Grains, a double edged sword

Grains have been a staple for any and all agricultural based societies, and in the last 40 years or so the push for "whole grains" has gone from primarily breads to sugary overly processed junk foods. So what makes this intense push for whole grain consumption so dangerous? The agonizing side effects that are drastically on the rise... grain allergies!

Grains contain lectins (sugar binding proteins) and they don't break down very easily. They do a very good job resisting even the most extreme environment of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, even when they've been soaked and cooked prior to consumption. In fact more than half of these lectins consumed can remain "immunologically" intact within the digestive tract, and as with all partially undigested foods this can lead to serious damage. As those with food allergies know all too well, when any concentration of undigested food particles enters the intestines the intestinal wall becomes compromised allowing some particles to pass through. Once in the bloodstream these foreign proteins wreak havoc on the body, and in response the body's natural defense is for the immune system to wage an all-out attack. This natural inflammatory response is the allergic reaction that allergy sufferers are all too familiar with. But here is where things get a bit more "cloak and dagger"...

"The profound destruction that lectins are capable of lies in the autoimmune response they can trigger. The protein sequence in some lectins is almost identical to tissues in the human body. Once the lectins pass through the compromised tight junctions and into the bloodstream, they cause tremendous and tragic damage in a process called molecular mimicry." The Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Keith page 150-151

They can resemble or even mimic protein sequences in other grains which can cause those with a gluten allergy to be allergic to gluten free grains or vise versa. Perhaps even more dangerous though is their ability to mimic protein sequences within the body itself, such as joint cartilage or the sheaths that cover nerves. Others mimic sequences found in various organs like the kidneys and pancreas. This basically results in the body attacking itself.

So what does all this mean? From the author of "The Vegetarian Myth" Lierre Keith's point of view, we (humans) are meat eaters and are not designed by nature to consume grains, especially not to the extreme that we as a society do. From my point of view... I don't know if I have a definitive opinion yet, but being as driven as I am to achieve optimal health without the aid of modern medicine I am surly open to new theories; so long as their not backed by greedy corrupt mega corporations.

I will say though that knowing this (possible truth about grains) makes me very happy and proud of my freezer full of local organic grass-fed meats!

1 in 12 Kids may Have Food Allergies!

A recent headline reads "1 in 12 Kids may have food allergies", and nearly 40 of those affected have severe reactions!

With statistics like this you would think researchers, physicians, and the FDA would put the much needed time, effort, and money into where it's needed the most (our nation's food industry) and fix this broken system that is taking it's toll on an all too trusting public.

I have posted a number of times regarding my thoughts on what I feel is an obvious link between food allergies and the way we (as a society) eat, or more accurately what we're not eating. The average American is an ideal breeding ground for inflammation in all its many forms. This is an indisputable ugly fact with more and more evidence piling up in the form of diseases and disorders; heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, food allergies, and basically any other organ/tissue/muscle/tendon related ailment.

The majority of people have 12-20 times the amount of Omega-6 (which promotes inflammation) compared to Omega-3 (one of nature's best anti-inflammatories) in their body, and this equals trouble plain and simple. We live in an a fast paced world of quick and easy ready to eat overly processed pre-made meals that are high in everything that we don't need (saturated fat, sodium, omega-6, and countless cancer causing chemicals) and more or less lacking in anything beneficial to our health.

So what's the answer you ask?

How about this...

1. Eat More LOCAL ORGANIC fresh produce and Eat Less pre-packaged already prepared non-organic "fresh or frozen" vegetables
2. Eat More ORGANIC LOCALLY RAISED PASTURED meats, poultry and eggs and Eat Less of the corn-fed antibiotic and hormone infused non-organic grocery store bought kind.
3. Eat Less processed foods and MAKE SURE those that you do eat are ORGANIC with minimal ingredients.
4. Know Where you food is coming from and DEMAND ORGANIC SUSTAINABLE practices.
5. MAKE MORE meals from scratch and STOP looking for meal shortcuts
   
6. CARE about what you feed yourself and your family and STOP ASSUMING others have your needs and your health in mind.
7. LIVE Happy and Healthy!
   

