In recent years, food sensitivity tests have gained significant popularity as a means to identify potential triggers for various health concerns. These tests claim to pinpoint specific foods that may cause adverse reactions in individuals. After writing about a handful of topics related to food sensitivities (anti-inflammatory diets, hypermobility, and digestive disorders) it’s clear that the topic of food sensitivity leaves dancers with more questions than answers.
What is food sensitivity?
The phrase food sensitivity is often used interchangeably with food intolerances and even food allergies. However, they’re different:
- Food intolerances involve the inability to digest certain foods.
- Food allergies involve a more severe immune response to certain foods.
Food sensitivities have been described as an immune reaction that presents with a multitude of symptoms, however, there is no standard definition for the term. In fact, food sensitivities are widely controversial and not even considered a true medical diagnosis. Food sensitivities often come up in conversations about functional digestive disorders (involving symptoms like gas, constipation, and diarrhea)— IBS is an example. Some believe that testing for food sensitivities provides the knowledge needed to guide treatment— oftentimes, elimination diets— to remove the potentially triggering food. But there are major limitations to these protocols.
What are food sensitivity tests?
Food sensitivity tests are commonly sold as at-home kits, but can also be found in many functional medicine practices and integrative/holistic nutrition spaces. There are a few different types of food sensitivity tests, the most common include:
- Those that measure antibodies in the blood called immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies
- Those that test for the presence of microorganisms that may contribute to digestive discomfort (the presence of SIBO, parasites)
- Those that test a person’s DNA to identify the likelihood of an adverse reaction to a certain food.
I always recognize when a dancer wants to take charge of their health and performance, but given today’s prevalence of diet and wellness culture, it’s essential to examine the limitations and even harm associated with food sensitivity tests. In this blog post, we will uncover the controversy surrounding these tests, shed light on why they can be harmful, and discuss alternative approaches for dancers with suspected food sensitivities.
The problems with food sensitivity tests
#1: They’re not backed by science
Food sensitivity tests lack scientific validity— in fact, much of the scientific community has expressed concerns about the reliability and accuracy of these tests. First, the antibodies tested in these at-home kits are found in the blood under normal conditions. They’re standard blood markers presenting from the food we regularly eat. According to the AAAAI, the presence of these antibodies can arguably be considered evidence of tolerance and desensitization, not intolerance.
Second, testing for microorganisms can be helpful to detect the presence of bacteria and parasites, but are less understood when used to test for food sensitivities. The bottom line: these tests should not be used as the basis of dietary recommendations, especially food restrictions.
Last, food sensitivity tests that boast genetic testing are incredibly limited and inaccurate. There are still many unknowns regarding the role of genetics in food allergies and intolerances. Many of these tests may suggest associations (ie. the presence of gene X is associated with (not a resulting factor in) the presence of allergy X)— association does not mean causation. In other words, we cannot confidently conclude that the presence of specific genes is the reason behind specific food sensitivities.
#2: They lead to false positives and unnecessary food restrictions
One of the most significant dangers of food sensitivity tests is the potential for false positives. These tests can indicate sensitivity to certain foods even when there is no actual intolerance or adverse reaction present. This is a known issue that can lead dancers to unnecessarily eliminate entire food groups from their diets, causing nutritional imbalances, increased risk of deficiencies, and disordered eating.
No, chances are you don’t need an elimination diet
Elimination diets involve the complete omittance of a specific food or food group in hopes to remove the trigger of discomfort. While this is a logical step for dancers who receive a medical diagnosis of true food intolerances (ie. celiac disease) or food allergies, it’s not encouraged for the management of suspected food sensitivities.
Elimination diets can lead dancers to significantly reduce their intake of foods rich in prebiotic fibers. As a reminder, prebiotics are nourishment for probiotics (the “friendly” bacteria lining the gut) aid in digestive regularity. When combined with a decrease in food variety, elimination diets deprive gut bacteria of prebiotic nourishment (certain veggies, fruits, whole grains, and bread products). Not only can this eventually exacerbate symptoms, but it can also make reintroducing foods challenging.
One popular type of elimination diet— low FODMAP, has been tied to severely disordered eating. It’s important to know that not ALL dancers who trial a low FODMAP diet will exemplify severely disordered eating, but given the prevalence of eating disorders in this population, the risk shouldn’t be ignored. For dancers who suspect a need for such a restrictive eating plan in the management of suspected food sensitivities, it’s highly encouraged they work alongside an informed dietitian.
#3: They can delay more important medical diagnoses
Food sensitivity tests should not substitute a medical diagnosis and may even delay or prevent proper diagnosis of underlying health conditions. This can ultimately lead to ineffective (or harmful) treatment strategies such as those mentioned above (ie. elimination diets).
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, specific tests are available to diagnose true food allergies (immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies) and severe intolerances like celiac disease (immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies). These tests are often performed by an allergist.
#4: They can negatively impact your mindset
As mentioned earlier, a positive result from a food sensitivity test can trigger unnecessary fear and anxiety around food. For dancers, this can spiral into the development of restrictive food thoughts, even if they have enjoyed those foods without issues in the past. Disordered eating among dancers is not an experience we should take lightly. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health disorders (second only to opioid addiction).
#5: They’re expensive and can drain resources
Food sensitivity tests often come with a hefty price tag, especially when purchased without the possibility of insurance reimbursement. The financial burden of these tests, coupled with their limited scientific validity, raises concerns about your allocation of resources. Consider the time, money, and effort spent on these tests and whether those resources can be better utilized by seeking help from qualified clinicians. Scheduling an appointment with an allergist is encouraged. If inaccessible in the short term, then consider working with a non-diet dietitian who can guide your self-exploration and provide evidence-based interventions.
Key Takeaways
While the allure of food sensitivity tests is understandable, it is essential to approach them with caution. The desire to blame food for negative symptoms is commonplace and while I never want to invalidate anyone’s experience, it’s important to look beyond what could eventually lead to a path of disordered eating.
I encourage dancers to reach out to work alongside licensed clinicians for accurate diagnoses and personalized recommendations. A registered dietitian can support dancers in building a healthy relationship with food while a mental health therapist can offer strategies for coping with emotional distress. Remember, informed decisions about your health should always be based on scientific evidence and professional advice.
