Day 18 - How Do I Know Which Foods Are Causing Me Problems?

Today, I talked to a lady who told me she suspects some food may be causing some problems for her.  She told me she has some very mild symptoms that have developed in recent years, she really believes it's something in her diet, but she hasn't been able to pinpoint any certain food that could be causing a reaction.

She made it plain that her troubles just really aren't serious enough for her to look further into it. 

I guess I can understand that kind of thinking in this day and age of too many troubles and not enough sleep; to worry about a little problem that isn't really disrupting one's life would take time and energy away from some other interest.  

However, what I wish more people realized is how quickly a little problem can become a big problem.

I can't stress enough that every symptom is a message from your body that something is not right.  Just as bruising, swelling and pain after a bad fall might signify a broken bone - and you wouldn't just let that go - food intolerances can present a variety of symptoms that need to be acknowledged and taken seriously.  Heaven only knows how many countless people are out there suffering from fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders and don't know the cause - people who are treating symptoms, with synthetic drugs, and are still suffering.  

The simple fact is, if you have chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune disease, or other chronic health problems, chances are good that you could find some relief by making changes in your diet.  

And for all the naysayers out there, my argument remains: even if it doesn't help you, there is no way putting real, healthy food into your body and cutting out chemicals and processed "foods"can hurt you!  You only stand to benefit from changing the way you think about food!

So, how do you know if your problems are due to something you ate?  The easiest way to learn is by following an elimination diet - similar to the one I am presenting this month.  

I have been eating specifically for candida, which means cutting out sugar.  You don't really need to go that far, but it's a good idea if you are serious about getting to the very bottom of your health issues.  Just look at some of the symptoms of candida overgrowth.  You never know, the root of your troubles may be right there in your gut - which ultimately means, on your plate.

After following an elimination diet - cutting out the most common "trigger foods" (gluten, dairy, corn, and common allergens like soy, peanuts and tree nuts), as well as all artificial ingredients, you can slowly reintroduce different foods back into the diet, and see if you have any negative reactions.  

It's that easy!

Of course, if you are willing to get serious and make some big changes, you can also find out which foods are actually helpful for specific problems - like inflamation, irritable bowel, thyroid disease, etc.  Research and listening to your body are the keys!