While effective for other types of allergies, skin tests have not proven to be reliable for detecting food allergies. Additional methods of pinpointing allergies include elimination diets, kinesiology and other non-invasive allergy tests that can be administered by reputable holistic practitioners.

Food sensitivities do not involve the immune system and may be caused by a number of factors including low levels of digestive enzymes, underactive stomach or other digestive disorders -- or there may be a biological factor involved.

Your score here is an indication that you have food sensitivities or allergies, but the nutritional assessment test cannot identify the actual foods that might be causing problems. Some of the most common allergic reactions are to the foods listed above. You can, however, be allergic to any food.

To begin to identify potential food allergies or sensitivities, ask yourself: "What foods do I crave and eat in large quantities? Is there one particular food that I crave?" If there is, that could be the culprit (or one of them). Try leaving that particular food out of your diet completely for two or three weeks, to see if you improve.

A 24 hour liquid cleansing fast, is also a good idea. It will help cleanse your body of some of the allergens and will leave you feeling a little better. The evening before you begin the fast, eat a light, easily digested supper. The next morning drink a large glass of water with a freshly squeezed lemon and one or two teaspoons of maple syrup in it. For the rest of the day drink as much water, fresh juice (try a mix of organic carrot and apple juice) and/or herbal tea as you like. It's also beneficial to add a green food powdered supplement (available from your health food store) to one or two glasses of juice or water during the fast day. In the evening of the fast day have a warm drink before bed -- a herbal tea, or perhaps a cup of miso soup (one or two teaspoons of miso in a cup of hot water). In the months after the fast, you should try to follow a wholesome diet, high in fresh foods. You might try some whole grains other than wheat (quinoa, oats, rye, barley, spelt, etc.) You can buy wheat-free breads and other baked goods at many bakeries.

The best way (besides avoiding potential allergens) to prevent or overcome allergic reactions is to build a strong immune system by adopting a very healthy lifestyle: correct any nutritional deficiencies through better diet and supplements, and get daily exercise and proper rest. Since stress suppresses the immune system, stress reduction techniques (such as acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy) may also be important. If necessary, supplement with immune-enhancing nutrients such as vitamin C with bioflavonoids and/or other anti-oxidant nutrients such as beta-carotene or grape seed extract. Zinc deficiency lowers immunity. It's always best to get zinc from food sources but if you have been dealing with a severe allergic reaction you might supplement with 25mg zinc daily with a meal, for one to two months only. Prolonged zinc supplementation can actually suppress immunity.

It's also possible to be allergic to mould that grows in certain foods, rather than to the foods themselves. Some of the foods most likely to have mould are nuts and nut butters, mushrooms, beer, cheese, dried fruit, wine, sourdough breads, canned tomatoes and other tomato products such as canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Always refrigerate left-over foods immediately, especially canned goods.

An alkalizing diet -- high in fresh green foods and low in dairy, caffeine, red meat, alcohol, sugar and heavy starches should improve respiratory allergies and sinus problems. If you want to do a more thorough mucous-cleansing short-term diet, look for a book called "The Mucous-Free Diet" -- at most health food stores.

Allergies are not easy to diagnose -- it is you who can best observe and detect your body's responses to allergens, and it is you who must take responsibility for learning how to avoid the allergic triggers you discover when you try the tests, below. However, for additional assistance, I recommend that you look for a health care practitioner who specializes in detecting food allergies.