Environmental and Food Allergy Testing
Vancouver has some of the highest rates of allergies in the world. Research shows ¼ of all children have allergies. In the few years, people who have never complained of environmental allergies have all of a sudden started getting symptoms. Needless to say the sale of anti-histamines is through the roof. If people aren’t dealing with the exhaustion from allergies they are dealing with the side effects of anti-histamines, which include exhaustion. We become tolerant to anti-histamines too so they don’t always work forever.
The most conventional treatment for allergies is allergy desensitization through injections of the substance to which one is allergic. This is a painful, frequent, inconvenient, and inconsistent strategy often aggravating allergic reactions further – an approach allergists are moving away from.
Slit Therapy
A newer model of therapy called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) uses the same antigens (things we are allergic to) like grass and dilutes the substance to a very small amount, which is then taken as a prescription medication by mouth every day for months. This can allow for our immune system to become familiar with the antigen and allow for the stopping of the allergic response thereafter.
Many people don’t even know what they are allergic to in the first place. Scratch testing is an assessment tool we use to determine what the allergy is and then determine what SLIT would be suitable. Scratch testing used to be only reserved for allergists, but trained NDs can use it with great success in practice. SLIT treatments are also covered by most drug plans as they are by prescription.
Food sensitivities and allergies are often found together with environmental allergies. Testing for these potential triggers can also be part of the solution to getting rid of allergies altogether. Atopic conditions like eczema and asthma are connected to allergies. Often people find when one is improved the others follow.
Who Should Consider Allergy Testing
Allergy testing may be helpful if you’re experiencing symptoms such as bloating, IBS, or ongoing digestive issues; eczema, hives, acne, or unexplained skin concerns; seasonal allergies or chronic sinus congestion; brain fog, fatigue, or headaches; or reactions to certain foods that are difficult to pinpoint.
If you’ve tried eliminating foods or managing symptoms on your own without clear answers, testing can help provide direction.
We don’t just look at test results in isolation, we take an integrative approach to understanding your symptoms. Your results are interpreted in the context of your:
- Gut health and digestion
- Immune system regulation
- Hormonal balance
- Inflammation and stress
This allows us to build a more complete picture of what’s driving your symptoms and create a plan that supports long-term, sustainable improvement. Rather than simply avoiding triggers, our focus is on helping your body become more resilient and better able to respond over time.
What to Expect From Allergy Testing
Your care is personalized from the start, with a focus on understanding both your symptoms and the root causes behind them.
Initial Visit
We take a detailed health history and review your symptoms, triggers, and goals.
Test Selection
Based on your case, we recommend the most appropriate type of testing.
Testing Process
Depending on the test, this may involve a skin test, blood draw, or at-home kit.
Results & Personalized Plan
We review your results together and create a clear, practical plan tailored to you.
Your plan may include:
- Targeted dietary adjustments or elimination strategies
- Gut health support and digestive repair
- Supplementation to support immune function
- Lifestyle strategies to reduce inflammation and triggers
- Ongoing follow-up to track progress and adjust your plan
