Everly Well Food Sensitivity Test - Review

Any of you who have visited here for any time know I have some "gut" issues.  I had ulcerative colitis as a teen and as an adult displayed all the symptoms of IBS.

I've gotten better through eating "cleaner" food with less additives and junk, but still, there are days I'll eat something pretty plain and get an attack.

I've never done the test for Celiac - I'm sensitive to wheat (but do fine with Einkorn ancient grain flour) but I don't know about other food sensitivity issues.

So when I read about a test I can take at home to measure my immune response to 96 common food triggers for less than $200 and no charge for a doctor's visit,  I was in.

From the well-regarded folks at EveryWell, it's not a true allergy test (those are done through a doctor's office) but does measure your food sensitivities to craft an elimination diet with the least effort

The box arrived from EverlyWell pretty quickly and there were clear instructions as well as an online tutorial on their website where I first went to register my product. Everything you need is included, bandaids, gauze, alcohol swab (I would have preferred Bourbon) instructions, a biohazard mailer, the paper that collects your blood drips and the lancelets.

It required blood collection.  I was hoping for spitting in a cup or something but the scientist part of me know there would be a blood stick.  Users have said it's pain-free.

Remember I'm a redhead - redheads and pain are a whole 'nother animal, but it was only a very quick "poke", not one I'd volunteer for on a daily basis (as evidenced by how I sent their box back with my results) but worth it, if it means a calmer gut. For you non-redheads you will probably say "Boy is that L.B. a WIMP!"

But secretly I think the video provided, which shows a young lady picking up the lance, not actually poking her finger, then delicately letting the drops of blood fall to the paper editing out the "Son of a (*#)@*" scene that occurred at my house.  Just saying.

But I'm a wimp.

One word of advice - they recommend running your finger under warm water 30 seconds then hold your hand down at your side shaking it a few times.  Don't do it longer than that (don't ask me how I know). Still, they said I might have to "milk" my finger (by rubbing in a circular motion) to get a drop of blood.

Nope - in typical LB fashion, my very warm finger bled like nobody's business when meant I had to be FAST to get the drops collected, but I got it done with minimal mess and after the initial surprise of a poke, my finger didn't hurt at all.

It's all boxed up (they supply everything) and I will mail back to the lab first thing in the morning.  I'm supposed to have the results by email in less than a week.  I'll keep you posted.  So far I'd recommend this as a product for being easy to use and understand! They literally walk you through it with online and paper tutorial.

From their website;

Our Food Sensitivity test measures your body's IgG immune response to 96 foods that are commonly found in western diets.

An improvement in food sensitivity symptoms after eliminating the triggering food source is always the best test. Rather than randomly eliminating foods over many months and assessing your change in symptoms, you can have a directed elimination plan. An antibody IgG immune response can offer guidance on what foods may be the best to eliminate. Note that this test is not a food allergy test, which measures severe allergies that can be life-threatening conditions. Food allergy tests measure IgE antibodies and can't be currently taken at home. This test also cannot diagnose Celiac Disease. Food can trigger an immune response which may manifest itself in physical symptoms such as: Dry and itchy skin Other miscellaneous skin problems Food intolerance Feeling bloated after eating Fatigue Joint pain Migraines Headaches Gastrointestinal (GI) distress Stomach pain

Perfect Guacomole

Guacamole is one of those "love/hate" dishes for some people.  I used to hate it until I tried actually GOOD guac and not some runny and bland Mexican fast food versions.  It also is full of healthy fats so even if watching calories, it's a great nutritious snack with some veggies or gluten-free paleo-friendly crackers.

Unlike many popular recipes for this dish, I leave out the tomato and garlic  (though I might use a little tomato for photo garnish ). You can also leave out the onion if you don't eat onions.  The key is using the grocery store avocado (Hass)  which are ripe but not so ripe they are mushy.  The avocado should yield to a gentle squeeze of your hand. Friends don't let friends buy mushy avocados.  If all the store has are hard ones, take them home and put in a bag with a couple of bananas which will help ripen them in a day or two.)

4 medium ripe avocados, halved and pitted
1/2  cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 small jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 and 1/2 limes)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin OR coriander
1 teaspoon salt
dash of black pepper
4 dashes hot sauce (optional - I love Scoville Brothers Singing Smoke brand)

INSTRUCTIONS

Use a spoon to scoop the avocado flesh into a medium sized serving bowl, discarding any browned bits.  Promptly add remaining ingredients (except hot sauce) and mash using a  fork, or potato masher until it's at your preferred texture. If using hot sauce, gently stir in after mashing - to taste

I often add a pinch more salt, but taste first and add extra salt after.

Store leftovers in a tall narrow container to reduced the top surface area that may brown.  Cover well with plastic wrap (note, if you use onions in yours, placing a good chunk on top of the guac will help reduce the browning, though you will wish to remove any small areas that do brown before serving leftover.)

Vegan "Chicken" Soup

This is a quick easy soup that you can have on the table in less than 20 minutes. (and it's way better than canned soup).

