Food Sensitivities

By Joyce Sobotta

Gut inflammation may be caused from hidden food sensitivities. Unlike food allergies, which usually show up immediately, food sensitivities can show up one to three days after eating the stressor food. Certain foods can continue to cause irritation, not allowing the body to heal. It is good to know how food affects your immune system.

To help with proper digestion, seek to put yourself in a relaxed state when you eat. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages with your meals, which dilute the gastric juices. Avoid drinking soda pop because the phosphoric acid disrupts the absorption of nutrients.

Food cravings for an inflammatory food may occur because the body feels a “high” from that food. The most common offenders are sugar, high fructose corn syrup, pasteurized dairy, gluten (barley, rye, oats, and wheat), eggs, shellfish, nuts, and GMO (genetically modified) foods like corn, soy, and canola. There may be a sluggish, spacey feeling, a rapid heartbeat, a rash, diarrhea, weight gain, joint swelling, and/or pain.

When buying food or eating out, be aware of what foods you choose. Always check labels and try to avoid artificial food colorings and flavors, pesticides, and preservatives like nitrates and MSG. The FDA has allowed manufacturers to modify and add chemicals to make food last longer. Look for labels that indicate non-GMO, no pesticides, and no hormones added.

Processed food and sugar may cause pain, weight gain, inflammation, fluid retention, food and sugar cravings, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. These foods contain toxic ingredients such as hydrogenated fats, preservatives, artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, sucralose, Splenda). They rob the body’s store of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals to create blood sugar imbalances and insulin sensitivity. They create brain and nervous system problems, mood disorders and digestive problems. It’s important to read the ingredients on the labels!

Seventy percent of the immune function is in the gut. If the gut is inflamed, the lymphatic system is also inflamed, and food is not being absorbed. Toxins build up and cause all sorts of illness/disorders. Immune challenges like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus or Candida will not go away until the body gets good nutrition.

Excerpt from “Breast Health Is in Your Hands”

Joyce is a published author of “Breast health Is in Your Hands, Tips for Breast Vitality and Sensuality” and founder of an international business, Healthy Girls Breast Oil, a unique effective essential oil blend for breast health. She offers consultations for natural breast health.