I came across this video via @GOOD.  It started off giving an interesting insight into the processes of cheese making, but with a twist not halfway through, the quote

“Cheese is a superfood”

distracted me like a knife scraping on metal.

I beg to differ.  I agree, cheese is full of protein but, it is also one of the most digestively intolerable substances humans are faced with day-in, day-out; and often the cause of symptoms from common colds and flu to eczema and dermatitis to name a few. 

I would love to hear an official allergy and food intolerance specialists opinion.  And despite this minor speed-bump, I will continue to enjoy the Blogs and Video’s www.good.is bring me on a dairy *cough*…I mean DAILY basis.  ;-)

(In case the video above doesn’t work, you can watch it here, or just check out what other work GOOD do): The science of cheese making http://su.pr/2Liu5R

A day in the life of a Food Intolerant.

Well, it’s not that bad actually.  The 20 (approx.) jabs I had for testing really didn’t hurt in the slightest and it allows you to really get to know and understand a whole variety of specific details about your body and how it reacts to certain foods AND …metals?

That’s right, I had a (separate) blood test a few days ago and the results are in.  Food intolerance/sensitivity is not always just about the food!  Many people are also sensitive to metals and chemicals.  One of the most common items on the periodic table (you know, that chart we left back in Chemistry class) that people react to is Mercury.  Used widely in the past - tooth fillings for example - now, the effects are being seen.  

In my case, Chromium (VI) is the main cause for concern thus far …found in Stainless Steel, Wood Preserver, and Fabric Dyes; Chromium VI is rather toxic if you come across it in it’s base form - (but don’t worry otherwise).  I’m yet to really discover what my reaction is however, I hoping with a few adjustments and an extra supplement to counteract it, some of these longer-term injuries might start healing a bit quicker.

Interesting times ahead… we’ll keep you posted…  

Al.An

In the latest issue of Healthy Magazine - available at any Holland & Barrett - you will find my classifieds ad promoting my soon to be launched Smart Phone application…

The app will have the ability to diagnose food intolerance through the user keeping a consumption and symptom diary.  There are some masterful algorithms involved so unfortunately the app won’t be free; but have your say in how we price it by clicking the link below:

www.diagnosefoodintolerance.com

I’m very pleased with the magazine itself; it has a special piece of editorial about beating food allergies which obviously ties in very well with the app.  Furthermore, I hope you’ll agree that any magazine with Supermodel Gisele on the front promoting holistic therapies has got to be good!!

So buy your copy NOW in your local Holland & Barrett, or just check out the DFI app website HERE.  The response so far has been phenomenal and it looks set to continue!! 

Migraine awareness week…

One more writer cottons-on to how the body really works!

I was watching the GB (Silverstone) stop of the Moto GP last weekend as I occasionally do and was surprised to hear that Ducati rider Casey Stoner had been missing quite a few races of the tour due to his Lactose Intolerance!

This is not exactly a “Eureka!” moment in the world of allergies and food intolerance however, I think it is a good example of how food intolerance is an evident in so many people lives.  It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do for a living, or to some extent where you live.  Stop and think.  If your body is not allowing you to live the life you want… could food intolerance be partly to blame? 

I know from first-hand experience that Food Intolerance can effect everything from Energy Levels to sore knees; stuffy nose to migraines; minor depression to a slow recovery.  Many General Practitioners have not yet grasped the concept of ‘you are what you eat’ and will prescribe an endless amount of prescription drugs to try and keep your body afloat.  - These GP’s were not taught Food Intolerance in their 6 years of University so to them, Food Intolerance as good as ‘does not exist’!  

It is down to YOU to question your own body and discover why you feel the way you do.  There IS a reason behind it; you’re body is telling you something is wrong - so why mask this symptom with more pill pushing rather than finding and treating the cause behind it?

Casey Stoner has since adjusted his diet and has made enough of a recovery to get back on his bike.  There are plenty of other celebs that have done the same, and furthermore; millions of ordinary people who looked at their health with a clear head.  They changed their own lives without drugs and I’m sure you could to.

With you in mind,

Al.An

Through my research of ‘allergies and food intolerance in the media’ for a side project (and my own personal interest); I have been noticing more and more mentions of food intolerance in places that one would not instantly associate with regular food intolerance.  The Middle East for instance - where for decades flour and wheat based products have been such a prominent part of every staple diet - reports of food intolerance are increasing dramatically. 

In this Gulf News article, Dr Al Babbili, Managing Director of one UAE based Food Intolerance test lab, gives a prime example of the current global attitude of symptom based treatment and suggests this needs to change to a ‘cause orientated’ approach to actually cure patients… rather than just make them feel better for a day of two.

I am very pleased to see such wise thoughts coming from the Gulf, and I am sure that as knowledge and understanding of food intolerance grows, their input will be at the front of the line.

An excellent little article about the use of improper food combination’s causing digestive discomfort and the how and why to Organic food being rarely actually Organic anymore!

The first in a series of interviews with Environmental Medicine specialist Dr. A Econs MRCS LRCP. On the topic of Food Intolerance Dr. Econs gives some interesting insights into western diets and the way we treat our foods. More podcasts from the Superdoc to follow shortly.. For more information, visit allergymedicaluk.com/ Recorded and Produced by James Econs