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Are Food Sensitivities Causing Your Symptoms?
You've probably heard the saying, "Let food be your medicine." But what if certain foods are actually working against you? Many people unknowingly consume foods that their bodies can't tolerate, leading to issues like inflammation, weight loss resistance, and digestive problems. You may have sensitivities to foods high in oxalates, gluten, or other compounds, and you may not even know it.
It's no secret that diet-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. This alarming fact raises an important question: Why aren’t more doctors trained to address it? You're not alone if you feel something doesn't seem right about this situation. I felt the same way and decided to take action.
I transformed my practice by seeking guidance from a functional nutritionist, and it has now been 13 years since that change. What started as a personal journey has turned into a mission to help others rethink their relationship with food, lose weight, and improve their overall health. My motto is TEST, DON'T GUESS, especially when it comes to your health. Schedule a call with me today to find out how we can help get you on the right track.
The Lack of Nutritional Education in Medical Schools
Last week, we touched on a shocking statistic: Nearly 60% of respondents in a medical school survey reported receiving no nutritional education. Despite the prevalence of diet-related diseases, many doctors graduate with little understanding of how food impacts health.
Even more concerning is a recent report from Rutgers University (November 2023), which revealed that pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has spent $25 million over the past decade on influencing doctors to promote weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Saxenda. Rather than focusing on diet and lifestyle, these large sums are often spent on fancy dinners and sales pitches.
This underscores the need for more nutritional education, as well as an honest conversation about how the medical industry operates. We know food plays a crucial role in how we feel—physically and mentally—but it’s rarely addressed as thoroughly as it should be.
Food: Your Medicine or Your Enemy?
You've probably heard the saying, "Let food be your medicine." But what if certain foods are actually working against you? Many people unknowingly consume foods that their bodies can't tolerate, leading to issues like inflammation, weight loss resistance, and digestive problems. You may have sensitivities to foods high in oxalates, gluten, or other compounds, and you may not even know it.
That’s where nutrigenomics and food sensitivity testing come into play. These tools allow us to understand your unique genetic makeup and identify the foods, drinks, and supplements that are best for your body. We explore whether you need specific nutrients or whether your microbiome—your body’s gut bacteria—needs balancing. Emerging research even suggests certain probiotics, called psychobiotics, can help regulate mood by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
The Importance of Antibody Testing
One critical aspect of functional nutrition is antibody testing. This helps us identify the foods that trigger immune responses in your body, contributing to conditions like sinusitis, joint pain, leaky gut, and fatigue. Chronic inflammation is often a result of these immune reactions.
Antigens—environmental proteins found in foods, pollen, and mold—cause the body to produce antibodies. For some, this results in inflammation that exacerbates symptoms. Testing for food sensitivities allows us to identify which foods may be causing problems and helps reduce inflammation by eliminating those triggers from your diet.
Why "Test, Don’t Guess"
One in seven people have food sensitivities they aren’t even aware of. That’s why we say, "Test, don’t guess." By understanding your body’s specific needs through micronutrient, microbiome, and food sensitivity testing, you can avoid foods that cause inflammation and focus on those that support your health.
We also address outdated methods like BMI (Body Mass Index), which is often used as a measure of health despite its limitations. Telling someone to "exercise more and eat less" is an oversimplified approach that ignores deeper issues like inflammation and food sensitivities, which may be contributing to weight loss resistance.
The Future of Nutrition: Psychobiotics and Beyond
The field of nutrition is evolving rapidly, and psychobiotics are an exciting new frontier. These probiotics can influence brain function and mental health, helping with mood regulation, weight management, and even preventing cognitive decline. Research shows that the microbiome—the collection of bacteria in your gut—can also play a role in preventing conditions like Alzheimer’s, lowering cholesterol, and improving overall health.
Take Action with Functional Nutrition
If you feel like something is missing in your healthcare routine or you're not getting the full picture, you’re not alone. Conventional medicine often overlooks the profound impact nutrition can have on overall health. But we are in the 21st century, and it’s time we start acting like it when it comes to nutrition.
At Harmony with Food, we offer comprehensive testing to determine exactly what food, drinks, and supplements you should or should not be consuming. Whether it’s food sensitivity testing, micronutrient analysis, or microbiome evaluation, we use evidence-based practices to create personalized nutrition plans that work for you.
So, why wait? Schedule a free consultation today at HarmonyWithFood.com and start your journey towards better health through functional nutrition. Remember, it’s time to test, not guess, when it comes to your health! Schedule a call with Meg today!
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