Intolerance test result understanding1

Understanding Your Intolerance Test Results

IMPORTANT

Intolerances are NOT the same as allergies!

	Food Intolerances	Food Allergies
Cause	Lacking the digestive enzymes that allow you to metabolize certain foods.	Abnormal IgE mediated immune response to components in certain foods.
Response Time	Onset of symptoms may occur several hours to several days after ingestion or exposure.	Symptoms appear soon after ingestion or exposure. Typically within a few hours.
Severity	Unpleasant, but not life threatening.	Can be life threatening.
Symptoms	Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, & heartburn. Fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and skin issues.	Vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, anaphylaxis, hives.
Diagnosis	Food elimination diet (guideline provided by Sensitests).	IgE blood test, skin prick test, food elimination/oral challenge.

	Food Intolerances	Food Allergies
Management	Elimination plan diet and then moderation and rotation of foods, supplementation with digestive enzymes.	Complete avoidance, immunotherapy, taking antihistamines/epinephrine.

Results guide

A simple guide on how to read your results

Severe Intolerance	Moderate Intolerance	Mild Intolerance	Insignificant Response
To support your overall well-being, it’s recommended to steer clear of this item, as it may trigger noticeable reactions. Instead, prioritise the alternatives that your body responds to more positively.	Frequent exposure to this this type of food may contribute to recurring symptoms. Reducing your intake or contact could lead to noticeable improvements—explore supportive alternatives that align with your lifestyle.	This type of food is unlikely to trigger immediate or noticeable symptoms, but it may have subtle effects when consumed or encountered regularly. Including it in moderation is generally acceptable—just stay mindful of how your body responds over time and adjust if needed to maintain balance and well-being.	This type of food shows no signs of causing concern. You can confidently continue including it in your routine or environment without the need for restriction.

How to use your results

After reviewing your test results, you’ll be able to follow a tailored elimination plan designed to help manage symptoms—whether for yourself or your pet—by identifying and reducing potential triggers.

Food Intolerances	Environmental Intolerances
Elimination Phase (6–8 Weeks) Begin by removing all Level 2 and Level 3 reactive foods, along with any known allergens. During this time, focus your meals around items from the gray list and avoid introducing any untested foods. This sets a clear foundation for healing and observation.	Minimise Contact with Level 3 Items These items have shown the highest reactivity. Wherever possible, reduce or avoid exposure to support your overall well-being and symptom relief.
Monitor Your Body’s Response Pay close attention to how you feel throughout the elimination period. Noticing improvements in symptoms can be a strong indication that certain foods were contributing to discomfort.	Evaluate Your Environment Consider potential triggers in your immediate surroundings—such as bedding, upholstery, cleaning products, or outdoor allergens. Identifying these sources can be key to reducing discomfort.
Reintroduction Phase After the elimination phase, gradually reintroduce one food at a time—ideally eating it multiple times over a few days. If symptoms return, don’t worry; simply set that item aside and continue exploring other options.	Make Small, Effective Adjustments Simple habits—like removing shoes at the door, changing clothes after time outdoors, or using gentler cleaning products—can significantly reduce your daily exposure to irritants.
Embrace Variety for Balance Aim to rotate your foods and experiment with different ingredients. This not only keeps meals interesting but also helps prevent the development of new sensitivities through repeated exposure.	Take a Gradual Approach Your results are a valuable guide to better understanding how your body responds to various influences. Focus on steady, manageable changes that contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Important Note on Allergies vs. Intolerances

If you or your pet have a confirmed allergy, it may not appear as reactive in your Sensitests results. This does not contradict the existence of a food allergy—it simply indicates that no intolerance was detected for that particular item.
It’s important to remember that an allergy and an intolerance are different responses: you can be allergic to a food without being intolerant to it. Even if your known allergen doesn’t appear as reactive in the report, it should still be completely avoided to prevent allergic reactions or discomfort.