2 cups water and 2 cups vegan "chicken" brothveggie broth
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup diced sweet onion (optional)
1/3 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (I used two different varieties)

1/4 pound gluten-free noodles
small handful of shredded spinach

2 cups diced veggie chicken.

Saute carrots, celery, and onion (if using) in a teaspoon or two of extra virgin olive oil (or butter) for 2-3 minutes to soften.  Add liquid and bring to a low boil and simmer 9-10 minutes.  Add noodles and cook 8 minutes more, adding mushrooms the last couple of minutes.

Add protein and bring to a boil, adding in spinach to wilt in the last minute or so.

Season to taste (I used a couple of dashes of salt and pepper, a pinch of Italian seasoning, a dash of crushed red pepper and 2 pinches of thyme).

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Vegan "hamburger helper" (with gluten free option)

As a child I loved noodle casseroles.  With a Scandinavian Mom and it being the 60's, that was not a problem.  But she battled cancer most of my childhood, so sometimes even my SuperMom didn't want to cook dinner.  So in the early 70's Mom found  Hamburger Helper. We didn't have it often, but it was a treat for my brother and me when we did.

After many years away from it, I tried a box of my favorite flavor, the beef noodle.  It just did NOT taste the same.  It also had a lot of ingredients I couldn't pronounce as well as corn syrup, artificial colors, soy and MSG.  No Thanks.  So I haven't had it in over 10 years, but wanted to make a veggie version for some children in the family.

This was not particularly photogenic but it was very tasty, kids love it, and it makes four-six  entree-sized servings. It's an easy to put together meal on a work night, or when you have the grandkids visiting and the dry seasonings can be mixed in batches and stored in a sandwich bag to speed things up even more.

Vegan version of Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle 

1 pound veggie beef crumbles or TVP of your choice
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion or 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. (gluten-free Worcestershire sauce)

Recipe for that here:  https://abbysmomgetsfit.blogspot.com/2016/03/gluten-free-herbed-pilaf-main-dish.html

Combine in a cereal bowl:
1 Tablespoon:
Corn Starch

1 teaspoon each:
Parsley
Paprika
Parsley
Garlic Powder
Sugar

Have ready

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 and 1/2 cups water, brought to a boil
3 Edward and Sons Non-Beef Bullion cutes
1 and 1/2 cups almond mil

2 and 1/3 cup wide egg noodles (gluten-free noodles). Note:  I added extra noodles based on a small person's request :-) using less will give you a saucier dish.

In a large fry pan with a cover gently saute your protein with minced onion (celery) in a Tablespoon or two of water.  Add tomato paste and combine and let sit, reducing heat to low for a few minutes to warm it through.

Increase heat to medium and add 1 and 1/2 cups hot water in which you've already dissolved the bullion cubes.

Add almond milk to the bowl with dried seasonings/cornstarch/sugar.  When at a gentle simmer add noodles, cover and cook for the time listed on the noodle package directions.

Add salt and pepper (to taste and optional)

Served with corn and some carrot and celery sticks.

Veggie "Ham" and Bean Soup

With it starting to snow, Sunday seemed like a great to make soup to go with

• Gluten Free Sourdough Cornbread

This is one of those "you really don't need to measure" dishes.  Plus it turned out deliciously thick and creamy without ANY flour or other gluten-containing thickener and there is no added salt (just what was in the ham)  I'll tell you my secret soon.

Since it was just two of us and my husband was going to be gone for two weeks on business. I made enough for 5-6 bowls.  If you want more, this easily doubles.

Gluten and Soy Free "Ham "and Bean Soup (lower sodium)

1/2  of a 16-ounce bag of dry navy beans, sorted for any stones or debris then soak in water overnight.

1/3 sweet onion chopped (if you don't like onion, add extra celery)
a handful of chopped celery and carrots (optional, I just had some in the fridge).
large handful of chopped Yves Brand "ham" veggie protein.

Mrs. Dash Original seasoning (I use about 6 shakes)
black pepper (about 3 shakes)
crushed red pepper (2 shakes)
pinch of Sage

After beans have soaked overnight, drain water.  Put beans in a deep saucepan (if they aren't already in one) and cover with FRESH water - enough so there are 2 inches of water over the beans. Make sure the pan is big enough so that as the beans cook and expand there is room.

Bring to a boil on high, reduce heat to medium.kiw, cover and simmer for an hour.

Add veggies and seasoning, stir and simmer another 30-60 minutes (check at 30 minutes, beans are nearing done when they are soft and will "squish" if pressed in a spoon with another spoon).

Carefully remove (as its hot!) with a large ladle about 1 and 1/2 cup of beans and liquid plucking out any larger veggie bits to go back into the pot.  Warm your blender jar with warm water so the heat from the soup doesn't shock the glass, then add beans and liquid to the jar and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Stir this mixture back into the soup, adding the "ham".  Taste and season more if you wish.

Heat uncovered until ham is heated through and beans are fairly soft. (on my old gas stove it was 2 and 1/2 hours total cook time from stove to finish, but will vary by stove and water amount).

