Happy Friday, lovelies!!!
I’m currently enroute to beautiful Carmel by-the-sea for a lovely weekend away with the hubby. It’s the first time visiting for both of us and I am so excited to take you along on our road trip 🙂 Make sure you’re follow along on Instagram Stories for a first hand look into our adventure!
Food Allergies Diagnosis: York Test Results & Review
Food Allergies Out of Nowhere
Now onto today’s topic… you may be wondering what “mystery” I’m referring to in the title of this post. Exactly a month ago, I wrote a post explaining the truth behind the health issues I was facing, something I had never mentioned previously. I had developed symptoms that worsened over the course of a year, despite doing everything in my power to try to resolve the problem.
The past couple of months specifically have been very difficult and as a result, I’ve been all over the place with my posts (very unlike me). I do want you to know that this is first and foremost still a fashion blog and not a platform that I normally use for sharing such personal details, but in my moment of desperation and frustration, it was such a relief to get so much encouragement and support from all of you. I cannot thank you enough for all of your kind comments, DMs and emails to check in to see how I was doing and sharing similar circumstances that you all have overcome to let me know that I wasn’t alone in this.
My Food Allergies Symptoms
Here is a short recap for those of you that might be experiencing a similar situation. My symptoms included:
- Extreme exhaustion, tiredness and fatigue every single day (despite getting 8-9 hours of sleep)
- Severe bloating after every meal no matter how well I ate
- Hormonal issues and skin problems
- Occasional stomach cramps
- Almost daily migraines
- Insomnia (I was never a night owl before)
- Unexplained weight gain
At first, I thought it was burn out so I scaled back on my intense work schedule. My symptoms only worsened and I tried a variety of different things including Whole30 and Keto and nothing worked! It got so bad that I decided to go to the doctor and trust me, I never ever ever go to the doctor. When I go, it’s usually for something serious (the last time I went was in 2013 for what was thought to be appendicitis, which miraculously healed – true story).
I got an ultrasound done as well as blood tests for liver/kidney, diabetes, anemia and thyroid. They all came back negative… which is great BUT so frustrating because I still had no idea what was happening to me! The doctor mentioned that it could possibly be sleep apnea, depression, chronic fatigue or severe stress but did not offer additional testing. A lot of people also mentioned that it could be Lyme disease as well! The scary thing is that soooo many of these things have a lot of the same symptoms so it’s difficult to pin point exactly what it could be.
Before going in for additional testing, I decided to take a food intolerance test from York Test. I had a feeling that dairy might be the culprit and I experimented with it for a good month before taking the test (I got incredibly sick this past weekend when I had pizza with the hubby).
If you haven’t heard of York Test, it’s a blood test that you can administer yourself in the comfort of your own home that will tell you if you have a reaction to any food/drink ingredients. The test was very easy to take as the instructions are clearly laid out and customer service was even so kind to offer additional help and tips when asked. After I collected my blood sample (which sounds scary, but I promise it’s not!), I waited about two weeks and received the results, which were both obvious and surprising! See my York Test results below:
My York Test Results
Reaction
- Cow’s Milk
- Yeast
- Egg Yolk (not the white though)
- Coffee
- Various grape varieties used in wine (mostly white wines)
- Tuna
Borderline
- Wheat
- Buckwheat
- Sesame Seed
- Oily Fish (mackerel and herring)
- More grape varieties
Sooo… pretty much all the good stuff haha! All items under “reaction” are noted as allergies and are advised to be removed completely from my diet immediately. Items under “borderline” are not full on reactions (more like intolerances) and are advised to be limited or removed completely as they can become problematic.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw cow’s milk on there because I knew I wasn’t going crazy lol! But I was really astonished and surprised to see so many others including yeast, which would explain why I was pretty much always bloated! I also just want to say that a food intolerance is much different and less serious than a food allergy. Although in my case, I have also noticed full body itching after eating dairy… something I previously chalked up to as dry skin (even after slathering on pounds of lotion lol!) so I’ll need to look into that a bit more.
