Long-term Consequences of Food Sensitivity Testing

Dietary restriction is often seen as a natural, holistic, safe approach to improving health. However, HCPs rarely follow up with clients to ask how the restriction is affecting their lives – so they do not appreciate the long-term consequences, which can include:

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is especially problematic in children.
Disrupted routine, time & financial burden: Most of us are creatures of habit, and changing our routines brings uncertainty. Planning, shopping, and cooking take more time, and specialty foods are more expensive.
Decreased quality of life: Food is a source of pleasure and comfort. Restricting favourite foods can substantially reduce the client’s quality of life.
Difficulty socializing: Most social occasions involve food, and a restricted diet can lead to social isolation. In turn, this can worsen anxiety and depression.
Altered relationship with food (possible orthorexia): People with mysterious symptoms typically do a lot of internet research and are exposed to food fearmongering. Food sensitivity testing often confirms and solidifies the client’s beliefs that food is dangerous.
Ongoing suspicion about food: When clients first get their test results, they often follow the restrictions closely but become less vigilant over time. However, the list of problematic foods is always in their mind. When their symptoms flare up, food is often the first trigger they suspect.
Reduced tolerance to foods: Initially, clients may feel better after the test and initial diet restriction but then notice more sensitivities weeks or months later. The list may give the client concrete action (and a sense of control) but changes their perception of food, increasing their risk of developing conditioned food sensitivities.