I used to be able to eat anything I wanted. And I mean ANYTHING. I’d eat giant baskets of buttery microwave popcorn mixed with Cheetos Puffs and salted peanuts. I would put away almost an entire large pizza by myself. A “Love It” sized Coldstone creation was no match for the likes of me.
But lately I’ve begun to notice my body giving up on trying to process certain foods. I always had issues with dairy, but they seem to have gotten much worse over the years – now I don’t dare touch ice cream, and really should avoid pizza too but I love it too much. And a night of beer AND pizza? Forget about it. I always notice that when I go back to a more “normal” diet after a few months of bodybuilding competition prep, my stomach rebels.
Earlier this summer, I tried out an elimination diet to see what was causing my digestive problems, and I was pretty certain that I’d narrowed it down to gluten and dairy. The less of each of those things I eat, the better I feel. Then, this month I tried out a food sensitivity blood test through EverlyWell and the results confirmed my suspicions – my body hates me. Just kidding, but the test did help me pinpoint what foods I am reactive to and should be eating minimally or not at all.
EverlyWell kits arrive in the mail in a compact box with everything you need to complete the blood test.
It’s easy to prick your finger with the provided lancets and you can totally do it yourself, but I freaked out and made my mom come over to help. I’m such a baby.
Mom prepping my finger with the included alcohol pad while I freak out
Since I was trying out two tests, the Food Sensitivity test and the Thyroid and Metabolism test, I just pricked my finger one time and squeezed out droplets of blood (ew!) for both tests at once.
MY ACTUAL BLOOD OMG
All I had to do was let the blood dry, pop the collection devices in their respective pre-paid envelopes, and put them in the mail! Then, I waited a week or so for my results to be ready. Once they were ready, I received an email with a link to log into my EverlyWell account and view them!
While my thyroid test came back totally normal, my food sensitivity results were more interesting. Turns out, I have a number of foods that I am reactive to, including cows’ milk, barley, gluten, and wheat. While EverlyWell points out that reactivity doesn’t necessarily equal symptoms, for me it has, so it was kind of relieving to see my experiences validated like this.
The higher the circle is filled, the more reactive I am to that food.
I won’t go into the other test I took – the Thyroid and Metabolism test – because my results came back completely normal for all three measures, but it was just as simple to take and send in as the Food Sensitivity test!
My experience with these EverlyWell at-home tests was simple and affirmed some things I had suspected were causing my digestive issues. I would highly recommend the Food Sensitivity test to someone who is looking for confirmation like I was, or who is unsure what’s bothering their digestion and wants to know where to begin with a food elimination diet.
Thanks EverlyWell for sponsoring this post and offering a discount for readers! With code EVERLY10, Eat Move Make readers can get the tests of your choice for 10% off from EverlyWell.com.
Great share Chanelle I would be scared to prick myself too lol and I’m a mom myself. I have been dealing with digestive issues for some time now myself. I think its dairy 🙁 cheese is my life I love all things cheese though I have changed to almond milk but I think I need to do more. This test looks helpful I am just not sure how I feel about mailing samples and waiting for results hummmmm
I say go for it! It was about a week to a week and a half turnaround time to get my results back and it was worth it. 🙂
I will have to try Everlywell soon! It seems much easier than going to the doctor! Do they suggest doing both still?
xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
Very informative way when it comes to health. Blood test would make sure we’re on the right track.
Before I got pregnant I had really bad lactose intolerance. During both of my pregnancies it went away and I could eat anything I wanted. It’s finally coming back with a vengeance now that my oldest is two. I may need to try this test!
This is really interesting. I didn’t know they had a test like this! I would love to take one of these tests. I’ve been feeling bloated and having stomach sensitivity!
Wow it’s such a handy kit! I wish I knew about it before going to a doctor and ordering a pricy allergy test!
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My husband was also having digestive issues and muscle pain. He went to the doctor and had a food sensitivity test done and found out he was gluten intolerant.
I’m a big baby too, I don’t think I could do the blood dot on my own either lol.
This is such an interesting post. I would love to try out those tests.
I would, more than anything also love to increase my metabolism so if you have any tips for that, I’m all ears.
Was good to see your results.
This is really interesting. I didn’t know they had a test this way. I would love to take one of these tests. I honestly think I can’t handle to much dairy.
