by Julia Scalise, DN, PhD
I love the change and variety of seasons. Each season has its own special beauty and charm. Living at the beach, I admit I love the warmer weather seasons and the ability to enjoy all that beach life has to offer. But if I had to choose my second favorite season after summer, it would be the Fall, because of the weather and the onslaught of pumpkin flavored everything. I admit, I am a pumpkin-aholic. However, as much as I favor that flavor, it does not favor me.
Many years ago, when I learned about the issues related to food sensitivities, I decided to be tested. I tested as much for personal reasons as for professional education. I saw a book “Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat” and the title peaked my interest. Many clients with whom I worked were not able to lose weight no matter what they did. After reading the book, I learned of the havoc food sensitivities could produce for everyone, and not just issues with weight loss or weight management.
As a young adult, I had allergy testing and I was not found to be TRULY ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING, not even dust mites. So imagine my surprise when I got the results of my Alcat test showing multiple food SENSITIVITIES previously unknown to me. The more difficult part was that, although I THOUGHT I was eating a HEALTHY DIET, it was not a healthy diet for me. 75% of the foods I ate regularly were pro-inflammatory for my system. And sadly, pumpkin was one of the sensitivities.
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One of the primary underlying causes of many diseases is chronic inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by infections, chronic pathogens, heavy metals, environmental and chemical toxins, and food sensitivities. The manifestation of disease from inflammation is unique to each individual. However, all systems may be impacted, not just weight management issues.
For instance:
Neurological Disorders: i.e. migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, depression, ADD, nerve pain/tingling
Dental Disorders: i.e. gingivitis, periodontitis, mouth ulcers, canker sores
Gastrointestinal Disorders: i.e. diarrhea/constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, gas/bloating, reflux
Respiratory Disorders: i.e. asthma, chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinusitis, resistant sinus infections
Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: i.e. diabetes Type II, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, weight issues
Musculoskeletal Disorders: i.e. arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain, rheumatism
Skin Disorders: i.e. eczema, acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic rashes
These are just a few issues listed that can be impacted just by food sensitivities. The daily or even occasional exposure to certain triggers, either in minuscule or large quantities, keep the inflammatory process going. Physiologically the body produces substances such as cytokines and hormones in response to the chronic inflammatory triggers, and health and efficient metabolism overall declines.
Once you are aware of your unique sensitivities and then compliant with your individual anti-inflammatory nutrition plan, many health complaints are either completely eliminated or dramatically alleviated. I know I felt greatly improved with the changes I made and continue to do so and feel great 10 years later. My clients also note dramatic improvements with this information and subsequent compliance for their health issues and weight management goals.
Now, does this mean you can never enjoy something again if you test sensitive to it? Well, in all honesty, it is best to avoid any food or other toxin that is detrimental to you. But, if one chooses to deal with some temporary consequences, enjoying a treat on occasion in moderation is possible. I know that I and most of my clients indulge periodically and will continue to do so. But overall, knowing what impacts your goals for health issues and weight management makes vitality and weight management easier to achieve and maintain both short and long term.
If you would like more information, the book mentioned is available online. Also more information is available at www.Alcat.com . If you are interested in being tested and have no access to a practitioner, feel free to contact me through my website and I will be happy to assist you.
Now, as the air gets a little crisper, I am off in search of a pumpkin flavored anything, I will make the most of the experience, and I will deal with my personal consequences.
In the interim, wishing you health, living your best life, and envying everyone that can have all the pumpkin flavored morsels they desire with no consequences.
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