About the ALCAT Test

The immune system is extremely efficient and very wise.  It has many was of reacting to anything it perceives as a threat to the body.  This may include viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungus, toxins and certain foods (even “healthy foods”).
Just like a highly trained military the body has many sophisticated and efficient modes of “attack” on unwanted exposures to safeguard our health and support our long-term survival.  For this reason, the body can react to a food intolerance up to 72 hours after ingestion.  This may leave many feeling confused and unclear as to what they could be eating that is contributing to symptoms. 
This is why we find objective testing (blood test) of food sensitivities the most useful way to identify these potential offenders. The main concern related to food intolerances/sensitivities is the repeated robust immune response that may be consistently activated. 
Imagine how tired an immune system can get if it’s always working at peak performance! How do you think that may impact long-term health?
Food intolerances or sensitivities can contribute to many symptoms and surprisingly may not yield any digestive complaints.  Some of the more common symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Digestive Disorders
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic Fatigue
• Respiratory/Sinus Disorders
• Migraines
• Weight Gain and Obesity
• Eczema and other skin disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Arthritis
• Global Pain and Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Health Problems
• Slow to Heal or Respond to Treatment

How Does a Food Intolerance/ Sensitivity Differ From a Food Allergy?

The inability to tolerate foods and environmental factors, also known as sensitivity or intolerance, induces chronic activation of the innate immune system and gives rise to inflammatory processed, which includes excess production of reactive oxygen species and the release of preformed and newly synthesized mediators or inflammation.
True food allergies refer to foods that trigger the immune system to acutely produce massive amount of the chemical histamine that leads to anaphylaxis.  This potentially fatal condition causes the throat and esophagus to swell cutting off air from the lungs, or many simply cause hives, skin rashes, and other   types of unwelcome reactions.

What are the recommendations after receiving the test results?

Avoidance of certain foods is recommended for specific amounts of time.  The recommendations may vary from rotating a food 1x every 4 days or the complete avoidance of a food for up to 6 months based on how reactive you are and the severity of your symptoms.
The purpose of rotating and/or avoiding the reactive foods is to give your immune system a much needed break, allowing your body and digestive system to heal. Some food intolerances may be reversible others may need to be avoided long-term.

How is the test performed?
The ALCAT Test is a simple blood draw.  Specimens will be shipped the same day the blood is drawn to the lab.  This test indentifies up to 350 foods, chemicals and other substances associated with inflammation that are linked to chronic health problems.

Does my insurance cover this test?

Out-of-network insurance companies will reimburse you directly for a portion of the test depending on your insurance plan. Insurance verification of your benefits may be done as per your request.

Dr. Denice Hilty | Transformational Healthcare | 212-620-4114

7 W 22nd Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010