Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time or another. The symptoms are familiar: mood swings, cramping and bloating, trouble sleeping. Fortunately, alternative therapies and dietary changes are now providing many women with relief.
Reducing salt, alcohol and caffeine for a few days before your period should help with the bloating and mood swings. Some women have been helped by limiting sugar during this week as well. Be sure to get plenty of vitamin B-6, which can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish, poultry and potatoes. Vitamin E has also been found to have a positive effect on premenstrual symptoms.
Research has shown that the consumption of fat increases estrogen levels, so reducing the amount of fat that you consume will help normalize estrogen levels and ease premenstrual syndrome. Increasing your intake of whole grains and fibers will help your body to eliminate the excess estrogen in your system. Combine
the two and you have a powerful weapon against cramps and bloating.
Calcium has also shown significant results when used to treat premenstrual symptoms. Taken with manganese and vitamin D, calcium aided in concentration, reduced cramping, bloating and mood swings. You can get plenty of dietary calcium in green leafy vegetables and legumes.
Evening primrose oil has also been used to treat premenstrual syndrome. It is rich in omega 6 fatty acids that seem to act as an anti-inflammatory in the body, helping relieve cramps. These fatty acids are found in salmon, mackerel and tuna as well as safflower, sunflower and grapeseed oil.
Before turning to prescription or over-the-counter medications for premenstrual syndrome, try making some dietary changes. You may get to feel better quickly, without resorting to popping pills!
Sandra Kim Leong publishes information on food diet and nutrition remedies for common health ailments. For resources and free articles, please visit http://www.food-diet-remedy.com
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Hello friends,
Welcome once again to your regular healthy living bulletin. This week I want to talk about carbohydrates. While I am working in class and with my clients, I find that there is still a lot of confusion about Carbohydrates. I largely blame this on the Atkins frenzy, which although past its peak, has left many of us wary of this essential food group. We have been lead to view this important nutrient with caution, associating it with weight gain, wheat allergies and bloating. Billion-dollar industries propagated the myth that carbohydrates were bad and caused weight gain, and then sold us diets and foods, and meal-replacement bars etc. These diets and products have been endorsed by celebrities who have lost huge (and often unhealthy) amounts of weight QUICKLY. There are many bizarre products on offer which are low-carbohydrate versions of favorite foods, including low-carb pastas! Many of these are over-processed and crammed with all sorts of rubbish including Hydrogenated fats bulking agents and additives. They are never a healthy option and should be avoided.The main function of carbohydrate in the body is to provide our cells with energy. Carbohydrates fall into two groups; complex and simple. Complex carbohydrates are found in vegetables, beans, lentils, fruits, wholegrains (rye, wheat, oats, barley, wholemeal flour, pastas and noodles, brown and wild rice). Simple carbohydrates include honey, raw sugar, and refined foods, sugar, flour, pasta, white rice, and refined cereals. The refining process strips the foods of their original vitamin and mineral content, leaving them lower in nutrition.
Sugars are the simplest form of carbohydrates. They are an essential source of energy, and the simplest form is glucose. The body uses pure glucose, but our digestive system is designed to break down complex carbohydrates from plant materials in order to gain energy from glucose. This process takes time and releases the glucose sugars into our blood stream slowly. Obtaining sugars from grains, fruits and vegetables ensures that the body also receives high levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibre, where as simple sugars provide- only sugar. This is known as ‘empty calories.’
60% of your daily calories should come from mainly complex carbohydrates. This may sound like a lot. Research has shown that people with healthy weights and people who are overweight often eat the same amount of carbohydrate, but it is the type of carbohydrates that cause weight gain. Individuals who eat a diet rich in complex carbohydrate tend to be of a healthy weight, individuals whose diet is rich in simple carbohydrates tend to be overweight.
The constant modern consumption of simple carbohydrates (white breads, sugar, cakes, biscuits, high-sugar breakfast cereals, chips) confuses the body leading to energy dips, tiredness, food cravings, weight gain, inefficient metabolism and in some cases Type 2 or Maturity Onset Diabetes. Risks of which include; vascular disease, heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, reduced life-expectancy and death.