This is a super cool kit! I might have to check this out 🙂
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
that’s an awesome kit for someone who likes to stay on top of their health.
I really should take one of these test!! As much as I love cheese, I really think my body hates me every time I indulge!
I think this is really a very nice solution with a lot of answers! Yeah… thanks for sharing with all of us!! Very informative post!!
I’d love to have a go at one of these myself. Always wondered if I had any reactions to anything. Always better to know!
This is such a fantastic idea. My friend recently discovered that shes lactose intolerant and shes made some changes to her diet and feels the benefit so much xxx
Oh wow, this is super cool. I seriously need this test. Actually my entire family does, we have family history of digestive issues on both sides.
I also used to eat anything and everything but my metabolism is definitely starting to catch up with me! I’m going to try this test on my daughter. She seems to have problems processing dairy and I would love to learn more about it.
This food sensitivity blood test kit is awesome. I’d love to know how I react to certain food.
I wish I could make such test at home too! As far as I know I’m reactive to milk, but surprisingly only to pasteurized that they sell in shops, fresh milk never caused me any problems.
I am also sensitive to few food items and end up in digestion related issues most of the times. I never know we have a food sensitivity blood test and the EverlyWell kits sounds like a great resource for taking such tests!
Quarter life crisis?! I just call it a slowed down metabolism.
These tests look very interesting. I don’t think I’ve got any particular intolerance, but it would be interesting to try it out and find out for sure.
I never knew of such an amzing kit. I would deifnitely have to go through this test. I have always been saying that I have something against peanuts. In any case, it is always great to know which foods you might be highly sensitive to.
This is so great, I don’t have any idea with this kit. It’s important to know what are sensitive with us
I think it’s important to know what you’re sensitive to. I’d love to do a test like this for me, and for my daughter.
Wow, when I began reading this post I felt that it was my life. I have been experiencing some of the same issues lately. I recently decided dairy needed to be eliminated. Now, I’m wondering what else. I’m so glad you shared all the details of Everly Well. I’ve never heard of it before, but it seems awesome!
What an awesome kit! I had no idea that these were even available for home use!
I think these kits are perfect for those who do not have insurance. Imagine saving a ton of lab results with this kit? Score! I need to try one for potential allergies.
Great point!!
This is awesome! I’m definitely purchasing this test to test myself as well. Thank you for the code!
I love the idea of the food sensitivity test! I have no idea what foods might be a digestive issue for me and would definitely be interested in finding out.
I need to look into this. I have just discovered some food sensitivities and would love to more in depth what is going on.
Fab post. I like anything I can do at home. Sounds handy.
I find tests like this fascinating! I’d love to know what food sensitivities I’d have results on. Can almost guarantee gluten would be on the list LOL
I had never heard of this but it sounds so useful and interesting!
Wow, I have never seen one of these type of tests that you can do at home. I would love to do it as every time I eat bread, I have a major breakout as well as tummy troubles. It would be interesting to find out what is going on.
That would be a perfect kit for me! I’ve been suffering digestive problem for years probably all my adult life. I left gluten out of my diet 3 years ago and it helped a bit. Now I don’t have stomach pain so often, but there’s still something wrong in my system.
It’s nice to know that there are home tests you can use for food sensitivities so you don’t have to find an allergist and go through one of those exhausting skin tests (where they prick you 20 bazillion times across your back). Like you said, you kind of knew what was bothering your body and it is nice to have confirmation that yes, your body is sensitive to certain foods.
My body is the same way. It can get annoying but I just have to keep in mind what foods are my trigger foods and avoid them.
This is interesting. It would be something I’d try for myself, but also for my kids…..maybe there’s foods they don’t like because they don’t agree with them!
That is so cool that they have kits for stuff like this! I had an allergy test when I was younger and I had to get a couple of scratches on my arm. It wasn’t fun lol
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
Ooo this is really interesting and actually I think I’d love to check for myself!! I’ve been on a weighloss journey but having had a little break have put a little back on! Would be good to know what reacts more with me!
I love this kit! I am 33 and cant eat the way i used to either
I will tell my mom about this. She needs this test.
i never knew this test existed! but it looks like a good one!
My husband did a similar technique to figure what was wrong and he found out that coffee is causing the problem so we eliminated coffeee and now he is fine.
