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What Inspired My Test
Food sensitivities can be a frustrating and often elusive problem. Personally, I’ve never really struggled with any particular digestive issues, but I have experimented with my nutritional plan many times, and one imperfect experiment in particular led me to taking a food sensitivity test.
I was strictly vegan for just over a year back in 2021. And one evening I ordered a greek salad but they forgot to remove the feta cheese. So I thought, okay that's fine I'll just pick it off. That was a very informative mistakes. The next morning I woke up feeling wildly hungover, like I just went on a massive bender. I woke up feeling foggy, confused, and actually asked my wife how much we had to drink last night. Quickly realizing the answer was zero. It was the even moderate amount of cheese I ingested from that salad.
I don't know if you've ever had an experience like this, but apparently over 20% of the population suffers from some form of food sensitivity. And I'm betting many don't have a single clue. The reality is so many of us are eating so many inflammatory foods that it's difficult to nail down exactly what could be causing issues. Or honestly, to even recognize that we're having issues because the feeling of fatigue and fogginess are so normal for us we don't realize how good we could feel. (Speaking from experience here).
So it wasn't until I was eating super clean, mostly whole foods, vegan diet and mistakenly ate a little feta that I became super curious, and started researching food sensitivity tests.
I quickly stumbled upon Everlywell, which promises to help identify these sensitivities conveniently at home, but does it deliver on its promise? In this review, I’ll delve into the details of the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test, exploring the testing process, the accuracy of the results, and the overall value it offers. By the end, I hope you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this test is right for you.
What is the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test?
The Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test is designed to measure your body’s IgG antibody reactivity to 96 different foods, ranging from common items like dairy and wheat to less typical foods like papaya and saffron. It’s important to differentiate this from food allergy tests; food sensitivities often lead to delayed symptoms such as bloating, headaches, and fatigue, rather than immediate allergic reactions. The test kit includes everything you need: detailed instructions, finger-prick lancets for blood sample collection, a biohazard bag, and a prepaid shipping label to send your sample to their lab. And the goal of this test is to provide insights that can help you make informed dietary changes that will ultimately improve your well-being.
The Testing Process
Ordering the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test is straightforward; you can purchase it directly from their website and it typically arrives fairly quickly. Before taking the test, ensure you’ve followed any pre-test guidelines, such as maintaining your usual diet. The sample collection involves using a lancet to prick your finger and collect a few drops of blood on the provided collection card. While this might sound daunting, the instructions are clear, and I'd say it's a relatively painless process. Once your sample is collected, you simply place it in the biohazard bag, pack it in the prepaid envelope, and drop it off at your nearest post office.
Understanding the Results
The turnaround time for receiving your results is usually about one to two weeks. The results are presented in an easy-to-read format once you log in to your account. It highlighs foods with high, moderate, and low reactivity. Each food item is scored on a scale, helping you identify which foods might be causing your symptoms (even if you don't realize it). Additionally, Everlywell provides guidance on how to interpret these results, suggesting an elimination diet to confirm sensitivities and tips for managing your diet moving forward. While the results can be eye-opening, they also emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional to ensure any dietary changes are safe and beneficial.
I had zero Class 3 or Highest Reactivity foods. But many others on the lower reactivity levels. For example, my biggest surprise was Gluten as my highest reactive food in the Class 2 category. But I was impressed, Everlywell made it very clear on the page to explain that this did not necessarily mean I have celiac disease. They clearly communicated "this test measures a different immune reaction than the one caused by celiac disease, which can only be diagnosed by your healthcare provider." And I really appreciate how clear they are with this.
I also (surprise surprise) had a Class 2 reactivity to Cow's milk. Which led me to look up freaking feta, because isn't that goat's milk? Well, it should be. But apparently the US manufacturers typically make it with cow's milk because we're just that awesome here. We just mix and match and things with food are pretty lenient. This is a perfect example of how tests like these can be super useful. They can both shine a light on something you may already be suspicious of, and give you the proper direction to keep digging, and they can uncover completely new things to investigate.
But again, I appreciate Everlywell's clarity as they wrote "Heads up: this doesn't mean you're lactose intolerant—just that you may have a sensitivity to cow's milk. IgG antibodies react only to proteins, and intolerance to lactose (a sugar) can't be diagnosed by this test." That is super helpful, and really encouraging to see that kind of transparency. Because there are some limitations to these kinds of tests.
Accuracy and Validity
The science behind the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test is based on measuring IgG antibodies, which some studies suggest can indicate food sensitivities. However, the medical community is divided on the accuracy and usefulness of IgG testing. Some experts argue that IgG antibodies are a normal response to food intake and may not correlate with symptoms. But regardless of this controversy, I've read a ton of blogs and reddit posts where people report positive experiences, claiming the test helped them identify problematic foods and improve their symptoms. So it’s crucial to balance this with professional opinions and consider the test as one part of a broader diagnostic approach.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
One of the main advantages of the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test is its convenience; you can collect the sample at home without needing a doctor’s visit. The comprehensive panel tests for 96 foods, providing a broad picture of potential sensitivities. The results are user-friendly, with clear graphics and actionable steps.
Cons:
However, the test is not without its drawbacks. The cost can be a consideration, especially since the validity of IgG testing is debated among experts. There is also the risk of misinterpreting results and unnecessarily eliminating foods from your diet, which could lead to nutritional deficiencies. It's vital to approach the results cautiously and ideally in consultation with a healthcare provider.
My Final Thoughts
The Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test is a super convenient way to gain insights into potential food sensitivities from the comfort of your home. And I think that's my favorite part. Everlywell also has many other tests I've also taken - you can read about my heart health experience here. While the science behind IgG testing is still debated I definitely found the results to be helpful as I move forward in my health journey. Ultimately, whether this test is worth it depends on your personal health journey and the steps you’re willing to take based on the results. If you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms, the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test might be a helpful tool in your quest for improved health.
You can pick up your own test here.
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