Bend Soap Company - Family Run, Family Values

Dwight and Marilee Johnson (no relation to us!) and their family of 11 live on a 40-acre farm in beautiful Central Oregon. I know that area well. Back when I was playing airline pilot we had a run into the Redmond/Bend airport and it was one of my favorite trips as we had a layover long enough to enjoy the amazing scenery.

 As the Johnson's raised a herd of happy healthy goats that ate only good food and were given natural substances to keep them healthy rather than medications that would then end up in their milk – they got the idea of making some soap with it. With a long history as a successful entrepreneur and the support of his creative and clever wife, Dwight's  initial soap soon became a family effort as a result of crafting some soap from their farm’s goats to help with eczema that their young son Chance was suffering with.

Making some goat milk Kefir in my "cowboy wineglass"
 - no milking involved, just a trip to Whole Foods.

Consuming goat milk (which I drink in place of cow’s milk which I don’t digest well) the Johnson family knew the benefits of the milk nutritionally.

• Goat’s milk is full of vitamins, proteins, and minerals
• Is easily absorbed by the body
• And has a pH that is relatively close to that of the human body

Could that also help young Chance's skin if used topically?

They found that by putting a couple bars of their newly created honey and oatmeal soaps into the bath and letting Chance play and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes gave him great relief, and his eczema was practically gone after one week of daily baths like this. This is great news because it’s often recommended that you avoid frequent bathing if you have eczema as it dries out the skin, making the itching worse.

That’s the secret behind their amazing milk bath product. This was one of the first products I ordered, the online ordering easy and the products arriving quickly (with a free sample bar of tea tree soap - thanks!)

Rather than a powdery, strongly scented product like many bath additives, it’s fine shards of the purest soaps with essential oils (except the unscented one which has no essential oils) that dissolves in your bath like a cloud. Goats milk also has natural alpha-hydroxy acids which will gently exfoliate the skin. I used some for the first time last night, the “English Garden” scent and my husband commented on how smooth my arms were when he gave me a hug as I came out of the bathroom in my pajamas. He also commented on how clean and pretty the scent was.

He then used a bar of unscented goat milk soap in his shower to wash his hair. When we first married and I moved into his home, I noticed he only used this one generic brand of dandruff shampoo. I told him several years later that it must work as he had no dandruff. He laughed and said, “I never have, I just hate the strong scents of drugstore shampoo.” Well, the dandruff shampoo was kicked to the curb. So much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies that I didn’t want him using a medicated product he didn’t need. He'd found a couple of natural shampoos he liked but he loved the idea of a bar he can use to shampoo as much as he travels in his engineer job.

He washed his fine blond hair with the unscented Bend Soap and his hair was SO soft and shiny. I’m loving the soaps as well, the unscented for my face cleared up some acne-like bumps I get on my arms after working out and sweating a lot. Within two days, my skin looked 100% better.

Got Pets with sensitive skin?  Made to lather well, the goat milk soap is easy to use on your dog or cat's coat.  It will get their fur clean, but it is a LOT easier to rinse off than most other pet shampoos.  Gentle and non-irritating on the skin it also doesn't contain chemicals that their bodies will absorb, or remain on the skin to be licked off later.  Always do a patch test first like any new product, but Abby has her baths with goat milk soap (a much more expensive brand so I'm happy to find this) since we got her and her fur is SO soft and shiny.

For a shower or bath for we humans, it’s great. Most commercial skincare products are made with a mixture of alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals which strip our skin of its natural oils that keep it protected and are intended to defend it against becoming dry, irritated, and unhealthy.I had a little rubber bucket of assorted bath products for my nightly bath, but I couldn't use them every night or my skin would dry out and itch.  (I hadn't learned yet that the GMO oils used in cheap bath products, even those touted as "moisturizing", can irritate and dry the skin.)

The Bend Soap and Bend Milk Bath have made a huge difference in my skin in only a few days and the milk bath is soothing and inexpensive enough I can use it frequently! I can’t wait to use the goat milk lotion on my face and body instead of the scented products that often make me itchy or break me out.

With the quality ingredients including palm oil, that they ensure is sustainably harvested, it’s no wonder.

So for my book fans and readers some questions

 •Do you suffer from harsh skin sensitivities, like me, spending thousands of dollars over the years trying to help?

 •Are you allergic or sensitive to many skin care products and can’t use them?

  •Are you concerned about toxic products in your body and the effect on you and your family's long-term health?

  •Would you love to use wonderful products to make your skin and hair soft and supple without spending $9 a bar or $30 a jar?

 Natural, gentle, deeply moisturizing, healing and convenient products from a family run company that's had years of happy customers.  What's not to LOVE?

• Bend Soap Company

There's soaps, lip butters, scrubs, lotions, and even a natural deodorant and lots of information on their company and products and it's obvious how close this family is.

I so enjoyed the photos on their website of their children helping with the chores and the production - growing up as I did doing things with my brother around our Western home to earn a little money, learning responsibility, sharing, and commitment to something.  As I look at the smiling faces of the Johnson family, I can't help but think of what wonderful family memories are being made right now as they provide a product that supports and nourishes a community of people.

Go check them out, especially the gift tins with the holidays coming up (and seriously- orange Sugar Scrub? - I am SO ordering that!)