WHAT TO AVOID WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOOD SENSITIVITIES
Are you gassy, bloated, suffering from stomach aches, brain fog, fatigue, irritability, migraines, itchy skin, hives, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, muscles or joint pain? You suspect it’s a food but not sure where to start? Eliminating the most common food allergens is one place to start to reduce inflammation in your gut.
GO GRAIN FREE
Gluten isn’t the only grain on the block causing trouble. Gluten free grains/seeds can be problematic too – oats, rice, buckwheat, amaranth, millet and quinoa can irritate as well. Gluten containing grains: couscous, tabouli, kamut, spelt, kamut, farro, durum, bulgur, semolina, barley, rye, triticale and non-gluten free oats. Ditch these for a bit to give the gut lining a break.
GO DAIRY FREE
Dairy products from cows are hard for humans to digest and typically it’s either the casein, a milk protein or lactose, a milk sugar that cause trouble. Goat’s milk seems to be an option for some while others may do well with almond, flax, coconut or cashew milk. The alternative milks may be an irritant due to their added stabilizers such as guar gum and carrageenan. It is best to either make your own milks from nuts or seeds or consider coconut milk from non-BPA lined cans
GO NIGHTSHADE FREE
Avoid the common nightshade veggies – tomato, potato (this means sweet potato too), eggplant, peppers (paprika, black pepper, bell pepper, spicy peppers) and goji berries
AVOID LEGUMES
Legumes: lentils, peas, peanuts, soybeans, chick peas, green beans and anything else that carries the bean name behind it. Soybeans aka edamame are legumes and can irritate your digestive system lining as they are one of the most genetically modified foods on the market. Legumes are hard for humans to breakdown and most of us consume portions beyond what we can break down. Let your gut lining heal a bit by avoiding these guys for a while.
GO LOW HISTAMINE
Histamines play a huge factor in food sensitivities. Avoid these high histamine foods and let your belly heal: strawberries, bananas, avocado, nuts, lunch meats, cured meats (sausages/bacon), olives, aged cheese, food that has been sitting out for more than a few hours, left overs past one day, shellfish, anchovies, alcohol, beans, pickled or fermented foods, smoked meat, chocolate, vinegar, papaya, citrus fruits and teas with caffeine.
AVOID PROCESSED FOODS
If you are consuming foods that are not in their natural state that nature intended ie: in boxes, bags or frozen ; you are adding extra preservatives and color additives to your diet that you can be sensitive to.
GO WITH ORGANIC WHEN YOU
CAN
You don’ t have to purchase everything organic but make sure that apples, celery, nectarines, peaches, pears, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, spinach, kale, and collards are all purchased organic as they are heavily treated with pesticides.
EAT SIMPLY
Less is always more in this case. Make meals with 5 ingredients or less so that the body has time to repair and process . Eat proper portions and slow down to focus on your meals. Chew 25 times per bite to not overload your digestive system with huge pieces of food.
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