Spot the hidden sugar
Sugar can be hard to spot, as it’s called many different things. All the following are forms of sugar, which is only needed in small amounts and offers little, except empty calories:
sucrose
glucose
fructose
maltose
dextrose
fruit syrup
molasses
Look for “no added sugar” on the packet. If you can’t see that on a label then read the Nutritional Information panel and look under “Carbohydrates – of which Sugar “.
Always check labels, there will be a section which says Carbohydrates……..
Of which sugars…..The sugars are what you need to look out for, as this usually means added sugar.
DID YOU KNOW?
It takes 2 quarts of air-popped popcorn, an unrefined carbohydrate, to equal the calories in just 20 crisps.
Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body. The greater part of the diet should be complex carbohydrates. This will keep blood sugar levels even, give sustained energy and avoid fatigue. Carbohydrates are also necessary to help the body burn fat, and so if you are trying to loose weight it is important to eat complex carbohydrates. When the body has no carbohydrates available it cannot use our fat reserves as energy, and must turn to breaking down body tissue- protein- to use as energy. This is why it is important to eat some complex carbohydrates a couple of hours before you exercise, or some fruit or yoghurt an hour before exercising for more immediate energy. This allows the body to burn off fat as you exercise. Many people make the mistake of not eating before they exercise, because they believe that they will loose more weight. Unfortunately, these people will not burn fat, and will struggle through the class feeling tired and unable to work to their full potential. To get the most out of exercise always eat the right things before and after your work out.
Eating a healthy diet is rich in wholegrains, lots of fruit and vegetables and unprocessed foods will give you more energy, supply the body with plenty of vitamins and minerals, promote bowel health, and avoid certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.
Ignore the media and the diet industries, they only want your money, and they simply cannot make any if you ignore them and eat lots of wholefoods. Do not follow the low-carb diet of the unfortunate Dr Atkins. On February 10, 2004, The Wall Street Journal published excerpts from the New York City Medical Examiner’s report on Atkins’ death. The report indicated that Atkins weighed 258 pounds at his death, making the diet-guru clinically obese, and that he had a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. It seems that his diet did not impact well on his own health. The moral of this tale? Don’t be scared of carbs just make sure that you are eating the right ones, you will be healthier and happier for it.
Stay healthy- Vikki.
Do you have any friends and family who could benefit from getting fitter and feeling better? If you do, then treat them to free copy of this newsletter, forward it to them, and get them to e-mail me with a request. E-mail getfitter@yahoo.co.uk subject: newsletter request. Would you like to bring health into the workplace? Getfitter now offers a corporate package, including yoga classes/courses, Nutrition seminars, conference breaks, Company Wellness days and Healthy Friday a monthly wellness event.
Please visit www.corporatechill.com
Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters.
IL Fitness Tips – diet plan, exercises, weight loss and gain muscles latest information.
Some say they don’t or can’t buy organic foods due to higher cost and less availability. Here are a few ways to make organics more affordable and easier to purchase for your family.
1. Do not always assume organic is more expensive. Look at the prices of conventional and organic products and compare. You may be surprised that on some items, there is little or no difference in price, depending on where and when you buy.
2. Buy in season. These items will be the lowest priced, whether you’re shopping at a specialty market or local farmer’s market.
3. Grow your own. Even a small window box can yield some organic herbs or tomatoes. Larger areas can accommodate lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, carrots and more. A garden is also a great classroom and hobby for children and adults alike.
4. Shop at one of the more than 2,500 farmers’ markets in the United States. The produce here is as fresh as possible, because the food is usually picked within 24 hours of your purchase. This is a great place to check prices with little effort. Becoming a regular shopper and getting to know growers personally, is a good way to
get the best selection and price.
5. Join a food cooperative. A food co-op is kind of a buyers club for affordable, fresh, local organic and natural products. It is an actual store where members buy “shares” of the business to provide the capital necessary to run the store efficiently. You as a member directly influence the kind and variety of products and foods available, and also receive a discount in the store. Many co-ops allow you to “buy” shares by volunteering several hours per week or month.
