Episode 4: The Insane World of Food Sensitivity Tests

Written By Matt Priven
 

We’ve all seen the ads.

The ones telling us that with one. simple. test. we can finally know exactly which foods are good for our bodies and which ones we should avoid. But is there sound science behind food sensitivity tests? And are they actually worth their exorbitant price tags? Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we take a deep dive into the (highly) questionable world of food sensitivity tests.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • We took our own food sensitivity test for the pod!

  • The difference between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances.. with some mild frustration about the lack of clear definitions

  • Reflecting on how huge the industry of food sensitivity/intolerance testing actually is

  • Different types of tests on the market

  • What is actually being tested with blood sample tests?

  • Is IgG-binding a valid way to assess food sensitivities?

  • We have a melancholy laugh about how ridiculous the answer is to the previous question

  • We describe the process of selecting and completing the hair analysis test we chose

  • Matt mails his arm hair across the country

  • Jen’s nutrition status is (insert high pitched alarm sound) not optimal

  • Jen is mad about whiskey, Matt about gin

  • We consider spending all our money on a supplement called Anti-Flame! (not really)

  • Wait, what did they do with our hair exactly?

  • No seriously, what did they do?!

  • Robot voice: quantum cellular biotechnology with 10,000 science papers

  • Matt nags the company until he gets answers and is pulled towards the dark side but does not succumb

  • Minds are blown and reggae music is played

  • We get serious again and talk about the problems with unvalidated and frankly kooky testing processes

  • We hear a clip from a doctor who offers absolutely no help whatsoever

  • We encourage symbolic burial ceremonies

  • Look out for the Nutrition For Mortals Food Sensitivity Test coming soon (jk jk)

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For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at: nutritionformortals@gmail.com

**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship. **

Matt Priven
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