Friday, November 1, 2013

Feel Better - Eliminate Conflicting Foods and Additives

Are those delicious foods that you just consumed making you feel sick and tired? You could be allergic or intolerant to certain foods and by understanding the warming signs, you can eliminate that food or additive before it becomes a complication, affecting your health. If you're experiencing gas, bloating, indigestion or heartburn, these reactions are alerting you that your food choices need a modification.Foods that are most often responsible for allergic reactions include milk, eggs, peanuts, strawberries, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. When a food allergic reaction occurs, the immune system interprets this specific food as a threat, forming antibodies, which attaches to the allergen assisting in its removal. The immune system continues its defensive action as inflammation occurs in the intestinal tract lining, interrupting the absorption process of the conflicting food.Another type of adverse food reaction is food intolerance. This occurs when something in a food irritates your digestive system and you're unable to properly digest or breakdown the food. Some food intolerance is caused by enzyme deficiencies or a sensitivity, to synthetic chemicals which hinder the functioning of the digestive tract. People that are lactose intolerant do not produce enough of the digestive enzyme called lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar (lactose) found in dairy products. When too much undigested lactose makes its way into the large intestine, people suffer from gas and/or diarrhea.The following Warming Signs, Indicators, Symptoms and Reactions can happen after you eat certain foods or additives that you're allergic or intolerant of.o abdominal paino anxietyo bloatingo chest paino crampso dark circles or puffiness under the eyeso depressiono diarrheao ear infectionso fatigueo fluid retentiono gaso headacheso heartburno hiveso inflammationo irritabilityo nauseao nervousnesso rasho shortness of breatho sinus congestiono stomach paino swelling of the air passageso vomitingOur immune systems have become so over-worked from constant stress, exposure to air and water pollution, pesticides and chemicals found in our foods. Synthetic chemicals, like sulfites, that contain preservatives used in dried fruits, wines and many other processed foods are intolerant to many people. Synthetic food colorings are problematic for many people. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive used to increase flavor and many people become bloated or experience severe headaches after eating. By eliminating additives, preservatives, chemicals, synthetics, pesticides, artificial flavors and colors, your immune system can function more effectively, protecting you.Food allergies and intolerance can be hereditary. If your mom or dad can't eat a certain food without difficulty, you might have the same reaction. Most food intolerance can be found through trial and error. Determine which food or foods cause the symptoms by keeping a food diary to record what you eat. People with food sensitivities must completely eliminate the offending food from their diet.When you're trying to identify problem foods, an elimination diet works well. This involves completely eliminating any suspect foods from your diet until you're symptom-free. Then begin to reintroduce the foods, one at a time. This can help you determine which foods cause the reactions. Talk with your Healthcare provider before beginning an elimination diet to be sure your diet provides adequate nutrition. Stimulates and sweets are irritating to your digestion. Alcohol, caffeine and processed sugar, should be avoided.You know your body better than anyone. When certain foods make you bloated, fart or you feel sick and tired, you don't want to continue eating that food, no matter how good it taste. 50% of all Americans have adverse reactions to certain foods. The warning signs are alerting you to the incompatibilities. By eliminating the compromising foods or additives, your body will feel better and be able to digest and absorb the nutrients your cells need to stay healthy and strong. You'll gain more energy and nothing looks better on you than a healthy body that feels so good.