2/19/26 Update:
Since this test, I have confirmed results elsewhere as well and am, in fact, allergic to the reaction foods. I had done numerous elimination diet as well. Whenever I eat them, I get very, very ill (all of them have different reactions). Anyway, it’s been 7 years and I have completely omitted the reactionary foods from my diet. I’ve even eliminated most wheat (I stick to torillas and flatbreads, if anything). It took a few years of getting used but now everything is great! I do have to be careful when I eat out though.
Honest York Test Review
Included with the York Test testing kit is a 30 minute phone consultation with a nutritionist, a 12 week food diary and a food and drink guidebook. For my next step, I’ll be discussing my new dietary changes with the nutritionist (what I can eat/drink and vice versa) and from there, will start a 12 week elimination diet. I will be keeping track of everything I eat and drink along with how I’m feeling afterward. After 12 weeks, I’ll try reintroducing each food individually to see if there are any symptoms.
I never thought I would be in this situation because to be honest, I never had any food intolerances before. I just don’t know what caused this happen. The symptoms came on very suddenly and it really is the craziest thing! I’m SOOO sad to give up my cheese, chocolate chip cookies, pizza, and ranch dressing but I feel like it’s more important that I take care of my health. I am crossing my fingers that this really is the root of my issues and am overjoyed at the thought of finally feeling like my energetic, sunshine-y, smiley self again 🙂
I know that there are so many of you going through the same thing and while it may or may not be related to a food intolerance, it doesn’t hurt to check it out! I highly recommend York Test and feel like I am much more prepared to take on this sudden and extreme lifestyle change. Also, I really REALLY appreciate all of your support on this because I know that many of you come for my outfits and not for my life details haha! If you want to keep tabs on my progress, I’ll include a short blurb in my next three month-in-review posts but otherwise, I’ll give you guys a quick update once my 12 week elimination diet it over. 😀 YAY!
Have you ever had a food intolerance?
Also, feel free to share (or email) recipes! I’d love to try out some of your faves <3
xo
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So sorry that you had to go through all of this to figure out what was wrong but glad you have resolution. I have never heard of this test but will remember it for the future. Thanks for sharing and for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I’m glad to hear that you are narrowing it down – going through health issues and not knowing the specific reason is super frustrating. Here’s to better days and as always, thank you for the linkup…
xx, Chanda | mschanda.com
Glad to know you are doing better. You looking good.
The Glossychic
Wonder Cottage
Glad to see that they have found something. Hopefully cutting those things out of your diet will get you back feeling well.
www,chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hooray! So happy you got some answers. I think my mom really needs to do this. Looking forward to hearing the results in a few months when you update.
I’m actually getting my food intolerances tested as well. I went to the holistic doctor and turns out I have Candida, which reading your symptoms you could have too. I’m on a super strict diet now and going to to my food testing today.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
i am so glad i rad this today, because lately I have been inexplicably having almost all of those same symptoms and. I was thinking I was going to have my thyroid checked, but maybe i will check my food intolerances.
Great post Lizzie!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Me too!! Yay! I highly recommend it. It gave me the answers I was looking for along with a plan of action (which is what I was most worried about). I can’t wait to share either!
Yay! It’s a game changer! I haven’t heard of that, but I’ll look into it. Sending you positive thoughts today! <3
I’m so glad! I was sure that it was my thyroid and was so surprised to find out it wasn’t. It’s crazy how food can affect us out of nowhere. It definitely doesn’t hurt to look into! Good luck girlie <3
Ugh me too! Oh my gosh, I had a hard time with that part. I almost passed out lol. But I was desperate so I did it and I’m glad it put my mind at ease 🙂
It’s the craziest thing! Food I have eaten all my life!! I sure hope so too. Yeah, Ive been noticing the itching getting worse and worse after eating it but I never thought it could be related to dairy… turns out it can :-/
Woah I’m thinking of getting a food intolerance as well. Hope you’re feeling better, Liz!
OMG, you are going to feel so much better now that you know what to avoid. I took an intolerance test 2 years ago (my issues are A1 cow milk, lectins, and nightshade vegetables) and I can’t believe how my digestion has changed for the better. Also, have fun in Carmel—I recommend La Bicyclette for lunch!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Amazing post, I love it. Thank you for sharing, cannot wait for the next exiting post.
xxx
http://www.momrichlife.com
http://www.modelonamission.com
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a few years ago and it’s such a frustrating experience when you don’t know why you’re not feeling like yourself! But seriously knowing what you react to is half the battle
Wow! I’m so sorry about the coffee being an intolerance BUT I’m glad you have some answers, and I hope eliminating those foods gets you feeling better quickly.
