Catching up? Check out my first post “Healing My Gut: Part I”
I ended the first post with a mention of a food desensitization test so I’m going to dive right into that. Remember, I ask that you take these leaky gut healing practices with both a grain of salt (I’m not your doctor) and an open mind (this is not a traditional practice and I sometimes have a hard time believing everything).
What is a food desensitization test?
According to my doctor: “Food sensitivity detection and correction is an essential part of resolving your leaky gut syndrome. Otherwise, your immune system will continue to react to these foods (whether you feel symptoms or not) and will cause ongoing inflammation that allows the leaky gut conditions to persist.”
What does it entail?
The goal is to screen as many of the foods, spices, condiments and beverages that you consume. Therefore, you need to save 25-30 samples of food (about a quarter-size), label and freeze them. You need to save each food individually. For example, instead of saving just a muffin you need to separate it into the eggs, milk, flour, etc.
Then at your appointment, those foods will be screened using the muscle testing I mentioned in the previous post. Problem foods will be identified and corrected using tapping. Very simply put: tapping “taps” into the body’s energy and restores balance. Energy flows throughout the body along a network of channels. You can tap into the energy at certain points of the body.
A little crazy, a little “this makes sense.” Right?
After all of that, you will be asked to avoid the problematic foods for one week. Then, you will bring them back and get retested to see if the tapping restored the energy balance. Usually one week is enough to fix the issue.
What did this look like for me?
I went to the appointment with my little cooler in hand filled with frozen samples of food. I saved 30 of the foods I eat most often, along with some I don’t (dairy, for example) to see how I reacted. Long story short, I was sensitive to most of the foods. Oddly enough, sweet potatoes and zucchini were in the clear!
The exact foods are insignificant because they will vary from person to person, but let’s just say I had to get very creative with how I ate. Most of my staples were eliminated. I don’t like the idea of unnecessary elimination (especially of my favorite foods) but it was only for one week. I can do anything for one week, right?
No almond butter for a week…
How did I feel after?
Honestly, great. I slowly reintroduced the foods over the next week (not all 30 foods in one day) and have felt good since. I went back for the follow-up and tested a few additional foods (more like 15 this time) and repeated the process for a week. There are certain foods I am still sensitive to, such as dairy and gluten (duh).
Skeptical thoughts
HOW oh HOW is one week enough to do the trick? That, I don’t fully understand…no matter how many times I ask them to explain it. But, I do understand that everything has an energy/emotion and we each react differently depending on circumstances or our natural inclinations. I suppose that tapping into those emotions, pun intended, helps to release any weaknesses.
Acupuncture
Another healing and holistic technique I tried is acupuncture. I went once a week for five weeks and, while I can’t specifically say if it’s helped or not (too many things at once), I don’t feel worse. I was also interested in fully getting all the “negative energy” out of my foot post-stress fracture.
In fact, I just have to mention this: when I told the acupuncturist about my stress fracture she asked me if I was under stress at that time. I responded saying that I was training for a marathon so, yeah, my foot was under stress. She then said, “no, were you stressed in your REAL life at that time?” Um…yes, yes I was. My stomach ulcer, pre-graduation stress, etc. I never ever thought my life stress would have caused my stress-fracture, but it’s CRAZY how everything is/could be connected. (I’m not 100% sold on that being the cause but it’s interesting to note).
I read a lot about how it’s beneficial for athletes so why not kill two birds with one prick? It’s not painful AT ALL. In fact, it’s actually kind of relaxing. After the needles are in place you just sit there (and nap, if you’re me) for 25-30 minutes.
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In a few more weeks I will follow-up with a post concluding my thoughts on the holistic healing. I’m almost done with my supplements and going back for a final check-up next week. This process has been interesting and time-consuming but I’ve seen great results! I’m also learning A LOT, which can never hurt.
That’s enough for today. Moral of the story: I’m feeling good and I hope anyone else who is in pain takes the steps toward feeling their best too :)
Yeah, I would say that the one week thing would give me pause as well. But I have heard of many people having success with accupuncture. I’m actually considering looking into it for my back to help the muscles relax instead of going haywire on my like they currently are, and later on, for fertility.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Post Run or Workout Gym Bag Essentials – Coaches Corner
Wow, CRAZY. It’s funny about stress right? At first you are asked that question by your doctor and you think “No, I’m fine…” But then you start to think about it and the meaning of “stress” starts to expand and you realize “Well, shit. I guess I am stressed.”
