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Blog, Health & Wellness  /  February 11, 2020

Why I Decided to Take a Food Sensitivity Test

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Food sensitivity tests can be somewhat of a controversial topic. Is the money worth it? Are they even accurate? I finally decided to take the plunge and take a food sensitivity test. So, I’m sharing all the deets about food sensitivities and why I decided to take a test myself!

Food Sensitivity Test

As I sit here and start to write this, I’m anxiously awaiting the return of my food sensitivity test results. Taking a food sensitivity test is something I’ve considered doing for years now, but I kept putting it off for many reasons:

1) It’s expensive!

2) How accurate is it really?

3) Am I actually willing to cut out the foods I react to?

At this point in my life and health journey, I’ve decided that yes, a food sensitivity test is worth it. So, I’m going to share all details of food sensitivities, lab tests, and why I finally decided to take a test myself. 

 

The Basics of Food Sensitivities

First, let’s talk about difference between food allergies and sensitivities. These terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably, so it’s fundamental to understand the difference between the two:

Food Allergies (IgE)

Food allergies are an immediate, and often anaphylactic, immune response to a food. This IgE response might result in a trip to the ER, or if the allergy is known, the use of an epipen. In the case of an allergy, you will probably experience swelling of the tongue, itchy throat, hives, trouble breathing, etc. Most people are aware of any food allergies they have. However, it’s important to note that allergies can develop over time. If you notice any anaphylactic symptoms while eating, get help right away! 

Common allergens: fish/seafood, nuts, eggs, milk.

Food Sensitivities (IgM + IgG + IgA)

Food sensitivities trigger a delayed immune response to a food. They can manifest as either an IgM, IgA, or IgG response (which is further explained below). As a result, food sensitivities can cause chronic, ongoing symptoms, like stomach bloating and gas, diarrhea or constipation, headaches, joint pain, acne, eczema, and so much more. Keep reading to learn all about the various symptoms of food sensitivities.

   IgM

IgM antibodies are your body’s first line of defense. They provide short-term protection against a new infection or pathogen. As inflammation in the body continues, IgM levels start to decrease as IgG antibodies begin to take over. 

   IgG

IgG is the most abundant antibody in the body, making up about 70-80% of all antibodies. This secondary immune response is specifically found in bodily fluids, like blood, which helps to fight off viruses and bacteria in the long run. 

     IgA

IgA antibodies, also a secondary immune response, are found in mucous membranes, like the GI and respiratory tracts. They fight infections by preventing microbes from attaching to the body’s membranes. 

Common sensitivities: dairy, wheat/gluten, eggs, soy, corn, sugar.

 

Causes & Symptoms of Food Sensitives 

Common causes of food sensitivities, include:

  • Inadequate digestion
  • Leaky gut
  • External stressors (emotional, chemical, environmental, physical)
  • Poor immune function
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Genetics

Common symptoms of food sensitivities, include:

  • Gastrointestinal: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, acid reflux
  • Skin: eczema, acne, rosacea
  • Respiratory: congestion, mucus, sneezing, runny nose,
  • Neurological: anxiety, depression, insomnia

 

How Food Sensitivity Tests Work

Food sensitivity tests measure antibody levels in response to various foods. For example: the test I took measured my IgG and IgA response to 144 different foods, including meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, spices, and more.

Important note: IgG + IgA antibodies are both long-term immune responses and likely indicators for inflammation in the body. For this reason, it’s important to always test both IgG and IgA responses during a food sensitivity test. 

 

Why I Decided to Take a Food Sensitivity Test

I’ve struggled with ongoing immune and gut issues most of my adult life. I’ll spare you from the details, but it feels like I’m always battling a new symptom. When one goes away, another appears. I’ve done my best to limit inflammatory foods from my diet by following a  “Paleo-ish” diet for the past couple years. While some symptoms have resolved, I know my body has yet to function at it’s best, which has brought me to taking a food sensitivity test.

That being said, I finally decided to take a food sensitivity test for multiple reasons, including:

  • reduce overall inflammation in my body
  • heal the root cause of my chronic symptoms
  • boost my immune system
  • heal my gut

I want to point out that in addition to taking a food sensitivity test, I’ve spent a lot of time and energy healing my gut, improving my digestion, boosting my immune system, resulting blood sugar, improving nutritional deficiencies, and more. While eliminating inflammatory foods is an important tool for healing, it’s not the end-all-be-all. I recommend working with a practitioner to figure out the best protocols for you and your body! 

Once I get the test results, I plan on sharing them with y’all. So, stayed tuned to hear more about my healing journey! 

Have you ever taken a food sensitivity test? What are your thoughts?

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Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Why I prefer to shop locally 🍎🥑🥕⠀⠀⠀ Why I prefer to shop locally 🍎🥑🥕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know local and seasonal foods are the most nutrient-dense? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yup! Think about it: an apple from the grocery store can be found year-round and likely traveled THOUSANDS of miles to get there. Meaning, it was harvested days (if not, weeks) before being delivered to the store and eventually eaten. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, to break it down, this is why I prefer to buy MOST of my groceries locally 👇🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🍎 Most local foods are in-season, providing the most nutrients and best flavor!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 I love the opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 I know exactly where my food came from. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 It’s often cheaper to buy foods that are in-season, than those that aren’t.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Foods that I prefer to buy locally 👇🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 🥩 Meat⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍳 Eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍓 Fruits⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🥕 Veggies⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍯 Honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🧀 Raw cheese and milk⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you can’t make it to your local farmers market every week, try to find a co-op nearby!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do you shop locally?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #seasonaleating #shoplocally
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared new c It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared new content, but the Fall season is my absolute favorite (as are Fall foods), so I figured it’d be a good time to pop back on!

