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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).
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3018 ?S. Lombard
Portland, OR 97217
(503)283-0525
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430 Killingswortl*
Fbrtland. OR 97217
1503)283-1976
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Portland, OR 97217
(503) 256-0606
11667 S.E. St even Rd
M tland. OR 97217
(503) 659-1184
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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. ■
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