Signs to watch for
What food sensitivity looks like
Food sensitivity shows up across three signal categories. Most people see at least two, and the exact pattern is different for every person. Symptoms are usually delayed (1 to 4 hours after a meal, sometimes longer), which is what makes triggers hard to spot without a structured approach.
Gut signals
- Bloating, gas, or cramps after meals
- Reflux or burping within an hour of eating
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Urgency or loose stools after specific foods
Systemic signals
- Eczema, hives, or flushing after meals
- Brain fog or fatigue 1 to 4 hours after eating
- Headaches or joint aches with certain foods
- Post-meal energy crashes
Pattern signals
- Symptoms tied to specific foods you can name
- Past elimination diets that partially helped
- IBS, eczema, or autoimmune in close family
- Suspicious patterns you cannot pin down
How to decide
When food sensitivity testing fits
Testing is not always the right first move. The three conditions below are when an IgG-based panel like the RMA FST gives the best return. Outside of these, structured elimination or a different workup (motility, microbiome, celiac) often gets there faster.
- 01
Symptoms tied to meals
Real signal across gut, skin, or systemic symptoms that pattern around eating, not stress or motility alone.
- 02
Celiac already ruled out
Celiac serology or biopsy completed by a physician. Testing while gluten-free causes false negatives.
- 03
Multiple suspects or stalled elimination
More than one possible trigger, or a prior elimination diet that helped but stalled at reintroduction.
Lab markers worth asking about
- RMA FST (IgG food sensitivity panel, 200+ foods)
- Comprehensive stool analysis (GI-MAP)
- Zonulin (intestinal permeability marker)
- Celiac serology (if not yet ruled out, via your family doctor)
- Organic acids (if SIBO or yeast suspected)
Your Naturopathic Doctor chooses the right panel based on your symptoms and history. OHIP does not cover IgG food sensitivity testing or most naturopathic services, but many private extended health benefits in Ontario do. Celiac serology, when ordered by your family doctor, is typically OHIP-covered.
Your care team
CONO-registered, virtual across Ontario
Our Naturopathic Doctors registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, working virtually across the province. Each one is verifiable on the public registry.
Dr. Victoria Posavad, Naturopathic Doctor
CONO #4468
Digestive health, elimination protocols, fertility
Frequently asked
About the food sensitivity quiz
What is the difference between a food allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity?
A food allergy is an IgE-mediated immune reaction with rapid symptoms (hives, swelling, anaphylaxis) and is diagnosed by an allergist. A food intolerance is a non-immune digestive issue, such as lactose intolerance, where the body lacks an enzyme. A food sensitivity refers to delayed reactions (often IgG-mediated) that show up 1 to 4 hours or even days after eating, with symptoms ranging from GI upset to brain fog, fatigue, skin flares, or joint pain. Sensitivity testing and elimination diets address this last category.
What is the RMA FST test and how does it work?
The RMA FST (Food Sensitivity Test) from RMA Laboratory is a Canadian IgG-based blood test that measures antibody response to over 200 foods. A small blood sample is collected, sent to the lab, and results return in 7 to 14 days as a colour-coded report. Naturopathic Doctors use the results alongside a structured elimination and reintroduction protocol to identify your individual triggers.
Is food sensitivity testing covered by OHIP in Ontario?
No. OHIP does not cover IgG-based food sensitivity testing (RMA FST, IgG panels, MRT). It also does not cover most naturopathic services. Coverage may be available through private extended health benefits, many Ontario plans cover Naturopathic Doctor visits and some lab work. Check your benefits before booking.
Should I get tested or just try elimination first?
It depends on your situation. If you have multiple suspected triggers, time pressure, or struggle to stay strict on elimination, testing gives you a faster starting point. If you have one obvious suspect food, can commit to 4 to 6 weeks of strict elimination, and have already ruled out celiac disease, elimination + reintroduction is often the stronger first move. The quiz on this page routes you to the right starting point.
Can I take a food sensitivity test on a gluten-free diet?
Testing while you are avoiding a food can produce false negatives, especially for IgG panels and celiac serology. If you are on a gluten-free diet and have not yet been tested for celiac disease, you would need to reintroduce gluten under medical supervision (typically 6 weeks) before celiac testing is valid. Your Naturopathic Doctor or family doctor can guide this.
What is the difference between IgG, IgE, and MRT testing?
IgE tests (skin prick, blood) detect true allergies and are ordered by allergists. IgG tests measure delayed immune response and are used to map food sensitivities; the RMA FST falls in this category. MRT (Mediator Release Test) measures inflammatory mediators released by white blood cells in response to foods, and is sometimes used when IgG panels are inconclusive. Each test answers a different question; your Naturopathic Doctor picks based on your symptoms.
How much does food sensitivity testing cost in Ontario?
Costs vary by panel. The RMA FST typically runs between 300 and 500 CAD as an out-of-pocket expense. IgG panels range from 200 to 600 CAD depending on the number of foods tested. Many private extended health benefit plans reimburse a portion when the test is ordered by a CONO-registered Naturopathic Doctor.
Who is qualified to interpret food sensitivity tests in Ontario?
Naturopathic Doctors registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) are trained and qualified to order and interpret food sensitivity panels within their scope of practice. Family doctors and gastroenterologists may order related tests (celiac serology, hydrogen breath tests) but typically do not interpret IgG panels.
Is the Fitra Health food sensitivity quiz free?
Yes. The quiz is free, with no email or payment required. After the quiz, you can request a free discovery call from a CONO-registered Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario to discuss your results and the right testing or elimination plan for you.
How this quiz works
Built to route, not diagnose
The quiz asks eight questions across three signal categories: gut symptoms, systemic symptoms (skin, brain fog, joints), and the pattern depth of your reactions. Two extra questions cover celiac rule-out status and family autoimmune history, both of which change the recommended path.
Instead of a yes-or-no result, the quiz routes you to one of three next steps: testing fits (an IgG panel like the RMA FST gives you a faster starting point), start with elimination (a structured 4 to 6 week protocol is the stronger first move), or different workup needed (celiac, motility, microbiome, or stress patterning may be the real story).
If your result points at testing or elimination, the most useful next step is a free discovery call with one of our CONO-registered Naturopathic Doctors. They walk through your quiz, pick the right panel, and design the reintroduction protocol so the data turns into a plan, not just a list of colour-coded foods.
Related
Keep reading
Last reviewed by the Fitra Health clinical team. This page is informational. Celiac disease must be ruled out by a physician before any gluten elimination.