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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 1995)
Tm CoMmsTOMC of H baitm F ood a B lessing or a C urse ? By Dr. Joseph Collins ally mean the body cannot tolerate a substance that occurs natural n the book of Genesis we see that immediately after God cre ly in the food. An example of this would be theobromine which ated all things and clarified mankind’s relationship with cre occurs naturally in chocolate and can cause severe headaches in ation, He set out to answer a question that has been asked innumerable times since that day: What is there to eat? To this God some people at risk for migraines. Now this doesn’t mean that because some people react to strawberries and chocolate that they has answered, “I have given you every herb bearing seed, which are not gifts from God (see Romans 14:20). It does mean that is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit affected people must take some care in the use of these gifts. of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."(Gen. 1:29) So I think Philippians 4:5 expresses it best: "Let your moderation we see that we are first provided with grains (seed) and fruit, be known unto all men." Food allergies and intolerances develop which by any account is a good foundation for a healthy diet. In when the same food or group of foods are eaten too often in peo Genesis 9:2 & 3 we see that poultry, meat and fish were added to ple who are predisposed to reacting to them. Not everyone is our diet. As we continue through the Word of God we see butter, going to develop reactions to foods, but if you are experiencing milk, beans, melons and cucumbers, garlic, herbs and spices, long-term symptoms that cannot be diagnosed— let alone be con grapes and nuts. Truly the earth is the Lord's and the fullness trolled— food reactions should be considered. There are expensive thereof (Psalms 24:1). tests available to diagnose food reactivity, but these should be But what happens when eating these foods bring us discom reserved for severe cases and ordered by a licensed health care fort and pain? What does it mean when you have bloating or practitioner. I try to make natural medicine less expensive, and cramping after eating certain foods, or they cause you to feel easier for my patients. If the truth be told, you can discover most exhausted, irritable or make your joints ache? Are these foods of your food reactions with a pencil and a few sheets of paper. really a gift from God or are they a curse? To answer these ques In practical terms, this is how preventing and controlling food tions we have to understand the cause and treatment of food aller reactions works: Keep a diary of what you eat for one week. On gies and food intolerances. this diary write down symptoms that concern you, even if you Food allergies are when the body has an actual immune sys have “gotten used to” the symptoms. Now kx,k for patterns of tem reaction to the food and may develop antibodies to it, and then symptoms related to foods. You may notice that you feel sick react whenever the food is eaten. An allergic reaction to strawber every Monday, and that you only have peanut butter once a week, ries is an example of this type of reaction. Food intolerances usu- on your Sunday waffles (one child was cured of Monday morning sickness by stopping this weekly routine). You may notice your joints are aching the day after tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants or bell peppers (these vegetables all belong to the tobacco family and contain compounds that cause joint pain in some people). Some people have noticed they have severe stomach bloating and diar rhea, or irritability and headaches after eating dairy products, com, or wheat (dairy, com, and wheat are a, the top of the list of foods to use carefully in some individuals). I G 7 7 ? e ()//((/><■/ off/te (mimes . ZZstera/Gnome ( em etery -A lem o rial G a rd e n Lombard ( bapel 3018 ?S. Lombard Portland, OR 97217 (503)283-0525 Kiliing«wortb ( haptj 430 Killingswortl* Fbrtland. OR 97217 1503)283-1976 16 N E Hal SC\ «r N E lOOtb Portland, OR 97217 (503) 256-0606 11667 S.E. St even Rd M tland. OR 97217 (503) 659-1184 C s you can see, this is an easy way to learn a lot about what you are eating. After you have looked for patterns that reveal kxxl reactions, look for the most important factor in preventing flxxl reactions: variety! Remember, God has given us every seed and fruit. How many different grains are in your weekly schedule? Two.’ Wheat and com, right? Consider adding more rice, millet, teff, quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth to your meals. You may have never heard of some of these grains, but take some time to learn about them, as well as new fruits and vegetables. There are many good txxiks to help you learn more about kxxl reactions, or call a physician trained in recognizing and treating kxxl allergies and intolerances. Most of all, have fun adding variety to your meals. Exploring the fullness of God’s blessings can be a wonderful experience. And as you grow in your understanding of health and nutrition, take time to thank and to trust in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17) Dr. C ollins is a N aturopathic Physician. He practices at C ornerstone N aturopathic C linic on 1045 S.E. 122nd Ave,, Portland, OR 07233. A ddress your questions to him at 255-7705. ■ A H R I S T I A n U n it y
