Organic Eating and Food Sensitivities
photo taken at Boggy Creek Farm
In 2000, my twin babies could not sleep well. They screamed horribly at night, and they seemed to be in pain. We were told that babies cry and that it was normal. However, my mother's intuition knew that something was not right. With the help of the internet, we eventually figured out that our babies had undiagnosed silent reflux. While Zantac gave us some temporary relief, I did not like the idea of keeping my children on it long term as it seemed only to be masking the symptoms rather than eliminating the cause of the problems. We eventually figured out that the babies had multiple food sensitivities to dairy, soy, corn, and many more foods. Once I removed the offending foods from my diet (as a breastfeeding mother) and their diets, they no longer needed the medication, and we all slept much better.
Fast forward several years, and I began suffering from migraines, reflux, rashes, and other symptoms. Through applied kinesiology, blood work and elimination diets, I was able to pinpoint the foods causing these problems. I now eat a gluten free, dairy free diet; in previous times, I also had to exclude many other odd foods that are not typical migraine suspects such as green beans and black pepper. My list was long, but I still found it possible to eat a healthy organic diet that was far from boring.
However, I remember the frustration and the tears when we were first figuring out my twins' diets. It was emotionally traumatic switching from a stereotypical American diet high on refined foods over to a holistic organic diet. I was at a loss as to what to do. There are far more resources available now with the development of the internet and the growth of recognition about food allergies, food sensitivities, and conditions such as Celiac disease, but that still doesn't mean it's easy to give up your favorite dishes. As you or your family members go through this transition, I am happy to assist in whatever way you need from meal planning to a shoulder to cry on when you feel alone in your journey. Even if you are not facing a medically necessitated change in diet, I can help those wanting to eat a healthier diet with an emphasis on local, organic, and whole foods.
Resources
Allergy Eats: A searchable database of nationwide restaurants to help in locating safer food options when eating out
Kids with Food Allergies: A forum and website with other useful resources
Naturally Elizabeth: My neglected food blog
Organic Consumers Association: Consumer information and advocacy
© 2015 Green Heart Guidance, LLC
Fast forward several years, and I began suffering from migraines, reflux, rashes, and other symptoms. Through applied kinesiology, blood work and elimination diets, I was able to pinpoint the foods causing these problems. I now eat a gluten free, dairy free diet; in previous times, I also had to exclude many other odd foods that are not typical migraine suspects such as green beans and black pepper. My list was long, but I still found it possible to eat a healthy organic diet that was far from boring.
However, I remember the frustration and the tears when we were first figuring out my twins' diets. It was emotionally traumatic switching from a stereotypical American diet high on refined foods over to a holistic organic diet. I was at a loss as to what to do. There are far more resources available now with the development of the internet and the growth of recognition about food allergies, food sensitivities, and conditions such as Celiac disease, but that still doesn't mean it's easy to give up your favorite dishes. As you or your family members go through this transition, I am happy to assist in whatever way you need from meal planning to a shoulder to cry on when you feel alone in your journey. Even if you are not facing a medically necessitated change in diet, I can help those wanting to eat a healthier diet with an emphasis on local, organic, and whole foods.
Resources
Allergy Eats: A searchable database of nationwide restaurants to help in locating safer food options when eating out
Kids with Food Allergies: A forum and website with other useful resources
Naturally Elizabeth: My neglected food blog
Organic Consumers Association: Consumer information and advocacy
© 2015 Green Heart Guidance, LLC
