Hair testing is a non invasive and easy way to help you identify food intolerances or environmental sensitivities which maybe contributing to ill health.
What is the difference between an Allergy or intolerance.
A food allergy is an abnormal response to food that is triggered by the immune system. An intolerance or sensitivity is an adverse reaction to food that results in clinical symptoms, but is not caused by a reaction of the immune system. Food allergy reactions tend to be immediate. Unlike a food allergy the body’s response to food intolerance may be very slow with symptoms appearing several hours after ingestion, or the following day, or even 48 hours later. Because the food is generally eaten frequently and often several times a day there is no obvious link between the food and the symptoms. This is why a food intolerance is often referred to as a “masked allergy.”
Differences between conventional test and the hair test
Tests available include the conventional skin prick and RAST test, which test for immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions or allergies. The skin prick test measures the skin’s reaction when exposed to different allergens. The RAST is a blood test which measures the antibody levels to different substances.
Hair tests are able to pick up sensitivities and intolerances that may take longer to manifest. The testing is carried out using an EAV machine, which measures the electromagnetic energy when the hair sample is exposed to various test samples. The EAV machine can test for a wide variety of irritants ranging from foods, preservatives and environmental chemicals.
What are the strengths of hair testing?
- Non invasive technique.
- EAV machine can detect minor intolerances which can be difficult to detect as reaction can occur up to 72 hours after ingestion.
- A wide variety of irritants can be tested, from food, preservatives, and environmental chemicals.
- Hair testing can be done on clients of all ages.
What are the limitations?
- Foods which have been avoided or not consumed for 6 months or more may not show a sensitivity to EAV testing.
Hair information
- Hair treatment such as permed or dyed hair will not affect the results, unless their is a reaction to the chemicals used in the treatment process.
- The sample of hair required is approximately 4cm long and 0.5-1cm wide. The hair is usually taken from the nape of the neck. If there is no hair on head then samples can be taken from the arm, armpit, chest or pubic area.