Today’s blog topic is a little different than usual. Instead of talking about a healthy recipe or new grocery store find, we’re going to discuss food intolerances. But before you run away for fear that this sounds boring, I urge you to stick around because I really think this is going to interest you.
For the last two years or so, I’ve struggled with adult acne. In high school and college I had pimples just like everyone else, and they especially popped up around “that time of the month.” At the time I figured it was all hormones and eventually everything would clear up. But unfortunately, now in my mid-twenties, I continue to struggle with pimples on my chin, and I have tried just about everything to fix it. I’ve seen three different dermatologists, tried countless topical acne creams, religiously care for my skin, always remove my makeup before bed, change my pillow case every two days, don’t touch my face, watch what I eat, etc. Although despite all of these efforts, those pesky little pimples have not given up. Of course, there’s makeup to cover it up, but I’m desperate to figure out the ROOT of the problem and STOP the pimples from forming, rather than just hide them.
I recently read that acne on the chin is likely related to your hormones or caused by a food intolerance. Dairy and added sugars can be big culprits, so I eliminated those for awhile, but even that didn’t work. Then I read about the Pinnertest, which tests for over 200 food intolerances with just one little finger prick. After reading countless reviews from people who took the test and since have cleared up their acne, got rid of eczema, and even lost 20+ pounds I knew I had to try it.
It’s important to note that a food intolerance is different from a food allergy. Some foods which are perfectly healthy to others (like kale or parsley) can make you feel sick or cause weight gain if you are intolerant to them. Pretty nuts, right!?
This week I took the Pinnertest for myself, and the whole process couldn’t have been easier. The test is mailed to your house, which is helpful so you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or sit around in a waiting room.
The small box contains the following items:
A directions form / signed agreement
Alcohol swab
Finger prick
Blood collection patch
Small band-aid
Prepaid shipping label for sending back the blood sample
The test takes less than three minutes to complete. You first wipe your finger with the alcohol swab. Then you use the finger prick (which contains a small needle) to make a tiny prick on your finger. A teensy amount of blood will form on your fingertip, and you allow 2-3 blood droplets to fall onto the collection patch. Next, clean your finger and adhere the band-aid.
To be honest, I was terrified to prick myself because I loathe needles and blood, but in the end I barely felt the needle. It didn’t hurt at all.
Lastly, just fold up the blood collection patch, place it in the pre-paid shipping envelope, and drop it off at your local USPS mailbox.
I should receive an email with my results in about one week, and I am really looking forward to reading it. The Pinnertest tests for 200 foods including a variety of fish, meat, dairy, grains, herbs and spices. Here’s an example of what the results look like:
Anything in the red column is a food that you are intolerant to and the “+1, +2, and +3” are the degree to which you are intolerant. It’s suggested that you eliminate all of the foods in the red column and see how your body reacts.
I promise to check back and share my results with you after I receive them. If you’re interested in trying the Pinnertest for yourself you can use the code LITTLECHEF for $60 off.
I was provided the Pinnertest for the purpose of this post, but all opinions and words are 100% my own.
