Functional medicine doctors commonly order food sensitivity testing. Food sensitivities are a type of adverse food reaction, more common than food allergies. Food sensitivities can cause delayed negative responses up to 72 hours after eating, making them difficult to identify without testing methods. The Food Inflammation Test from KBMO Diagnostics is an ideal and accurate test to diagnose food sensitivities, inflammation, and leaky gut with one test.

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What is the FIT from KBMO Diagnostics?

The Food Inflammation Test (FIT) is a food sensitivity test that uses a patented approach of measuring both IgG antibodies and immune complexes to detect food sensitivities and inflammation with one test. KBMO offers three FIT panels, varying by the number of tested foods and additives.

The FIT 22 assess 22 of the most common food sensitivities via a bloodspot test, making it easy for patients to collect at home.

The FIT 132 measures sensitivity to 132 different foods and additives. There is a serum and blood spot version of this panel available.

The FIT 176 is the most comprehensive panel, assessing sensitivities to 176 different foods and additives. It is also available in either serum or blood spot versions.

What is the Gut Barrier Panel from KBMO Diagnostics?

The Gut Barrier Panel (GB Panel) is KBMO's leaky gut screening test that measures IgG1-4/C3d and IgA1-2 immune proteins against three biomarkers associated with leaky gut/intestinal permeability (i.e., occludin, Candida, and LPS). Measuring IgG1-4/C3d and IgA1-2 antibodies allows a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying immune activation and inflammation. The GB Panel is included in both the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests.

What is the Zonulin Assay from KBMO Diagnostics?

The Zonulin Assay is KBMO's most recently developed assay, which is also included on both the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests. Zonulin is the only known reversible regulator and a key biomarker of intestinal permeability. The Zonulin Assay measures zonulin IgG antibodies, increasing testing accuracy by eliminating problems of cross-reactivity and specimen stability associated with other tests that measure the zonulin protein.

What is the Meal Plan Add-On?

A customized seven-day meal plan can be added to the FIT 132 and FIT 176 tests. Created by KBMO's nutrition team, this meal plan is personalized for the patient based on their FIT results.

Which Patients is the FIT Best Used For?

Food sensitivities can cause a multitude of systemic symptoms. When adverse food reactions are suspected as underlying a patient's complaints and symptoms, but a diet diary and/or preliminary food elimination have not resulted in the anticipated positive improvements, the FIT test can be very beneficial in identifying specific food triggers.

Common signs and symptoms of food sensitivities include:

• Digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea
• Skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, acne, rash
• Runny nose and post-nasal drip
• Headaches and migraines
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Joint and muscle pain
• Anxiety and depression

Many food sensitivity tests don't include leaky gut panels. The FIT is a great two-in-one testing option for patients who suspect leaky gut contributes to food sensitivities and other symptoms.

How to Use the FIT from KBMO Diagnostics in Clinic

No special patient preparation is required prior to either the bloodspot or blood draw versions of the FIT. Doctors should ensure they order the correct version of the test for the patient.

The test includes an easy-to-interpret report in which food sensitivities are graded on a scale from 0-6. If ordered, a customized meal plan will also accompany the test results. KBMO also offers a mobile app for patients to access their test results and meal plans easily.

An elimination diet is recommended as the next step to receiving food sensitivity results. All foods graded three and above should be eliminated from the diet, typically for 4-6 weeks. After the elimination phase, foods are challenged back into the diet one at a time, and symptoms are tracked for up to three days after consumption to test if the food sensitivity still exists. If negative symptoms occur in response to the food reintroduction, the food is eliminated from the patient's diet again. The goal is that patients can reintroduce all or most foods back into their diet in moderation.

Positive results on the GB Panel and Zonulin Assay indicate that a gut healing protocol should be initiated in combination with the elimination diet. Digestive enzymes, probiotics, and gut-healing herbs and supplements can be dosed during the elimination to encourage intestinal healing and food tolerance.

Summary

Food sensitivity panels are helpful tools in identifying hidden food sensitivities and leaky gut contributing to adverse reactions and unwanted symptoms. Shared symptoms of food sensitivities and leaky gut syndrome include fatigue, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and headaches. KBMO offers three FIT panels, leaky gut screening, and zonulin antibody measurement to accurately identify food sensitivities, intestinal permeability, and associated inflammation. Treatment plans can yield better patient results using FIT panels to guide elimination diets and gut-healing protocols.