The Carroll Food Intolerance Test - Start Healing
I advocate for The Carroll Food Intolerance Method* (official name). The best way to identify food intolerances. Intolerant foods cannot be digested properly. Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) with advance training in food intolerances, practice the Carroll Method. The method includes the Carroll food intolerance blood test to identify food intolerances. The Carroll food intolerance results are amazingly accurate.
Unknowingly, many have a food intolerance and a food combination intolerance. These are foods the body cannot digest. Identifying these foods is important because undigested food particles create toxic metabolites. These toxins inflame the digestion tract and is the foundation for chronic inflammation. Overtime, this leads to leaky gut causing poor absorption, compromised elimination, and systemic inflammation.
Even infants can get the Carroll food intolerance test, an awesome gift. The same food intolerances is often found in families, as genetics play a role. For others, an event affects genes, resulting in food intolerances, i.e., diseases from tick bites.
Identifying and eliminating intolerant foods is the best start for healing.
Carroll Food Intolerance Test - List of Foods Tested
Following is a list of commonly tested foods. Some of these are “mixes”. The mix is tested. If there is a reaction, then the individual elements in the mix are tested. Other foods are tested if requested.
Grain mix
Wheat
Gluten
Dairy mix
Butter
Cheese – fresh and hard are both tested
Yogurt
Potato mix
Egg mix
Fruit mix
Sugar mix
Meat mix – if intolerant to meat, most likely intolerant to mine salts
Salt mix
Soy
Crucifer mix
Carrot mix
Nightshade mix
Bean mix
Nut mix – peanuts or hazelnuts can be an issue, other nut intolerances are rare
Fish mix – fresh and saltwater fish, plants, shellfish, and crustaceans
Honey
If one is intolerant to any of these foods, do not eat these foods in any quantity. Foods that cause intolerances are known by many names. Carroll Method NDs are experts in this area. Their thorough research identifies the foods and ingredients that contain a primary food. This helps ensure removal of every intolerant ingredient.
Check out the list of foods and ingredients on my food intolerance pages. You may be surprised at the number of items and variety of names that include a specific food. For example, I’m dairy intolerant. So I should avoid processed hamburger. Most likely, a lactic acid wash is used to kill germs. Lactic acid is a dairy product.
Review extensive list of foods, ingredients, the variety of names used most won’t recognize. Excellent resource from Windrose Clinic.
Food Combination Intolerances - List of Combos Tested
The Carroll Method also identifies food combinations that create intolerances. For example, the body can digest each food, independent of the other. However, when two foods are eaten together, the body cannot fully digest them. The test determines the length of time between foods for proper digestion. Some need four, six, or eight hours of time between foods for good digestion. For example, I need fours hours between eating fruit and sugar.
When the intolerant food combinations includes grain, specific grains, i.e., gluten, will be checked. Therefore, the combination may be just gluten and the second item. In fact, most people’s food combination intolerance is either fruit and sugar, or grain and potatoes. This is true for me, my son, and many friends.
Fruit + Sugar
Fruit + Grain
Egg + Grain
Dairy + Grain
Potato + Grain
Sugar + Grain
Carroll Test Easier than Elimination Diets
Many experts recommend elimination diets to determine food issues/sensitivities (several are in my blog). They know allergy tests results are not reliable, not dependable, and delay healing. However, elimination diets are difficult for many reasons.
First, it is hard to eliminate so many foods. Second, proper reintroducing foods, one at a time, takes a long time. Third, one must be very strict, even small cheats alter results. Even strict vegan diets contain foods that cause intolerances, i.e., potatoes, fruits, and grains. Elimination diets are a guessing game. One can go for months and still not identify their intolerant foods.
Identifying food combination intolerances is especially difficult. Even these healing lifestyle plans include combinations of foods that can cause intolerances, i.e., potatoes and grains. Some food combinations take eight hours before one can digest the other item.
This helps explains why recommended diets do not work for everyone, they still contain intolerant foods
Carroll Method Pioneer - Dr. Otis Carroll
The most innovative modern naturopath in history is Dr. Otis G. Carroll. More than 100 years ago. He is the founder of very unique naturopathic medical diagnostic modality, The Carroll Food Intolerant Method. Dr. Carroll’s hypothesis (from over 60 years of clinical observation) is “Even though a person’s constitution is strong, if they eat their food intolerance, a strain is placed on the whole organism. Sooner or later, systemic damage will occur.”
Dr. Otis Carroll Says…Prevention is Always Better than a Cure
Health must at all times come from and be maintained by digested foods. When a person eats foods to which they are intolerant, these foods do not properly digest. If these foods are high in carbohydrates, fermentation occurs. If they are high in proteins, purification occurs. Both lead to a slow poisoning of the intestinal tract and, eventually, of all the body systems. Of course, each individual will respond differently to eating their food intolerance, depending on their constitutional strength. A person with a weak constitution is more susceptible to developing early symptoms of toxemia. Symptoms include intestinal discomfort, skin eruptions, asthma, fatigue, or mental confusion. Another person, with a strong constitution, may eat their food intolerance several times a day without the slightest noticeable discomfort.
The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing
The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing** honors Dr. Carroll by training NDs in his method. The institute’s advance courses focus on identifying food intolerances and constitutional hydrotherapy. The institute only accepts licensed naturopathic doctors from accredited naturopathic schools. Just like medical schools, naturopathic schools are accredited by the U.S. Board of Education.
To gain a better understanding of naturopathy, naturopathy philosophy, and how the Carroll Method is vital to healing, listen to Dr. Jared Zeff’s N.D. L.A.C. conference speech on the Carroll Institute’s home page. I love every minute of his ninety minute talk.
Carroll Method NDs Educate about Food Intolerances
Dr. Theriault, ND shares a short history lesson of naturopathy and Dr. Carroll. Most importantly, see his comparison of the Carroll Method to other dietary evaluations. I like his list of pros and cons. Canada’s government does not restrict the Carroll method. He is free to share this information and use the name properly.
Dr. Adam Tice, ND shares valuable lessons that are the foundation of health. Hear his new series Human Handbook Podcast. I love episode five, Food IS Medicine. Dr. Tice shares “digestion is the root of everything”. Dr. Tice’s first step is identifying intolerances with a “food intolerance sample”. Some excellent points are – no one diet works for everyone. Foods that are healthy for some does not work for others. For example, some are fruit intolerance. (Yes, shocking, a few friends are fruit intolerant.) He advises to eat fresh, organic, and local. Minerals are lacking in today’s foods. Strategic supplements may be needed to address specific symptoms.
Dr. Tice and his wife Dr. Jennifer Tice, ND are awesome family NDs. I enjoy their social media.
Find A Carroll Food Intolerance Test
Only a small subset of NDs practice the Carroll Method. Therefore, use this resource to find a Carroll Method ND. See list by state.
Cost of Initial Naturopathic Doctor Visit and Test
My initial two-hour, in-person, visit cost approximately $500 and included the Carroll Method evaluation. Most insurance (in USA) does not cover the cost of naturopaths. Remote evaluations can be more affordable. Follow up appointments are much more affordable.
For our family and friends, the payback is huge in terms of real dollars and, most importantly, real health and vitality.
Carroll Test Kits Available in Home
Seeing your ND in person is best. I always recommend seeing a local ND. They have many healing tools. If you cannot make an office visit, remote evaluations are available. This includes a 30 minute call with the ND. Then the home test kit is sent. It is easy, submit 10 blots of blood on a special disk of paper. Price is under $200, a great value.
Contact me Diane@gutheal.net for more information.
My Carroll Test Results
One visit with a naturopathic doctor identified my food intolerances. That visit was in 2011 with Dr. Craig T. Fasullo, ND. He practices the Carroll Method. The initial naturopathic doctor visit was two hours long, very thorough. All my symptoms were discussed. Next, Dr. Fasullo used a special paper disk to collect small blots of blood from my ear lobe as required by the Carroll Method. A week later, results confirmed I have two primary food intolerances and one food combination intolerance:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Fruit and Sugar – eaten within four hours of one another
Next, my son was tested. His primary food intolerance is dairy. His combination food intolerance is fruit and sugar consumed together within fours.
Carroll Test Results Improves Health
Soon after eliminating all my intolerant foods, many symptoms improved. Adopting my naturopathic doctor’s general advice (see Healing Lifestyles blog) was also important. First, the familiar bloating and excessive gas disappeared. Next, my facial skin cleared. Then, a healthy glow gradually replaced the puffy, ruddy look I thought was normal. Finally, I did not need a rosacea prescription.
All my life, I had acute rhinitis- runny nose, a Type 2 & 3 allergy reaction. But, allergy tests never revealed the root cause. However, after eliminating intolerant foods, all the allergies and congestion disappeared. I did not need two allergy meds daily. In hindsight, three decades of meds barely suppressed my symptoms. Now, I do not even have seasonal allergies. I wake up breathing clearly.
Over the first year, I lost ten pounds easily, no dieting. A decade later, my weight is normal, as I lost another twenty pounds. My blood work is normal. My colon is healthy. I get sick less often. Power yoga and strength training play an important role.
During my last visit, I said to Dr. Fasullo,“You worked your way out of a job by healing us”. I can still see him smiling, saying to share our experiences and advocate for NDs. I was wrong about not needing an ND, I see mine at least annually. My family and I are metabolically healthy now. We do not need any prescriptions or over-the-counter meds.
Carroll Method Doctors do not Advertise per FDA
Researching this method was not easily. Not much information is available. Even the Carroll Institute’s website did not provide information about the method. I contacted the Carroll Institute and asked why the lack of information, promotion, and social media. I learned the naturopathic doctors are not allowed to advertise the Carroll Method in the USA. Here is the response:
I am so glad you have found a benefit from The Carroll Food Intolerance Method®*. This issue in really pushing it forward in the media is that we have been strictly warned by the FDA that we cannot advertise this; we cannot call it a “test” (as it is not a CLIA certified Lab procedure). Naturopaths cannot claim to diagnose a condition with this procedure as it is not an FDA approved medical test.
We agree that everyone needs this method. It is the cornerstone of Vitalist Naturopathic Medicine. Please post and talk about the outcomes.
Dr. Letitia Dick is my hero for standing up for the Carroll Method. This is a vital naturopathic method requiring specialized training. The FDA will not approve the procedure. Therefore, the FDA will not allow naturopaths to advertise this method or call it a test.
Dr. Dick gives back in so many ways. She is a teacher, a Vitalist and elder of the Naturopathic Medicine Institute, Director of The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing. She is the Medical Director of Windrose Clinic and author of The Ultimate Text in Constitutional Hydrotherapy.
FDA Confuses Public about Food Intolerance Testing
The FDA is making the Carroll food intolerance test very confusing to the public. Many naturopaths in the USA who use this procedure do not use the Carroll Method name because they do not want to cross the FDA. Carroll Method NDs are not allowed to call the method a test, therefore, they call it the ‘method’.
These Carroll Method NDs do not advertise, they risk losing their license. Therefore, most NDs do not refer to the Carroll Method by name, in the office, in reports, or their social media.
When patients ask if the Carroll Method is practiced at naturopathic offices, many NDs will not confirm or deny they use this method. There are states where NDs are not allowed to perform blood work. Most receptionists haven’t heard of the method, even when the Carroll Method is routinely practiced at their office.
It is easy to be confused, there are so many food allergy, sensitivity, and intolerance tests available. I think it is important for the name to be used properly. The public needs to clearly understand what they are getting.
The FDA approves allergy testing by qualified clinicians. However, allergy tests are not delivering the results needed for healing. For those suffering from food intolerances, relying on allergy tests results increase and prolong illnesses.
Carroll Test Approved in Canada
In contrast, Canada recognizes the Carroll Method. This test is billable to benefits. Licensed naturopathic doctors are publicly identified through permits. In June of 2022, Canada granted $240/yr benefit to veterans for naturopathic services. It can cover the basic cost of this test.
Carroll Test vs Allergy Test - Results Will Not Match
Do not expect allergy food tests and the Carroll food intolerance test to deliver the same results. My allergy tests did correctly identify my Type I allergy to crustaceans. I am well aware of this allergy. Allergy tests did not reveal any allergies to my intolerant foods, despite many symptoms I experienced daily for decades. Review definitions for clarity:
Food Allergy Definition – Food allergy is a Type I Hypersensitivity is an IgE reaction may be cause for an epi-pen. IgE reactions are usually an immediate response to a foreign substance that has entered the body. Allergy tests are the only way to identify life threatening anaphylactic allergies.
Food Sensitivity Definition – Food sensitivity is a Type 2 and 3 Hypersensitivity reactions, they are delayed IgG and IgA responses by the immune system. IgA, one of the most common antibodies, plays a role in the immune function of mucous membranes. IgG reactions may be subtle and last longer than a traditional IgE allergy.
Food Intolerance Definition – Food intolerance is a non-immunologic reaction to food. A fundamental incompatibility of food with the body and it is not digested properly. This mal-digestion creates toxic metabolites that drive inflammation disrupting functions of the organs and systems. Genetics play a role and simply supplementing with digestive enzymes is not a solution.
Carroll Method NDs - Please Share
I’m so impressed with my results that I’m inspired to share and educate about the method. Especially, since the FDA is ‘gagging’ the best doctors for food intolerances. Everyone should know the Carroll Method easily provides answers. The name of the method and the list of intolerant foods should be clear and available to the public. This is my intention.
I welcome everyone to experience this method and share. I’d love to hear your success stories.
Resources
- Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy – Book by Wade Boyle, ND and Andre Saline, ND Chapter 31
- Naturopathic Doctor News and Review – The Carroll Food Intolerance Evaluation and its Applications by Dr. Letitia Dick-Kronenberg. A wonderful story of healing by eliminating food intolerances.
- History of the Dr. Carroll Food Intolerance Evaluation Method – Song of Health web for Dr. Letitia Dick-Kronenberg’s Windrose Naturopathic Clinic.
- The Role of Gut in Health and Disease; the Untold History of Western Medicine – Dr. Letitia Dick-Kronenberg’s article published by NIH. She shares the Carroll Method can restore health and reverse illnesses like lupus.
- The Carroll Food Intolerance Method Learning to Make Food Work for You Instead of Against You – Dr. Terra Winston gives an awesome comparison of food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. She discusses how food intolerances create toxins, resulting in leaky gut.
Up your G.I. – Gut Intuition and learn some basics about food intolerances. See three generations of family stories in the Symptoms of Food Intolerances.
Namaste,
Diane
*The Carroll Food Intolerance Method is a registered trademark of the The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing
**The Carroll Institute of Natural Healing is a non-profit organization providing post doctoral learning opportunities for Doctors of Naturopathy. NDs greatly enhance their vitalistic practices by learning these advanced therapeutics for clinical care.