YOU MAY HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES & NOT KNOW IT!

Most people think of food allergies as being the most severe kind, involving anaphylaxis, which usually is a reaction of the entire body to a particular allergen. Did you know, however, that excess congestion, runny nose, headaches and joint pain can all be attributed to food allergies?

When the immune system gets run down, and in particular during times of stress, our digestive tracts slow down and digestion gets sluggish. This often means our bodies are not producing enough digestive enzymes to break down our food into its proper constituents (i.e., carbohydrates --> sugars; protein --> amino acids; fats --> triglycerides), leading to poorly digested food.

The undigested food enters our intestinal tract, where low-grade inflammation may result. This low-grade inflammation may go on for years, producing symptoms that are hardly associated with food allergy. This may mean joint pain, mood swings, fatigue, irritable bowel, headaches or migraines, etc. The trickiest part is that we often don’t associate these symptoms with the food that may be causing it, despite how often we eat it (ex: wheat, dairy, corn, etc.).

If you can imagine our intestinal lining to be similar to a nylon stocking in terms of permeability, any inflammation can lead to a “stretching”, or swelling, of the tissue. This becomes truly problematic when undigested protein particles pass through this lining and into the bloodstream. VOILA - you now have a serious immune system reacting to a ‘foreign’ substance.

In order to identify food allergies, you have to work with a nutritionist to eliminate potential trigger foods (for at least 3 weeks) and then re-introduce them and watch for any reaction. In the meantime, you must improve the health of your immune system, while managing stress levels. A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM WILL NOT REACT FOOD. Here is a manageable way to overcome food allergies or intolerances:

1) eliminate allergic foods for at least 3 weeks
2) strengthen the immune system with plenty of rest and a healthy, whole foods diet
3) heal the G.I. tract with soothing herbs, such as slippery elm or marshmallow root (no, not the puffy kind full of sugar that you roast on a fire)
4) slowly reintroduce the allergic food in small quantity and watch for a reaction (*please note: if you are anaphylactic, you must be working with an MD while doing this)

It is possible to “train” the immune system to no longer react to once-allergic foods. Many people have moved beyond their food allergies to enjoy them on a regular basis. It requires dedication and the patience to allow it to happen. You can consult with a nutritionist to see whether you may have food allergies and begin the road to recovery!

10 Reasons to NOT get a flu shot this year!

The time of the year has come where we start hearing the tales of flus & colds going around in our communities. It is no secret that I take a holistic viewpoint when it comes to the age-old question: “Should I get a flu shot this year?” I always reply with a resounding “NO!”.

Here are some reasons to avoid the flu vaccine and let your own body’s defenses work to keep you happy & healthy:

10) Health Canada and the WHO take a ‘pick’ as to which flu virus they suspect will be the predominant in the upcoming winter season. The flu vaccine is no guarantee that you will not get the flu.

9) The flu vaccine will impact your body’s own defense mechanism by introducing the antigen in a very unnatural way (i.e., directly into the bloodstream rather than through indirect contact as with most flu viruses).

8) There is leading research that shows that vaccines may be linked to autism, ADHD and dyslexia in young children.

7) Most vaccines are made in cells from chicken eggs, making the risk of allergic reactions higher.

6) Vaccines severely impact the immune system, leaving the body open and vulnerable to any other potential threats in the natural environment.

5) There are many effective anti-viral natural remedies that are available. Many people forget how powerful herbs and/or homeopathic remedies can be - and without side effects!

4) Vaccines have been shown to only offer temporary immunity, rather than permanent natural immunity via the body’s own immune system.

3) Vaccinations add to the profits of the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry. Even though we are fortunate enough in Canada to have medicare - do they really need any more money?

2) While irritating, getting a flu is a normal & healthy reaction of a functioning immune system. It is most often an indication that something is out of balance and that rest and fluids are necessary. With our busy lives, we often forget that taking time to relax is crucial. A flu has the ability to force us to slow down, and over the long-term allows us to stay balanced in our lifestyles.

1) Most, if not all, vaccines are preserved with thimerosal, a form of Mercury. Many also contain aluminum, both of which are known neuro-toxins, and there is evidence that links mercury exposure to development of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Here are some quick tips on natural alternatives that can help keep your immune system strong through the winter months:

- drink lots of water
- keep intake of antioxidants high by eating fresh fruit & vegetables
- use anti-viral herbs such as St. John’s wort, echinacea, or oil of oregano to keep immune function optimal
- get enough sleep
- ensure enough exercise to optimize circulation, and waste removal from the body

If you have questions on how to improve your immune health, email grassrootsnutrition@gmail.com for more information.

Nutrition News - Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog on holistic nutrition, the natural health industry and general information related to becoming healthy & well. Having written articles for Health n' Vitality magazine, and spent 3 years educating health food retailers on natural supplements, it's time to go back to my "grassroots" and start talking more about whole foods to regain health. 

This blog is designed to provide easy information related to various symptoms and how to help using natural medicine and whole foods. Please feel free to email with any questions or for further clarification on any particular post. 

Please note that the information in this blog is not designed to diagnose or treat disease, but rather to help re-establish balance in the body. Please consult a Naturopathic doctor or physician if you are experiencing any severe health problems.