Dietitian Sandra Mikhail asserts: No blood test can accurately diagnose food intolerance
Sandra Mikhail, an internationally-accredited dietitian, has vehemently criticized commercial food intolerance tests, deeming them as the foremost wellness scam in contemporary times. Despite the prevalent interchangeable usage of terms such as "food intolerances" and "food allergies," Sandra firmly draws a distinction between these two health conditions. In her comprehensive evaluation, Sandra underscores that these tests, which have gained popularity within wellness communities through social media, frequently yield inaccurate results. Particularly, she points out that tests measuring IGG antibodies can be deceptive, as these antibodies are produced by the body in response to various elements like food, viruses, pollen, and toxins. The continued presence of these antibodies, regardless of the existence of symptoms, indicates exposure rather than intolerance. Originating from a family of medical practitioners and gastroenterologists and being based in Switzerland, Sandra categorizes food intolerances into three main groups: enzymatic intolerances, food chemical intolerances or pharmacological sensitivities, and FODmaps. Highlighting the intricate nature of diagnosing food intolerances, Sandra emphasizes their impact not only on the digestive system but also on the skin, respiratory system, and neurological functions. With the exception of lactose and fructose, Sandra asserts that no blood tests can precisely diagnose food intolerances, challenging their validity and classifying them as a scam. Additionally, she raises concerns about the reliability of 'leaky gut' diagnoses due to the lack of standardized definitions and diagnostic tools in the medical field. Amid growing concerns about gut health, Sandra underscores the significance of distinguishing between food intolerances, which can cause substantial digestive discomfort, and food allergies. The latter, characterized by life-threatening immune responses to specific food proteins, can lead to severe reactions such as rashes or, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. Sandra's insights shed light on the nuanced nature of these health conditions, advocating for caution against excessive reliance on commercial tests for accurate diagnoses.
Dubai: Sandra Mikhail, an internationally-accredited dietitian, has vehemently criticized commercial food intolerance tests, deeming them as the foremost wellness scam in contemporary times. Despite the prevalent interchangeable usage of terms such as “food intolerances” and “food allergies,” Sandra firmly draws a distinction between these two health conditions.
In her comprehensive evaluation, Sandra underscores that these tests, which have gained popularity within wellness communities through social media, frequently yield inaccurate results. Particularly, she points out that tests measuring IGG antibodies can be deceptive, as these antibodies are produced by the body in response to various elements like food, viruses, pollen, and toxins. The continued presence of these antibodies, regardless of the existence of symptoms, indicates exposure rather than intolerance.
Originating from a family of medical practitioners and gastroenterologists and being based in Switzerland, Sandra categorizes food intolerances into three main groups: enzymatic intolerances, food chemical intolerances or pharmacological sensitivities, and FODmaps.
Highlighting the intricate nature of diagnosing food intolerances, Sandra emphasizes their impact not only on the digestive system but also on the skin, respiratory system, and neurological functions. With the exception of lactose and fructose, Sandra asserts that no blood tests can precisely diagnose food intolerances, challenging their validity and classifying them as a scam. Additionally, she raises concerns about the reliability of ‘leaky gut’ diagnoses due to the lack of standardized definitions and diagnostic tools in the medical field.
Amid growing concerns about gut health, Sandra underscores the significance of distinguishing between food intolerances, which can cause substantial digestive discomfort, and food allergies. The latter, characterized by life-threatening immune responses to specific food proteins, can lead to severe reactions such as rashes or, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. Sandra’s insights shed light on the nuanced nature of these health conditions, advocating for caution against excessive reliance on commercial tests for accurate diagnoses.
