Many of them have probably heard of this type of testing before, but the suggestion often comes with questions. Particularly during my Fall Detox program, I thought now was an excellent time to give a general overview of the purpose and frequent questions related to food sensitivity testing.
What is food sensitivity testing?
Sensitivity testing is what it sounds like; a sample is collected from you (often a blood draw) and then analyzed to see how your body is responding to various foods and chemicals in parts of your diet. It’s a painless process that can reveal huge pieces of the puzzle that are affecting your health.
Why is this testing recommended?
Our bodies are incredibly complicated. Symptoms alone are not always adequate to determine the source of the inflammation. Testing is another method for investigating that source, which isn’t always easy to pinpoint to one system or trigger.
Are there conditions associated with food sensitivity?
In short; yes! Unknown food sensitivities could influence countless gastrointestinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, urological, endocrine, dermatological, and gynecological issues.
What causes diet-induced inflammation?
Inflammation associated with food can be broken down into three categories: food allergies, auto-immune problems, and general food sensitivity (a staggering 30-40% of the population!).
How are these sensitivities tied to leaky gut symptoms?
Undiagnosed food sensitivities are the biggest culprit for leaky gut problems such as digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, bloating, headaches, and other aches and pains. Essentially, consuming this triggering food has damaged the lining of your intestinal tract. This compromised barrier leads to substances crossing through your gut into your circulation. These undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins then wreak havoc on your health and wellbeing.
How is the information used to help heal my symptoms?
Many testing tools use only information to determine what foods are most reactive. For best results, we can determine the foods you are least reactive to which allows us to create an eating plan to quickly reduce inflammation and eliminate symptoms. We build your diet and systematically increase its variety to create long-term results getting you back to good health and staying there.
How can I make simple meals when eating to address food sensitivities?
There is a simple concept that can be used easily to create meals for anyone with food sensitivities – Meal In A Bowl. Take a combination of simple ingredients that match your recommended eating plan and create a delicious meal in a bowl. 1) Your foundation begins with a grain (gluten free if needed) or a legume, 2) Add allowed vegetables (fresh, roasted, leafy greens), 3) Add protein – animal or plant based, 4) Make it taste delicious with added flavors such as a simple vinaigrette, roasted peppers, sun dried tomatoes or pesto, 5) Bump up the nutrition with nuts, seeds, oils or probiotic rich foods. Here is a sample bowl recipe to get you started. The possibilities are endless!
The Bowl Recipe (serves 4)
2 cups cooked brown rice (options: quinoa, noodles)
12 oz. baked chopped chicken (options: slow cooker pulled pork, canned salmon, baked tofu)
1 can beans (black, garbanzo, kidney)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped in half (options: sweet peppers, cucumbers)
1 cup frozen corn, thawed (options: other vegetables)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (options: parsley, basil)
1 onion, diced (options: 3 cloves minced garlic, chopped scallions)
Juice of 1 lime (options: lemon, orange, vinegar)
1 chopped avocado (options: nut or olive oil)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Gently mix to combine. Serve.
If you read this blog and found yourself wondering if food sensitivity testing might be right for you; please, get in touch with me today. I would be happy to guide you through the process and empower you to reach a place of renewed health!
