Food Allergies and Sensitivities
"The body only wants to get well
we just need to give it the tools to do so.”
Surprisingly, many people do not realize that food allergies and sensitivities can play a significant role in their health goals.
Dairy Allergy
Unfortunately, many people can be allergic or sensitive to dairy products in some form. Allergies to dairy products can contribute to weight gain, sinus problems, asthma, respiratory problems, stomachaches, "growing pains" in children, lethargy, irritability, nasal congestion, (constipation) diarrhea, headaches, lumps or cysts.
Dairy products are: milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream etc. Eggs are not dairy products.
When avoiding dairy products use:
Rice milk, almond milk or soy milk. But these are really only useful for children because they may contain too many carbohydrates for an adult program. Butter is permissible because butter contains very few "milk solids". Soy cheese, rice cheese, sheep or goat cheese or goat feta are useful but watch for symptoms, particularly nasal congestion. "Treats" can be rice dream ice cream, tofu ice cream or nut ice cream. Watch carbs.
Wheat Allergy / Flour Allergy
Despite our belief that wheat is beneficial and the "staff of life", wheat and flour based products such as bread, bagels, buns, pasta, cookies, cakes, crackers, couscous etc. can contribute to allergies and many health related issues. Wheat sensitivities can be a factor in joint pain, joint stiffness, arthritis, tiredness, poor absorption, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and weight gain. Because wheat, oats and barley are all part of the same glutinous grain family, all three must be avoided to obtain maximum benefit. 100% rye is usually tolerated by wheat sensitive people. 100% rye bread or Wasa crackers are OK.
Spelt and Kamut are ancient strains of wheat and should be avoided as well. In the case of poor GI tract absorption, white basmati rice or squash are excellent starch choices. Digestive enzymes may be beneficial.
Alternatives: Rice, wild rice, corn (if not allergic), rye, amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and squash are great starch alternatives.
Snacks: Potato chips, corn chips, pork rinds, vegetable chips, rice cakes, rice crackers, wasa/rykrisp crackers etc.
Caffeine Sensitivities
Commonly, people who are sensitive to caffeine can be "hyper", irritable, tired, experience urinary problems, stomach problems, skin irritations, lumps, cysts or prostate problems.
Use: Caf-Lib, Pero, Teeccino, decaf coffee or tea, herbal teas and water.
Sugar Sensitivities
Use: Splenda (sucralose) or Stevia (honey leaf) clear liquid or powder.
Do your best to avoid "offending foods" for 3 - 4 weeks. After you have noted beneficial changes and improvement in "symptoms", then re-introduce foods on a limited or "3 sins a week" basis. If you consume "offending foods" frequently, then symptoms may return.
Advanced Nutritional Solutions is unable to advise you on which supplements are suitable without a consultation.