EXCITING NEW APPROACH TO FOOD SENSITIVITY

You may or may not know, but the foods that you consume have a powerful influence on your body. If you can recall, some foods may trigger your body to act if different ways. Maybe consuming too much sugar gives you headaches, or eating a fried fish sandwich sends your stomach on a roller coaster ride? Whatever it maybe, many individuals have food sensitivities of which they are not aware.

How do you know if you have a food sensitivity? After consuming a meal your body will immediately react, and you may feel symptoms of sneezing or congestion. You may experience swelling in your throat, or an itchy tongue. This would be most likely an allergic reaction. However, there are more people who are sensitive to food rather than allergic. Unlike an allergic "attack" when you are sensitive to food, you may not notice until hours, or even days after.

Food sensitivities are often overlooked because these symptoms are not commonly associated with foods you have eaten. Common food sensitivity side effects are headaches, chronic sinus congestion, aching muscles and joints feeling drained. Many doctors believe that food sensitivities can affect your mind, mood swings, temper, and maybe cause you to become irritable.

Did you know that fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue, has been thought to flare up when triggered by certain foods or ingredients? Many people find relief with this painful condition when avoiding some foods like chocolate, coffee, sodas, and carbonated beverages to name a few.

Food sensitivities are even associated with food addictions and can be causes of weight problems for reasons you would not expect. Food addictions often occur with foods highest in sugar and fat causing your body to crave these high calorie foods, causing excessive weight gain, and a cycle of compulsive eating. Food sensitivities have also been known to create water retention.

Some chronic symptoms attributed with food sensitivities are Digestion: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating; Emotions: anxiety, fear, nervousness, anger, "binge" eating, depression Energy and Activity: fatigue, drowsiness, lack of energy; Mind: poor memory, concentration; Skin: hives, rashes, dry skin, excessive sweat- ing, acne, hair loss, irritation around the eyes; Throat and Mouth: coughing, sore throat, hoarseness swelling/pain, and sores on tongue, gums, and lips. There are many other symp-toms this just names a few.

How do you know which foods that you are sensitive to in particular? Blood testing is available through your physician's office that can be interpreted by a registered dietitian. In addition, if you practice eating mindfully and use your yoga most efficiently, you will often intuitively know which foods are or are not in your highest good. Also, balance is the key to not taking the food sensitivity theory to extreme. When it becomes an excuse for everything and you begin to cut out way too many food groups, this will not serve you in the long run.

The bottom line is that one eating plan does not fit all. Become aware, take care of yourself and strike a balance.

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Next Reconnect with Food series begins on July 9th in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Check our website for more information about Reconnect with Food Intensive Retreat, Friday, September 19th - Sunday, September 21st in Traverse City, MI-- one of the most beautiful resort areas in Michigan.