I want this test. I am not getting any younger, I think it is important to make some test in able to know if our bodies are functioning well.
This is serious useful! Would love to see if I can’t eat something! I am so sorry you can’t est pizza, but pizza isn’t healthy so you will be thankful later!
Wow, this is a great test. I will have mine done this week.
What a great idea, especially with the busy lives everyone seems to have now. Total time saver!
This is totally a neat service! My body has been having a crisis lately too. I would be curious to do this for myself.
I think I need to do this. I’ve noticed there are certain foods I used to be able to eat, I have issues with now. My face breaks out, upset stomach, etc. I’ve thought about doing a food sensitivity test, so I will have to check this out. Thanks!
I never even knew about this service before!
Wow this is a neat service. I will say I hear you on the finger prick. I had gestational diabetes and had to prick my finger 4x a day for a few weeks then once a day.. it was awful. This sounds like a neat blood test that would be very beneficial.
Oh wow, I had no idea something like this was available! I think I have a few sensitivities as well and I would love to find out which foods cause them!
La Belle Sirene
I had no idea this service existed. My son is also experiencing some issues and I suspect gluten and dairy. I need to check into this.
I’m the same. I used to be able to eat anything but now, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to give up a lot of the things I love to eat! This is definitely something I would want to do too. Blood freaks me out though so there may be some fainting involved lol!
I know what you mean! It seems like I can’t eat or drink anything anymore without having repercussions even though I mostly eat a mostly vegan diet. I’ve thought about getting tested in the past for food allergies and sensitivities, but this sounds like a less costly option. I WILL definitely be checking them out!
I have struggle with my digestion as I’ve got older. I would be interested to see what my results would be. Glad you have found an answer. x
I love the idea of an at home kit. I feel like this is something I might want to test for myself! I feel like after this summer I totally need to check out my diet.
Wow, I had no idea you could get a home kit for a test like this! Very cool to be able to have this info available for us! I would love to learn the foods I am sensitive to! Thanks!
It is a really good test. Thanks God you knew this early!
Wow! I love the idea of this test! I guess next time Im visiting family in the states I will have to look into this. Thanks for the information!
Good thing you know about this earlier. I like that test. I will share this with my friends.
Wow, they have a test kit for everything now, huh. I love that this does test your Thyroid because so many people are unaware of what major problems exist when they have Thyroid issues.
I’ve always been so curious yet so nervous to find out what my body can or can’t handle! It’s terrifying because then you’ll know you probably have to cut out all the yummy stuff! This was a really good test though, and a really informative post!
I love this! I need to check it out as I need to eat better. I’ve gained some weight and lost my core muscles since having my son!
This is so interesting and something I’d like to try. It’s great when you can get more information about your body, and this seems so easy.
Wow this is really interesting, so cool that you can take this test at home. I will have to look into seeing if it’s available in my area or not, I am in the UK.
Thanks for sharing your story with us. My body is still working perfectly well but I guess it’s not going to be like that forever
I would love to try this out and maybe with my kids too. It is so convenient to check your food sensitivity!
This is so interesting. Food sensitivities are definitely more prominent now.
This is really cool, I didn’t know there was a home test kit. So convenient! I suspect I have some sensitivities, but because my complaints are so mild I just haven’t been bothered to see my GP about it. I think I’ll give this a whirl instead, at least as a jumping off point!
Knowing food issues is so important to feel good. Why eat something that can make you not perform at your best. Simple adjustments can make a difference.
This is an interesting test! It is amazing what they can tell from some blood tests
This is an awesome test idea! Like you, I have dairy issues that continue to get worse as I get older, so knowing what to totally stay away from would be super helpful.
I think this is the coolest idea ever, and I’m so excited to try it for myself! I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been having problems with certain foods too (Lactaid is my new best friend!). I hope this little kit can give me an insight into what foods are good/bad for me!
Now this is interesting you when you can basically do a food allergy test from the comfort of your home. Like you the older I have gotten I realized there things I can’t eat any more, which I really hate.
This looks like a very interesting test! I myself suffer with IBS and have just learned to live with it, and have never really tried to see what makes it worse, but maybe I should be giving this a go…
This is a really interesting test! As someone who just 43 I can say that my body and its reactions to so many different foods has certainly changed as I’ve gotten older and I’d be curious to see what my results to this test were. Glad to know there are options like these to explore.