Allergies and Inflammation

I would like to show the link between Allergies and Inflammation, and give my opinion on why I feel the dramatic rise in allergies (both food and seasonal) reported in the United States has a direct link to this country's food source.

As you know inflammation in one form or another is at the heart of most all of the rising health epidemics in this country; whether its Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tendonitis, Bursitis, cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Asthma, and many other diseases and disorders that affect nearly every organ in the body.

But what about allergies? Well we know that when the body suffers an allergic reaction, this reaction is an natural inflammatory response to what your body perceives as foreign, harmful, unwanted intruders within the body. The more severe the threat is perceived to be, the more severe the reaction.

Although this is a natural response by the immune system intended to protect the body, there is nothing natural about the dramatic rise in allergies as well as the severity of these allergies for which our population is suffering from. More and more children and adults alike are being diagnosed with severe allergies at an alarming rate, and its time the medical community sees the connection.

Now we've all been told been told the basics; take an Omega-3 supplement and eat a "Mediterranean" diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and poultry, while limiting your intake of red meat and eggs, depending on what the "latest studies" have shown in a given year... That's where it stops though, and THAT is where the problem lies!

Omega-3 fatty acid is probably one of the most important anti-inflammatories that nature has provided us with, but the problem is we are not getting it naturally. Nature has provided a healthy menu rich in Omega-3 for all of its Herbivores that natural free-graze or free-range to dine from (grass and or plants), on the other hand industrialized farming has conveniently cut this healthy food source out of their diet and replaced it with grains (primarily corn) which are naturally high in Omega-6; this goes for all of the beef, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs that you will find at the grocery store as well as at any fast food joint and at most all restaurants.

So it is no wonder that the healthy ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 that must be maintained within the body (approximately 1:1 omega-6 to omega-3) has been drastically distorted to the extent of 10:1 (to in some cases nearly 20:1) for the average American!

Omega-6 in excess promotes inflammation while Omega-3 has been said to act as microscopic ice packs working from within the body to reduce inflammation.

My point is this, you can't put out a gas fire by sprinkling some water on it. Unless you cut off the fuel the fire will continue to burn, and the same goes for inflammation within the body. You can't simply say take an Omega-3 supplement and maintain a diet of fish and poultry (instead of red meat), if the fish and poultry you are eating are fueling the fire.

Make sure you eat only organic pastured meats, poultry, and eggs, all rich in Omega-3, and stop inflammation at the source!

Food Allergy Travel Tip

My wife and I recently got back from a 3 day trip out of state, and I am happy to say food was not an issue!

With any trip come the stresses of the pre-trip preparations... Did I bring all necessary identification? Do I have enough cloths? Will my toothpaste, sunscreen, face lotion, shampoo, and whatever else fit into that annoying 1qrt bag? And if you are one of the "lucky ones" living with a food allergy, what about food?

For this trip I decided to do something a little different, aside from packing some essential soy/dairy free snacks (and lunch for the airport of course), I decided to do a little Google searching for organic food markets in the area where we were staying. To my surprise I found a great health food store, with a juice bar, that resembled a similar store in our home town that my wife and I frequent weekly; so much so that it made food shopping for meals and snacks stress-free!

So before you travel, while you're on the internet searching for the cheapest plane tickets and best deals on a hotel or rental car, take a few minutes to search the area near where you will be staying. Food-wise the more "at home" you feel, well, the better you will feel!

Omega-3 Supplements

I've been searching high and low for a good omega-3 supplement ever since I realized that I had a soy allergy. It seemed every brand (pill or liquid) had either soy lecithin or vitamin E (always derived from soy), all of which left me fishing for another brand...

I have recently come across a brand that not only does not contain soy in any way (or so they assured me when I inquired about it), but seems to be (at first glance) a decent supplement; ingredients derived from a good clean source as well as free of artificial additives and fillers. I am still waiting to see what my kinesiologist thinks of it, and only time will tell whether or not I experience any sort of allergic reaction from taking them... as I'm sure the rest of you soy allergy sufferers know, all it takes is a trace of soy to spark a reaction.

The brand name is Salmon Oil Plus and it's distributed by GNLD International. I will keep you posted as to my own personal "testimonial", and I would be very interested in hearing yours.

