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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
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

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As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
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• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

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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!! 💛

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STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
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👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

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#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

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This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

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What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

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• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
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PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

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Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
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1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
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3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
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Enjoy!!

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5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

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2. Working out fasted 
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4. Opting for “low fat” foods
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