Food intolerance kinesiology: what to know

Applied kinesiology may involve muscle testing while a practitioner considers foods. A change in muscle resistance does not show that a food is causing digestive symptoms, nor does it identify the amount that might trigger symptoms. Unvalidated testing can lead to unnecessary avoidance and anxiety.

Food intolerance is assessed by looking at the symptom pattern, relevant medical history and examination. Bloating and diarrhoea have many possible causes, so a result from kinesiology should not replace a clinical review.

Bring a food and symptom diary to a doctor or dietitian. Record portions, timing, symptoms, medicines and any changes in bowel habits. Ask whether a supervised elimination and reintroduction plan or Food Intolerance Testing is suitable.

If you have already stopped foods after kinesiology, ask Nutrition Counselling for help restoring variety and checking for missing nutrients. Keep any practitioner report, but treat it as information to discuss rather than a diagnosis.

Arrange an appointment for ongoing digestive symptoms, weight loss, recurrent vomiting or a diet that has become difficult to maintain. Seek urgent help after food if you develop swelling of the mouth or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness or widespread hives.

What diagnoses should be considered for my symptoms? Which assessment is appropriate? How can I test a food safely without making my diet unnecessarily restrictive?