Stay healthy!

Obesity, put the blame where it belongs... Your Diet!

I found an article in health news this morning to be quite interesting and wanted to share it with you...

The article, titled "Fat epidemic linked to chemicals run amok", is claiming that a recent discovery of natural and synthetic chemicals, being referred to as obesogens (how clever), could be to blame for this countries obesity problem as well as the many obesity related diseases. There is actually a sub heading to this article that reads "Fast food not solely to blame for obesity, new research suggests."

At first glance I began to think here we go again, blaming everything but an unhealthy diet for this countries many health related problems that have all reached epidemic proportions, but the meat of the article takes on a very interesting subject which puts a lot of long overdue blame where it belongs; on toxic chemicals both environmental as well as in this countries mainstream food supply and commonly used products. I have listed a few examples below, from the article, to help drive home a point I've been posting about for some time.

• The dangers of pesticides in our fruits and vegetables... "Every day the average American is exposed to an estimated 10 to 13 different pesticides and/or their metabolites (breakdown products) through food, beverages, and drinking water.Some of those chemicals can mimic estrogen during development, which can lead to weight gain later in life. Others can spur unnecessary fat-cell formation at any age."

The solution... "According to the Environmental Working Group, you can reduce your pesticide exposure by nearly 80 percent simply by choosing organic versions of the 12 fruits and vegetables shown in its tests to contain the highest pesticide load."

• Hormones steroids and antibiotics in our beef supply may be disrupting the way our own body's hormone system operates.
  

The solution... "Organic beef has none of the weight-promoting steroid hormones of conventional beef, while grass-fed beef has been found to have more omega-3s and more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a fatty-acid mixture that's been linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and diabetes; it can also help you lose weight, according to a meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

• The dangers of Soy and Corn which is being fed to all of the non-free grazed meat being sold in this country, and is found in all processed foods as fillers preservatives and proteins (SOY) or as sugar (High Fructose CORN Syrup).
  

In other words... "The result of all that extra soy could be — get ready for it — more fat. This is particularly true for people who were given soy-based formula as infants. You see, soy contains two naturally occurring chemicals, genistein and daidzein, both of which are estrogenics, which can spur the formation of fat cells... High-fructose corn syrup, too, has been fingered by some experts as a possible player in the obesity crisis. HFCS is found in countless items, from bread to ketchup to Life Savers to cough medicine. Recent research indicates that a diet high in HFCS may trick your brain into craving more food even when you don't need it."

What we eat means everything, so make the right choice and eat health... Fresh Organic fruits and vegetables, natural whole grains and legumes, free grazed beef poultry and eggs, wild caught fish, and very little processed foods.

Don't Ignore Your Body

I've learned this myself the hard way and continue to tell others this when I see them going down the same road I did... Don't ignore your body!

Our body speaks to us all the time letting us know when we are mistreating it, whether it's physically (pushing ourselves too hard with physical labor be it at the gym, at work, or at home), or mentally, or and for the sake of this post, with our diets (food allergies). When you eat something that you are allergic to and ignore the symptoms; stomach pains, intestinal issues, ear aches, headaches, hives, swelling... you are damaging your digestive system and ultimately your immune system.

I've mentioned this in earlier posts, how (from my own personal experience) ignoring symptoms of a dairy allergy affected me and my body's ability to properly digest other foods, resulting in (in my opinion) my food allergy to soy, along with a handful of other health issues most of which I have since fixed.

I bring this topic up again because of a question a fellow co-worker asked me today. She informed me of an allergic reaction she had over the weekend to something she ate, and also mentioned that she feels she has become allergic to more and more foods over the past few years; she blames it on "getting older", I disagree. I reminded her of a few other food allergies that she has had for some time now (chocolate and cherries to name a few) that she continues to consume and continues to ignore her body's cry for help. She will eat the chocolate and complain about the headaches that always follow or the cherries and comment on the numbness/pins-and-needles feeling in the tongue and lips, but doesn't seem to realize that these seemingly insignificant reactions are the body's way of trying to alarm her to a much more serious issue going on inside her.