6. Visit a farm and pick your own produce. Children love to experience something new, especially when it involves dirt and food. According to the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) “Parents had reported that their children started to eat more vegetables after visiting a farm on a school field trip, having experienced for the first time the process of gardening.”
Lisa Barnes is the owner of Petit Appetit, an educational service promoting healthy eating habits and good nutrition for infants and toddlers. She is also the author of The Petit Appetit Cookbook (Penguin March 2005). For information and to sign up for a free newsletter visit http://www.petitappetit.com
Older people who eat food containing high amounts of folate, which is found in many leafy green vegetables and fruits, can cut their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by more than half.
This may eventually lead to a means of keeping Alzheimer’s at bay. Right now, there is no preventive therapy for the neurological disease.
Ten-Year Study
A 10-year study showed that people who consume at least 400 micrograms of folate a day (the recommended daily allowance of the vitamin) experienced a 55 pecent lower risk of developing the disease.
Folate reduces blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that can injure brain cells. Foods rich in folate include oranges, broccoli, spinach and bananas.
Alzheimer’s Association August 12, 2005
Dr. Mercola’s Comment:
I first noted the importance of eating whole foods with high amounts of folate to prevent Alzheimer’s disease five years ago. This new study is yet more evidence of this. Green leafy vegetables, strawberries, liver, kidney, nuts and other folate-rich foods can all help keep the nerve cells of your brain from being damaged.
The results of this study mirror the findings of one I posted last month about high amounts of folic acid slowing the cognitive decline that comes with aging.
Fresh vegetables, especially dark green, leafy ones, and strawberries are some of your best natural sources of folic acid. Eating
plenty of fresh, uncooked vegetablesis thenatural way toensure you are receiving an ideal daily dose of folic acid (and hundreds of other known and unknown nutrients).
However, it’s also important to understand that we all require different amounts of vegetables to stay healthy. Some people need to consume as much as 300 percent more vegetables than others. The amount of vegetables your body requires depends on your body’s specific metabolic type. While we all need vegetables to stay healthy, your metabolic type should determine the type and amount.
Related Articles: Alzheimer’s Epidemic is ComingCurry Ingredient Helps Treat Alzheimer’sDrugs Fail to Slow Alzheimer’s
Dr. Mercola is the founder of Mercola.com, one of the world’s most visited and trusted health websites, and publisher of the free Mercola.com e-newsletter — the #1 dietary health and wellness newsletter on the Web with over 500,000 subscribers. Dr. Mercola, a physician for over two decades, is also a New York Times bestselling author whose latest book, “Dr. Mercola’s Total Health Program,” presents his entire renowned dietary health program and has sold over 150,000 copies. He is routinely interviewed by the media for his expert insights, including CNN and ABC World News Tonight. His passion is to change the fatally flawed conventional medical system to one focused on real prevention and cure.
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Who says there is something fishy on fish oils, shellfish, and other seafoods when it comes to health benefits? That is absolutely a fishy story.
Nowadays, people have come to realize the importance of seafoods in our diet. Various studies and researches have proved that the best sources of good fats, vitamins, and minerals to promote good health can actually be found on different seafoods. The only drawback is that it took so many years for most people to realize the health benefits of having seafoods in their diet.
So for those who still do not understand why most people are into sashimi and grilled tuna these days, just keep on reading and I will let you on for some secret. Here’s why:
1. Fish is your heart’s best friend!
Undeniably, fishes are exceptional low-fat food. The fats contained on fishes and fish oils are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids known to protect the body against heart diseases. These so called “good fats” also aids in lowering cholesterol, decreasing blood clotting factors, increasing beneficial relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels, and decreasing inflammatory process in blood vessels.
2. One serving of fish two to three times per week keeps arthritis away.
There have been clinical trials that have shown that one serving of fish two to three times a week can actually lessen arthritis symptoms by fighting inflammation, decreasing fatigue and reducing morning stiffness.