I would love to know what foods I am sensitive to, that would make life so much easier especially since I plan my meals. This sounds like a great kit, perfect for people who would rather just stay at home and do this instead of going through tests with the doctor.
I wouldn’t mind taking a food sensitivity test. I’d like to know what effects my body and does not!
what an interesting idea. I’ve for sure had more food sensitivities as I’ve gotten older. Not the best!
I don’t know if I would be brave enough to prick my own finger, but this test does sound interesting. It seems so many people have food sensitivities today. I wonder though if that is because of the way our food it processed?
I’d like to get my hands on one of these EverlyWell kits. I think i may have Thyroid issues. I am allergic to gluten and this kit would have come in very handy had i known it existed.
I’ve never heard of this before but boy is this something I need. I used to be able to eat fast food, rich ice cream, tomato sauce, never had heartburn until a few years ago out of the blue now I have to take heartburn medicine everyday and put sugar in my tomato sauce. I would really love to know what the test would say for me. Thanks for sharing.
This is really cool!! I suspect I may have some food sensitivities so I may try this out to see if what I suspect is true.
I feel you, my body is also going through a quarter life crisis. I find that I cannot eat the foods that I used to. Thank you for sharing your story.
That’s really interested that you can get tested for this kind of stuff just buy sending a sample away x
It’s definitely worthbtrying the tests. My body is definitely going through its challenges at the moment.
I did one of these and got told to avoid (or eat less) cheese. I should however tell my mum to do these tests. xx
Everyone has differing options on these things, but ultimately you’ve got to do what you think is right for your body.
Very proactive of you. I’m twice your age & although I have food issues, I’ve never even thought of pursuing a home test like that, though I remember hearing of them.
I should recommend this test for my mom. She is sensitive to lots of different foods but we haven’t really been able to tell which one! I love how you looked away… I’m that way with needles and blood too. lol!!
This definitely seems much easier than a exclusion diet. I remember when the only way to find out what you were sensitive to was to cut out different foods for a while to see if you felt better.
I would like to try it out myself,I have a sensitivity to many foods and it would be nice to see it affirmed.
I didn’t know you could buy these tests. Thyroid problems run in my family so I could do with checking how mine is doing. Glad you found out the foods that you should avoid to make you feel better
That’s interesting and cool. I’m always afraid of finding out the truth that I’m intolerant of things I love, but I think that’s the point. Good health and all. Kudos to you!
I have been seeing a lot of ads for EverlyWell on Facebook lately. I think this is a great way to see if there are any foods you react strongly to. My daughter has celiac disease and is lactose intolerant, which makes me wonder if any food sensitivities run in the family.
This is a great idea! I may have to look into this. I’ve had issues with waking up in the middle of the night with a sour tummy after trying wings and beer, or, having a certain dip with chips. Thanks for this post!
A home test like this sounds great! I would love to know if I have any food sensitivities. Thank you for sharing this!
I would love to know if I have any food sensitivities. I have had a bad stomach for years, but I’d love to know what my real triggers are.
I would love to be tested for sensitivities. I’ve resorted to s white rice duet plenty of times trying to avoid getting sick. My stomach is sensitive for sure
I like that I can do these tests at home. I too would need someone to prick my finger as I hate blood.
It’s so serendipitous that you wrote this; I was JUST talking to my husband about taking one last night. I’m checking it out now!
I like these do it at home kits you send it. I actually went through a quarter-life crisis right after college. Terrible! But now I’m dealing with hormones – I like that these kits are convenient for all our stages of life.
Sounds like an interesting test that really would allow you to learn a ton about yourself. There have definitely been some food that have not been good for my body and I think this would really help to open your eyes to even more.
That’s awesome and convenient that you’re able to do this test t home. I was the same way as a kid, I could eat ANYTHING but then toward my early teens by body definitely wasn’t feeling that concept anymore.
I have never heard of this test but I need to try it. I wish that there was something wrong with my thyroid and that came back completely normal so now I’m wondering if it is a food sensitivity.
To be able to test yourself at home is amazing. I am actually going to see if I can track down a test kit. This is brilliant, thanks.
