Food Intolerance Test: How It Works & Who Should Consider It

Written By Preeti Singh - July 23, 2025

Read Time - 4 Mins

Do you often feel bloated, sluggish, or uneasy after meals? These signs could point to something more than just overeating. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances trigger milder, delayed symptoms, making them easy to miss. That’s where a food intolerance test comes in. It helps identify the foods your body has trouble digesting so you can make better choices for your health.

In this blog, we’ll explore how food intolerance testing works, how it differs from allergy tests, and how it can help you make smarter choices for a healthier life.

What Is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is a condition in which the digestive system has difficulty processing certain foods. Unlike food allergies, which are a common overreaction of the immune system, food intolerances are typically related to enzyme deficiencies or sensitivities to food additives. Food intolerances are slower and sneakier, and that’s why it’s not always easy to tell which food is causing the issue.^{1, 2}

Here’s a quick summary of food intolerance vs food allergy in the table below:

Aspect	Food Intolerance	Food Allergy ³
System Involved	Digestive system	Immune system
Onset of Symptoms	Gradual - often starts hours after eating	Immediate - starts within minutes of exposure
Severity	Generally mild to moderate	Can be severe or life-threatening (e.g., anaphylaxis)
Common Symptoms	Bloating, gas, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue	Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis
Diagnosis	Elimination diet, breath tests, IgG blood tests	Skin prick tests, IgE blood tests, and oral food challenges
Management	Dietary adjustments, enzyme supplements	Strict avoidance of certain foods that cause allergies. And in some cases, may require emergency medication

Common Triggers Of Food Intolerance

Food intolerance doesn’t always mean there is something wrong with the food. It simply means your body reacts differently to certain foods. Here are some common reasons:⁴

Enzyme Deficiencies – Lack of the lactase enzyme in the body causes lactose intolerance. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose present in milk and other dairy products.
Food Additives – Presence of artificial colours, preservatives, or flavour enhancers (e.g., monosodium glutamate - MSG added in packaged foods).
Gluten - A protein in wheat, barley, pasta or bread.
Caffeine - Present in coffee, tea and aerated drinks.
Histamines - Found in old cheese and wine.
Salicylates – Found in some fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms Of Food Intolerance

Food intolerance symptoms are often delayed and can be confusing as they mimic general discomfort. However, if they happen regularly after eating certain foods, here are some common signs to watch for:

Bloating or gas after meals
Stomach pain or cramps that come and go
Irregular bowel movements
Frequent headaches
Unexplained tiredness
Skin rashes, eczema, or acne flare-ups
Trouble concentrating

How a Food Intolerance Test Works?

If certain foods keep bothering you but you can’t figure out which ones, a food intolerance test might be worth considering. Here's how:

IgG Blood Test

This is the most common test. It checks for IgG antibodies in the blood and is done with a simple finger prick. This test provides the body’s subtle immune response to specific food proteins.⁵

Elimination Diet

This involves stopping suspected foods for a few weeks, then slowly reintroducing them to spot which ones cause symptoms.

Breath Test

Generally used for conditions like lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption, it measures how your body breaks down certain sugars.

Who Should Take A Food Intolerance Test?

A food intolerance test is best for those who:

1. Has persistent digestive problems

2. Feel continuously tired for a long time

3. Has frequent and severe headaches like migraines

4. Has skin problems such as rashes, acne, or eczema

5. Experiences difficulty in concentrating.

If any of these sound familiar, testing can help you get clarity. So now let's learn about some benefits of getting tested.

Benefits of Taking A Food Intolerance Test

A food intolerance test can be a game-changer for your overall well-being. Here’s how testing can make a difference:

You'll Feel More Energetic

Eating some foods can make you feel tired and low on energy. But a food intolerance test helps you avoid those that trigger digestive responses and helps improve your energy levels.

Improves Digestion

If you feel off along with other symptoms like bloating, cramping, or frequent visits to the bathroom, finding out which foods you’re intolerant to can help improve your digestion. For example, if you’re sensitive to gluten, avoiding it can reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation and also help you feel better overall.⁶

Alleviates Chronic Symptoms

Food intolerances can result in frequent headaches, skin problems, or trouble concentrating. Avoiding and identifying food triggers can relieve these symptoms and improve overall well-being.⁷

You Get Healthier Skin

Sometimes, eating foods containing common triggers can cause acne or eczema. If you eliminate such food from your diet, this will help improve your skin health.

LifeCell's Food Intolerance Test

If your meal makes you feel bloated, fuzzy, or just off — it could mean you're showing signs of food intolerance. A simple blood test can check for IgG antibodies and reveal reactions to 215 types of food. This will help you in making wiser dietary changes.

How To Book A Food Intolerance Test Online

Booking a food intolerance test online is quick and simple:

You simply need to book a test online.
A trained paramedic will collect the sample at your doorstep.
The sample will be sent to the lab for analysis.
Within a few days, you’ll receive your detailed digital report.

The Final Say

We all know that food plays a significant role in maintaining overall health. But sometimes, the food that's meant to nourish you can cause stomach pain, gas or bloating, or other frustrating symptoms we talked about in the blog..

However, if you feel uneasy after consuming your food or notice any of the afore-mentioned signs, it’s worth getting tested. A simple and routine food intolerance test can help identify the food triggers, which can help you make certain dietary changes.

So don’t let unexplained discomfort hold you back. Get your food intolerance test done with LifeCell Diagnostics today.