At Naturopathic Wellness we combine a detailed health assessment with appropriate laboratory testing to identify patterns that may be driving your ongoing symptoms, rather than relying on a single test result in isolation.
The Difference Between a True Allergy (IgE) and a Food Sensitivity (IgG)
A food allergy and a food sensitivity are not the same thing, and understanding the distinction matters when investigating reactions to food.
| Feature |
Food allergy (IgE) |
Food sensitivity or intolerance |
| Immune mechanism |
Immunoglobulin E antibody response |
Non-IgE mechanisms, often digestive or inflammatory |
| Onset |
Minutes to a few hours after exposure |
Hours to days, making triggers harder to identify |
| Typical symptoms |
Hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, anaphylaxis in severe cases |
Bloating, headaches, fatigue, joint discomfort, skin irritation |
| Testing |
Skin prick and specific IgE blood testing through medical services |
IgG panels exist but remain clinically controversial |
| Management |
Strict avoidance and medical emergency planning |
Structured elimination and reintroduction under supervision |
IgE-mediated allergic reactions require prompt assessment and ongoing management by an appropriate medical professional. IgG results are never used as a standalone diagnosis; they are interpreted alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment and symptom history. Further guidance on allergy and intolerance is available from Healthdirect Australia.
Signs and Symptoms That Suggest It Is Time for Food Testing
Persistent or recurring symptoms without a clear explanation are the most common reason clients consider naturopathic allergy and intolerance assessment. Common indicators include:
- Ongoing bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Reflux
- Eczema, acne or unexplained skin rashes
- Chronic sinus congestion
- Migraines and headaches
- Brain fog and fluctuating energy levels
- Fatigue
- Symptoms that worsen after eating specific foods
Marisa, our qualified naturopath, reviews your health history, symptom patterns, medications, lifestyle and diet to determine whether testing or a structured dietary assessment is appropriate. Where skin symptoms dominate, this often overlaps with our naturopathic skin health work.

The Role of Gut Permeability in Driving Immune Reactivity
The intestinal lining acts as a selective barrier between the digestive tract and the rest of the body. Increased intestinal permeability, commonly called leaky gut, describes a weakened gut barrier that allows substances to pass more readily from the digestive tract into circulation. Research associates altered permeability with a range of gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions, and maintaining a robust gut barrier supports both digestive and immune health.
Our focus is on supporting gut barrier function through balanced nutrition, adequate fibre intake, stress management and a healthy gut microbiome. Targeted anti-inflammatory nutritional support may also be recommended based on your assessment.
Why Elimination Diets Remain the Gold Standard of Assessment
A supervised elimination diet is the most reliable method of identifying food-related symptom triggers. Suspected foods are temporarily removed, then systematically reintroduced while symptoms are carefully monitored.
This structured process pinpoints the foods contributing to your symptoms while avoiding unnecessary long-term restriction. Practitioner supervision also ensures nutritional adequacy throughout the assessment period and reduces the risk of eliminating foods you actually tolerate well. Your protocol is built into a practical naturopathic diet plan you can follow day to day.
How to Get Started With an Allergy and Intolerance Assessment
If recurring digestive symptoms, skin problems, headaches or unexplained reactions are affecting your quality of life, start with a full consultation covering your health history, current symptoms, dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Where appropriate, we may recommend naturopathic allergy testing, collaborate with your GP and guide you through a structured elimination and reintroduction protocol.
From there we develop a personalised plan to support long-term digestive health, immune balance and overall wellbeing. Consultations are available online across Australia, so you can begin from anywhere.