Fall foods to nourish your body 👇🏼

These foods are naturally their ripest and MOST nutrient-dense during the Fall season, which is why I load up all season long!
🥕 Carrots
🥔  Sweet potatoes
🍠 Beets
🎃 Pumpkin 
🍆 Squash 
🍎 Apples
🍐  Pears
🧄 Garlic

Other Fall staples that I include on a daily basis during the Fall:
✨ Bone broth
✨ Beef liver
✨ Fresh orange juice
✨ Raw honey
✨ Raw milk

These are a few of my favorite recipes to increase my consumption of Fall foods 😋
👉🏼 GF cassava pumpkin bread
👉🏼 Roasted fall veggie medley
👉🏼 Raw milk hot cocoa
👉🏼 Chili made with bone broth 
👉🏼 Apple crisp

Do you love Fall foods as much as I do??

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #fallseason #fallfoods
Your diet is only as beneficial as your digestion. Your diet is only as beneficial as your digestion.

Fact #1: You can eat all the healthiest foods in the world, BUT if you’re aren’t digesting and absorbing the nutrients, what’s the point?

Fact #2: Most of us have very poor digestion. In other words, we lack stomach acid and enzymes to break down and absorb the nutrients in our food. Signs of poor digestion = acid reflux, indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and gas.

Sooooo, now what’s a girl (or guy) to do?

There are a few ways to help support healthy digestion and actually utilize the nutrients you’re eating, starting with:

	• Avoid drinking water (or any liquid) within 30 minutes of meal time. Liquids dilute the acid in your stomach leading to poor digestion.
	• Address any gut issues (SIBO, H. pylori, dysbiosis) that could be robbing your digestive tract of the ability to absorb nutrients.
	• Focus consuming plenty of whole foods that are rich in digesting-boosting nutrients, like: pastured whole eggs, grass fed beef, organic fruits, raw milk, etc.

Did you know you’re likely not absorbing all the nutrients you’re consuming??

👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #digestion #nutrients
There's a good reason carbohydrates make up ONE of There's a good reason carbohydrates make up ONE of the 3 essential macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Over the last several years, carbs have become the "enemy." And, we now live in a society that fears carbs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But, what if carbs aren't the REAL problem?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Truth be told, carbs are a necessary and HEALTHY part of every diet. However, is one major issue that needs to be addressed.. THE OVERCONSUMPTION OF PROCESSED CARBS.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There, I said it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Real carbs are NOT the enemy. Processed, refined, and packaged carbs ARE.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I'm a huge advocate for carbs. Fundamentally, they provide our brain and bodies with usable energy, replenish glycogen stores, fuel our muscles, regulate digestion, and so much more!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My favorite REAL carb sources (that I eat almost daily) include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sourdough bread (made local and fresh)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sprouted white rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sweet potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
White/red potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Squash⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Seasonal fruit⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Orange juice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jam/jelly⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Raw, local honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know that carbs are essential? What's your favorite source of carbs? 😋
Unpopular opinion: your liver is the coolest organ Unpopular opinion: your liver is the coolest organ.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Think about it! The liver know which essential nutrients to absorb and recirculate, while excreting excess hormones, toxins, etc. And this is just the start of the list!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Seriously, your liver is the real MVP🏅⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, how do you know if your liver is functioning up to speed or if it needs a little more love? Signs of a congested or sluggish liver are:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Dark circles under your eyes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Skin issues (rashes, eczema, acne)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Orange-pigmented skin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• High cholesterol⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Alcohol and coffee intolerance⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Body odor⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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However, despite common belief, jumping straight to a juice detox protocol isnt necessarily the best way to address a sluggish liver.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Instead, if any of these symptoms sound like you, it’s time to give your liver some extra lovin’ 👉🏼 incorporate more liver-loving foods (beets, OJ, cilantro, beef liver), drink dandelion root tea, try castor oil packs, eliminate toxins from your home (plastic, fragrance, pesticides, etc), and get your SLEEP! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Tag a friend and spread the liver love! 💕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
PSA: the foods you eat directly impact your thyroi PSA: the foods you eat directly impact your thyroid!!! And, did you know most of us are currently dealing with some kind of thyroid dysfunction?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can thank our chronically stressed out, fast paced, digital, and processed lifestyles.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Some foods actually work against our thyroid function, like processed foods, trans fats, PUFAs, cruciferous veggies, and even other raw veggies…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While other foods work FOR our thyroid, supporting healthy function. These foods include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Seasonal fruits⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Root veggies⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Raw, local honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Pastured whole eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Grass fed beef liver⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Wild caught oysters⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Raw cheese⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Sourdough bread⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Pulp-free orange juice ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, if you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder or suspect poor thyroid function, enjoy plenty of these thyroid supporting foods every single day. Trust me, it’s not that difficult to do! 😋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Drop your thyroid Q’s below! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
In all honesty, life has been BUSY lately, my crea In all honesty, life has been BUSY lately, my creativity is lacking, and social media hasn’t been at the top of my list😅 

But, this morning, I want to leave you with a few basic reminders to help support healthy hormones, metabolism, and immune function! 

✨ Toddlers need to eat 1,200 calories a day. YOU are not a toddler. Most adults need to consume ~2,000 calories daily, if not more. Don’t understand-nourish yourself!

✨ Sleep is necessary to form memories, build muscle, and support healthy immune function. Make it a priority to sleep at least 8 hours per night!

✨ Breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day. No, coffee doesn't count. My go-to breakfast lately = sourdough toast + honey, eggs + sea salt, and coffee with raw milk. Easy and delicious!

✨ Over-exercising is as dangerous as being sedentary. Exercising too much creates extreme stress within the body. Learn to rest and allow time for your body and muscles to properly recover!

Did you know these friendly reminders?!

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #metabolichealth #immunehealth
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