Food sensitivities are a growing problem—and the reasons behind it are complex. Unpacking food sensitivities is NOT a straightforward task, and for the first time in nearly 5 years of podcasting, Erin addresses this tricky topic and helps to make sense of all the moving parts and considerations. In today’s episode you’ll hear Erin discussing food sensitivity testing (the good, the bad, & the confusing), the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities, obvious (and not so obvious) symptoms and signs you might have a food sensitivity, the nitty gritty science behind our body’s reactions to foods, how our hormones relate, downsides to restrictive healing diets, and considerations to take if you suspect you may be dealing with a food sensitivity. The truth is, getting to the root of food sensitivities is a lot more complicated than an at home food sensitivity test commercial will ever tell you. After listening to this episode you’ll understand why, and come away with more knowledge, potential solutions, and even hope for getting to the root of your own sensitivities. Please share with anyone who could also benefit from this valuable information! In this episode: -Digestion is a top down process [1:53] -The downsides of restrictive healing diets [7:32] -What is the best/most accurate food sensitivity test? [10:28] -When food sensitivity testing becomes problematic [12:32] -Considering how results from labs might be influencing other things in your body [15:55] -How Secretory IgA impacts food reactions [17:06] -How our skin is affected by food sensitivities [20:51] -Food Allergy vs Food Sensitivity [23:00] -Unintended consequences of seeking out food sensitivities [29:38] -Symptoms of food sensitivities + how “strict” do you need to be? [35:21] -The stigma with food sensitivities [38:57] -Why food sensitivities are more common today [42:15] -The interplay of estrogen, cortisol and dendritic cells [48:32] -What your at-home food sensitivity test results might ACTUALLY be telling you [50:14] -Food sensitivity testing: yay or nay? [53:44] -How best to test + what you need to know about elimination diets [56:38] -Clean eating and reactivity [58:01] -What to do and how to truly heal your sensitivities to food [1:02:07] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/214-food-sensitivities-symptoms-testing-complexities