I’m so glad that you found out what was wrong. And you can treat yourself properly and feel so much better in the process. I know what it’s like to have symptoms and wonder what’s going on in your body. Having Crohn’s has a huge impact. But being good to yourself makes a big difference. I wish you the best and I hope your enjoying your weekend soon. 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2019/05/rings-that-make-fashion-statement.html?m=1
I’m so glad you were finally diagnosed! Wishing you lots of good future health.
XX
Natalie
https://kindavoguish.com
Im so glad to hear you’re finally getting to the bottom of this Lizzie <3
Good for you for sticking with figuring out what was wrong.
Sincerely, Jennie
I am glad to hear that you finally have an answer to your health issues. Sending you all the positive vibes. Have a great time on your getaway.
❥ tanvii.com
Enjoy the road trip and good luck with the adjustments!
Have fun and good luck with the food tests. I am lactose inand I know how it feels to cut stuff out. I am also severely allergic to crab and lobster.
Wow! What a great outcome to finally figure this all out for you. Dairy is hard on the body!
Have fun on the trip can’t wait to see what you do! I am glad you were able to see what is triggering for you, Dairy can be a lot on the body.
At the least its nothing serious. You can still act upon it. God bless you! Live more healthier this time.
I’m so happy for you that you’ve found some answers! Coming from someone who has many food allergies…there are amazing options out there!! You might even find things to replace old favorites! Best of luck to you!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
I never heard of the York Test but it does sound helpful. I think I should do the test to find out if I have intolerances.
So glad you figured out what was going on! Now you can start feeling better again.
Agreed! So happy to have some answers!
You’re so right! 🙂 Thanks so much <3
See too! I never thought I would haha! Oh girl, I can’t recommend it enough!
Me too 🙂 Crossing my fingers!
Yes, me too! Thanks so much Greta!
Haha! I know!!! :’-( Me too!
Right? It’s so informative. I can’t recommend it enough!
I found it super helpful, especially given my symptoms.
It was great! I had a feeling dairy was mine but I didn’t know about the others! So crazy!
Thank you!
Oh wow! Me too. So excited to have a plan moving forward.
Thanks so much Madi! Let me know if you have any good recommendations!
Thank you!
It was a blast! I didn’t realize how much dairy affects us – so crazy!
It’s amazing! I didn’t realize it either!
Thanks so much Nancy!
Thanks so much Tanvii! We had a blast!
Thanks so much Jennie!
Me too! I feel better knowing what the problem is now. 🙂
Thanks so much Natalie! Me too!
Me too! I feel much better knowing so I can make a plan of action. So glad I’m not alone in this! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me <3
So crazy, right!? Me too 🙂
It definitely is! So glad to know that I’m not alone 🙂
That makes me so happy! I sure hope so 🙂 Oh wow! That’s incredible! Let see me know if you have any good recipes or alternatives. Also, Carmel was a dream! We didn’t make it to La Bicyclette, unfortunately, but it’s on the list for our next trip! <3
I highly recommend it! Thanks so much Leanne!
I developed lactose intolerance in my mid-forties. Fortunately, Lactaid means that I can still have ice cream.
A lot of people think that lactose intolerance means no more cheese. The truth is, most cheese contains little to no lactose. I could eat cheese all day and have no trouble at all. Milk, on the other hand, causes difficulties better neither imagined nor described.
It’s good that you have the information now and can take action. 🙂 I bet it’s a relief.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Wow! I am so glad you were able to get to the bottom of what was bothering you. I am definitely going to look into possibly getting a York Test myself. Thank you for sharing! xo
I’m glad to hear that you got that sorted out! Hope you start to feel better soon! Yes, I have an issue with cows milk and honestly have felt so much better cutting out wheat and dairy.
xo, Laura
Rob just had this done too, and it’ll be so interesting to see how it can change how he feels. Not that he wants to give up any food, but feeling good is worth it.
OXOX
Jodie