This is pretty cool, I never knew you could do this! As I get older I am noticing some changes tofoods as well. I might have to look into this.
This looks like a very helpful and intelligent service. I would love to try it
I think as we age we become more sensitive to what we eat because we’ve pretty much tasted a lot of things. It’s good to know though, what you’re sensitive to so you can limit your intake. I think this is a pretty cool test!
That is so cool. I never got tested for any food allergies before cause I never really had any outburst with any food till date, surprising though. This tool is handy
That’s cool that there’s a test available like this. I too have started having some dietary reactions and would like to know exactly what is causing it.
A number of people I know have developed food sensitivities around age 25-30. An at home kit like this sounds so helpful and easy to use!
This kit the everlywell kit looks like something that most of us should try. I have to say my body is changing as well and I just gave up all carbs and got deathly ill. The headaches, the chills, the inability to process food, so over that one. I have done low glycal as well and none of them seem to posses the answer, I may need this kit.
You should give it a try! It’s nice to have some answers.
i actually think i could really do with this, im sure ive an allergy or intolerance to some foods . this looks the easiest way for me to find out
Interesting kit – you can get your thyroid tested for free via your GP if you suspect there is a problem.
I am Glad you feel better and know what was causing the discomfort. I shall recommend this kit to my friend. Her body definitely is hating on her right now, she cant smell a thing as well.
I would benefit from this test I think, I have always suffered for as long as I can remember and I do know some foods can set me off but would be interesting to know what else may be causing me problems x
Super cool. Didn’t think you could test for that stuff.
This is so cool! I didn’t realize you could get a home test for all of that stuff. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use your food sensitivity info to help yourself feel better.
That’s pretty interesting you can do the test at home. Most humans have a sensitivity to cows milk, because it’s not made for human consumption, same as human breast milk is not for calf to drink. Milk contains puss and other things that a growing calf requires but not humans. This is why we all have sensitivities to milk. I don’t like milk and although I love cheese, I’ve cut back on it a great deal because it totally messes up my digestive tract, more than usual.
What a convenient way to find out the foods sensitivities we may have. I’m a big baby, too, and someone else would have to prick my finger.
This is great! I love how medicine and technology has evolved for us to be able to do things ourselves. Would save the healthcare system loads! Thanks for sharing!
I have pretty much figured out what my stomach is sensitive to at least for now–cow’s milk makes my blood sugar go UP–but other then that anything spicy or oily and just recently–are you ready for this one–SALAD. Yup–salad. Hopefully that is just a passing thing! I used to be allergic to lots of foods as a child but thankfully out grew those (wheat, chocolate among others). Listen to your body—it will tell you in no uncertain terms what is good for you or NOT.
So funny you say that – I have been getting an upset stomach from green juices and smoothies lately!
Wow, I have been having trouble with some foods so this is really interesting to know. It makes it easier to know which foods to avoid in the future. Thanks for sharing
This sounds like a really good idea. I’ve never heard of it before but it’s a good way of finding if you can’t eat certain foods x
This looks seriously amazing, I’ve been wondering for a while if I’ve got a slight gluten intolerance. I love how the website sets out your results in a really clear way for you!
This is such a good test. I know my body when I started to eliminate animal products started to feel a certain way or react negatively if it was consumed even slightly.
Wow this blood test sounds awesome. I’m sure I have some foods that my body doesn’t like. Amazing how they can tell just by looking at your blood. Love that.might try this myself.
Our bodies weren’t meant to consume dairy. I’m not perfect (can we say ice cream?), but notice that I should watch it. I do like almond and cashew milk. I can even do the unsweetened stuff. I know how to make my own, but I don’t know if one really saves that much. I mean you have to buy all the nuts to do it. I use the pulp for smoothies.
I also can’t consume very much alcohol anymore. I’m allergic to sulpha, wine has sulphates in it. I always wondered why my face turned red when I drank red wine. My stomach hates me. It sucks because I do enjoy it. I know it’s good for me in other ways. Beer with all the hops can send me on a sneezing rampage. 🙁 I can drink the more expensive stuff that doesn’t have a lot of American added stuff in it. World Market and Trader Joes are great for me to pick out adult beverages.
I would be really sad if I couldn’t have wine OR beer! I like unsweetened almond milk, too. 🙂