My Journey Into & Out of Food Sensitivities
by Rochelle Griffin
I honesty didn’t think anything of it. The anxiety, forgetfulness, mood swings, lack of focus, & food cravings, I could contribute to PMS. The fluctuating weight & stiff back I could contribute to being over 40. The dark circles, difficulty sleeping, skin blemishes, & inability to relax I could contribute to my busy life as a wife, mom, & entrepreneur. The LAST thing I contributed any of these signs & symptoms to were food sensitivities, despite suffering from these issues for years.
My eyes were opened as I worked with a naturopath to help my son. Being diagnosed with ADHD and panic disorder several years ago, I hated that he was on medications. These medications were interfering with his physical growth, and we had to find a better way. In the midst of multiple body fluid tests, one thing that was discovered was that he had multiple food sensitivities.
Here’s what food sensitivities mean in a very scaled-down nutshell: if our gut isn’t performing as it should, it can become “leaky.” When we eat foods, some of the particles “leak” through into our blood stream before being fully broken down. This can cause our body to react to them…to create endotoxins to fight the “invaders” that shouldn’t be there. These toxins create a host of issues…including what can look like ADHD and panic disorder.
Anyways, as we started to treat our son, I realized that I too may be suffering from this.
So I took the simple blood test.
And imagine my surprise when I got the results back.
I was reactive to MORE foods than my son!!!! Are you kidding?!?!?!
A light bulb went off. Oh my goodness, you mean everything that I’ve been suffering for YEARS could have a true concrete explanation?
Here’s a small glimpse into what I’m sensitive to: beef, chicken, rice, lettuce, spinach, string beans, zucchini. I’m serious…and these are only a few.
Now those of you who are on a weight loss journey, do you notice anything about the foods? These are EXACTLY the ones I eat to stay “healthy!” Little did I know that I was actually poisoning myself with these healthy foods.
So the past few weeks have been spent getting these foods out of my diet. It’s taken some creativity. After all, I’m a salad girl and most of those foods are off-limits for at least 3 months.
It’s also taken a lot of patience. I’ve discovered how much “hidden” stuff is in our food and personal products. One of my reactive foods is sunflower. Turns out most shampoos have sunflower oil in it. Who knew!?!??! I sure didn’t.
I’m committed 100% to healing our son and myself. My hubby is in the beginning stages of his journey as well. Basically we are a family getting healthy together. As we heal our gut, there’s a very real probability that we’ll be able to add our reactive foods back into our diet (meaning they will no longer be reactive) but it’s going to take time.
I’m so passionate about this that I’ve been spending the last few months becoming certified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. It’s my goal to be finished by the end of the year…hopefully sooner.
As you read this today, think about any mental or physical issues that you’ve been chronically suffering from. While there can be a multitude of reasons why, one of the pieces of the diagnostic puzzle may possibly be food sensitivities. It’s my hope in the near future to be able to serve you and help unravel the mystery of how you’re feeling AND get you started on a path to better health!
We ALL deserve to live well!
To Living Your Best Life,
Rochelle Griffin, RN BSN FDN-P
Rochelle Griffin, The Wellness Detective™, is a Registered Nurse (with over 22 years experience) & a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition™ Practitioner who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 7-figure International company that now helps others live Their Best Life.
She founded Your Best Life, Inc with her husband Keith after stepping onto the edge of physical ruin with her health & the health of their young son. Having experienced a complete turn-around, they now desire to give hope & support to those who are dissatisfied with their current situation.
PS. If you found this post to be of any value to you, please COMMENT below!
This is interesting stuff Rochelle — I have two in-laws who’ve had a terrible time with food sensitivities, and I’ll be sharing this with ’em. Good luck with the journey!
Thanks, Maureen! Have a great day!
thank you Rocelle. I would love to learn more about this. I have been struggling to lose my last 15 pounds and I just can’t help but think something is not right. I am doing everything I am supposed to be doing and I just can’t lose.
Yep, sounds like many MANY people. Hang tight and keep an eye on my emails. We’ll figure this out. 🙂
Where does one go to get the blood test for this ?
You’ll have to find someone who offers them. Do a google search for MRT testing. 🙂