Apples, olives, lettuce, red cabbage, beans, flax seeds, basil, thyme, camomile, cumin, bay leaf, sunflower oil… you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a list of the world’s healthiest foods. But actually it’s a list of the foods my partner David is currently intolerant to!
I am passionate about food – eating fresh, organic produce that’s right for my body! But how do you know what’s right for your body? This blog is one of a series that will explore food and the mind body connection. In this article we will look at food intolerances and how we can identify the foods we are intolerant to. In following articles we will look at theories on how we develop allergies and food intolerances and what we can do about it; why we crave specific foods – often the ones we are intolerant to; and how you tap into our body wisdom so you can eat what is right for your body and enjoy doing so!
So, what does it mean to be intolerant or allergic to a specific food?
When you have an allergy or intolerance to a specific food your body is unable to metabolise it and eating it produces a negative impact on your health.
What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
An allergic reaction is rapid, often intense and sometimes life threatening. Peanuts and shellfish are the ones that usually spring to mind and for some people can lead to anaphylactic shock that requires an injection of adrenalin, immediately. If you have an allergy you invariably know about it.
Food intolerances on the other hand are much more difficult to detect because the reaction is less obvious and symptoms can appear up to 72 hours after eating. So unless you are very in tune with your body, you will probably be totally unaware that you are intolerant to a specific food(s).
How would you know if you have a food intolerance?
If you suffer from any unexplained skin, respiratory or digestive problems like skin rashes, urticaria, dermatitis, eczema, nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, mouth ulcers, nausea, abdominal cramp, gas, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome they could be symptoms of a food intolerance.
How can I find out if I have a food intolerance?
I have tried a number of different and very effective ways to test for intolerances in the past (see below) but have always been looking for a test that is both comprehensive and affordable.
When we were researching intolerances and what was causing David’s dermatitis we came across www.TestYourIntolerance.com which uses just a small hair sample taken from the back of your head (or elsewhere).
Although this test doesn’t rate the severity of the intolerance, it more than makes up for this by testing nearly 600 food and non food items for just £45 or 60 euros. PLUS they will also test an additional 5 items of your choice. For example you can send them a sample of your pet’s hair.
David’s dermatitis which had been a problem for decades on and off, and had currently been acute for nearly a year cleared up within weeks of eliminating his intolerant items. Their service was also excellent. We were so impressed that I became an agent for them here in Spain. I have put together a couple of special offers so that you can make the most of booking through me 🙂
Test Package with FREE nutrition Test 60 euros / £45
When you book your test with me, you will also receive a FREE nutrition test worth £5 which will tell you which vital nutrients your body lacks, from a list of 80 together with a report indicating which foods contain these missing nutrients.
Test / EFT Package 90 euros / £70
Very often we crave precisely those foods we are intolerant to and avoid those we are deficient in. In addition to the Intolerance Test Package you will also get a one hour EFT session by Skype or telephone (normally 60 euros / £50) to help you make any necessary lifestyle changes with a minimum of fuss and suffering.
If you would like more information or to order your Package email me at info@GetEnergised.com or if you live in Spain you can call me on 654 32 07 35.
There are other ways to discover your intolerances and each has its own merits. Here’s a list of some I have used in the past.
Following an elimination diet take times as you need to take your diet back to basics before reintroducing specific foods one at a time checking for any reactions you may have. It requires dedication and can take some time, especially if you have a number of food intolerances, but it is a great way to start listening to your body. The cost will depend on whether you opt to do this yourself or under the guidance of a nutritionist.
The York Test http://www.yorktest.com/ is a blood test done via post using a simple finger prick blood sample. They offer a Food Scan which tests 113 foods for £250 and a Food and Drinks scan which tests 158 items for £299. Intolerances are rated on scale of 1-3 depending on the severity of the reaction. You also receive 2 telephone consultations with a nutritional therapist.
Bio Resonance tests electromagnetic signals to assess any intolerances and can give you a very precise reading on a scale of 0-10. Costs vary according to the practitioner and the machine they use and the number of items they test.
Kinesiology or muscle testing and dowsing are often used to assess intolerances and are have the advantage that they are not limited in the amount of items they can test. However both do depend on the skill and experience of the practitioner. Costs vary according to the practitioner.
I look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.
In my next blog we will be looking at some theories of how we develop allergies and intolerances and how we can clear them.