What are the potential signs of an egg sensitivity?

Symptoms of egg sensitivities, and food sensitivities in general, can vary from person to person. While some people develop an egg intolerance or sensitivity to the egg yolk, others may experience symptoms from the whites or egg protein. Regardless of the source, it is important to switch to an egg substitute to avoid symptoms.

Some possible symptoms of egg sensitivities include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Gastrointestinal issue [2]

Because research on food sensitivities is still evolving, identifying a possible egg sensitivity often involves paying close attention to your symptoms and dietary habits over time.

Food Diary

Keeping a food diary may help you notice patterns between the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience. A basic food diary can include:

• The foods and drinks you consume throughout the day
• Any symptoms you notice
• When those symptoms occur

Elimination Diet

An elimination diet may also help you better understand whether eggs could be contributing to your symptoms [1]. By learning how to do an elimination diet, you can temporarily remove eggs from your diet for several weeks before gradually reintroducing them. Tracking how your body responds during this process may provide helpful insight [2].

Because eggs are commonly used in baked goods, sauces, and processed foods, reading ingredient labels carefully can make it easier to avoid accidental exposure during an elimination diet.

If you continue experiencing symptoms after eating eggs or other foods, you may consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider. Some people also choose to explore tools like the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test, which measures IgG reactivity to certain foods and may help inform an elimination diet. However, these tests are not intended to diagnose food sensitivities or food allergies.

Food sensitivities are frequently confused with food allergies and food intolerances, but there are distinct differences. Like food allergies, sensitivities are thought to stem from improper immune system responses — specifically, elevated levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. A weakened gut microbiome may also play a contributing role [1,2].

Unlike a true food allergy, a food sensitivity is not life-threatening, though it can be uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive to daily life. Food allergies can be severe enough to cause shock, coma, or even death [1]. Sensitivities can also be harder to identify: symptoms may not appear until a few days after consuming the offending food, while allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to two hours of exposure — and the symptoms can easily be mistaken for other common ailments [2]. Learn more about the differences between food allergies vs. food sensitivities.

Managing a possible egg sensitivity starts with paying attention to your body and staying informed about your symptoms. Because reactions to foods can vary from person to person, tracking how you feel after meals and identifying potential patterns may help you make more confident choices about your diet and overall wellness.

If you’re exploring possible food sensitivities, Everlywell offers two at-home testing options designed to support your wellness journey:

• Food Sensitivity Test — Measures IgG reactivity to 96 common foods and may help guide an elimination diet.
• Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test — Measures IgG reactivity to 204 foods for those looking for a broader view of potential food sensitivities.

These tests may provide helpful information to discuss with a healthcare provider as you learn more about your body’s response to certain foods.