The table is a meeting place, a gathering ground, the source of sustenance and nourishment, festivity, safety, and satisfaction. A person cooking is a person giving: Even the simplest food is a gift.
Laurie Colwin
General Overview:
We spend a tremendous amount of our lives as human beings in relationship with food. Meal planning, shopping, preparing, and eating cannot be avoided (even if we only purchase and eat microwavable boxed meals).
On top of this; food is very often a social event. Whether it is going out to a restaurant or simply sitting on the couch with your partner and co-watching TV.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this relationship was a good one? Something we look forward to and feel fulfilled by? Unfortunately this isn’t the case for all of us.
Struggling with chronic food sensitivities can often make this relationship one of anxiety, worry, frustration, and a whole host of unpleasant physical symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue and headaches to constipation and acid reflux.
If you want to change your relationship from one of discomfort and anxiety to one of joy that energizes you then you are in the right place. Chronic food/chemical sensitivities are 1 of the most common issues I see in the clinic and this whole section is devoted to them.
*Note that while I focused on food in this introduction; chronic chemical sensitivities are just as challenging of a relationship and they share many overlaps in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As you work your way through this section I will spend time focusing on each (food vs chemical) both together and separately.
Western Terminology:
In Western medicine we LOVE to break things down into categories, and it is no different here.
There is from the Western perspective a difference between a “Food Allergy” and a “Food Sensitivity”.
Food Allergy:
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Symptoms range from mildly unpleasant to those requiring emergency procedures and typically start within a few minutes to 2 hours after eating the offending food (although not always.)
The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching
- Hives or rashes
- Swelling (often of the lips, face, tongue or throat)
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Food Intolerance:
A food intolerance does not involve the immune system and instead is a sign that your digestive system can’t effectively break down certain foods.
Symptoms affect your digestive system including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
- Bloating
Treatment Options in Western Medicine:
Food Allergies may resolve on their own in time or they may not. There are some treatments available that focus on calming down the immune system reaction usually through small exposure (similar to the concept of a flu shot).
If allergies are life threatening emergency procedures such as the use of an Epi-Pen can be used.
Food Sensitivities are often managed simply through avoidance (don’t eat it).
*Note here that I am focusing on the standard medical perspective which does not include various supplements or other alternative therapies.
