Food Allergies

Up to 20% of adults in the United States suffer from intolerance or sensitivity to food. This includes food allergies. At Vodicka Family Health & Wellness LLC, based in Lemont, Illinois, Jessica Vodicka, FNP, offers testing for food allergies and food sensitivities. She uses the information from these tests to better understand the root cause of health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), unexplained weight gain, and headaches. To find out more about testing for food allergies, call the office or schedule your appointment online today. In-home care appointments are available based on location.

What are food allergies?

Food allergies occur when your immune system considers a component in a food harmful to your health. When you consume the substance, your immune system attacks it, causing an allergic reaction.

You can develop a food allergy to any food at any time. However, most people with food allergies are allergic to one (or more) of the following:

• Milk
• Soy
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish 
• Fish
• Sesame

Food allergies aren’t the same as food sensitivities. Food allergies may cause life-threatening symptoms, while food sensitivities cause uncomfortable symptoms that aren’t life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of food allergies?

Food allergy symptoms vary, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy tongue
• Swelling in the mouth or throat
• Abdominal pain
• Gas and bloating
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Hives or rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)

Anaphylaxis causes difficulty breathing, changes in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. You need to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re having an anaphylactic allergic reaction. 

Food sensitivity symptoms are sometimes similar to food allergy symptoms. However, with food sensitivities, you may also have symptoms that feel unrelated to food, like headaches, joint pain, or fatigue. Food sensitivities may cause your IBS symptoms. 

What are tests for food allergies?

Jessica is an experienced nurse practitioner and certified functional medicine provider. She uses the YorkTest® to diagnose food allergies and food sensitivities. The YorkTest is an at-home testing kit.

After an initial consultation through her telehealth platform, Jessica determines what type of lab testing you need and orders the tests. The YorkTest comes directly to your house; you complete the test as instructed, and mail it back to the lab.

What happens after testing for food allergies?

Once the lab completes your testing, Jessica gets a copy of the results. She uses the information to create your personalized wellness plan, which includes a diet program that eliminates your food allergies and sensitivities, along with supplements to ensure your nutritional needs are met.

Jessica spends time talking to you about the results of your testing and how her wellness plan can help you feel better. She schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and health and provide additional support.

Food allergies can develop at any time and cause a wide range of symptoms. Call Vodicka Family Health & Wellness LLC or schedule an appointment online today to find out more.