3. Some varieties of seafoods were proven to strengthen the immune system.
Studies showed that certain varieties of fishes and shellfishes have very high antioxidant E, aside from vitamins E, C, D, and A. These antioxidants boost the immune system and also lower the risk of heart disease by reducing buildup of plaque in coronary arteries.
4. Seafoods in pregnant woman’s diet make smart and healthy kids!
According to several researchers, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in different types of fishes and shellfish can be very vital during an unborn child’s development in the womb. It greatly assists in neural development as well as eye development.
There had also been studies showing how these essential fatty acids have a positive effect on Attention deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children.
Also, a healthy diet for children with two to three servings of fresh seafoods per week can definitely increase their learning ability and improve their health in the future.
5. The fatty acids in fishes can alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also ease the signs of depressions in
patients who do not respond to typical anti-depressant medications.
Studies showed that depressed patients who had greater amount of seafoods in their diet, particularly fish, had feasible lower symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and sleeping problems.
6. Shellfish ensures healthy skin and eyes.
Different varieties of shellfish are rich in vitamins and mineral, aside from being very low in fat content. Hence, these guarantees healthy skin and promotes good eyesight because vitamins contained in shellfish aid in formation and use of red blood cells and muscles.
7. Children who eat oily fish may have lower risk of getting asthma.
Studies showed that children who were able to receive at least 300mg of fish oil a day had undergone noteworthy improvement of asthma symptoms. This is because fish oils aid in controlling food allergens and environmental allergens in the body.
8. Fish heaters have lower risks of getting cancer.
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are the essential components responsible for protection against cancer. In fact, there had been reports that people who eat fish regularly have low risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, breast, and prostate.
9. Fatty fish are best natural source of Vitamin D.
In areas like the North America were people do not get enough Vitamin D, a nutrient important for stronger bones, substituting foods can be difficult because of a lack of vitamin D rich options.
However, after some careful studies, most nutritionist found out that fatty fishes are excellent sources of vitamin D. They said that a serving of fatty fish a day can provide 90% of today’s recommended dietary requirement for vitamin D.
10. Essential fatty acids found in most seafood variety may reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Various reports have recommended that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly those of the omega-3 family, can actually slow mental decline and even reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease in older people. These kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acids are structural components of neural membranes and are linked to some aspects of nervous tissue functions.
With these kinds of fatty acids in the body, inflammation and proinflammatory substances in the brain are reduced from which Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is linked.
With all these viable health benefits of seafoods, no one can ever smell something fishy when eating fish and shellfish. Undeniably, seafoods are remarkable creatures marvelously made just for the health of it!
Coleen Panetti runs the famous market seafood website http://happyseafood.com
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‘Arthritis’ means inflammation of a joint and the two major forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Common in the elderly is the Osteoarthritis; this mainly affects the weight-bearing joints such as the hips, spine, knees, elbows and also the finger joints. The cartilage is worn away producing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the whole body not just the joints.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables (vitamin C and E) can slow the onslaught of Arthritis and also reduce pain and inflammation. Eating oily fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines which are high in Omega-3 fish oil which has an anti-inflammatory effect may be beneficial in reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. Avoiding
adrenal stimulants such as coffee, tea, sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates and drinking plenty of mineral water will also help.
Losing excess weight, gentle exercise, applying hot and cold compresses and sleeping on a comfortable bed will also be beneficial.
The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Arthritis.
Aloe vera
Antioxidant complex
Bone mineral complex
Cod liver oil – high strength
Devil’s claw extract
Glucosamine sulphate
Multivitamin and multiminerals
New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract
Omega-3 fish oil
Vitamin B5
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Note: Before taking any supplements please consult your Doctor and a Nutritionl Therapist, some supplements can cause adverse health problems when taken with prescribed medicine or when suffer from a certain illness.
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com
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Typical symptoms of depression are feeling sad, depressed mood, crying, insomnia or excessive sleeping, loss of energy, feeling tired, exhaustion, anxiety, weight loss or gain, agitation, nervousness, low sex drive, feeling worthless, excessive guilt, headaches, low concentration, lack of confidence and loss of interest in everyday activities.
