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Food Allergy © Martyn Carruthers
We offer coaching and training on systemic psychology, dissolving
emotional problems, nonverbal communication and healthy relationships.
Might you have Food Allergies?
Did you know that food can cause negative emotions? As scientists study complex human biology, more data suggesting systemic and dietary factors underlying emotions are unveiled. Sadly, however, many health professionals only update their knowledge with information from drug manufacturers.
If you have periodic emotional swings, such as depression, aggression or hyperactivity, you may be allergic to common foods. You may suffer or you may take medications to manage your emotions. Wheat, corn, milk or potatoes, for example, seem to trigger emotional reactions in some people.
I was labeled ADD at school, and at work I was slower than the others. I felt depressed most mornings, although there was no reason for it. You suggested that I might avoid cereals and milk products for a couple of weeks. After two weeks I could think clearer – but a glass of milk could bring deep depression. (An allergist tested my skin and said that I was not allergic to milk.) I am now depression-free – unless I eat milk products! Cardiff, Wales
Food sensitivities or allergies may (unconsciously) associate a certain food with a forgotten illness or a life crisis. If intense anxiety or depression during a childhood disease or a family crisis, is associated with a common food – later, that food may trigger some of the symptoms of the illness … or the crisis.
Allergies to Common Foods
If you are allergic to common foods like milk, wheat, corn products and potatoes – you may not react physically (such as a rash or difficult breathing) – you may react emotionally. Common emotional reactions to food allergies include aggression, depression and hyperactivity.
If you have emotional reactions to everyday foods, you probably don’t notice your reactions – instead you assume that your reactions are part of who you are. You’re not alone – information about food allergies are rarely taught to health professionals. It comprises a hidden epidemic.
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause almost any symptom, from hyperactivity and inability to concentrate to rashes and watery eyes. Food allergies can cause mood swings, foggy thinking, aggression, sleepiness and hyperactivity. Children with food allergies are more likely to have asthma, respiratory infections, learning disorders and/or behavior problems. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health problems.
Learning Disabilities
Although it is a criminal offence to give addictive drugs to children – millions of children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) are compelled to take addictive amphetamines such as Ritalin.
Many children burdened with a label of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) or some other learning disorder may have one or more underlying problems, such as toxic family relationships, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivity or learning disabilities.
Food Allergies & Drugs
If you or your child take psychiatric drugs, discuss the need for medications with a doctor who takes time to talk about food allergies. Much post-graduate education of health professionals is by drug companies – many doctors have a conditioned reflex to prescribe more drugs.
Ritalin, for example, does not cure symptoms associated with learning disabilities, nor address the underlying causes of those symptoms. Although the causes of many symptoms may be resolved by systemic coaching or dietary change, you or a child may already be addicted to amphetamine.
Many people with food allergies control their emotions with nicotine, alcohol, anti-depressants or amphetamines. Yet – as they remove allergic foods from their diets – they may find that they don’t need the medications – but may be addicted to the drugs. Health professionals may advise people to keep taking addictive drugs to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.
Many people react to chemicals, although some of these people may also have genetic defects. Solutions include reducing incoming toxic chemicals from the environment and removing toxic chemicals already inside the body.
Food allergies are difficult to diagnose and treat. Skin tests are unreliable and blood tests can be inconclusive. An allergist may ask you to avoid suspect foods, and put you on a diet that eliminates various foods. If your symptoms decline, the allergist may guide you to re-introduce foods one at a time to help identify which food is problematic.
Drug manufacture and distribution are very profitable businesses.
Please consult a medical doctor before changing any prescribed medication.