Noticed some unusual symptoms after eating? Maybe it’s something that only occurs at Christmas. It could be an allergy or intolerance. These reactions occur due to specific trigger foods that cause your immune system to respond. The body wrongly flags the foodstuff as an invader, either immediately reacting in the case of an allergy or reacting over several hours in the case of an intolerance.
Detecting an underlying allergy or intolerance is simple with a Christmas health test. The problem? With so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. Below, we cover the best Christmas health tests from Allergy Test Ireland.
Is a Christmas Health Test Right For You?
During the festive season, you’re likely to attend a fair few parties, visit friends, or go to a work function. Each event comes with a new menu. If you’ve got an allergy or intolerance, it’s not unusual to notice it at Christmas. After all, you’re exposed to more potential triggers than normal.
The difficulty is determining which food is the actual trigger. Considering you might be eating a variety of different foods, it’s quite a challenge.
If you’ve noticed any allergy or intolerance symptoms, you could benefit from a Christmas health test. Look for: 
Allergy Symptoms
- Hives or itchy skin rashes
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening reaction)
Intolerance Symptoms
- Bloating or gas
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue or general malaise
- Irritability or mood changes
Selecting the Right Christmas Health Test
Online, you’ll find an endless number of tests promising to diagnose your allergy or intolerance. How do you know which one is best? Well, you want a test that analyses your blood for the presence of IgE antibodies (for allergies) and IgG4 antibodies (for intolerances). These are the telltale marketers of either an allergic or intolerance reaction.
Furthermore, you need to consider the price. Higher prices usually mean that the tests analyse for more potential triggers. Look at the items list to find out if your suspected trigger foods are on the list. If you’re not sure which trigger foods are behind your symptoms, it’s best to buy a more comprehensive test.
Best Christmas Health Tests in 2024
- Best for Allergies: Allergy Test
- Best for Intolerances: Intolerance Test
- Best Comprehensive: Allergy & Intolerance Test
- Best Overall: Allery & Intolerance Test Plus
- Best for Sensitivities: Sensitivity Test Plus
Allergy Test
The Allergy Test is a home-to-lab blood test designed to identify 38 common allergens, including foods and environmental triggers. Using ELISA technology, it detects raised IgE antibodies to provide accurate, validated results. Perfect for people experiencing a sudden reaction associated with swelling, redness, and breathing difficulties.
Key Features:
- Screens 38 allergens (e.g., dairy, wheat, fish, soy).
- Utilises ELISA testing for precision.
- Simple blood spot sample collection.
- Results within 7 days.
- Includes elimination diet recommendations.
Intolerance Test
The Intolerance Test is a home-to-lab blood test that identifies 63 common food and drink intolerances. Using ELISA technology, it detects raised IgG4 antibodies for precise results. Ideal for people who experience diffuse symptoms like tiredness, muscle aches, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Key Features:
- Screens 63 food and drink items (e.g., dairy, wheat, soy).
- Utilises ELISA testing for accuracy.
- Simple blood spot sample collection.
- Results within 7 days.
- Includes elimination diet recommendations.
Allergy & Intolerance Test
The Allergy & Intolerance Test identifies 78 common allergens and intolerances, using ELISA technology to detect raised IgE and IgG4 antibodies for accurate results. Covers most bases for either allergies or intolerance – suitable if you’re not sure what’s behind your symptoms.
Key Features:
- Screens 38 allergies and 40 intolerances (e.g., dairy, wheat, soy).
- Utilises ELISA testing for precision.
- Simple blood spot sample collection.
- Results within 7 days.
- Includes elimination diet recommendations.
Allergy & Intolerance Test Plus
The Allergy & Intolerance Test Plus analyses 117 allergens and intolerances using ELISA technology for raised IgE and IgG4 antibodies. Our most comprehensive test, providing a complete overview of your allergy or intolerance profile.
Key Features:
- Screens 38 allergies and 79 intolerances (e.g., dairy, wheat, soy).
- Utilises ELISA for precise results.
- Simple blood spot sample collection.
- Results within 7 days.
- Includes elimination diet guidance.
Sensitivity Test Plus
The Sensitivity Test Plus uses non-invasive hair analysis to evaluate 975 items, including foods, non-foods, metals, and nutritional imbalances. Our gold standard for sensitivity analysis, it details the percentage risk for each trigger item.
Key Features:
- Screens 975 items (foods, metals, gut health).
- Assesses gut biome and digestive enzyme levels.
- Non-invasive hair sample collection.
- Results within 7 days.
- Includes elimination diet recommendations.
Other Christmas Health Tests
- Coeliac Self-Test: Detects antibodies associated with coeliac disease to help identify gluten intolerance.
- Colon Cancer (FOB) Test: Screens for hidden blood in stool, an early indicator of colon cancer.
- Male Fertility Test: Evaluates sperm count and motility to assess male fertility status.
- Menopause Rapid Test: Measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to indicate menopausal status.
- Thyroid Test: Determines thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to assess thyroid function.
- Persistent Inflammation Test: Identifies serum amyloid A (SAA) levels to detect ongoing inflammation.
- Prostate Health Test: Measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to evaluate prostate health.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Test: Detects calprotectin in stool to help diagnose IBD conditions.
- Ovarian Cancer Test: Detects cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels to aid in ovarian cancer detection.