Depression can occur due to hormonal imbalances, stress and imbalances in biochemicals within the brain. Depression is more common in women due to hormonal changes that happen in association with childbirth, menstruation and the menopause.
Poor nutrition has been linked with depression; other factors are food allergies, stress, blood sugar levels and excessive amounts of histamine production by the body. It is best to avoid or cut out refined foods, foods high in
sugar, coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, alcohol and cigarettes. Milk products and wheat are common foods that cause an allergic reaction so it may be wise to experiment with cutting these foods out of the diet for two week periods.
Increasing exercise will help with depression and it is also wise to consult your doctor who will advise you whether psychiatric therapy or antidepressant drugs are needed. Also, studies have shown that some people who suffer from depression have found that acupuncture can be beneficial.
The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Depression.
CalciumFish OilFolic AcidIronMultivitamins and multimineralsSt John’s WortVitamin B complexVitamin CVitamin D
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com
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Depression health encyclopedia.
The ADD diet has sprung from a diagnostic label given to people on treatment for significant problem in mainly four areas of their lives which are Inattention, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity and Boredom. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADD comes in numerous forms. It is a medical condition reached due to genetic disorder that results in certain neurological differences affecting one or more parts of the brain which creates different profiles of people. It’s a condition which normally grips children although adults don’t escape its clutches.
The child in state of ADD behaves and deciphers differently from those not in this state as he has problems at school regarding attention, learning, temper control etc. Such kids go through hell controlling and analyzing their own behavior and trying to work it out, when what they actually suffer from are structural brain injuries provided by their mother’s past behaviors. Hence, use of drugs or alcohol by a pregnant lady is immensely dangerous to the developing baby. It cannot be attributed to bad parenting or willful disobedience of the child.
There are a few characteristics of this disease which make it easy to identify ADD victims.
If a kid is showing over- activity or high levels of restlessness or he gets easily bored and much too often at that, then it may signal ADD.
If these signs start coming up before the age of seven.
There have been a lot of psychological as well as
other treatments for ADD. One of them is having the right diet. How? You wonder…well, for one thing that your diet reflects your mood. Sounds fair? It is!! To make sure try eating something which you completely dislike for breakfast, what follows is you being all groggy and grumpy for the rest of the day. But imagine what wonders it would do if you happen to eat your favorite stuff first in the morning! To keep ADD victims happy is what this diet aims at. This diet plan starts with instructions of what not to eat for the first two weeks.
No dairy products. (especially cow’s milk)
No yellow foods. (corn, squash etc)
No junk foods.
No fruit juices.
Cut sugar intake by 90%.
Cut chocolate by 90%.
No nutrasweet.
No processed meats.
Cut fried foods by 90%.
Avoid food colorings.
After two weeks add these foods back into your diet, till you see some kind of a “reaction” within four days. The reaction may vary from huge red splotches to ears turning bright red to explosive temper outbursts. If this happens stop eating that food if no enjoy!! The diet plan recommends:
For breakfast serve high protein, low carbohydrate meals.
Protein supplements
Mineral supplements
Flax seed or primrose oil.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Eat healthy avoiding aluminum exposure and reduce ADD symptoms to lead a joyous life!
If you are interested in your health and well being then you will find some facinating reading at: http://www.findhealtharticles.com
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Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book, Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:
1) cancer
2) rheumatoid arthritis
3) high cholesterol levels
4) cardiovascular disease
5) infection
6) impaired immune function
What makes green tea so special?
The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and
stroke.
Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.
Why don’t other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.
Other Benefits
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea – from deodorants to creams – are starting to appear on the market.
Cow’s milk contains over 25 different molecules, which have the potential to elicit an allergic reaction. No wonder milk is repeatedly ranked among the top eight offenders for food allergies! In fact, many doctors, scientists, and health specialists recommend going dairy free as an initial test when a food allergy is suspected.
