Why food sensitivity testing?
60-80% of the immune system is in the gut so nutrition plays a critical role in our health, affecting every organ in the body. However, everyone’s immune system is unique, just like a fingerprint. What is safe for you might cause a reaction in your neighbor and what is safe for your neighbor might cause a reaction for your cousin. You can even react to “healthy” foods like salmon, apples, celery, or bell peppers, but we will never know until you are tested.
Research has shown food sensitivities can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions such as:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Migraines or chronic headaches
Fibromyalgia
Crohn’s or Colitis
Chronic diarrhea
Rheumatoid arthritis
Eczema
GERD, reflux
Chronic pain
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic fatigue
ADD/ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders
Edema/swelling
Symptoms frequently caused by food sensitivities:
Diarrhea or thin stools
Constipation
Abdominal or intestinal pain
Bloating, Distention, Gas
Nausea and/or vomiting
Heartburn
Headaches
Muscle and joint pain
Insomnia
General fatigue (feeling lousy)
Irritability, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Swings
Post Nasal Drip, Chronic Drainage
Skin conditions such as Eczema and Dermatitis
Fluctuating weight, water retention
Brain fog
But what if I don’t have any allergies…?
Allergies and sensitivities cause different types of immune system reactions and therefore need different types of testing.
Where allergies usually cause immediate reactions, food sensitivities often have delayed reactions — up to 72 hours after eating a reactive food — which can make it hard to identify sensitivities without testing.
Is food sensitivity testing right for me?
Do you have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above that can be caused or irritated by food sensitivities? Are you suffering from another chronic health condition with limited relief from medical care or medications? Are your medications masking symptoms but not addressing the underlying cause? Have doctors told you “it’s all in your head”?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from food sensitivity testing and the LEAP protocol.
How does it work?
Initial phone call- A 20-minute phone call where Dana will assess your whether you are a good candidate for food sensitivity testing, you can learn more about the protocol, and ask any questions you have before getting started
Blood draw- Testing is done via blood draw. The specific test and lab Dana uses tests for 120 foods and 30 food chemicals and is the MOST accurate test of its kind (94.5% sensitivity and 91.8% specificity). Dana will help you get set up with a time and place for the lab work, and once you get the blood test, you should get results in 3-5 days.
LEAP protocol- Once you have the results, Dana will set up a time to review the results with you and create a protocol specifically designed based off your condition and results. Your protocol is designed to lower inflammation, and by doing so, reduce or eliminate your symptoms. The protocol consists of 3 phases, which Dana will help walk you through during several appointments over the course of 2-3 months.
What you will get:
Full lab results
Detailed review of your food sensitivity results report
Tailored meal planning with personalized recipes and grocery shopping recommendations
Food diary analysis and specific tips for optimizing results
Accountability and support
Click HERE to see sample test results.
Results
Most patients experience significant improvement within the first 10 days on the program. Symptoms then continue improving during the next 4-6 weeks. Many patients experience complete symptom resolution, however your results may vary depending on:
How closely you adhere to your LEAP protocol.
How long you have had your condition or symptoms.
The degree to which food sensitivity plays a role in your condition. (In some cases, other factors can contribute to symptoms including infections and nutritional deficiencies.)