Other functional tests

Yes, evidence suggests that inflammation may result in response to elevated IgG food antibodies and a diet based on the elimination of foods showing the highest level of IgG antibodies may contribute to a reduction in inflammation. As such, comparing hs-CRP levels at the beginning and end of an exclusion programme, keeping all other variables such as medications and supplements constant, may be a useful tool to assess the success of an IgG elimination diet along with symptom improvement.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute inflammatory protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is considered a non-specific “marker” for disease and infection. Inflammatory markers are known as acute phase reactants, others include erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and ferritin. They can be used separately or together to monitor a person’s health.

They both measure the same protein, but hs-CRP is a more sensitive test enabling low grade inflammation to be detected. Low grade inflammation may contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic vascular disease, and other chronic health conditions.

Levels may rise marginally after eating in response to the subsequent rise in lipid and glucose levels. We suggest taking the test first thing in the morning before food and drink.

Do not test when you have an active infection or with a known inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and irritable bowel disease (IBD). Your CRP levels will be markedly elevated. CRP can increase up to 1×1000 fold at sites of infection or inflammation.

hs-CRP is a tool for assessing low grade inflammation. It is used medically to predict a healthy person’s risk of heart attack or other heart conditions as part of a cardiovascular profile. Those with hs-CRP results in the highest quartile have 2-4 times the risk of developing atherosclerosis compared to those in the lowest quartile. Within a functional medicine approach the test is used as a marker to identify the presence of low-grade inflammation and results can be used to monitor a person’s health establishing the effectiveness of recommended protocols.

Combining a hs-CRP test with a FoodPrint test can be a great tool to monitor the success of the recommended IgG elimination diet. We suggest an initial baseline test and a second test 3 months after dietary intervention strategies have been implemented. A reduced second test score may help to indicate the success of the recommended treatment protocol and help to motivate an individual to continue to follow the implemented lifestyle changes. If the score remains high, or increases, a general practitioner referral may be suggested to establish the cause. Please refer to the FoodPrint and hs-CRP FAQs section for specific questions about each test.