When our bodies cannot break down the proteins within a food, it causes poorly digested food to enter the small intestine. These undigested food particles collect along the intestinal wall, damaging the lining and allowing some of these undigested food molecules to enter the bloodstream where they are perceived as being foreign bodies attacking the body. This is what triggers histamines to be released causing the inflammatory response we all know as itching, swelling, pain...

Unfortunately most people think that if the allergic reaction isn't anaphylactic shock it's no big deal, and that's where we are so wrong. It's not just the undigested food molecules that escape into the bloodstream that we need to worry about, but the effects it has as well as those that collect on the inner lining of the intestinal wall, have on our immune system. Once the integrity of the intestinal wall is compromised it's like we've opened Pandora's Box, allowing parasites and unwanted bacteria to thrive which can only lead to bad news.

It has been documented that food allergies are the cause of many of the chronic health issues so many people are living with and this include a hyper sensitivity to other foods. It's a snowball effect that inevitably makes us susceptible to many diseases and illnesses.

So we can choose to address a food allergy with the urgency it requires, or ignore it and deal with the debilitating and eventually lethal effect it has on our body.

Updated Allergy Replacements

I have recently updated my post on allergy replacements (both Dairy and Soy) and urge you to take a look.

I have added some new products that I have found along my journey to a healthier allergy-free self, as well as removed some that I have found to be intolerable or simply not the best choice.

Stay Allergy Free!

Allergy Alert Cards part 2

I have used my Allergy Alert Cards again while dining out recently and to no surprise they were once again a success!

They really take the guess work out of preparing meals for those with food allergies. They Quickly draw attention to your particular food allergy, and Clearly list the foods/ingredients that are to be avoided especially the not so obvious ones.

And if you're like me with a food allergy such as Soy that seems to be hiding everywhere and in everything, then a sigh of relief you can finally take and enjoy that healthy allergy free meal.

Remember a healthy you starts with what you eat, so be smart... Eeat healthy and allergy free!

Soy Free And Going Strong

I vaguely remember my last soy allergy outbreak, and that's a good thing. It's been a little over two years now since I found out about my food allergies and started this crusade to stay soy and dairy free, but for me it's more than just avoiding an allergic reaction; it's about being healthy. I've learned so much over these past few years about how the body works and how we abuse it with unhealthy diets, and that's been my driving force. I was never an unhealthy person, but I was shocked to find out how far from healthy I truly was.

We can all stand to improve our lives and you have to start somewhere, so why not put your diet on the hot seat.

If you (like most Americans) suffer from some sort of chronic pain disorder or illness, then I suggest starting with an allergy test. One simple test can check you for hundreds of possible food intolerances, and eliminating them from your diet has to be JOB 1. Now that you're not poisoning your body with allergens, it's time to rebuild that gut and ultimately your immune system. At the same time it's important to focus your diet around fresh organic whole foods, and limit your intake of processed foods.

You will be surprised, no amazed at how much healthier you will feel and will finally see for yourself the connection between an unhealthy diet and those chronic pains and illnesses that most have excepted as part of "growing older".

Remember this, if you eat shi... than expect to feel that way.

Overcoming Food Allergies

I often hear from others, even some with food allergies themselves, the same statement followed by the same question; "I'd die if I had a soy allergy... it's in everything, what can you eat?"

When I first found out about my food allergies (dairy and soy), and the impact soy has on the typical Americans diet, I went to my kinesiologist with the same panic in my voice asking him the very same question. His answer was simply and straight to the point... He said Mike there are many cultures out their most if not all far healthier than ours that have been existing for hundreds of years on diets that do not consist of dairy or soy", and he was right.

So the answer I give to those who ask me "it's in everything, what can I eat?", is just as simple and straight to the point... you can eat healthy.

It's really that simple. At first glance we think soy is in everything, but look a little deeper and you will see what I have; that most everything soy is in is unhealthy. It's in most any and all processed foods, so much so that the average shopper may feel there is nothing left in the grocery store safe for them to buy.
That is because most people are use to eating a diet high in processed foods, and not the healthier variety.

