Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an organized, multi-layer system that is the first line of defence against pathogens. The term microbiome refers to a variety of different species of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, protozoa and eukaryotic microbes that reside predominantly in the colon and play a key role in regulating intestinal permeability (IP). Any disturbance or imbalance to our microbial community is defined as dysbiosis and is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and an increase in specific, pro-inflammatory microbial species. Dysbiosis is associated with an increase in pathogenic bacteria, IP and chronic disease.
When the gut barrier is breached, epitopes present on the surface of antigens/proteins stimulate the production of IgG antibodies by binding onto the surface of memory B cells. IgG antibodies are our front-line immune response, and we make IgG antibodies to every foreign antigen to which we have ever been exposed. IgG antibodies stimulate complement, leading to the formation of immune complexes. These complexes are responsible for driving low-grade chronic inflammation, which contributes to an individual's symptoms and the onset or aggravation of disease states. Thus, IP is a major contributor to food sensitivity reactions as IgG responses to foods repeatedly eaten continually stimulate the immune system. When IP is persistent and unresolved, it becomes problematic. Removing specific foods that stimulate an elevated IgG response will reduce IgG antibody formation.
Everyone's nutrition and lifestyle are different. Food IgG sensitivity testing is one strategy that can be used to identify the specific foods for each patient that should be eliminated from their diet to help improve barrier integrity and IP. Other factors may include stress management, supplementation such as probiotics, diet and sleep hygiene.
Our test provides a quantitative result for the presence of IgG food-specific antibodies to over 200 foods from a single finger prick blood sample. It is a unique product, based on microarray technology, offering significant benefits over traditional plate-based ELISA tests.