Food: Medicine or Poison?
substantial pleasure from a well-prepared meal. Unfortu- nately, we live in a time when the quality of food has come into question. Corporate farming tech- niques deplete the nutrient-content of produce, livestock are fed unnatural diets, and then there are GMOs. Most of us know we should avoid highly pro- cessed foods with added sugars, calorie-dense fast foods, chemically laden foods, and genetical- ly modified foods, all of which are likely culprits in many of the chronic ailments and the obesity epidemic that plagues a growing portion of our population. But what about foods consid- ered healthy? Are there really any universally beneficial foods?
W Food Sensitivities Insidiously Make Us Ill
It turns out that there are crucial differences in individuals that can cause an otherwise healthy food to become a source of chronic symptoms. In contrast to more commonly recognized food allergies that cause immediate reactions like hives, swelling and difficulty breathing, food sensitivities can cause delayed immune reactions that insidiously make us ill. Food sensitivities are not something I learned about in medi-
cal school, and many of my conventional colleagues scoff at the idea. But nearly 80% of the population is affected by food sensitivi- ties or intolerances. Unlike allergies, food sensitivity is not always a straightforward yes or no. There usually are different degrees of intolerance, which can be altered by changing eating habits, stress levels, medical conditions, nutritional status, hormone levels, gut health, and other factors that affect the immune system.
A Case Study
Cassandra, a registered dietitian who works with me, had years of gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties, despite eating a very healthy diet. When my office started offering the ALCAT food sensitivity test, Cassandra immediately signed up. The ALCAT Test identifies cellular reactions to more than 350 foods, chemicals and herbs. These inflammatory reactions are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes, as well as skin, heart, joint, and digestive disorders.
22 Natural Nutmeg May 2013
e all need food to exist, and nearly all of us derive
Cassandra eliminated foods identified on her ALCAT test, and her symptoms improved
dramatically. Interestingly, her daughter had some of the same intolerances. Cassandra recently told me, “The ALCAT panel has revealed to me foods that I could never properly identify as bother- some, but truly are. Now that these foods are eliminated and/or minimized,
my gut is much more calm and healthy and I feel amazing. This test has been so help-
ful for my family who all struggle with gastro-intes- tinal disorders and has us all functioning at a much higher
health level. I recommend it to everyone I know who struggles with digestive issues. I can’t say enough good about it.” Another patient had a recurring rash on her face, trunk and ex- tremities for several years. Despite seeing several dermatologists and trying a variety of prescription topical creams, she did not receive any lasting relief. Her ALCAT panel revealed several intolerant foods that she ate regularly. Once they were eliminated, her rash resolved. It has been nearly two years now. In my practice we have seen simi- lar success with most of the symptoms listed above in people with documented intolerances.
Two-thirds of Immune Activity Occurs in the Gut
Recent scientific discoveries have revealed deeper levels of understanding of how food interacts with our immune system, af- fecting metabolism in ways that can be both beneficial and harmful. Chronic activation of the immune system produces chronic inflam- mation, which is the underlying cause of most chronic diseases. Long term exposure can even trigger auto-immunity, where the immune system attacks its own body tissues. We used to believe that the primary function of the GI tract was the digestion and absorption of nutrients, along with the balance of water and electrolytes. When we eat, food passes through the stom- ach into the small intestine. That is where nutrient absorption occurs through a semi-permeable lining of the intestinal wall. It has become increasingly clear that the gut also functions as a barrier to regulate the trafficking of larger molecules between the environment and the body. Because this mucous membrane shields the bloodstream from potential invaders such as toxins, pathogens and undigested food, it is a vital part of the body’s immune system.
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