Introduce yourself to the produce aisle, and enjoy all the fresh organic produce you can find. Then introduce yourself to the organic section of your local food store (or your local health food store) and look for substitutes for the few processed foods you are sure to still purchase. Always look for those foods with the fewest ingredients; all natural, no preservatives and no additives of any kind.

See that wasn't so hard after all.

Allergy Awareness

With food allergies on the rise in this country allergy awareness becomes even more import, and with children being affected at such an alarming rate it is crucial we do what we can to stay one step ahead.

This means education is crucial, and not just about the particular food allergy you (or your child suffers from) but about nutrition and a healthy diet as well. I believe (and research shows) that a major cause of this disturbing growth rate of diagnosed food allergy cases can be contributed at least in part to unhealthy diets (although I am a firm believer that an unhealthy diet is the MAJOR cause of most health problems in this country).

It is time we migrate away from the processed foods that make up the better part of most typical American diets, and all of the chemicals, additives, and preservatives that come hand-in-hand with these science experiments, and move in the direction of healthier one; fresh organic produce, organic whole foods, and organic grass fed beef poultry and eggs.

Allergy awareness also means alerting others, especially for kids. An interesting site I recently came across Allergy Apparel takes awareness and makes it fun, so check it out!

Hemp Milk Ice Cream

I've always enjoyed a little vanilla ice cream now and again... a good summertime treat. Of course all that changed when I found out I had a dairy and soy allergy. I went a good year or so before I started looking for a good dairy and soy alternative. Along the way I have found (and posted) about some of my favorites; Laloos Mission Fig Goat Milk Ice Cream (very tasty, but not cheap at $7+ a qrt), and then there was Coconut flavored Sorbet (not quite vanilla ice cream but very tasty non the less).

Just recently though I stumbled on Hemp Milk Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (by Living Harvest). It's marketed as a great dairy and soy alternative, as well as cholesterol free, gluten free, and vegan, and I couldn't agree more. This is a very tasty treat that not only is the perfect vanilla ice cream replacement, at $5 and change a qrt it's a little easier on the wallet as well.

As far as nutrition goes hemp seeds or nuts are a very nutritious and a complete food source, containing all the necessary amino acids and fatty acids (great source of omega-3) required for sustaining human life.

It also comes in Mint Chip, Coffee Biscotti, Chocolate Fudge, and Coconut Lime, for those who are looking for something a little more exotic than vanilla.

So enjoy this summertime treat (in moderation of course) and remember a food allergy does not have to be a prison sentence when it comes to healthy tasty menu choices.

Back To The Food Basics

If you suffer from food allergies then staying allergy outbreak free is your primary goal. This can seem like a daunting task, and to many an apparent losing battle. The truth is though that it's not only doable, but it will prove to be a winning battle in more ways than you may realize.

Allergies are a big problem in this country, and studies show that food allergies just may be the primary cause of much of the all too commonly suffered health issues Americans are facing. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be stressed enough, and our shift over the years from home cooked meals made from fresh all natural ingredients to the age of processed foods, and the increase in diagnosed cases of food allergies is no coincidence.

Our bodies were designed to eat what nature provided, a smorgasbord of natural organic whole foods (or simply put un-fooled around with), so it should come as no surprise that when we make a shift in our diet to mainly processed foods closer resembling something from a chemists lab rather than a garden that the state of our health (as a species) is quickly deteriorating.

It's been a long time since most people have really stopped to analyze what exactly it is they are eating. Our bodies are designed to run on a handful of core nutrients (vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, amino acids, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) not MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Chemicals, Preservatives, Food Colorings, Refined Sugars and Flowers or whatever else these lab rats (with no concept of diet and nutrition) can dream up.

All it takes is years of depleting our bodies of these core nutrients and replacing them with toxins to severely compromise our state of health. A weekend immune system can lead to diseases, chronic pains, allergies, and most of the other health issues we as a civilization are facing.

So get back to the food basics and give your body what it needs to survive!

A Food Allergy Reminder

Don't forget to discuss with your waiter or waitress your food allergies so they are aware of your situation. I bring this up because of an outing over the weekend at an Italian restaurant, which made the typical dairy allergy faux pas.

