I'm really intrigued by the Bloodprinting test that I discovered after doing some research several weeks ago. I have made several inquiries and am thinking about having this test done. Unfortunately, after a call to my insurance company this morning, it looks like I'm going to have to wait a while.
If you didn't catch an earlier post, you're probably wondering just what is this Bloodprint test. In simple terms, it's a test to determine which foods you are sensitive to. Traditionally, the way to figure out what foods are bothersome to your digestive system is to do a dreaded elimination diet. However, according to the literature that Immuno Laboratories of Florida sent me, your Bloodprint is as individual as your fingerprint. Their testing can determine your food sensitivities (with a 95% rate of accuracy and reproducibility), and they provide an individualized computer printout of all foods that you should start eliminating from your diet. The lab just needs a small sample of blood, and within a week, the report is back in the hands of your doctor. I even called Immuno Laboratories to find a doctor in my area, and was excited to hear that there is a local MD that has been in practice for 23 years, went to school at Duke and University of CT and specializes in Integrative and Family Medicine. However, the laboratory in Florida is out-of-network which means a $500 deductible, and I'm responsible for 35% of the bill which isn't cheap. For the complete panel, 154 foods, it's approximately $1,500.
Again, if you haven't been following my interest in Bloodprinting, you're probably also wondering why. That takes me into the topic of food sensitivities. If you're reading my blog, you're probably very familiar with food allergies. If you eat something that you are allergic to, there is an immediate, and in many cases, quite a strong even life-threatening reaction. With food sensitivities, there is a delayed reaction that can occur hours to days after eating a reactive food. Symptoms of food sensitivities include, but not limited to, weight gain, headaches, sinus problems, skin rashes, joint pain, depression, fatigue, indigestion and bloating.
I can eat scrambled eggs and feel nauseous an hour later. I can drink a milk shake and feel like I gained 10 lbs. from bloating, but I tested negative to everything on the basic IgE food allergy panel. Those are obvious, but there are other foods that I can't narrow down. So, now I'm researching food sensitivities which brings me back to the Immuno Bloodprint IgG ELISA Food Sensitivity Assay.
The Immuno Laboratories literature gives a good explanation of what causes food sensitivities. From their brochure... "Medical literature suggests that food sensitivities result when foods and their protein components are not completely digested. When these components are absorbed by your body, your immune system does not recognize them as nutritional. It responds protectively by producing antibodies, starting a series of reactions which can affect many tissues and organs."
The positive side of food sensitivities, according to the Immuno Lab literature, is that they are usually just temporary and typically disappear when you eliminate the specific food for 60 to 90 days. They state that you can reintroduce the food back into your diet and prevent reoccurring food sensitivities by rotating, combining and cooking foods properly. The individual report that comes back from the lab provides all of those preventive measures.
I'd really like to have this test done. Or, I can start an elimination diet. It's free, but definitely not as easy. I've also discovered an elimination diet program that guarantees results in 21 days. It's cheaper at around $100. Can anybody offer up any suggestions? I'd love to hear your comments.
