Considering the dramatic rise in allergies and sensitivities – food allergies doubled in the past decade – it’s easy to assume that they’ve got nothing to do with our family. We may inherit our receding hairline or propensity for everything from arthritis to asthma, but not our sensitivities, right?
The answer is it’s complicated.
While there’s definitely a culprit behind the sudden increase in sensitivities, that doesn’t preclude a genetic component to the problem. So, if you’ve previously received positive results from a sensitivity test, you should consider one for your whole family.
What is a Sensitivity?
Let’s define our terms:
Allergies refer to an immune system response due to exposure to a substance. The body wrongly flags the “allergen” as a harmful substance and begins to attack it. The result is an allergic reaction associated with itchy red rash, sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. In a severe reaction, a person may struggle to breathe and suffer abdominal discomfort. Common allergens include pollen, mould, and particular foods.
Intolerances usually involve foodstuffs that the body cannot break down. For example, in lactose intolerance, the individual lacks the enzyme (lactase), which breaks down the sugar in milk, leading to flatulence, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Sensitivity is less well-defined and is often grouped with intolerances. However, a sensitivity is still an immune response but one which acts more slowly. These symptoms often go ignored and include:
- Fatigue
- Brain Fog
- Headaches or Migraines
- Joint or Muscle Pain
- Flushed Skin
- Itching
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
Are Food Sensitivities Genetic?
In short, yes. Because your genetics governs your immune system’s metaphorical trigger finger, there is an inheritable component. Let’s explain what we mean.
Your body’s immune system can have a genetic predisposition to developing food allergies and sensitivities.
In a 2000 study, identical and non-identical twins were assessed for their rates of peanut allergy. In identical twins, the concordance rate was nearly 65%, whereas it was less than 10% in non-identical twins. This study reflects findings in other allergic diseases like asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
In another study, 581 nuclear families in the US were analysed for a significant and positive association for food allergens. Their conclusion:
“This family-based study demonstrates strong familial aggregation of food allergy and sensitization to food allergens, especially among siblings.”
Just because you are predisposed to develop an allergy or sensitivity doesn’t mean you will, however. Some other environmental factors are causing predisposed individuals to develop allergies and sensitivities at a higher rate. But it does mean family sensitivity tests are a sensible idea.
What is a Family Sensitivity Test?
A family sensitivity test is simply a test designed for more than one person. In Sensitivity Check’s Ultimate Family Sensitivity Test, we include the required materials to send four samples to our lab for testing. Given that it can be expensive for a family to purchase multiple tests, this product ensures you can collectively check your results at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits of Family Sensitivity Testing
Thinking about getting a family test? You should. Whether you suspect you’ve got a collective pollen sensitivity or want to find out if you should get a family dog, family testing is your solution.
Here are some benefits:
- Genetic Insight: Helps families understand if sensitivities are a shared genetic trait, enabling proactive health management.
- Cost-Effective: Family packages can be more affordable than individual tests, making it easier for families to manage healthcare costs.
- Dietary Harmony: Facilitates a collective approach to meal planning and food choices, making it easier for families to adopt diets that suit everyone’s sensitivities.
- Enhanced Support System: Testing as a family fosters empathy and cooperation, helping family members better support each other’s health journey.
- Preventative Care: Enables family members to discover potential sensitivities before symptoms become severe, promoting earlier intervention and healthier living.
Final Thoughts
As sensitivities and allergies rise globally, it’s vital to ensure you identify any problems to avoid lifelong symptoms. The research is clear: there’s a definite genetic component to allergies and sensitivity. That’s why we advise families to perform our sensitivity test together.
The Ultimate Family Sensitivity Test, encompassing a thorough screening for 975 sensitivities, is a vital resource for families. This comprehensive test not only offers genetic insights, revealing whether sensitivities are a shared family trait but also acts as a cost-effective solution, minimising the financial burden of individual tests.
Secure a healthier future for your family. Invest in the Ultimate Family Sensitivity Test today, and take a significant step towards understanding, managing, and supporting each other’s health journey.
