In the olden days, allergies used to be rare and no one knew about food intolerances. But these days, I’d be inclined to say the majority of children are intolerant to at least one food and most little bodies don’t handle food additives and chemicals from their environment.
DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES indicate a sensitivity to a food or chemical.
From my study, I have heard many professionals state that blood tests are not the most reliable method of testing for FOOD INTOLERANCES. They use a simple elimination test (OR this with a blood test, testing for IgG antibodies, not to be confused with IgE antibodies associated with allergies).
The definition of a food intolerance is : if you feel worse when you eat it and better when you don’t, then you have a sensitivity. For kids, you’ll be looking out for physical and behavioural symptoms rather than relying on them telling you how they feel. Fedup.com can you give an idea of the types of symptoms you might see.
Some have recommended a 7 day elimination test whilst others have recommended 3 weeks, before reintroducing the food. I would personally say, the longer the elimination diet, the more the body will give you a clear answer when you reintroduce it.
Can you fathom an elimination diet to work towards better health for your child?
Trust your gut! What do you think would be impacting on your child the most? Food additives should be a definite first (ie all numbers, but see fedup.com.au for a list of the nasty nasty ones). Gluten and/or dairy are also good ones to consider removing.
Some can rip the bandaid off and eliminate many food types at once. