We understand that seeing a lot of red items can feel overwhelming! Keep in mind, however, that this is an intolerance test rather than an allergy test, and the results are meant to guide you in making adjustments—not restrict you entirely.

What Red Means: A “red” result simply indicates that your body may currently be experiencing difficulty processing or tolerating certain foods or environmental factors. This doesn’t mean you’re permanently intolerant to them; rather, it’s a sign that your body could benefit from a temporary break from these items to reset.

Overload of "Favorites": Many of us have favorite foods or dietary staples that we consume regularly. When we backload nutritionally on certain items, the body can become overloaded, which can manifest as discomfort or sensitivity. Even foods considered “healthy” may show up as red because your current relationship with them could benefit from a balance adjustment.

No Need for Drastic Cuts: Not all red items require immediate removal from your diet. Some of them might even be foods you rarely consume. The goal is to help you learn more about your body’s needs and make gradual, manageable changes to support overall balance. Rotate in items that are not red where possible.

Remember: Our assessment is a tool for guidance, not a strict diet plan. Use it to explore how different foods and environmental factors may be impacting your vitality, and consider making adjustments at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

What Are the Ways I Can Access My Results?
At 5Strands, we provide multiple options to help you access and review your testing results:

• PDF Report via Email: You’ll receive a detailed PDF report directly in your email after your results are ready.
• Mobile App: Download the 5Strands app on your smartphone for easy access and additional tools.
• Excel Spreadsheet: For a more detailed or sortable view, you can download an Excel version of your results directly from your online profile.

How Do I Use These Formats?

• PDF Report: Ideal for an easy-to-read summary of your results. Great for printing or saving for reference.
• Mobile App: Perfect for quick access on the go. Use the app to explore definitions, flag items, and track progress over time.
• Excel Spreadsheet: Best for those who prefer detailed data analysis. You can filter, sort, and customize the data for deeper insights.

Why Do You Provide Multiple Formats?
We understand that everyone learns and processes information differently. Offering multiple formats ensures you can choose the one that works best for you. Whether you prefer a simplified overview, detailed analysis, or mobile convenience, we’ve got you covered.

What If I’m Overwhelmed by the Information?
We know the results can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s how to break it down:

• Start with the Level 3 items in your PDF or app. Focus on these for the elimination phase.
• Use the mobile app for quick definitions and additional guidance on flagged items.
• Consult the Excel sheet if you want to dig deeper into patterns or item specifics.

Can I Get Help Understanding My Results?
Absolutely! If you’re unsure about how to interpret your results or apply them, our customer support team is here to help. Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you step by step.

Takeaway
Your results are accessible in multiple ways to fit your preferences and needs. Whether you use the PDF, mobile app, or Excel spreadsheet, our goal is to empower you with the tools and insights you need for better health. Let us know if you need further assistance!

We understand it’s surprising to see foods you eat daily flagged in your results, especially if you haven’t noticed obvious symptoms. However, if you’re here, it’s likely you’re searching for answers that traditional methods haven’t provided. Our goal is to offer insights that can help you get to the root of subtle imbalances, even those that may not show immediate symptoms.

Why Daily Foods Can Show as Intolerant: When we frequently consume specific foods, even healthy ones, we can sometimes overload our bodies with them. Over time, this can lead to subtle signs of intolerance, even if it’s not immediately noticeable. Our assessment helps uncover these overloads and guides you toward balance by suggesting which items to ease back on.

Trusting the Process: We encourage you to try adjusting your intake based on the results, with an open mind and heart. Our bodies take time to develop discomforts, and it’s a gift that yours is still signaling that something may need attention. These results offer a chance to listen to what your body might be asking for in a new way.

Unique to You: Remember, your results are based on your unique bio-frequency signature—this is not DNA testing but a frequency exchange that reads how your body responds energetically to various items. Even if you don’t notice an immediate issue, the results provide guidance that can be a valuable tool for proactive health management.

If you give these adjustments a try, you may find subtle improvements that validate what your results are showing. Each test is an opportunity to listen more closely to your body’s needs, so we encourage you to explore your results with an open mind.

Can Kibble Work with an Elimination Plan?
Yes, your pet can still eat kibble, but you’ll need to choose a brand and formula carefully to ensure it aligns with their intolerance test results. When selecting kibble:

• Check the Ingredient List: Even if a triggering item is listed toward the end of the ingredients, it can still cause a reaction. Food intolerances are not dependent on quantity but on the body’s reaction to the specific item.
• Avoid All Level 3 Items: During the elimination phase (6–8 weeks), completely avoid kibble that includes any flagged Level 3 ingredients.

How Do I Shop for Commercial Pet Food?

• Match Your Results: Use your pet’s test results as a guide. Focus on finding kibble or commercial food that does not include any flagged ingredients, especially Level 3 items.
• Read Labels Thoroughly: Look for hidden triggers like by-products, meals, or additives. For example, "chicken meal" could contain parts of the chicken flagged in your pet’s results.
• Consider Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These diets have fewer ingredients, making it easier to avoid triggers while maintaining balanced nutrition.

What If I Can’t Find Kibble Without the Flagged Items?
If you’re unable to find kibble that excludes all flagged items, consider:

• Homemade Diets: Preparing your pet’s meals at home gives you complete control over ingredients.
• Fresh or Freeze-Dried Options: Many brands now offer fresh or minimally processed foods with transparent ingredient lists.
• Consulting a Nutritionist: Partner with a certified pet nutritionist to create a safe and balanced plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Ours is Tazz Latifi!

How Will I Know the Elimination Plan Is Working?

• Timeline: You should notice improvements in your pet’s symptoms (e.g., reduced itching, better digestion, or more energy) within 2–3 weeks of eliminating Level 3 items.
• Reintroduction: After 6–8 weeks, you can gradually reintroduce flagged items one at a time, monitoring for any reactions.

Takeaway
Kibble can remain part of your pet’s diet if you choose carefully and align it with their test results. Always prioritize avoiding Level 3 items during the elimination phase to give your pet’s body the best chance to reset and heal. Let us know if you need help interpreting your pet’s results or finding suitable options!

It’s surprising to think that foods like fruits, which are generally considered healthy, could be flagged as intolerant for you. But remember: just because something is healthy in general doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your body right now. Here’s why:

1. Digestive Enzyme Deficiency: If your body is lacking the enzymes needed to properly break down a specific fruit, even a small amount can disrupt your gut health or microbiome. This can lead to discomfort, bloating, or other symptoms.
2. Gut Imbalance: Once your gut health is compromised—whether from stress, overconsumption, or other factors—even nutrient-rich foods can start causing unwanted symptoms. It’s not that the food is “bad,” but that your body may need a reset.
3. Overconsumption: Eating the same fruit daily, no matter how nutritious, can put stress on your body. Overloading your system can deplete your ability to process that food, resulting in temporary sensitivities.
4. Temporary Intolerance: The good news is that these sensitivities are not necessarily permanent. Your body is resilient and can often restore balance with the right adjustments.

What Can You Do?

• Remove: Temporarily eliminate flagged fruits (especially Level 3 items) to give your gut a break.
• Replace: Introduce other safe foods from your results to ensure variety in your diet.
• Restore: Allow your body time to heal and reset its ability to process foods.
• Rotate and Moderate: Reintroduce the fruit in moderation and avoid eating the same items daily to prevent overloading your system again.

By giving your body time to reset, you’re creating an opportunity for it to regain balance and better process a wide range of foods. Your results are a guide to help you listen to your body and feel your best—this is just part of the journey to improved wellness!

The Nutrition Test indicates your body’s ability to absorb and process specific nutrients—it does not indicate an intolerance to those nutrients. Instead, the results help identify where your body might need extra support.

What Do the Levels Mean?

• Level 3 (Severe Impact): Indicates the nutrient is not being absorbed effectively and may already be contributing to noticeable symptoms like joint pain, diarrhea, itchy or dry skin, inflammation, headaches, or mood changes. Addressing these nutrients is critical to restoring balance.
• Level 2 (Moderate Impact): The body struggles to absorb these nutrients but symptoms, if present, are typically mild. These should still be addressed to avoid further impact over time.
• Level 1 (Mild Impact): These nutrients are just beginning to affect your body on a cellular level. There may not yet be noticeable symptoms, but it’s a sign to start increasing foods rich in these nutrients to support optimal health.

How to Address the Results

If a nutrient appears on your test results, it means your body is not absorbing enough of it, not that you are intolerant to it. To address these gaps:

• Increase Whole Foods: Incorporate more foods that are naturally rich in these nutrients.
• Choose Quality Supplements: If needed, opt for plant-based, non-synthetic supplements to enhance absorption.
• Address Potential Intolerances: Consuming foods you are intolerant to may trigger inflammation, further disrupting nutrient absorption.

Your Nutrition Test is a guide to help you understand what your body is asking for—providing you with the tools to optimize your health and vitality!

1. What is Chicken in Pet Food?
Chicken refers to fresh, clean meat derived from the muscle of the animal. It’s a high-quality protein source that provides essential nutrients for your pet.

• Includes: Only the muscle tissue, without any additional parts like bones or organs.
• Best For: Pets needing a premium protein source.

2. What is Chicken Meal?
Chicken meal is made by cooking chicken (including meat, skin, and sometimes bones) to remove moisture and then grinding it into a concentrated protein powder.

• Includes: Meat, skin, and sometimes bones—no feathers, feet, or internal organs.
• Best For: Pets needing a concentrated source of protein often found in dry kibble.

3. What is Chicken By-Product?
Chicken by-product consists of parts of the chicken other than meat, such as necks, feet, organs, and bones. It excludes feathers.

• Includes: Non-meat parts of the chicken that vary in nutritional quality.
• Best For: Budget-friendly pet food options; however, by-products are generally considered lower-quality protein sources.

4. How Does Bioresonance Testing Apply to Chicken and Its Variations?
Bioresonance testing used by 5Strands measures how your pet’s body responds energetically to each specific item—whether it’s chicken, chicken meal, or chicken by-product.

• Unique Signatures: Each item (e.g., raw chicken, cooked chicken, or chicken meal) has a unique energetic frequency, which may cause different reactions in your pet.
• Why It Matters: Your pet may tolerate one form of chicken but have difficulty with another due to differences in composition and preparation.

This highlights the importance of understanding not just the type of ingredient, but also how it interacts with your pet’s unique biology. Your 5Strands test results can guide you in choosing the best options for your pet’s diet.

5. What Should I Look For in Pet Food?

• Best Choice: Look for labels with “chicken” or “chicken meal” as the primary ingredient for higher quality protein.
• Avoid Excessive By-Products: While by-products are not inherently bad, they should not be the main source of protein in your pet’s food.
• Use Test Results: If your pet has sensitivities to chicken, use your 5Strands test results to identify tolerable options or alternative protein sources.

When heat is added to a food, its composition changes, altering how your body reacts to it. Cooking transforms the physical, chemical, and energetic properties of food, potentially making it easier or harder for your body to process. This is true for any preparation method, such as boiling, steaming, or roasting.

Every item has a unique bioresonance signature, and cooked and raw forms of the same vegetable can have different energetic responses. For example:

• Raw Vegetables: Retain their natural enzymes and fibers, which can make them nutrient-dense but harder to digest for some people.
• Cooked Vegetables: Break down fibers and change the nutrient composition, often making them easier to tolerate but potentially losing some heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C.

This is the beauty of 5Strands testing—it helps identify sensitivities to both cooked and raw forms of foods, giving you more options when planning your diet. By recognizing how your body reacts to each preparation, you can open up more food choices, experiment with preparation methods, and restore balance through rotation and moderation.

Yes, you can absolutely share your 5Strands results with your doctor, nutritionist, or other healthcare professionals. These results can provide additional insights into potential intolerances and imbalances that may complement traditional medical evaluations.

Will My Doctor or Nutritionist Understand the Results?
Some healthcare professionals may not have prior experience with bioresonance testing or the specific methodology we use. Since our testing focuses on energetic responses rather than biochemical markers like IgE or IgG antibodies, it may differ from what they’re familiar with.

Important Note: The results are not diagnostic but are meant to guide dietary and lifestyle adjustments based on potential intolerances or imbalances.

How Can My Doctor or Nutritionist Use the Results?
Your healthcare professional can use the results as a tool to:

• Identify potential triggers for discomfort.
• Create a tailored dietary plan.
• Consider additional testing or interventions if needed.

Can My Doctor or Nutritionist Contact 5Strands With Questions?
Yes! We welcome healthcare professionals to reach out for more information about our testing process and how to interpret results. If your doctor or nutritionist has questions, they can contact our customer support team at info@5Strands.com or call us at 1-833-600-8378. We’re happy to assist them in understanding the results and how they can complement their expertise.

Takeaway
Sharing your results with your healthcare professional can enhance your overall approach to health and wellness. While they may not have prior experience with bioresonance testing, we encourage them to reach out to our team for any clarification or support. Collaboration is key to optimizing your health journey!

Your body is dynamic and constantly adapting to changes in diet, environment, stress levels, and overall lifestyle. Intolerances and imbalances are not static—they can shift based on a variety of factors, including:

• Dietary Patterns: Overconsumption or elimination of certain foods can create or resolve intolerances.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adjustments in physical activity, sleep, and stress can influence how your body interacts with specific items.
• Environmental Exposure: Seasonal changes, allergens, or relocation may introduce new triggers or reduce previous ones.
• Healing and Recovery: Improvements in gut health or detoxification can resolve previous imbalances, while new challenges may arise.

Why Should I Retest?
Retesting allows you to stay updated on your body’s current state and make informed decisions as things change. Benefits of retesting include:

• Tracking Progress: See how your body has improved or adjusted after following an elimination plan or making lifestyle changes.
• Identifying New Triggers: Discover if new intolerances or imbalances have developed due to recent habits or exposures.
• Fine-Tuning Your Health Plan: Use updated results to refine your diet, supplementation, or environmental adjustments to better support your vitality.

How Often Should I Retest?
We recommend retesting every 6–12 months, depending on your health journey. For example:

• If you’ve made significant dietary or lifestyle changes, a 6-month retest can confirm improvements or new sensitivities.
• If you’ve maintained a steady routine, a 12-month retest helps ensure your health plan aligns with your current needs.

Does Retesting Benefit Pets Too?
Yes! Just like humans, pets experience changes in their diet, environment, and stress levels. Retesting helps pet parents identify evolving triggers or imbalances to keep their furry friends happy and healthy.

What Happens If I Don’t Retest?
Without retesting, you may miss changes in your body’s responses, leading to unaddressed discomforts or continued exposure to new triggers. Retesting ensures you’re always working with the most relevant data to optimize your health.

Takeaway
Your body is constantly evolving, and so are your intolerances and imbalances. Retesting every 6–12 months ensures your health plan reflects your current needs, allowing you to make proactive choices for long-term vitality. Whether for you or your pet, staying updated is a key step toward optimal wellness!

It’s important to understand the difference between intolerances and allergies, as well as the unique nature of bioresonance testing, to make sense of your results.

Key Differences Between Allergies and Intolerances

• Allergies: Trigger an immediate immune response, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or rashes. These are diagnosed through traditional allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests or blood tests).
• Intolerances: Develop over time and are often tied to the digestive or immune system. Symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or headaches may take hours or even days to appear, making them harder to link to specific foods or triggers.

The 5Strands test focuses on intolerances—not allergies—and helps identify patterns that could contribute to long-term discomfort or imbalance.

Why Might Certain Items Be Missing?

1. Sensitivity Is Temporary: Intolerances can fluctuate based on diet, stress, or lifestyle changes. An item causing issues last month may not show up now, or vice versa.
2. Bio-Individual Responses: Bioresonance measures your body’s energetic reaction to items. While you may experience a physical symptom, the test prioritizes items creating significant disruptions at the cellular or energetic level.
3. Cooking or Preparation Differences: The way an item is prepared (e.g., raw vs. cooked) can alter its signature and your body’s response. An intolerance to a cooked version of a food might not appear in its raw form.
4. Cumulative Impact: Sometimes, symptoms arise not from a single food but from the combined effect of multiple triggers over time.

What Can You Do?

• Trust Your Body: Combine your test results with your personal experiences. If you know a certain food causes issues, consider moderating or avoiding it, even if it wasn’t flagged.
• Track Symptoms: Use a food journal to identify patterns and cross-reference them with your test results.
• Focus on Balance: The test provides a guide to help you balance your diet and avoid overload, even for items not currently flagged.

Remember: Your results are a tool to help you listen to your body and make adjustments. Together with your own observations, they can guide you toward better overall wellness! Let us know if you need additional support interpreting your results.

Seeing your vitamins or supplements flagged as red might seem surprising, but it can actually provide valuable insights into how your body processes and absorbs these nutrients. Here’s why this can happen:

Synthetic vs. Whole Food Nutrients

Many supplements are made from synthetic ingredients, which can be harder for your body to recognize and absorb compared to nutrients from whole foods.

• Whole Food Diet: Nutrients derived from whole foods are more bioavailable, meaning they are in forms that your body can easily identify, process, and use.
• Synthetic Forms: While convenient, synthetic nutrients may lack the necessary cofactors (natural compounds found in whole foods) that enhance absorption. This can lead to reduced efficacy and even symptoms of imbalance.

The Role of Bioresonance Testing

The 5Strands test measures how your body energetically reacts to items, including supplements. If a vitamin or supplement appears as red, it doesn’t necessarily mean the nutrient itself is harmful—it may indicate:

• Inadequate Absorption: Your body may be struggling to process the nutrient in its current form.
• Overloading: Excessive intake of certain vitamins or supplements can create stress on the body, leading to imbalances.
• Imbalance Due to Intolerances: Consuming foods you’re intolerant to can create inflammation, further inhibiting your ability to absorb nutrients effectively.

How the 5Strands Mobile App and Online Tools Can Help

• Definitions & Insights: Use the app or online portal to explore detailed definitions of the flagged items. Learn how each nutrient functions in the body and why it may be flagged in your results.
• Educational Resources: Access actionable tips to adjust your diet, incorporate more bioavailable nutrients, or switch to supplements with higher-quality ingredients.

What Are Bioavailable Nutrients?

Bioavailable nutrients are nutrients your body can easily absorb and use. These often come from:

• Whole Foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
• High-Quality Supplements: Look for supplements labeled as “food-based,” “bioavailable,” or “natural,” which mimic how nutrients are found in food.

What Can You Do?

1. Switch to Whole Foods: Prioritize a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods to naturally supply your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Evaluate Your Supplements: Check the ingredients and sourcing of your current supplements. Consider switching to bioavailable, food-based alternatives.
3. Moderation and Balance: Avoid overloading your system with high doses of vitamins or supplements. Rotate items to give your body a chance to recalibrate.
4. Use Your Results as a Guide: Let your 5Strands results direct you toward better choices that align with your body’s needs.

Remember: Your results aren’t saying supplements are bad—they’re highlighting how your body is currently interacting with them. With small adjustments, you can ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs in the most effective and harmonious way possible. Let us know if you need further assistance navigating your results!

How Can Overconsumption Be Harmful?
Overconsumption of the same food, even healthy ones, can negatively impact your pet's health. Feeding the same ingredients daily can:

• Exacerbate Existing Intolerances: If your pet has a food intolerance, overconsumption can make symptoms more noticeable. This happens because their body lacks the digestive enzyme needed to properly break down the food.
• Trigger New Sensitivities: Constant exposure to the same food can overload your pet’s system, causing imbalances and contributing to inflammation.
• Delay Symptom Recognition: Unlike allergies, which can cause immediate reactions, intolerances often take hours or days to manifest. Over time, these subtle signs—like digestive upset, itching, or lethargy—can escalate with frequent exposure.

What Is a Rotational Diet, and Why Is It Important?
A rotational diet means regularly varying the types of proteins, carbohydrates, and other ingredients in your pet’s meals. This approach:

• Prevents Overload: Reducing frequent exposure to specific foods gives your pet’s system time to recover, reducing the risk of symptom escalation.
• Promotes Nutritional Balance: Rotation ensures your pet gets a variety of nutrients from diverse sources, supporting overall health.
• Supports Gut Health: Changing ingredients encourages a diverse gut microbiome, which is critical for digestion and immunity.

How to Feed in Rotation and Moderation

• Start Slowly: Once you’ve completed the elimination phase, reintroduce flagged items one at a time in small quantities to monitor your pet’s response.
• Limit Frequency: Most pets can tolerate a food item 2–3 times per week without noticeable symptoms, but you’ll need to observe what works best for your pet.
• Diversify the Diet: Rotate proteins (e.g., chicken, beef, fish), carbohydrates (e.g., rice, sweet potato), and other components every few weeks.

How Long Until You See Progress?

• Initial Improvement: During the elimination phase, you should see noticeable symptom relief (e.g., better digestion, less itching, increased energy) within 2–3 weeks.
• Full Reset: For lasting results, continue eliminating Level 3 items for 6–8 weeks before gradually reintroducing them.

Takeaway
Overconsumption doesn’t cause the intolerance itself—it makes symptoms more noticeable by overwhelming your pet’s system. A rotational diet, combined with moderation, helps prevent these issues and keeps your pet’s diet balanced and healthy. Following the elimination plan and introducing variety after the reset phase will set your pet up for long-term vitality and well-being. Let us know if you need help tailoring the diet to your pet’s specific needs!

Why Do Soy and Soy Sauce Affect the Body Differently?
Soybeans and soy-based products can interact with your body in unique ways depending on how they are prepared. The process of cooking and fermentation changes the chemical composition of soy, which can impact how your microbiome responds to it.

• Cooked Soy: Cooking breaks down some of soy’s natural compounds, such as anti-nutrients (e.g., phytic acid), making it easier for your body to digest. However, it may still trigger sensitivities in some individuals due to the high protein content and isoflavones.
• Fermented Soy (Soy Sauce, Miso, Tempeh): Fermentation introduces beneficial bacteria, breaking down complex proteins and sugars into simpler forms. This often makes fermented soy easier to digest and less likely to cause gut disturbances.

2. What Does Fermentation Do to Soy Sauce?
The fermentation process for soy sauce involves natural bacteria and yeast breaking down soy proteins and starches into amino acids and simpler sugars. This process:

• Increases Digestibility: The proteins are partially broken down, which can make soy sauce less likely to trigger sensitivities compared to raw or cooked soy.
• Enhances Microbiome Interaction: Fermentation introduces probiotics that can support a healthier gut microbiome. However, individual reactions vary depending on the health of your microbiome.

3. Why Does 5Strands Test Soy and Soy Sauce Separately?
Each form of soy has a unique bioresonance frequency, as cooking and fermentation chemically alter the food. Your body might respond differently to:

• Soy: In its raw or minimally processed form, soy may trigger reactions due to its anti-nutrients or protein structure.
• Soy Sauce: The fermentation process changes its structure, potentially making it easier for the body to process. However, additives like salt can still pose issues for some individuals.

By testing both forms, 5Strands helps identify which specific preparation may be causing sensitivities.

4. What Symptoms Could Be Linked to Soy or Soy Sauce Sensitivities?
Common symptoms include:

• Digestive issues (bloating, gas, or diarrhea)
• Skin reactions (rashes or itching)
• Headaches or fatigue
• Hormonal imbalances (linked to isoflavones in soy products)

5. How Can I Adjust My Diet Based on Results?

• If Soy Is Flagged: Focus on fermented options like soy sauce, miso, or tempeh, which may be easier to tolerate. Monitor portion sizes to avoid overloading your system.
• If Soy Sauce Is Flagged: Consider alternatives like coconut aminos or tamari, which may be less reactive.
• Rotation and Moderation: Introduce soy products gradually and avoid consuming them daily to reduce stress on your gut.

6. What Role Does the Microbiome Play?
Your gut microbiome helps process foods and affects how your body reacts to them. A healthy microbiome may handle fermented soy better, as the probiotics support gut balance. However, sensitivities or imbalances in your microbiome can still make certain soy products problematic.

Takeaway
Cooking and fermentation dramatically change how soy products interact with your body. Your 5Strands results help pinpoint specific sensitivities, giving you the tools to make dietary adjustments that support your microbiome and overall well-being. Use your results to explore options and find what works best for you!

Why Would My Pet Be Intolerant to Only Part of a Food?
Our testing is highly item-specific, meaning it evaluates each unique component of a food item individually. For example, different cuts of meat (e.g., muscle, liver, or kidney) and their preparation methods (raw vs. cooked) can resonate differently with your pet's body. This is because:

• Chemical Composition: Muscle meats, organs, and other parts of an animal have unique proteins, nutrients, and compounds that your pet’s body may process differently.
• Energetic Signature: Each part of the food has a distinct bioresonance frequency. While one part may be well-tolerated, another may trigger a sensitivity.

What If the Results Don’t List the Food Item?
If a specific cut or organ meat is not flagged in your pet’s test results, it’s generally safe to include that item in their diet. Our master list ensures comprehensive coverage of potential triggers, so unflagged items can be considered tolerable for your pet.

Why Is This Important?
Understanding that sensitivities can vary by part allows you to:

• Tailor your pet’s diet more precisely, avoiding specific triggers.
• Avoid unnecessarily eliminating entire food groups.

How Do I Adjust My Pet’s Diet Based on These Results?

• If a specific part (e.g., chicken liver) is flagged, avoid it during the elimination phase and consider replacing it with a safe alternative (e.g., chicken breast).
• Rotate proteins and cuts to prevent overexposure and build a balanced diet.
• Use your test results as a guide, ensuring you’re offering nutrient-rich, non-triggering options.

Takeaway
Your pet’s sensitivities are unique, and 5Strands testing helps identify exactly what works and what doesn’t. This precision allows you to confidently build a diet that supports their health and happiness while avoiding unnecessary restrictions. Let us know if you have additional questions!

It’s uncommon for a dog to be intolerant to its own dander. Most often, the intolerance is related to dander from other dogs they come into contact with—whether they live together or are frequently exposed to shared environments like dog parks or grooming facilities.

How Can Dog Dander Cause Intolerance Symptoms?
When dogs share close spaces, bedding, or environments, exposure to another dog’s dander can trigger sensitivity in the form of:

• Itchy skin
• Excessive licking or biting at paws
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Ear infections or irritation

The intolerance may stem from how your dog’s body is reacting to the proteins or allergens in the dander, often combined with environmental factors like dust or pollen that attach to the dander.

How Can I Help My Dog?
Addressing a dander intolerance doesn’t necessarily mean separating dogs or limiting their social interactions. Instead, focus on managing their environment:

• Regular Grooming: Brush and bathe both dogs regularly to reduce the amount of dander present. Use hypoallergenic shampoos to avoid further irritation.
• Bedding Hygiene: Wash bedding frequently in hot water to remove dander buildup. Choose materials that are easy to clean and allergen-resistant.
• Air Quality: Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens and dander in your home.
• Rotate Spaces: If possible, give your dogs time in separate areas to reduce constant exposure.

How Does This Test Help?
The 5Strands Environmental Intolerance Test provides insights into how your dog is interacting with the world around them. A result showing intolerance to dog dander doesn’t mean your dog has to avoid all other dogs—it’s a tool to help you create a more supportive environment and manage exposure thoughtfully.

Can Intolerances Improve Over Time?
Yes! By reducing overexposure and supporting your dog’s immune system, intolerances can become less severe. Rotating bedding, improving air quality, and moderating interactions can make a big difference. If your dog still struggles with symptoms, consider consulting with a veterinarian for additional support.

Takeaway
An intolerance to dog dander highlights the importance of conscious interaction with their environment. With small adjustments, like regular grooming and better air quality, you can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and overall well-being. Let us know if you have further questions about your test results or need additional guidance!

It’s common to feel surprised if your results show potential intolerances or imbalances for items you consume regularly or don’t associate with symptoms. Here are a few reasons this might happen:

• Energetic Imbalances: 5Strands measures your body’s energetic interaction with items, which may not always align with your physical or immediate experiences.
• Subtle Effects: Some intolerances or imbalances may not produce obvious symptoms but could still affect your energy levels, digestion, or overall well-being over time.
• Overconsumption: Eating certain foods too frequently can lead to an intolerance, even if the food is generally considered "healthy."

How Should I Approach Results I Disagree With?

• Stay Open-Minded: Results are meant to guide exploration, not provide definitive answers. Consider them as a starting point for improving your diet and lifestyle.
• Try the Elimination Plan: Even if you don’t believe a specific item is causing issues, removing it temporarily can reveal if it impacts your body in unexpected ways.
• Observe Changes: Note how your body responds during and after the elimination period. Many customers discover improvements in energy, digestion, or other symptoms they hadn’t associated with the flagged items.

Can I Retest the Same Items?
Yes! If you feel unsure about your results, you can retest after a few months to see if your body’s responses have changed. Intolerances and imbalances are dynamic and can shift over time due to diet, environment, and other factors.

What About Foods I Eat Every Day Without Issues?
Items you consume daily may show up because overconsumption can stress the body, leading to intolerance symptoms that may not appear immediately. Intolerances often develop gradually, and symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or irritability may be subtle.

Takeaway
If you don’t agree with your results, we encourage you to approach them as a tool for exploration and self-discovery. Testing results are a reflection of your body’s energetic interactions at the time and can guide you in making adjustments that may improve your well-being. Stay curious, give the elimination plan a try, and let your body be the ultimate guide!

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Food & Environmental Intolerance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE TEST CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Food & Environmental Intolerance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Vitamins & Minerals Imbalance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE TEST CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Vitamins & Minerals Imbalance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Food & Beverage Comprehensive Sensitivity Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Food Intolerance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE TEST CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Food Intolerance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Intolerance & Imbalance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Environmental Intolerance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE TEST CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Environmental Intolerance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Sensitivity & Imbalances Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE TEST CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Comprehensive Sensitivity & Imbalances Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Pet Raw Food Intolerance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’sRaw Food & Environmental Intolerance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Metals & Minerals Imbalance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your pet’s Metals & Minerals Imbalance Test. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Essential Oil Intolerance Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to give you a clear idea of what to expect from your Beauty Sensitivity Test. This example showcases the format and level of detail included, helping you better understand how to interpret your results.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

We’ve provided a sample report to help you understand what to expect from your horse's Comprehensive Equine Health Assessment. This example highlights the format and details included, giving you a clear view of how to interpret your pet’s results and make informed decisions for their well-being.

SAMPLE RESULT CLICK HERE

No, the 5Strands test is not a traditional Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). While HTMA measures the chemical concentration of minerals and metals in the hair, our test uses bioresonance technology to assess your body’s energetic reaction to these items. It evaluates how your body interacts with specific frequencies rather than the physical presence of metals or minerals in your system.

Why Do Metals or Minerals Show Up in My Results? Am I Being Poisoned?

Seeing metals or minerals on your results—especially at a Level 3—does not mean you’re being poisoned or have toxic levels of these substances in your body. Instead:

• Frequency-Based Response: The test identifies how your body energetically reacts to specific items. A Level 3 result means your body had the strongest reaction to the frequency of that item, indicating it might be struggling to process or eliminate it.
• Exposure Awareness: Metals and minerals are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the cookware and containers we use. Your results reflect your body’s current challenges with these exposures, not the physical concentration of these items in your system.

What Can You Do About Your Results?

Use your test results as a tool to become more aware of your daily exposures and make small, actionable changes:

1. Evaluate Daily Exposures:
2. Optimize Diet and Water:
3. Support Detoxification:
4. Balance Minerals:

Takeaway
The 5Strands test empowers you to identify areas where your body may need support, without creating unnecessary worry. Your results are a guide to help you make informed adjustments to your diet, lifestyle, and environment. Small changes, like improving water quality or switching cookware, can make a big difference in supporting your body’s balance and vitality. Let us know if you need help interpreting your results!

1. Why Does 5Strands Use Hair Samples for Testing?
We use hair samples because they are the simplest, most convenient, and most effective option for bioresonance testing. Hair testing allows us to assess your or your pet’s energetic response to various items without the challenges associated with mailing fluids like saliva or blood.

2. What Are the Advantages of Hair Testing?

• Non-Invasive and Easy Collection: Collecting hair is quick, painless, and stress-free, making it ideal for at-home testing for both humans and pets.
• Durable and Stable Sample: Hair does not deteriorate over time like saliva or blood, ensuring consistent results without the need for refrigeration.
• Mailing Simplicity: Mailing hair samples is safe, cost-effective, and complies with mailing regulations, unlike fluids, which require special handling and increase costs.

3. Why Not Use Blood or Saliva?

• Blood: Requires invasive collection by a medical professional and focuses on measuring antibodies (e.g., IgE or IgG), which test for allergies rather than the bioresonance-based intolerances and imbalances that 5Strands assesses.
• Saliva: While bioresonance can be measured through saliva, mailing bodily fluids requires costly, complex regulations to ensure safety. These additional costs would be passed on to customers.

4. How Does This Benefit My Pet?
For pets, hair testing eliminates the stress and difficulty of collecting saliva or drawing blood. Pet parents can collect a small amount of fur or hair easily at home, making it a hassle-free process.

Takeaway
Hair testing is the most practical, cost-effective, and convenient option for both humans and pets. It avoids the complications of fluid-based testing while providing reliable results through bioresonance technology. Let us know if you have further questions about our testing methods!

Does 5Strands Analyze My DNA?
No, 5Strands does not analyze DNA. Our testing process focuses exclusively on bioresonance technology, which measures the energetic frequencies of your hair sample to assess potential intolerances and imbalances.

What Is Bioresonance Testing?
Bioresonance testing identifies how your body energetically responds to various items, such as foods, environmental factors, and nutrients. This process does not involve genetic or DNA analysis.

Why Do You Use Hair Samples?
Hair is used because it provides a stable energetic frequency that can be tested for responses to a wide range of items. Hair is also easy to collect, non-invasive, and does not require the complexities associated with DNA analysis.

Is My Personal Data Safe?
Yes, your data is safe with us. Since we do not extract or analyze DNA, your genetic information is not part of our testing or storage processes. Your sample is securely disposed of after 30 days following EPA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines.

Takeaway
We do not analyze, store, or use DNA in any way. Our testing is based solely on bioresonance technology, ensuring a safe, non-invasive, and privacy-focused process. Let us know if you have further questions or concerns!

What Is an Energetic Blueprint?
Your energetic blueprint refers to the unique frequencies and vibrations emitted by your body. These frequencies are present in your hair, which acts as a snapshot of your body’s current energetic state. Hair captures this information because it is directly linked to your body's processes as it grows.

How Does Hair Hold Energetic Information?
Hair contains keratin, a durable protein that stores biological and energetic data over time.

• Forensic Science: Hair is often used in forensic investigations because it retains information about your body's health and exposures, including toxins, nutrients, and even drugs.
• Bioresonance Testing: Similarly, bioresonance technology reads the energetic frequencies stored in your hair, allowing us to identify how your body interacts with various substances like foods, nutrients, and environmental factors.

Why Is Hair an Effective Sample for Testing?

• Durability: Hair does not degrade quickly, making it an ideal sample for testing over extended periods.
• Snapshot of Health: Hair grows directly from the scalp or body, absorbing signals from your internal and external environments.
• No Blood Required: Unlike blood or saliva, hair is a non-invasive sample that can be easily collected and mailed without special storage or handling.

How Does This Work With Bioresonance Testing?
Bioresonance testing analyzes the unique energetic frequencies emitted by your hair and compares them to the frequencies of the items being tested. If your hair’s frequency doesn’t harmonize with an item, it indicates a potential intolerance or imbalance.

What Makes Hair Testing Different From Blood or Saliva?

• Snapshot vs. Immediate State: Blood and saliva show real-time chemical activity, while hair provides a broader snapshot of your energetic state over time.
• Convenience: Hair samples are easier to collect, mail, and store without degradation.
• Energetic Focus: Hair allows us to focus on your body’s energetic patterns rather than biochemical markers.

Takeaway
Hair is a powerful carrier of your body’s energetic blueprint, making it ideal for bioresonance testing. Similar to how forensic scientists use hair to analyze past exposures, we use it to explore your body's unique energetic interactions, offering valuable insights into your health and wellness. Let your hair tell the story of your body’s needs!

No, the location of the hair does not matter. Whether the hair is taken from your scalp, arms, legs, or other body parts, it still contains your unique energetic blueprint that is used for bioresonance testing.

Can I Use Hair From Anywhere on My Pet?
Yes, for pets, you can collect fur from anywhere on their body. Common collection areas include the back, tail, or sides. Ensure the sample is clean and free of visible dirt or debris.

Does the Root or Length of the Hair Matter?

• The root is not required for testing.
• Both long and short hair work. If the hair is longer than 1 inch, 10–15 strands are sufficient. If shorter, 20–25 strands are recommended.

Does Dyed or Treated Hair Affect Results?
No, dyed or chemically treated hair does not impact the results. However, it’s a good idea to avoid collecting hair immediately after applying heavy styling products, as they might coat the hair.

Why Is Hair Such a Flexible Sample?
Hair captures your body’s energetic information regardless of where it grows. It’s resilient, doesn’t degrade quickly, and retains your energetic signature, making it an ideal sample for bioresonance testing.

Takeaway
Hair collected from any location on your body—or your pet’s body—works for 5Strands testing. The focus is on the energetic frequency within the hair, which remains consistent across different areas. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out!

Yes! If you’re bald or unable to provide scalp hair, hair from other parts of your body, such as your arms, legs, or even chest, will work perfectly.

Why Does This Work?
Every strand of hair carries your unique energetic frequency, regardless of where it comes from. This means leg or arm hair is just as effective for our bioresonance testing as scalp hair.

Are There Any Special Instructions for Collecting Non-Scalp Hair?
Simply ensure the hair is clean and free from excessive product buildup or residue. Collect enough hair to meet the sample size requirement provided in your kit instructions.

Takeaway
Baldness isn’t an obstacle—your body hair carries the same signature we need to conduct accurate testing. Let us know if you have any questions about submitting your sample!

No, it is not necessary to bathe your pet before testing. The lab analyzes the energetic frequency of the hair itself, so a clean sample without visible debris (e.g., dirt, leaves, or other foreign materials) is sufficient. Regular brushing or grooming is usually all that’s needed to prepare your pet for sample collection.

How Should I Collect My Pet’s Hair Sample?
You can collect the hair sample from anywhere on your pet’s body, using the method that works best for you and your pet:

• Brush: Use a clean brush or comb to gather loose hair from your pet’s coat.
• Cut or Pull: Gently cut or pull a small amount of hair if brushing isn’t practical.

Note: The root is not required, so there’s no need to pluck hair aggressively.

How Much Hair Should I Provide?
The amount of hair required depends on the length of your pet’s coat:

• Long Hair (Over 1 inch): Provide 10–15 strands.
• Short Hair (Under 1 inch): Provide 20–25 strands.

If you are unsure whether you’ve provided enough hair, err on the side of providing more to ensure the lab has an adequate sample to process.

What If My Pet Was Recently Bathed or Groomed?
That’s perfectly fine! You can collect the sample regardless of when your pet was last bathed or groomed. Just ensure the hair you submit is free of residues, like shampoo or grooming products, that might interfere with the handling process.

Why Does the Lab Need a Clean Sample?
The presence of dirt, oils, or debris doesn’t affect the energetic testing of the hair but may complicate sample processing. Providing a clean, well-prepared sample ensures accurate and reliable testing results.

Can I Use Hair From a Brush or Bedding?
Yes, hair collected from a clean brush, bedding, or grooming tools is acceptable as long as it’s free of external debris and meets the sample size requirements.

Takeaway
Bathing your pet is not required before collecting their hair sample. Simply ensure the sample is clean and meets the size guidelines for accurate testing. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

We retain your hair sample for approximately 30 days after testing is completed. This timeframe allows us to address any additional requests, such as upgrades or supplemental testing, without requiring you to provide another sample.

Why Is My Sample Kept for 30 Days?
Keeping your sample for this period serves several purposes:

• Convenience: It allows you to upgrade your results or add new tests without needing to collect and send another sample.
• Flexibility: If you decide to unlock additional insights or explore a different test package, we can process your request quickly and efficiently using your existing sample.
• Customer Satisfaction: It ensures that you have the flexibility to adjust your testing options post-purchase, maximizing the value of your initial submission.

What Are Digital Upgrades, and How Can I Unlock Them?
After receiving your initial results, you have the option to unlock additional test panels or features via:

• Mobile App: Purchase digital upgrades directly through the 5Strands app for convenience.
• Customer Support: Contact our team at 1-833-600-8378 to discuss and process upgrades. You’ll only need to pay the difference between your original test and the upgraded test you’d like to run.

As long as your sample is still available, we can process these upgrades without the need for a new submission.

What Happens to My Sample After 30 Days?
Once the 30-day period has passed, all samples are securely disposed of by a certified biohazard company. This process follows strict EPA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.

Can I Upgrade After 30 Days?
If your sample has been disposed of, you will need to purchase a new kit and provide a fresh sample to run additional tests. For the best flexibility, consider exploring upgrade options within the initial 30 days.

Takeaway
Your sample is securely stored for 30 days to give you the flexibility to upgrade or expand your testing options without needing to resend hair. This retention period ensures convenience and maximizes the value of your initial submission. Reach out to us for more information or to unlock additional insights!

No, you do not need to stop taking your medications before providing a hair sample for testing. The 5Strands test is designed to measure the energetic frequency of the hair itself and is not affected by medications you are currently taking.

Will Medications Interfere With My Results?
Medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements, will not interfere with the bioresonance testing process. Our technology focuses on the hair’s frequency signature and not on substances in your bloodstream or tissues.

Is It Safe to Stop Medications for Testing?
We strongly advise against stopping any medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Your health and safety are our priority, and there is no need to alter your medical routine for the purpose of this test.

How Can I Get the Most Accurate Results?
Simply provide a clean hair sample as instructed in the testing kit. There’s no need to adjust your diet, medications, or supplements prior to testing.

Takeaway
You can continue your normal medication routine while preparing your sample. If you have additional questions about your specific situation, feel free to reach out to our customer support team for further guidance!

Yes, you can submit dyed or chemically treated hair. The bioresonance testing process measures the energetic frequency of your hair, which remains unaffected by hair dye, bleach, or other chemical treatments.

Do I Need to Wash My Hair or Bathe Before Collecting the Sample?
No, it is not necessary to bathe or wash your hair before collecting the sample. Since we are testing the energetic frequency of the hair itself and not residues on the hair, washing or bathing beforehand will not impact the results.

Are There Any Guidelines for Collecting Hair Samples?

Ensure the hair is cleanly collected from a brush, comb, or directly from the body (scalp or fur for pets).

Avoid submitting hair that has been heavily coated with product buildup, such as hairspray, gel, or oils, as these could interfere with the sample handling process, though not the results themselves.

Does Hair Product Affect My Test Results?
Hair products like shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, or gel typically do not impact your test results. Bioresonance testing focuses on the energetic frequency stored within your hair, which remains unaffected by most surface-level products.

Are There Any Exceptions?
While most products are harmless, heavy residues, such as oils, waxes, or certain treatments, may coat the hair and potentially interfere with sample processing. These include:

• Styling Waxes or Heavy Gels
• Leave-in Oils or Serums
• Excessive Dirt or Debris

Do I Need to Wash My Hair Before Collecting the Sample?
Washing your hair before collecting the sample is not mandatory. However, if your hair contains visible residues or dirt, it’s a good idea to wash it and allow it to dry before collecting your sample. Clean, dry hair is ideal for testing.

What If My Hair Is Dyed or Chemically Treated?
Dyed or chemically treated hair is acceptable for testing. These treatments do not affect the energetic frequency used for bioresonance analysis.

What Should I Do If I’m Unsure?
If you’re concerned about the presence of product, simply rinse or wash your hair with a mild shampoo before collecting the sample. Ensure the hair is dry before placing it in the collection bag.

Takeaway
Hair products generally do not affect your results, but it’s best to avoid submitting hair that is coated with heavy residues or debris. Clean, dry hair ensures optimal testing accuracy. If you have further concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team!

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Site, including information

-by which you may be personally identified, such as name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, or any other information defined as “Protected Health Information” under HIPAA/HITECH laws and regulations (“personal information”);
-that is about you but individually does not identify you, such as, time and date of visits to our Site; and/or
-about your internet connection, the equipment you use to access our Site and usage details.

We collect this information:

-Directly from you when you provide it to us.
-Automatically as you navigate through the site. Information collected automatically may include usage details, IP addresses and information collected through cookies, web beacons and other tracking technologies.
-From third parties, for example, our business partners.

Information You Provide to Us.

The information we collect on or through our Site may include:

-Information that you provide by filling in forms on our Site. This includes information provided at the time of registering to use our Site, subscribing to or purchasing our services, posting material or requesting further services. We may also ask you for information when you report a problem with our Site.
-Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses), if you contact us.
-Your responses to surveys that we might ask you to complete for research purposes.
-Details of transactions you carry out through our Site and of the fulfillment of your orders. You may be required to provide financial information before placing an order through our Site.
-Your search queries on the Site.

You also may provide information to be published or displayed (hereinafter, “posted”) on public areas of the Site, or transmitted to other users of the Site or third parties (collectively, “User Content”). Your User Content is posted on and transmitted to others at your own risk. We cannot control the actions of other users of the Site with whom you may choose to share your User Content. Therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee that your User Content will not be viewed by unauthorized persons.

As you navigate through and interact with our Site, we may use automatic data collection technologies to collect certain information about your equipment, browsing actions and patterns, including:

-Details of your visits to our Site, including, but not limited to, traffic data, location data, logs and other communication data and the resources that you access and use on the Site.

-Information about your computer and internet connection, including your IP address, operating system and browser type.

We also may use these technologies to collect information about your online activities over time and across third party websites or other online services (“behavioral tracking”). Please email us at info@5Strands.com for information on how you can opt out of behavioral tracking on this website and how we respond to web browser signals and other mechanisms that enable consumers to exercise choice about behavioral tracking.

The information we collect automatically is statistical data and may include personal information, but we may maintain it or associate it with personal information we collect in other ways or receive from third parties. It helps us to improve our Site and to deliver a better and more personalized service, including, but not limited to, by enabling us to:

-Estimate our audience size and usage patterns.
-Store information about your preferences, allowing us to customize our Site according to your individual interests.
-Speed up your searches.
-Recognize you when you return to our Site.

The technologies we may use for this automatic data collection include:
-Cookies (or browser cookies). A cookie is a small file placed on the hard drive of your computer. You may refuse to accept browser cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your browser. However, if you select this setting you may be unable to access certain parts of our Site. Unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies when you direct your browser to our Site.
-Flash Cookies. Certain features of our Site may use local stored objects (or Flash cookies) to collect and store information about your preferences and navigation to, from and on our Site. Flash cookies are not managed by the same browser settings as are used for browser cookies.
-Web Beacons. Pages of our Site and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags and single-pixel gifs) that permit us, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of certain website content and verifying system and server integrity).

THIRD PARTY USE OF COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES.

Some content or applications, including advertisements, on the Site are served by third parties, including advertisers, ad networks and servers, content providers and application providers. These third parties may use cookies alone or in conjunction with web beacons or other tracking technologies to collect information about you when you use our website. The information they collect may be associated with your personal information or they may collect information, including personal information, about your online activities over time and across different websites and other online services. They may use this information to provide you with interest-based (behavioral) advertising or other targeted content.

We do not control these third parties’ tracking technologies or how they may be used. If you have any questions about an advertisement or other targeted content, you should contact the responsible provider directly.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any personal information: -To present our Site and its contents to you.

-To provide you with information, products or services that you request from us.
-To fulfill any other purpose for which you provide it.
-To provide you with notices about your account, including expiration and renewal notices.
-To carry out our obligations and enforce our rights arising from any contracts entered into between you and us, including for billing and collection.
-To notify you about changes to our Site, our policies, terms or any products or services we offer or provide though it.
-To allow you to participate in interactive features on our Site.
-In any other way we may describe when you provide the information.

We may also use your information to contact you about our own and third parties’ goods and services that may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to use your information in this way, please email us at info@5Strands.com to opt out.

We may use the information we have collected from you to enable us to display advertisements to our advertisers’ target audiences. Even though we do not disclose your personal information for these purposes without your consent, if you click on or otherwise interact with an advertisement, the advertiser may assume that you meet its target criteria.

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION

We may disclose aggregated or de-identified information about our users, and information that does not identify any individual, without restriction. We may disclose personal information that we collect or you provide as described in this Privacy Policy:

-To our subsidiaries and affiliates.
-To contractors, service providers and other third parties we use to support our business and who are bound by contractual obligations to keep personal information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
-To a buyer or other successor in the event of a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution or sale or transfer of some or all of our assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceeding, in which personal information held by us about our Site users is among the assets transferred, and you agree to and do hereby consent to our assignment or transfer of rights to your personal information.
-To third parties to market their products or services to you if you have not opted out of these disclosures. We contractually require these third parties to keep personal information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
-To fulfill the purpose for which you provide it.
-For any other purpose disclosed by us when you provide the information.
-With your consent.

We may also disclose your personal information:

-To comply with any court order, law or legal process, including responding to any government or regulatory request.
-To comply with any state or local requirements regarding the disclosure of information for public health purposes, including reporting HIV and other sexually transmitted disease results to state public health regulatory bodies.
-If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights, property, or safety of our company, our customers or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of fraud protection and credit risk reduction.

CHOICES ABOUT HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION

We strive to provide you with choices regarding the personal information you provide to us. We have created mechanisms to provide you with the following control over your information:

-Tracking Technologies and Advertising. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. To learn how you can manage your Flash cookie settings, visit the Flash player settings page on Adobe’s website (www.adobe.com). If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of this Site may then be inaccessible or not function properly.
-Promotional Offers from Us. If you do not wish to have your email address or other contact information used by us to promote our own or third parties’ products or services, you can opt-out by logging into the Site and adjusting your user preferences in your account profile by checking or unchecking the relevant boxes or by sending an email stating your request to info@5Strands.com. If we have sent you a promotional email, you may send us a return email asking to be omitted from future promotional email distributions. This opt out does not apply to information provided by us as a result of a product purchase, warranty registration, product service experience or other transactions.
-Targeted Advertising. If you do not want us to use information that we collect or that you provide to us to deliver advertisements according to our advertisers’ target-audience preferences, you can opt-out by adjusting your user advertising preferences in your account profile by checking or unchecking the relevant boxes or by sending an email stating your request to info@5Strands.com.

We do not control third parties’ collection or use of your information to serve interest-based advertising. However these third parties may provide you with ways to choose not to have your information collected or used in this way. You can opt out of receiving targeted ads from members of the Network Advertising Initiative via their website.

If you delete your User Content from the Site, copies of your User Content may remain viewable in cached and archived pages, or might have been copied or stored by other Site users. Proper access and use of information provided on the Site, including User Content, is governed by our Visitor Terms of Use.

DATA SECURITY

We have implemented measures designed to secure your personal information from accidental loss and from unauthorized access, use, alteration and disclosure. All personal information you provide to us is stored on our secure servers behind firewalls. Any payment transactions will be encrypted using SSL or other encryption technology, or will use our third party payment processors, who will use appropriate security procedures.

The safety and security of your information also depends on you. Where we have given you (or where you have chosen) a password for access to certain parts of our Site, you are responsible for keeping this password confidential. You should not share your password with anyone. We urge you to be careful about giving out information in public areas of the Site like message boards. The information you share in public areas may be viewed by any user of the Site.

Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. Although we do our best to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of your personal information transmitted to our Site. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk. We are not responsible for circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures contained on the Site.

NOTICE OF CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to make changes to this Privacy Policy at any time. It is our policy to post any changes we make to our Privacy Policy on this page. If we make material changes to how we treat our users’ personal information, we will notify you by email to the email address specified in your account and/or through a notice on the Site home page. All changes are effective immediately upon posting to this page; the date the Privacy Policy was last revised is identified at the top of the page. You are responsible for ensuring we have an up-to-date active and deliverable email address for you, and for periodically visiting our Site and this Privacy Policy to check for any changes.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To ask questions or comment about this Privacy Policy and our privacy practices, contact us at: 1-866-833-8378 or info@5Strands.com

5Strands® Affordable Testing and the information provided on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The testing and services offered by 5Strands are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment options.

Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information obtained from this website, your test results, or any related content. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

Testing Limitations
5Strands tests do not measure IgE-mediated allergies or other medical conditions that may require urgent attention. These reactions can be serious and should be evaluated by an allergy specialist or licensed healthcare provider. Our testing is focused on bioresonance technology and identifies potential intolerances and imbalances, which are intended to complement—not replace—traditional medical approaches.

Reliance on Content
All information provided by 5Strands® Affordable Testing, whether on this website, in test results, or through customer support, is offered for informational purposes only. Some content may be provided by third parties, and while we strive to present accurate and useful information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of third-party content. Reliance on this information is at your own risk.

Takeaway
5Strands encourages you to use your test results and related content as tools to better understand your body and make informed decisions about your health and well-being. However, these insights should always be reviewed alongside advice from qualified medical professionals. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

How Long Does It Take for My Sample to Arrive at the Lab?

• Domestic Shipping (U.S.): On average, it takes 3–10 business days for us to receive your sample, depending on mail holidays and weekends.
• International Shipping: If you are located outside of the United States, shipping times may be longer due to customs processing and international transit.

How Can I Track My Sample?
The return label provided in your kit has its own unique tracking number.

• Write this tracking number on the leave-behind card included in your kit.
• Use this tracking number to check your sample’s status with the mail carrier.
• Note: 5Strands does not have access to your tracking number, so keeping it for your records is essential.

How Will I Know When My Sample Has Been Received?

• Email Confirmation: Once your hair sample is received and entered into our system, you’ll receive a “Sample Received” confirmation email from testresults@5strands.com.
• Portal Account Update: You can log into your customer portal to check your order status:

For example:
Order Status Before Receipt

• Subject: Jane Doe
• Order Status: Awaiting Sample

Order Status After Receipt

• Subject: Jane Doe
• Order Status: Sample Received

What If I Haven’t Received Confirmation?

• Wait Time: Please allow up to 14 business days for your sample to arrive and be processed at our lab.
• No Confirmation Email: If your tracking shows the sample was delivered, but you haven’t received a confirmation email from us, contact our support team at info@5strands.com or 1-833-600-8378.

What If My Sample Is Lost or Delayed?

• If your sample is delayed or lost in transit, our team will guide you on resending your sample.
• You can also download a detailed guide for tracking your package: Track Package PDF.

How Long Until I Receive My Results?
After your sample is received and processed, you can expect to receive your results within 7–10 business days.

Takeaway
To track your sample, ensure you save the tracking number from the return label and monitor its status through your mail carrier. Our team is here to assist if you have further questions or need support resending your sample. Reach out anytime!

Each 5Strands testing kit is designed to facilitate a seamless at-home sample collection process. Inside your kit, you'll find:

• Anti-Static Bag: To securely hold the parchment paper bag containing your hair sample.
• Return Shipping Materials: A poly shipping bag or envelope, along with a return shipping label (included with the poly bag), for sending your sample back to our lab.
• Information Card: To keep for your records, containing essential details about your test.
• 5Strands Brochure: To read and review while you wait on your results.

Please note that the kit's instructions are printed on the inside of the box for your convenience. Before discarding any packaging, ensure all components are accounted for, as smaller items may be easily overlooked. If you find any items missing, please contact us at info@5strands.com or call 833-600-8378.

Does 5Strands Accept HSA or FSA?
Yes, 5Strands tests are eligible for purchase using HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds. However, coverage depends on the specific rules and regulations of your HSA or FSA provider.

How Do I Confirm If My HSA/FSA Covers 5Strands Tests?
To confirm eligibility, contact your HSA or FSA provider directly and ask:

• If at-home testing kits are covered.
• What documentation is required for reimbursement, such as itemized receipts or physician recommendations.

Can I Use Insurance to Cover the Cost of 5Strands Tests?

• For Pets: We’ve received feedback from some pet customers indicating that certain pet insurance providers have reimbursed them for 5Strands pet tests. Contact your pet insurance provider to inquire about coverage or reimbursement options.
• For Humans: Currently, we are not aware of any health insurance providers that cover the cost of 5Strands human testing. However, our testing is designed to be affordable so most consumers can access these insights without relying on insurance reimbursement.

4. How Do I Use HSA/FSA or Request Insurance Reimbursement?

• Using HSA/FSA: Simply use your HSA/FSA card at checkout. If required, we can provide an itemized receipt for your records.
• Requesting Insurance Reimbursement: Contact your provider to confirm what documentation is needed. We’re happy to assist by providing receipts or additional details about your purchase.

What If My HSA/FSA or Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Test?
If coverage isn’t available, you can still purchase a test using other payment methods, including:

• Credit/Debit Cards
• PayPal
• Buy Now, Pay Later options (e.g., Afterpay or Klarna)

Takeaway
While HSA/FSA accounts and some pet insurance providers may cover 5Strands tests, it’s essential to confirm eligibility with your provider. We strive to keep our testing affordable and accessible for all customers, regardless of insurance coverage. Let us know if you need help with documentation or have further questions!

Can I Upgrade My Test Results?
Yes! If you would like to expand your testing results or unlock additional tests, we offer upgrade options. This allows you to gain additional insights without needing to submit a new sample, as long as your original sample is still available.

How Do Upgrades Work?

• Mobile App: You can purchase upgrades and digital kits directly through the 5Strands mobile app.
• Customer Service: Call our team at 1-833-600-8378 to process your request. You’ll only need to pay the difference between your original test and the desired upgraded test.

What Is the Timeline for Upgrading?
The lab retains your hair sample for 30 days after testing is completed. During this period, upgrades can be processed using your existing sample.

What Happens After 30 Days?
After 30 days, all samples are disposed of by a biohazard company in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and CDC guidelines. If your sample has been disposed of, you’ll need to purchase a new kit and submit another hair sample to conduct additional testing.

Takeaway
Act quickly if you want to upgrade or unlock more tests. Contact us within 30 days of your sample submission to avoid needing to send another sample. Use the mobile app or reach out to our customer service team to get started!

You can register your 5Strands testing kit through either our online portal or the mobile app:

Online Registration:

1. Visit the 5Strands website.
2. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
3. Navigate to the "Register Kit" section.
4. Enter your Unique ID Code (found inside your kit).
5. Once the registration is successful, you will see a confirmation message.

Mobile App Registration:

1. Download the 5Strands Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Select "Register Kit" in the app.
4. Enter your Unique ID Code to complete registration.

What Is the Unique ID Code?
The Unique ID Code is found on the silver anti-static bag and the registration card inside your kit. It is a one-of-a-kind code that links your sample to your account and ensures your registration is valid.

How to Verify:

• A successful registration will confirm that your Unique ID Code is valid.
• If you receive an error message, double-check the code for accuracy or contact our customer support team for assistance.

What If I Have Issues Registering My Kit?
If you experience any issues during registration, our customer service team is here to help.

• Call us at 1-833-600-8378 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST).
• Email us at info@5Strands.com with your purchase details and Unique ID Code.

Takeaway
Registering your 5Strands kit is easy and ensures your hair sample is properly linked to your account. Be sure to use the Unique ID Code found inside your kit, and if you encounter any challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for guidance!

Yes, 5Strands offers international shipping for our testing kits. Shipping costs are calculated based on your location and will be displayed during the checkout process. For customers outside the United States, we also provide a downloadable test kit option. To inquire about this option or if you have any questions regarding international shipping, please contact our customer support team atinfo@5Strands.comor call 1-833-600-8378.

What Should I Do If I Ordered the Wrong Test?
If you realize you’ve purchased the wrong testing kit, don’t worry! Contact our customer support team as soon as possible for assistance:

• Phone: Call us at 1-833-600-8378.
• Email: Reach out to info@5Strands.com with your order details.

Can It Be Fixed Without Returning the Kit?
In many cases, we can resolve the issue over the phone, such as adjusting your order or updating the test type. This avoids the need to return the kit and ensures you get the right test quickly.

What If the Kit Needs to Be Returned?
If a return is necessary, we’ll provide clear instructions on how to send the kit back to us for an exchange or refund. Please ensure the kit is unused and in its original condition for a seamless process.

Takeaway
Mistakes happen, and we’re here to help! Contact us as soon as you realize the error, and we’ll work with you to resolve it as efficiently as possible. Let us know if you need further assistance!

Your 5Strands collection kit does not have an expiration date. You can use it at your convenience without concern for time constraints. However, for optimal results, we recommend using the kit within a reasonable timeframe after purchase to ensure the materials remain in good condition. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our customer support team atinfo@5strands.comor call 1-833-600-8378

At 5Strands®, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring you are happy with your purchase, whether it’s a testing kit or one of our dog supplements. Below is our updated refund policy for testing kits and dog supplements, including the Dog Multivitamin.

Testing Kits

Unused Kits:

• You may request a full refund within 7 days of placing your order, provided your hair sample has not been mailed.
• Refund requests must be submitted within 60 days of purchase. To qualify, all items in the kit must be returned, and the box contents must be intact.

Used Kits:

• Once you’ve mailed your hair sample and it has been received at our office for processing, no refunds will be issued.
• Kits that have been used or processed are not eligible for a refund.

How to Request a Refund for Testing Kits:
Please email our customer service team at info@5Strands.com with the following details:

• Name used to purchase
• Email address used to purchase
• PayPal Transaction ID, website order number, or Amazon transaction number
• Transaction amount
• Date of purchase

Return the unused kit and all its contents to the following address:

5Strands Affordable Testing
Customer Service Department (Returns)
595 Old Norcross Rd, Suite D
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Dog Supplements (Including the Dog Multivitamin)

Unused Supplements:

• Unopened and unused supplements are eligible for a refund within 30 days of purchase. The product must be returned in its original packaging.
• Refund requests must include proof of purchase (order number or receipt).

Used Supplements:

• Opened or used supplements are not eligible for a refund. If you have concerns about the product's effectiveness or quality, please reach out to our customer service team, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How to Request a Refund for Supplements:
Email info@5Strands.com with the following details:

• Name used to purchase
• Email address used to purchase
• PayPal Transaction ID, website order number, or Amazon transaction number
• Transaction amount
• Date of purchase

Return unopened supplements to:

5Strands Affordable Testing
Customer Service Department (Returns)
595 Old Norcross Rd, Suite D
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Important Notes:

• Processing Time: Refunds may take 7–10 business days to process once the returned item is received and inspected.
• Shipping Costs: Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping unless the product was damaged or defective upon arrival.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at 1-833-600-8378, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EST. We’re happy to help!

What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific substance (allergen), such as certain foods, pollen, or animal dander. Allergies are caused by the production of IgE antibodies in response to an allergen, leading to a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe, including:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction)

Allergic reactions typically occur almost immediately after exposure and can happen even with trace amounts of the allergen.

What Is an Intolerance?
An intolerance is a digestive or metabolic issue where the body struggles to process or break down certain foods or environmental factors. Unlike allergies, intolerances do not involve the immune system or IgE antibodies. Symptoms are generally less severe and can take hours or even days to manifest. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Skin irritation

An intolerance is often related to the body’s lack of certain enzymes or its inability to process a particular food or substance efficiently.

Key Differences Between Allergies and Intolerances

• Cause: Allergies are caused by an immune response (IgE), while intolerances stem from digestive or metabolic issues.
• Severity: Allergies can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, while intolerances typically result in discomfort or non-life-threatening symptoms.
• Onset of Symptoms: Allergies usually cause immediate reactions, whereas intolerance symptoms may take hours or days to appear.
• Triggers: Allergies can be triggered by even trace amounts of an allergen, while intolerances usually require larger quantities of a substance to cause symptoms.

How Does 5Strands Testing Address This?

• Allergies: 5Strands does not test for IgE-mediated allergies. These types of reactions should be addressed by a medical professional or allergist.
• Intolerances: Our testing focuses on identifying potential intolerances and imbalances through bioresonance technology. This provides insights into how your body may respond to various foods, nutrients, or environmental factors.

Takeaway
Allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening, requiring medical attention. Intolerances are less severe but can still cause discomfort and affect quality of life. Understanding the distinction can help you better manage your health and make informed dietary and lifestyle choices. Let us know if you need more information!

What Is an Intolerance?
An intolerance refers to your body’s inability to properly process or handle a specific substance, often resulting in physical discomfort. Unlike allergies, which involve the immune system, intolerances are typically related to metabolic or digestive challenges. Symptoms can include:

• Bloating or gas
• Digestive discomfort
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Skin irritation
• Headaches or mood changes

What 5Strands Measures for Intolerances:
5Strands identifies intolerances by using bioresonance technology to evaluate how your body’s energetic blueprint interacts with specific items. If a food, environmental factor, or chemical causes a frequency disturbance in your body, it is flagged as a potential intolerance. The severity of the disturbance is categorized into levels:

• Level 3: Strongest disturbance, likely to cause noticeable symptoms.
• Level 2: Moderate disturbance, may cause mild symptoms.
• Level 1: Minimal disturbance, often symptomless.

What Is an Imbalance?
An imbalance occurs when your body struggles to properly absorb, process, or utilize essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Imbalances may also indicate difficulty eliminating excessive amounts of certain substances, such as heavy metals or chemicals.

What 5Strands Measures for Imbalances:

• Nutritional Imbalances: If a nutrient registers as imbalanced, it suggests your body may not be absorbing or utilizing it efficiently.
• Metals and Minerals: Imbalances in metals (e.g., Mercury, Aluminum) suggest your body is energetically reacting to their presence, possibly indicating an overload or elimination issue.

How Does 5Strands Identify Intolerances and Imbalances?
5Strands uses bioresonance technology to analyze your hair sample, which carries your unique energetic frequency or "blueprint."

• Testing Process: Your hair sample is compared against the energetic frequencies of hundreds of items, including foods, nutrients, and environmental factors.
• Frequency Disturbances: If your body’s frequency does not harmonize with a specific item, it creates a distortion. The stronger the distortion, the higher the level of intolerance or imbalance detected.

Does This Mean I’m Deficient or Intolerant?
Not necessarily. Bioresonance measures energetic responses, not clinical deficiencies or allergies. For example:

• Nutritional Imbalances: May indicate your body isn’t efficiently absorbing or utilizing the nutrient, but it doesn’t confirm a medical deficiency.
• Intolerances: Could reflect overconsumption or a temporary sensitivity, not a permanent issue.

Why Isn’t This 100% Accurate?
Bioresonance is not 100% accurate because it assesses energetic interactions rather than biochemical markers. Factors such as diet, environment, and lifestyle changes can influence results. While bioresonance provides meaningful insights, it’s best used as part of a holistic approach to health, complementing traditional diagnostic methods.

How Should I Use My Results?

• Start with an elimination plan: Temporarily remove Level 3 items for 6–8 weeks to reduce symptoms.
• Reintroduce gradually: Test how your body reacts to previously removed items.
• Adopt a rotation and moderation approach: Avoid overconsuming specific foods or substances to maintain balance.

Takeaway
5Strands testing identifies potential intolerances and imbalances by measuring how your body’s energetic blueprint interacts with various substances. While not 100% accurate, the results provide actionable insights to guide dietary, environmental, and lifestyle adjustments for optimal health. Use the information as a starting point for a personalized and proactive approach to wellness.

Absolutely! 5Strands testing is an excellent first step in your biohacking journey. By identifying potential intolerances, imbalances, and how your body energetically interacts with various items, you’re equipping yourself with personalized insights to make smarter, data-driven decisions about your health and wellness.

How Does This Test Support Biohacking?

• Personalized Insights: Discover unique factors that may be impacting your energy levels, digestion, skin, or overall well-being.
• Data-Driven Adjustments: Use your results to tailor your diet, environment, and lifestyle to align with your body's specific needs.
• Proactive Optimization: Biohacking is about making intentional, incremental changes to enhance performance and vitality. 5Strands gives you the foundational data to get started.

What Comes Next in My Biohacking Journey?
Once you’ve completed your 5Strands testing:

• Experiment with Adjustments: Implement dietary changes, eliminate identified triggers, and observe how your body responds.
• Track Progress: Use tools like journaling or tracking apps to monitor improvements in energy, mood, and physical health.
• Continue Learning: Biohacking is an ongoing process. As your body evolves, consider retesting or exploring other tools and methods to fine-tune your approach.

Why Is 5Strands a Great Starting Point?
Many biohackers struggle with generalized advice that doesn’t consider their unique biology. 5Strands testing offers a bio-individual approach, enabling you to:

• Identify triggers others might miss.
• Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
• Build a solid foundation for long-term health optimization.

Takeaway
5Strands testing is a powerful and personalized entry point into biohacking. It provides the data you need to begin optimizing your health and wellness journey with precision and confidence. Your path to better health starts here—let’s hack it together!

5Strands utilizes Bioresonance technology, a safe and non-invasive method to assess energetic alignments in the human or pet body. Bioresonance works by analyzing the unique energetic frequencies emitted by a hair sample to identify potential intolerances and imbalances.

How Does Bioresonance Testing Work?

• Step 1: Energetic Profile Creation: A hair sample is scanned to create a personalized energetic blueprint or profile for the individual or pet.
• Step 2: Comparison: This profile is compared against the energetic frequencies of the items tested, such as foods, environmental factors, and nutrients.
• Step 3: Detection: When an individual’s energetic profile does not harmonize with a specific item, energy distortions occur. These distortions indicate potential intolerances or imbalances.
• Step 4: Severity: The stronger the distortion, the higher the detected level of intolerance or imbalance.

How Long Has Bioresonance Technology Been Used?
Bioresonance technology was developed in the late 1970s and has been used for decades as a holistic approach to health and wellness. It has gained popularity in Europe and other parts of the world as a complementary method for identifying energetic imbalances.

Are There Studies or Real-Life Examples Supporting Its Accuracy?
While the scientific community remains divided, bioresonance technology has been used successfully in various applications:

• Non-Invasive Testing: Its ability to assess energetic frequencies without needles or blood draws makes it a practical option for many individuals and pets.
• Anecdotal Evidence: Many users report improvements in symptoms after applying results to adjust diet, environment, or lifestyle.
• Complementary Approach: It’s widely used as part of holistic health practices to complement traditional methods.

However, it's important to note that bioresonance is not intended to replace conventional diagnostic methods, and its effectiveness may vary from person to person.

Why Choose Bioresonance Over Other Testing Methods?

• Non-Invasive: No needles, blood draws, or bodily fluids are required.
• Convenient: Hair samples are easy to collect and mail.
• Holistic Insight: Bioresonance focuses on the body's energetic response rather than measuring biological markers like antibodies.

Takeaway
Bioresonance technology provides a unique and non-invasive way to assess potential intolerances and imbalances by analyzing the energetic frequencies of a hair sample. While not a replacement for traditional medical testing, it serves as a complementary tool to gain additional insights into your health or your pet's well-being. Let us know if you have more questions!

Our bodies are composed of approximately 70% water, making hydration essential for nearly every bodily function, including:

• Regulating body temperature
• Supporting digestion
• Transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Removing waste and toxins
• Lubricating joints and protecting tissues

By prioritizing water intake, you’re helping your body maintain balance and perform at its best.

Why Should We Put Water in Our Mouths 70% of the Time?
Since water is the primary component of our bodies, ensuring it makes up a significant portion of what we consume daily helps:

• Replenish Lost Fluids: Through sweating, breathing, and natural metabolic processes.
• Promote Cellular Health: Keeping cells hydrated ensures they function optimally.
• Support Digestion: Water aids in breaking down food and transporting nutrients.

What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Common symptoms include:

• Mild Dehydration:
• Moderate to Severe Dehydration:

If dehydration symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

How Can I Ensure I’m Drinking Enough Water?

• Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day.
• Replace sugary drinks or excessive caffeine with water to reduce dehydration risks.
• Include hydrating foods in your diet, such as fruits and vegetables with high water content.

Takeaway
Since we are 70% water, prioritizing water consumption is crucial for maintaining balance, supporting health, and preventing dehydration. Watch for signs of dehydration and make water your go-to choice for hydration and wellness!

Can My 5Strands Results Be Directly Compared to Blood Work?
No, 5Strands results and blood work cannot be directly compared because they use entirely different approaches to evaluate your health.

How Do Blood Tests Work?

• Blood tests are conducted in a clinical setting to measure laboratory values, such as IgE or IgG antibodies, to identify allergies or other medical conditions.
• They focus on biochemical and physical markers to diagnose reactions, deficiencies, or the presence of pathogens.
• These results are part of a clinical diagnostic process used by physicians to make specific medical diagnoses.

How Does 5Strands Testing Work?

• 5Strands uses bioresonance technology to assess energetic frequencies.
• It identifies potential disturbances in your body’s ability to regulate itself, focusing on intolerances and imbalances rather than symptoms or allergens.
• The testing captures insights at the finest energetic level, revealing how your body may harmonize—or not—with various items.

Why Are the Results Different?

• Purpose: Blood tests focus on clinical diagnostics, while 5Strands testing is a holistic, energetic approach.
• Scope: Blood tests measure physical responses to allergens or pathogens, while 5Strands evaluates how your body interacts energetically with foods, nutrients, and environmental factors.
• Outcome: Blood tests provide concrete laboratory data, while 5Strands offers insights into energetic imbalances that may contribute to discomfort or sensitivities.

Can These Methods Work Together?
Absolutely! While blood tests provide a clinical diagnosis, 5Strands testing can complement these findings by identifying potential energetic contributors to your symptoms. For example:

• Blood tests may confirm an allergy, while bioresonance can reveal energetic imbalances that exacerbate the reaction.
• Both approaches can help guide lifestyle and dietary adjustments for optimal health.

What Should I Keep in Mind About Bioresonance?

• Bioresonance belongs to the field of empirical medicine and is not currently recognized by conventional medicine.
• It focuses on harmonizing disturbed frequency patterns to support your body’s resilience and overall well-being.
• This method is ideal for those pursuing a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Takeaway
5Strands and blood work serve different purposes and are not directly comparable. However, they complement each other beautifully, offering both clinical precision and holistic insights to support your health journey. Start by embracing a healthy lifestyle, and use both tools to guide your path to well-being. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

5Strands uses bioresonance technology, which enables us to efficiently compare the unique energetic frequency of your hair sample against thousands of items stored in our extensive digital database. Each item—whether it’s a food, nutrient, or environmental factor—has a specific energetic signature that can be tested for compatibility with your body’s energetic blueprint.

What Is the Process?

• Step 1: Hair Sample Analysis: Your hair sample is scanned to extract its unique energetic profile.
• Step 2: Comparison to the Database: This profile is tested against thousands of item frequencies stored in our database, which include:
• Step 3: Detecting Disturbances: If your energetic profile doesn’t harmonize with an item, a frequency distortion is recorded, indicating a potential intolerance or imbalance.

Why Is This Method Efficient?
Bioresonance testing allows simultaneous comparison of your hair’s frequency with the energetic signatures of thousands of items. Unlike traditional testing, which might require individual tests for each allergen or nutrient, this method provides a holistic analysis in a single process.

Does Testing So Many Items Affect Accuracy?
No, the large number of items tested does not compromise accuracy. The technology focuses on specific frequency responses and captures the energetic compatibility for each item individually. However, bioresonance testing is not diagnostic and should be viewed as a complementary tool for exploring intolerances and imbalances.

How Does This Benefit Me?

• Comprehensive Insights: Testing thousands of items ensures you get a complete picture of potential triggers and areas for improvement.
• Customizable Plans: Your results allow for personalized adjustments to diet and lifestyle.
• Efficiency: This approach provides extensive data without the need for invasive procedures or lengthy testing processes.

Takeaway
5Strands tests for thousands of items by leveraging advanced bioresonance technology, which compares your hair sample’s unique energetic profile against an extensive database of frequencies. This efficient and holistic method provides actionable insights into your body’s potential intolerances and imbalances, empowering you to make informed health and wellness choices.

Yes, you can retest the same items to see if your results have changed. Intolerances and imbalances are dynamic and can shift over time due to factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, and environmental changes.

Why Would My Results Change?
Your body is constantly adapting, and the way it interacts with specific items may evolve. Common reasons for changes include:

• Dietary Adjustments: Overconsumption or elimination of certain foods can influence intolerances.
• Healing and Recovery: Improvements in gut health or detoxification may resolve previous imbalances.
• Environmental Changes: New exposures or reduced contact with triggers can alter your body's response.
• Stress and Hormones: These can significantly impact your body’s ability to process foods or nutrients.

How Often Should I Retest?
We recommend retesting every 4–12 months, depending on your health journey:

• 4 Months: If you’ve made significant dietary or lifestyle changes and want to evaluate progress.
• 12 Months: For regular updates to ensure your plan aligns with your current needs.

How Do I Retest the Same Items?
To retest the same items, simply:

• Purchase a new test or a digital upgrade in our mobile app.
• Submit a new hair sample following the same collection process.

Our lab will compare your new hair sample to the same set of items, providing updated results based on your current energetic profile.

What If My Results Haven’t Changed?
If your results remain consistent, it may indicate:

• A more deeply rooted intolerance or imbalance.
• Continued exposure to the triggering item.
• A need for additional dietary or environmental adjustments.

Takeaway
Retesting is a valuable way to track changes in your body’s responses and refine your health plan over time. Intolerances and imbalances are not static, so staying updated ensures you’re making informed decisions to support your overall wellness journey. If you’re ready to retest or have further questions, feel free to contact us!

5Strands tests for intolerances, and not true allergies. True allergies trigger the immune system, and intolerances do not. If you have a true allergy to an item, it does not mean that you will be intolerant to it also.
I KNOW I HAVE AN ALLERGY

Our testing is very item specific. Each item listed is processed differently. If you are feeding your pet kibble, you may see these listed as ingredients on the bag.  Since we are testing for Intolerances, each item will affect your pet differently.  Whereas if your pet has a true allergy, they will likely have an issue with all of these items.

Chicken- meat from a chicken (this will be in kibble or it will be what you can buy at a store)

Chicken Meal- This will also only be found in processed pet foods.  It consists of chicken tissues that are not edible for humans.  

Chicken by product- is used as a major component only in processed pet foods. It will consist of chicken carcasses, bones, feathers, and possibly even roadkill!

Chicken MEAL vs Chicken BYPRODUCT

Fruits are considered to be generally "healthy foods"! Just because fruit is considered a healthy food, does not always mean it's healthy for you. If you are lacking the digestive enzymes that will break that food down, it may take only 1 or 2 items on your Level 3 list to disrupt or disturb your gut health or microbiome. Once this is damaged, generally healthy foods can start to cause you those unwanted discomforts. In order to restore your gut health, you may have to say goodbye to a few of your favorite fruits, but just for a while!  Also don't forget that over consumption of an item can cause stress on your body. Daily intake of a specific fruit could prevent  your body's ability to process and break it down. This is where we suggest removing, replacing, allowing the body time to restore balance, and then consume in rotation and moderation.  

I thought Fruits & Vegetables were HEALTHY

Try focusing on what you CAN eat. Look at your test results and see all of the items that are listed as insignificant responses. These are the food items that you can consume during the  6-8 week elimination period. You do not want to consume the level 3 items. If you choose to consume level 2 and level 1 items, try not to consume them more than 2 times a week. Our testing results format makes it much easier to identify the foods that you should be consuming.

My 5Strands Food Intolerance results make it seem like I cannot eat anything

Your 5Strands Food Intolerance test results are not your forever diet. This report is an elimination guideline.  After you conduct the elimination plan, if your symptoms have lessened or disappeared, you can reintroduce one offending food item at a time back into your nutrition plan. If you do not experience any noticeable symptoms, it means you will be able to consume the once offending food item in moderation again! As we always say, rotation and moderation is key.

Is the 5Strands Food Intolerance Report My FOREVER Diet?

We want to emphasize that purchasing a cheap bottle of supplements will probably NOT fix your nutritional deficiencies. Your body has a hard time recognizing supplements in this form. When you think about it, from the beginning of time, how did people receive their nutrients? Through whole foods! Nutrients don’t become bioavailable when you take them as supplements. If you eat the nutrients as they naturally occur in foods, the body can more easily recognize them. 

What does Bio-Available Nutrients mean?

Any time heat is added to a food, the composition of the food changes. Therefore it can affect the way your body reacts to it. This is true for any process a food undergoes. That is the beauty of this type of testing. It opens up more food choices for you when you are preparing your elimination plan.
COOKED VERSES RAW

When you take a particular food items and add ingredients to it, it will change the chemical and physical composition of the item, therefore your intolerance to it can change. In the case of soy sauce, the soy in the sauce is “fermented." That means that the soy is broken down by microorganisms, and the remaining sauce doesn’t have the same soy proteins as soybeans.

How can I have an intolerance to soy but not soy sauce?

E-items are additives, other than the basic raw ingredients, used in processed or pre-packaged foods that affect the food's characteristics.
Here is the breakdown of what an E-item number refers to:
- 100-199 Food Coloring
- 200-299 Preservatives
- 300-399 Antioxidants
- 400-499 Thickeners, Emulsifiers, Stabilizers
- 500-599 Acidity Regulators, Anti-caking Agents
- 600-699 Flavor Enhancers
- 700-999 Sweeteners, Foaming Agents, Gases

For the full description of each E-Item please visit our Items Tested tab

What do the "E-Items" mean on the 5Strands Intolerance Test? 

While some of the items on both your Nutrition report and your Metals/Minerals report may overlap, they do not indicate the same information. The Nutrition report indicates your body’s inability to properly absorb and process the particular nutrient tested. It does not mean you are intolerant to the nutrient but that your body is not properly utilizing it and you may need more of it. The Metals/ Minerals test results, on the other hand, indicate a severity of response report of your body’s ability to process and eliminate each item tested or you may have too much of it in your body.

What is the DIFFERENCE between the 5Strands Nutrition Test & Metals Test?

The different levels indicate the severity of the symptoms you may experience from ingesting or being exposed to items you registered an intolerance to. Level 3 items can present themselves as noticeable symptoms such as joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, itchy skin, dry skin, inflammation, headaches, mood changes, and more. Level 2 items are less severe, and IF they are noticeable symptoms, they will be more mild than the level 3 item reactions. Level 1 items are just beginning to affect the body at a cellular level and will most likely not have any noticeable symptoms.Can you explain what the different levels

This test will indicate your body’s inability to absorb and process the particular nutrient tested. It does not mean you are intolerant to the nutrient, it means your body is not getting enough of it, and you will need to consume more foods that are rich in that particular nutrient.
WHAT DO THE LEVEL OF NUTRITION MEAN?

An item showing up on both the Nutrition test as well as Metals/Minerals test indicates that the body is not processing the item properly. Rather than being absorbed by the body to be used in beneficial ways [reported as a nutritional imbalance], excesses are being stored in the tissues and the imbalance is reported as an overload of that item (metals/minerals imbalance).

WHY DID THE SAME ITEM SHOW ON BOTH NUTRITION & METAL/MINERAL?

Our test is very item specific. Certain cuts of meat and organs can resonate differently with the body. If it is listed on the master list of food items we test for and it does not show up on the results, then it is ok to consume that particular item.
HOW CAN MY PET BE INTOLERANCE TO JUST A PART?

If you are currently supplementing with a particular vitamin/nutrient, and you registered that item on your results report, it can indicate that the source of the supplement is not being absorbed properly by the body. This would mean you need to try and consume whole foods that contain the nutrients you need versus continuing on the supplement. Our bodies are designed to naturally absorb nutrients from whole foods instead of synthetic supplements. If you are unable to incorporate the whole foods containing the nutrients you need into your diet, you can search for an organic/all-natural supplement that may be better absorbed by the body. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare practitioner before starting a supplement.

Why do the results show a nutrition imbalance

When it comes to intolerances, it does not make a difference where the item is listed as an ingredient. It could be the last item on the list and it could be the trigger that is causing your pet to experience unwanted symptoms. It is best to make sure that when preparing to do the elimination plan, all of the level 3 items have been eliminated from your pet's food for at least 6-8 weeks. You can then begin introducing those items and see if your pet does not respond to those level 3 items. If this elimination plan is followed the way it was intended, you should see improvement within 2-3 weeks. If you choose to feed your pet items that are on their level 3 intolerance list, just remember that it could take longer to see improvement. Unfortunately, we never know for sure, which items on that level are the ones that are triggering the unwanted symptoms your pet may be experiencing.

CAN THEY STILL EAT KIBBLE?

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. The testing that 5Strands conducts does not test for immune system responses. We test for only intolerances. You can actually have an immune system response to gluten, but not an intolerance response. For individuals that have not consumed gluten for an extended period of time, it typically will not show up on their results report.

Rotation and moderation is key. What we mean by this is that your diet needs variety. You should not consume the same foods every day. If you eat a food that you have an intolerance to every day, you will experience noticeable symptoms.  Once you have completed your elimination plan and let your body rebalance, you can reintroduce the food item. On average, most people may be able to consume a food item 2-3 times per week without experiencing any symptoms.  You will have to figure out what is your normal. Just remember not to go back to eating the same item every day.

What does 5Strands mean by "Rotation & Moderation"? 

If your pet has a food intolerance, it means that your pet is lacking the digestive enzyme to break that particular food down. So the reaction is not life threatening and may take hours or days after eating the food to manifest any type of symptom. Unlike a true allergy, where only a trace amount can trigger a reaction, with an intolerance symptom, it may manifest only if they eat a substantial amount of the food. So it is not the act of consuming the item often that creates the intolerance. The intolerance is always there, it is really the manifestation of the symptoms that becomes more apparent with overconsumption.

That is why it is always recommended to feed in rotation and moderation after the initial elimination period to avoid triggering any unwanted symptoms.

We are excited that you are feeling better and congratulations on sticking to the plan. Digestive enzymes may help with breaking down different parts of food such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They may help aid your digestion. Since some intolerances may be due to a lack of good gut bacteria, aiding them may be beneficial. Probiotics help add good gut bacteria to your body and prebiotics feed them. At this point you should have become more aware of your body and the issues that may begin to present themselves. Try to keep eating a variety of foods and listen to when you may to need to temporarily cut some something out. For more information go to our helpful links page on our website.

I have completed my Elimination Plan

If you were currently feeding your pet commercially prepared pet food, we are unable to endorse a specific brand of commercial/processed pet food. Sometimes it is not as simple as changing the protein source of the pet food. They may have intolerances to all the other fillers and additives in the pet food that can be causing their issues.  You may have to consider taking your pet off of kibble and cook for them or even consider feeding raw.  Our helpful link section on the website has several DIY dog food recipes. During the elimination period you really need to find one or two protein sources and a vegetable.  You will feed this to your pet for the next 6-8 weeks and see if their symptoms lessen.  If so, you can then begin the reintroduction process.  That is how you will determine their forever diet. If you are still having difficulty understanding how to do this or do not want to cook for your pet, we do have a pet nutritionist that we can refer you to that will help you figure out what to feed your pet.  Just call or email our customer support team and we will be happy to send you her information.

I reviewed my 5Strands Pet Test Results & still do not know what to feed them

It's easy to come into contact with any of the metals and minerals that show up on your results. It can be in the air that we breathe, water we drink, food that we eat, as well as the appliances that we use to cook the food, and don't forget about the containers that foods are stored in!  It's hard to completely avoid these items since they are literally everywhere. Utilize your test results to become aware of what you come into contact with on a daily basis. Then you can make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle such as using a water filter, purchasing foods stored in glass containers or changing your cookware as a start.

How do I come into contact with harmful Metals & Minerals?

If the elimination plan is done correctly, you or your pet should start experiencing improvements within 2-3 weeks of the elimination plan.

At 5Strands, we currently cannot make recommendations for particular pet foods that your pet can have based on their test results. However, on our website, we do provide several helpful links that can aid you in creating the best elimination plan for your pet. If you need additional help, we have a pet nutritionist who can consult with you and help  you find the right food for your pet.

DO YOU HAVE A DATABASE OF PET FOODS THAT I CAN FEED MY PET BASED ON THEIR RESULTS

5Strands tests for intolerances, and not true allergies. Your dog may register intolerant to other dogs if the hair, fur, or dander creates a response in their body. The best way to eliminate any potential issues that may come with this, is to keep your dog(s) washed and brushed, keep your floors cleaned and vacuumed, and potentially purchase an air filter/purifier.

HOW IS MY DOG "ALLERGIC" TO DOGS?

Metals and minerals are everywhere including the air that they breathe, water that they drink, food that they eat and the ground they walk on. But it doesn't stop there, it's in the grass from the pesticides and fungicides that are sprayed on yards, it could be a cleaner that you use in your home each day. Let's not forget that it could even be in their toys and bowls. They are hard to avoid since they are literally everywhere! But you can make adjustments such as filtering your pet's water, reading the ingredient list on your pet's kibble, and wiping down their paws before they come inside, or changing your household cleaning materials.

How can my DOG or CAT come into contact with these Metals & Minerals?