I have not tried acupuncture but it is definitely something I am interested in!
Glad to hear you are on your way to feeling better!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen recently posted…Easy Vegan Thai Naan Pizza
It’s really great that you’re seeing results with this! In the event that I have to do a food desensitization trial with mine in the summer, I might ask for tips on how/what you ate during that week 😂
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Super Simple Spring Shrimp Salad
I took a tai chi class in college for a gym credit and they talked about acupuncture a lot! I haven’t tried it but I would love to one day. So cool to hear about your experience!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…WIAW : Belize Edition!
This is so interesting, I’ve heard of this before but have never known anyone that’s done it. I’m glad you’re feeling better! xo, Kristina
Kristina @Ms.Modify recently posted…Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
This is so interesting! I’m really lucky I’ve never had gut problems or anything but I’ve heard that acupuncture is really helpful with any ailments. And if I continue getting injured, I may start reevaluating my diet because my manager at the running store said it actually does make a difference. I’m really happy for you that you’re finally feeling better!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Failure
I find all of this so fascinating! Thank you for sharing your experiences, Emily! As for acupuncture, I have not tried it, but I know that I may run into fertility issues when that phase of life comes. I know of two people who swear by acupuncture for their own pregnancies, so my mind is definitely open to checking that out. But I have years to come before I seriously need to think about that ;)
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…SEO is boring and I just want to talk about books.
so interesting. the type a science-y person in me says no way but results are results ! and who cares why you are feeling better. you are just better! i have always wanted to try acupuncture.
Wow, this is amazing and encouraging, because after recovering from years of not giving my body enough food, I think it really did damage to my gut, and my gut still isn’t the same. I’m definitely seeking the Lord’s will and searching for things that will help heal my gut, and I am SO glad that you shared your experiences. It is amazing that the body can and does heal. God is an amazing healer and Father.
Emily recently posted…WIAW: My Messy Life
I’m glad you’re seeing results with this. I’m so interested and curious to know exactly how desensitization works. Unfortunately that sort of thing isn’t covered by my health insurance. It’s crazy how the more holistic measures sometimes aren’t.
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Gluten Free Maine: Bam Bam and Burgers
This is so bizarre yet so interesting and cool! I’ve never heard of anything like this so I’m fascinated:) haha. And I’ve never tried acupuncture either! I totally would though, and I’d probably nap during it too haha.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…The greatest Mother’s day [weekend] ever
Very interesting to hear about your experience! I have never tried acupuncture myself so it is interesting to hear about your experience. So happy things are continuing to go well for you!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Granola
Stress is a really interesting animal. While my wedding causes me lots of stress at certain points, I don’t think about it all the time and don’t feel too overwhelmed, but my acne is out of control, which only happens when I’m stressed – so clearly my body is way more stressed than I feel! I always feel a bit silly when I do yoga and try to breathe out the “bad stuff,” but it usually lets me move deeper into poses!
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Vermont City Marathon Training: Week 2
It’s awesome that it is working for you! I haven’t tried acupuncture…right now my back is totally full of knots so there’s that. But I think I might err on the safe side and get a massage because I’m a major chicken.
Megan recently posted…Lazy sundays vegetable frittata
I loveeee acupuncture! I first got acupuncture for circulation issues which were actually related to my GI issues as my body was focusing all of its energy on my stomach and it was the only thing that helped. Now my stomach is a million times better, I can eat heaps of foods I used to be intolerant to and my circulation is awesome.
Now I’m the hippie girl who tells everyone they need acupuncture hahaha
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Single Serve Apple Crisp (Vegan & Grain Free!)
That’s so encouraging to hear, Kristy! Everything I hope will happen for me.
This is awesome! Acupuncture is such an interesting practice that more people should invest time in learning about. It can really help relieve a lot of physical tension and stress and is definitely an effective method of relaxing. Nice work! Thanks for sharing!