Comments on: Q&A – Are my stomach pains and hot flushes a food allergy?

By: Glynis

Glynis — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:21:44 +0000

I agree that you are eating so many things it is impossible to know which is the offending food(s) .

You could try the “stone age” diet- google- which is a very basic diet of only a few foods, then you introduce other foods daily and wait- or not- for a reaction. This can take weeks but is an accurate way of seeing what upsets you.

You might also think about foods you crave which, ironically, can be ones we are intolerant to.

You could also “clean up” your diet by omitting any processed foods and cooking simple food from scratch, which will help in any case.

By: Carole

Carole — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 09:53:28 +0000

Thanks Liam, the barrel analogy was first coined by renowned allergist Doris Rapp and is really helpful. Christine is right in that sugar is a big suspect and contributes massively to most people’s barrels as it the most acid forming of all foods. Refined sugar is a drug which sends all the body systems haywire but what many people don’t realise is that another acid generating, common intolerance is also found in fizzy drinks, packet sauces and so on and that’s wheat. It’s used to make a sugar which is called maltodrexin, a really common additive that has lots of people fooled. People expect sugar ingredients to end in “ose” or wheat to be called, well wheat! To complicate matters further not all maltodrexin is made from wheat, some is made from corn, so if you buy American products it’s more likely to be corn but there’s no hard and fast rule!
The top 4 suspects are sugar, wheat, yeast and dairy and most people cutting down on 1 or more of these will feel better simply because we all have far too much of them in our daily diet.

Christine if you crave chocolate I recommend you increase your magnesium intake. Found at good levels in dark green leafy veg and brazil nuts this mineral has a huge range of functions in the body but I can tell you from personal experience it really does cure the “must have” chocolate feelings. You may need a supplement to reach optimum levels.

By: Liam

Liam — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:05:01 +0000

The barrel analogy makes so much sense Carole, and explains why some foods might cause a reaction at some times but not at others. The fact that stress contributes to it is also very interesting.

Christine, remind me not to offer you any biscuits! I think you’re spot on about sugar and sugary foods… it is the cause of so many modern illnesses – from obesity and diabetes to digestive problems and skin conditions. Shame it tastes so good really!

By: christine

christine — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:11:08 +0000

Hi Lisa
I am not an expert but would like to share my thoughts and experiences. I get the going to the loo thing very quickly after eating sugary things, eg ONE biscuit. I have lost loads of weight in the last 3 years, and have cut down hugely on sugar, and I dont just mean cakes and choc. I have learnt that bread, pasta, rice, even potatoes, all of these foods break down in to sugar once they get digested, so eating bread is almost like eating a biscuit once it gets in to your blood stream. Since I cut down on these I am much healthier in all depts. One of the symptoms for me would be I would get very tired very quickly, particularly after eating wheat products. I get far fewer colds now too. Anyway some of the foods you mention probably are quite sugary, and may have hidden sugars which you are not aware of, so for what its worth I would suggest you might like to think about this. I now believe that SUGAR is responsible for lots of ailments and if you we all learnt to restrict it we would feel healthier all round. And by the way, I am not suggesting cutting it out altogether because life without chocloate is unthinkable! ( Unless it gives you a tummy ache!) I do hope you get it sorted so you feel more comfortable. Best wishes