Did you know that you can find out the cause of food allergies by undergoing a hair analysis test? Hair analysis is a procedure that is done in selected naturopathic testing centers. All you need to do is to send a sample of your hair to the center and it will be analyzed.

From the results, you will know the likely substances that are triggering your allergy. Since the tests are done by professional naturopaths, you will be advised on the substances that you should avoid.

How the Hair Test Works

The procedure is based on electro-acupuncture method. This is an old and very popular diagnostic method. The process is known as Electro-acupuncture According to Voll (EAV).

When you send your hair, the hair is placed inside an EAV machine and exposed to a number of foods, additives, or any other substances that can be triggering the allergy.

The EAV machine comes with a galvanometer and two probes: positive and negative. To determine the sensitivity reactions, actual food items are used. The tester holds the negative probe in the left hand and then places the positive probe on the acupuncture point on the first finger of the left hand. The tester then places a small cup over the food or vitamin (to be tested) thus creating a complete circuit.

The tester then takes a reading from the galvanometer. The reading is usually between 0-100 where 50 is the equilibrium. If the food sample used has a reading lower than 50, it means that you are sensitive to it. A reading above 50 indicates that your body is reacting with the food and you are probably sensitive to the food.

From the results obtained, you will know the foods that you need to avoid and the ones that you can take.

Who Can Undertake Hair Analysis To Determine Food Allergy

Anyone with food allergy can take the test. To know whether you are allergic to a given food you need to consider the symptoms of a food allergy. Common symptoms of food allergy include:

• Itching or tingling in the mouth
• Red skin after taking a given food
• Swelling of the face, mouth or other areas of the body
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Lightheadedness

If you experience any of these symptoms you should consider taking the test. The cool thing with the hair test is that it’s reliable, safe, affordable, and doesn’t require you to make an appointment—you only need to send your hair sample.

Research Studies Done On Hair Analysis

In one of the studies done by Julia Tsuei M.D., F.A.C.O.G, the EAV results obtained proved to be accurate and reproducible. According to Julia, there was a high degree of compatibility between the EAV results and the results obtained from other tests. Of major importance, Julia observed that there was compatibility between the EAV results and the food challenge test which is one of the most sensitive tests that you can take on food allergy. You can read more of this at: (http://www.keytohealthclinic.com/foodallergies.php).