In an age where dietary awareness is at an all-time high, many people are seeking ways to identify food sensitivities that could be impacting their health. Traditional methods often involve elimination diets or skin prick tests, but a new player has emerged: food sensitivity testing through hair samples. This innovative approach offers a non-invasive way to explore dietary triggers and improve overall well-being.
Why I chose the 5Strands test kit:
Food sensitivity differs from food allergies. While allergies can provoke immediate and severe reactions (think of peanut allergies, lactose intolerance, coeliac disease, …) , sensitivities often manifest through a range of delayed symptoms such as bloating, headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. Most people that have an intolerance for gluten can see symptoms for days after exposure. These sensitivities can be harder to pinpoint since they may occur hours or even days after consuming a problematic food. More info on the difference between allergies & sensitivities can be found here.
Hair sample testing for food sensitivity relies on the premise that hair retains traces of the substances your body has been exposed to, including proteins from foods. When hair is analyzed, it can reveal a history of dietary intake and reactions over time. This method is appealing for several reasons:
My 5Strands testing process involved the following 5 steps:
Interpreting the results is crucial. It’s important to remember that a positive result doesn’t necessarily mean you have a full-blown allergy; it may indicate a sensitivity that could be managed through dietary adjustments. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a nutritionist or dietitian, is advisable to create a tailored plan based on your findings.
If you want to tackle your results on your own, you can make a meal-plan based on all the grey and green dotted foods, your safe list, for the nest 6-8 weeks. See if your symptoms subside. Once the inflammation has calmed down, you can reintroduce your favorite red dot items and see if the inflammation comes back.
While hair sample testing offers a unique perspective, it is essential to approach it with an understanding of its limitations. The scientific community remains divided on the efficacy and accuracy of hair analysis for food sensitivity. Some practitioners advocate for its use, while others recommend traditional testing methods as more reliable.
Moreover, results can sometimes be influenced by external factors, such as hair products, medications, and overall health. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider hair sample testing as one tool in a broader approach to understanding your health.
I was skeptical as well, especially when I saw all of my go-to foods in the list with a red dot next to them! I admit to having a slight panic attack when I saw shiitake, zucchini, summer squash, lamb and pork chops marked as a red… So I went to see my nutritional guru and asked her to debunk the LIST. She did not… She told me I had a surplus of these items in my body and needed to rotate them out a little more. Space them out more on my meal-plan, and rotate in some of the grey and green dot veggies and proteins. I was totally floored that she told me to stop taking all supplements, as clearly (looking at the supplement portion of my result list) my body did not need them.
Food and beverage sensitivity testing using hair samples presents an innovative avenue for individuals seeking to identify dietary triggers. While it offers convenience and a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods, it’s important to approach the results with care and professional guidance. By combining this testing method with a holistic understanding of your body, you can take meaningful steps towards a healthier, more balanced diet.
What action will I personally take as a result of the 5Strands Food & Beverage Sensitivity Test? I have already stopped taking 80% of my daily supplements, including my probiotic. If these supplements are bloating me, they are not helping me at all. Since “polish” (what they polish fruits & veggies with) is one of my red dot items, I will also peel my fruits or buy them at the farmer’s markets or apple orchards. The next thing I plan on doing is rotating in some different vegetables. Should be easy since fall is here and we have some more pumpkins and squashes.
If you are curious about what is bugging your gut, or where that rash is coming from, I HIGHLY recommend this quick and non-invasive sensitivity test!
For more product reviews, check out Sam’s blog on some really nice cookware!
See you soon!
Eve