After going down the menu with the waiter, nixing those items that contained either soy or dairy, I settled on something that both sounded appealing as well as soy and dairy allergy safe; baked chicken breasts with roasted red peppers and potatoes topped with a balsamic vinaigrette. They use olive oil as most Italian restaurants do (not vegetable oil) and the vinaigrette was allergy safe as well.

When I received the meal I noticed that there were cooked carrots on the plate which was not listed on the menu; had it been I would have made sure they did not put butter on them. Well, they of course did and I of course (having experience at this) new this was the case (the waiter confirmed). Anyway, I enjoyed the rest of the meal, and sidestepped the carrots.

The moral of the story is, don't assume the menu lists all of the meals ingredients; be sure to ask questions. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Healthy Diets on Vacataion

So is it possible to maintain a healthy diet while on vacation?

I just recently got back from a trip to Las Vegas (Sin City!), where everything is as over-the-top as it gets. Its glitzy ostentatious vibe can be felt even before you leave the plane, with the hotel casinos in all their splendor decorating an otherwise barren landscape, standing as tall as the mountains surrounding the valley itself. From that first sight out the airplane window, to the strip lit up like a runway... from the casino floors to the overpriced food on the many restaurant menus, the gluttonous ambiance that is Vegas can be felt everywhere.

So what's the health conscious traveler to do in a town where appearance and presentation are everything? Is it even possible to find a healthy meal, something that hasn't been bathed soaked and or infused with butter? Or refined sugar? Or soy for that matter (in the form of vegetable oil)? If you suffer from a dairy or a soy allergy like myself it can be an interesting experience, but not impossible.

For breakfasts I stuck with the buffet; all the casinos have them, and it's the best place to find a variety of somewhat healthy foods. There's always plenty of fruit and veggies, as well as eggs and locks to fill that protein part of your plate. Now are the fruit or vegetables organic, or the eggs from free grazed chickens, or the salmon "wild caught"? Probably not, but when you’re on the road (out of your elements), "healthy" has to be put in perspective. Non-organic fruit and veggies are definitely a healthier choice than pastries, crapes, or anything topped with whipped cream and some berry flavored syrup.

The buffet also can cover you for those snacks throughout the day... I took some fruit for the road every time.

As far as lunch goes I was always able to find a chicken salad of some variety at most of the restaurants within the casinos, substituting olive oil and balsamic vinegar for whatever dressing came that came with it, and minus the cheese that chefs love to add as if a salad can't just be a salad.

And for dinner it's simply a matter of navigating the menu for that soy or dairy free meal. The key here was simply letting the waitress or waiter know my allergy situation right off the bat, filling them in on the many places soy likes to hide and reminding them that "yes, butter is dairy" and "no, a little bit of butter is not ok".

So remember your next trip should be a vacation from the all too stressful day-to-day grind, but it doesn't have to be a vacation from your healthy lifestyle.

Traveling with Food Allergies

Dealing with food allergies can be challenging enough on your home turf, whether it's going out to a local restaurant, eating at a friend’s house, or even cooking in your own kitchen, but it's here in this "comfort zone" that you have the most control. Unfortunately when we travel, be it the next state, across the country, or abroad, our level of control drops with each respectively, each presenting their own unique challenges.

The easiest of the three to deal with is a trip to your neighboring state. Most likely a trip such as this is traveled by automobile, allowing you to pack most if not all the core foods you will need to ensure an allergy free mealtime experience.

Traveling across country on the other hand can be a bit trickier. Usually these types of trips are traveled by plane or train, significantly restricting what you are able to pack. And depending on where it is you are visiting, for instance a small town verses say Las Vegas, your dining out experience can be more or less accommodating.

Finally the most difficult of the traveling experiences is traveling abroad. Nothing complicates mealtime more than a language barrier, when it comes to food allergy awareness. I experienced this on my honeymoon. The trip was wonderful, the hotel was amazing (5 restaurants on site), but the language barrier did make for some stressful dining experiences.

