How To Do A Food Allergy Self Test At Home

If you think you're allergic to a certain food or foods, there is an easy way to do a self-test in the comfort of your home and avoid expensive or painful testing at the doctor's office. To be successful, it's vital that you complete each step in order and thoroughly. 

Think safety

The most important part of doing a food allergy test at home is safety. If you already know you are allergic to shellfish and they cause your throat to swell shut, making it difficult to breathe, you do not need to do a food allergy test with the shellfish. The home test is to find other foods that cause a mild allergic reaction. Never eat anything that you know will send you to the hospital.

Make a list

To begin your food allergy test at home, you need to make a list of any foods you suspect are causing an allergic reaction. This could include peanuts, dairy products, or a wide array of fruit, seeds and vegetables. After writing down the suspect foods, make another list of the common foods or ingredients you eat every week. 

Fast first

This is the hard part of doing a successful home allergy test. It's best to do a full body cleanse or fasting regime for at least three days before you begin experimenting with various foods. This allows you to start with a clean palette (and palate!), so to speak. Drink a lot of water during your fast to flush any allergens from your body. If you know you aren't allergic to citrus fruits, squeeze fresh lemon and orange into your water for flavor, vitamins and potassium. If you have blood sugar issues, don't fast. Instead choose healthy foods that you know you aren't allergic too. If possible eat only raw vegetables and fruits. 

Doing the test

First, take your pulse and blood pressure if you have a blood pressure cuff. If you don't, just take your pulse by placing your two fingers on the side of your neck. Count the beats per minute and jot the number down. It's important to be in a calm relaxed state when you are doing this. 

After a fast, it's important to start with simple, somewhat bland foods and work your way up to spicy or rich foods. Start with one of the blander items on your list, such as a raw piece of fruit, to begin with. Take a very small bite chewing it thoroughly. Keep it in your mouth as long as possible. Notice any strange sensations such as tingling, numbness, itching, swelling, or other reactions by your body that seem strange. If you notice anything strange sensations, spit the food out and do not swallow it. You can then ask to be tested at the office of an allergist like Alidina Laila MD for that specific allergy.

If nothing happens, you can swallow the bite of food and wait for approximately fifteen minutes to be sure you won't have an allergic reaction. At the fifteen minute mark take your pulse and blood pressure again, noting any changes. Now try a bite of the next food on your list, repeating the process, including taking your pulse and blood pressure after swallowing each bite and waiting for approximately 15 minutes. If you notice a sharp spike in your blood pressure or pulse after swallowing a certain food, make note of it and ask to be tested for an allergy to that food.

Adults only

Many children can have severe allergic reactions to certain foods. If you suspect your child has food allergies, speak with your doctor before conducting an at-home test or introducing new foods. The at home test is safe for adults, but it is ideal to have someone with you in case you have an allergic reaction. 

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