What Exactly is a Milk Allergy?
Although they are often muddled together in conversation, milk allergies and lactose intolerance are quite different. A food allergy is identified as an abnormal and heightened response of the immune system to certain components (most notably proteins) within a food. In milk, the two leading allergy offenders are the milk proteins known as casein and whey. Casein is the curd that forms when milk is left to sour. Whey is the watery part that is left after the curd is removed. A food intolerance is when you develop symptoms after eating a food that your body can’t cope with effectively, but it does not involve an immune response.
Some scientists believe that there is only one type of “true food allergy” while others report studies of two, three, and even four variations of food allergies. For simplicity sake we will just note the two most commonly sited allergy categories: immediate hypersensitivity reaction and delayed hypersensitivity reaction. In immediate hypersensitivity situations symptoms may begin to appear within minutes of ingesting the offending food. Like the way your friend’s Aunt Martha blows up like a balloon the second she takes a bite of that chocolate bar laced with peanuts. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions have received little attention until recently, so not too much is known about them as of yet. It is believed that these types of reactions elicit a different response from the immune system than the immediate hypersensitivity. With delayed hypersensitivity, symptoms have an onset time of 6 to 24 hours after eating an offending food, tend to reach their peak at about 48 hours, and gradually subside over 72-96 hours. For both immediate and delayed reactions, symptoms may be very mild, and even go unnoticed (i.e. rash or eczema), or they may be quite severe (i.e. Aunt Martha).
How Common are Milk Allergies?
It was previously thought that milk allergies occurred only in infants, and that the problem subsided prior to adulthood. Unfortunately, for many of us this just isn’t so. The numbers are all over the board, but it is estimated that anywhere from 2 to 7.5% of infants have an allergy to cow’s milk. Studies show that approximately 60% of infants allergic to cow’s milk will “outgrow” the allergy by the age of 4, 80% by the age of 6. Bonus for those people, but this leaves up to 4.5 million people
in the U.S. alone with a potential milk allergy. This is more than “just a few” people by our estimates. To complicate things further, it seems that it is possible for adults to develop a milk allergy with no childhood history of allergies. Another interesting fact, symptoms associated with milk allergy have the potential to morph over time. One study followed a group of milk allergic children and found that at the beginning of the study most of the children had primarily gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea), but by the end of the study, many had switched over to respiratory symptoms such as wheezing.
What are the Symptoms of Milk Allergies?
Similar to other food allergies, the majority of milk allergy symptoms can be lumped into three “reaction” categories:
Skin: Itchy, Red Rash; Eczema; Hives; “Shiners” or Black Eyes; Aphthous Ulcers (canker sores) Swelling of the Lips, Mouth, Tongue, Face, or Throat.
Digestive: Abdominal Pain; Abdominal Cramps; Abdominal Bloating; Diarrhea; Gas; Nausea; Vomiting.
Respiratory: Runny Nose / Congestion; Sneezing; Watery Eyes; Itchy Eyes; Coughing; Wheezing; Shortness of Breath; Recurrent “colds”; Sinusitis.
To the pleasant surprise of many “psychological” sufferers, current research has uncovered a fourth category of symptoms, known as Behavioral. Many doctors now believe that food allergies, including dairy, could be a direct cause of fatigue, migraine headaches, hyperactivity (ADHD), irritability, night-waking, anxiety, and sore muscles and joints
As noted above, these symptoms may be mild or severe and life threatening; they could appear immediately or over a period of several days; and they may vary in response based on mild, moderate, and large quantities of milk intake.
How Do I Know if I Have a Milk Allergy?
There are many different types of clinical allergy tests available, all with varying levels of effectiveness, but many doctors are moving towards elimination diets. An elimination diet can easily identify a negative effect to a food, whether it is an allergy, intolerance, or a pure mystery, regardless of what the individual test results say. Doctors and patients are often pleased with this method as it is simple, free, highly effective, and tailored to the individual.
Can Milk Allergies Be Treated?
As with most allergies, avoiding the offending substance is the top recommended treatment.
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