Not all people can tolerate all kinds of food items. In fact, for some, eating certain foods may lead to bloating, migraine and lethargy.
Food intolerance is the delayed reaction of the body to a particular food it cannot tolerate. According to MediCard Philippines President Dr. Nicky Montoya, unlike food allergy, food intolerance “manifests symptoms gradually, usually 72 hours or a few days after eating the offending food” thus making the trace difficult.
“It may cause different inflammatory symptoms which may affect different organs of the body and manifest as weight gain, bloating, migraine, body ache, joint pains, PMS, depression, etc.,” explains Dr. Montoya.
He also warns, “These can also become worse over time and may lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and the likes, if ignored.”
MediCard, a health management organization, has recently introduced FoodPrint, the most advanced and comprehensive food intolerance testing, to its members. This food intolerance test from the United Kingdom helps identify the food groups that trigger health problems. It involves exposing the body to 220 food items then taking a pin-prick sample of the blood for analysis.
The test is a preventive measure and lifestyle modification tool. Knowing what food the body cannot tolerate can help get rid of the symptoms and prevents the development of other diseases, like cancer and diabetes.
MediCard offers a discounted rate for the Food Intolerance Test—P11,400 for MediCard members and P12,000 for non-members until July 31. After the test, the patient will be given a personalized food report and dietary guidebook.
This service is offered at MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati and at MediCard clinics at Centris and in Alabang. To avail of the service, call MediCard Lifestyle Center at (02) 894-5720 or 878-5101, MediCard Centris at (02) 920-5164 or 775-4629, and MediCard Alabang at (02) 850-3209 or 807-9219.
For more information about food intolerance testing, visit www.medicardphils.com and MediCard Philippines on Facebook.