For either of the last two situations, I suggest taking advantage of the "checked bag". Most airlines allow you one carry-on and one checked bag with the checked bag giving you a little more leeway as far as what can be packed. So if you have the room, pack a few of your favorites (the travel friendly ones of course), it could help you with filling some of the in-between meals and or snacks. When it comes to dining out, whether it’s an environment like Las Vegas where the restaurants lacks that owner/head-chef customer relationship, or a resort in another country where language is the issue the best thing you can do is make it a point to meet with the chef in charge of the hotel/casino/resort and fill him or her in on your allergy situation. I did this when I went to Mexico and it definitely helped. Another option is the buffets, there's usually fruit, vegetable, and salad you can safely consume without having to worry about contamination from other ingredients.

So if you’re traveling be smart, do your homework, and be prepared...oh and have fun!

A Natural Remedy in Your Own Back Yard

You would probably consider yourself unlucky if you had a black walnut tree on your property, especially if it were anywhere near your driveway (those golf ball to racket ball size walnuts can make a mess of your car). I know this because I grew up with one hanging over into our driveway, from reaching over from the neighbor's yard. I can remember always being alert when standing under it, quick to jump out of the way with little warning. Whether it was gravity alone or just a clumsy squirrel, those walnuts were not something you wanted hitting you in the head...the squirrels loved them though, and maybe they were on to something.

It turns out the green hull that surrounds the walnut (yes its green not black, but it stains black when exposed to the air) has very powerful anti parasitic, antiseptic, anti microbial, and anti fungal qualities, as well as being good for digestion and also useful as a mild laxative.

As you know consuming foods we are allergic to compromises the lining of the intestinal walls, which directly affects your immune system. It creates the perfect environment for parasites and bacteria to flourish. I battled this myself as a result of consuming dairy and soy for years, not realizing the harm it was causing my body; the constant ear infections, loose stool, stomach cramps, you name it.

It just so happens that the very walnut that tormented our yard and cars, would come to be an integral part of my recovery. My kinesiologist prescribed it, and along with other natural remedies, fixed the damage that years consuming milk and soy had done.

Wheat and Soy Free Dairy Replacements

Both my wife and I have a dairy allergy/intolerance, mine more severe but she tries to avoid it whenever possible. Then there's my soy allergy which I've managed, through a healthy diet, to avoid any sort of reaction in about 6 months. These restrictions alone can make finding a milk replacement tricky, but a recent allergy test taken by my wife at my request has made the search even more challenging.

My wife's decision to avoid dairy when possible is based more on common sense and simply being in tune with her body than from test results (i.e. if you notice it bothers you, don't wait for an allergy test to tell you to stay away), but recently at my request she took an allergy test only to find out that she has an intolerance to wheat. Besides the obvious food obstacles a wheat allergy can throw your way, there was one in particular that threw a wrench in our routine; oat milk was our favorite dairy replacement.

Since we like to create a kitchen environment that is food-friendly for all of our needs, it was back to the drawing board for finding a good replacement. As I've mentioned before, in previous posts, vanilla flavored almond milk is a good dairy and soy replacement, and it's definitely something we like to keep on hand, but it's not our only option.

Pacific Natural Foods also makes an “all natural” Hazel Nut milk, and it tastes great!

We were happy to find that we have more than one "nut milk" variety to switch off between, and both are stocked at our local health food store. So if allergies are preventing you from using milk in your favorite recipes, don't give up there's hope after all!

Listen to Your Body

It's very important when it comes to food allergies that you be honest with yourself. Ignoring even the slightest seemingly insignificant reaction could be an import warning from your body, that bigger more severe issues are right around the corner. I found this out the hard way with my own allergies (Soy and Dairy), and paid for it later in life. For years I was getting allot of wax buildup in my ears, and experiencing great pain deep within either ear, if I tried to sleep on my side. I was also having the typical gastrointestinal issues that one usually experiences when they have a dairy intolerance, but just like the ear issue I was ignoring the warning signs.

When the body doesn't digest food properly, especially on a regular basis, the lining of your intestines becomes compromised, and because the condition of your intestines is a direct indicator of the condition of your immune system the damage being done can have severe consequences. A weekend immune system opens the door to a world of problems, creating the perfect environment for unwanted bacteria and parasites to flourish making you susceptible to any number of viruses or diseases.

So be smart and listen to what your body is telling you, because you’re only fooling yourself.