vitality.

Some patients also choose to participate in weight loss or weight management programs or services from our energy based treatments. The entire staff at The MIAMI Institute has one common focus, wellness.

Click here to book a Food Allergy Test or call (305) 624-0009.

The MIAMI Institute Difference

The MIAMI Institute for Age Management and Intervention specializes in treatments to optimize the health, wellness and vitality of our patients. We are dedicated to manage and reverse the effects of aging through wellness based treatments that are scientifically based and provide consistent and reliable outcomes.

We are pleased to offer food allergy testing to help our patients identify unknown underlying causes of common and unpleasant symptoms of itching, rashes, gastrointestinal discomfort and chronic inflammation. By identifying the cause, the medical team at The MIAMI Institute is able to provide education for successful treatment.

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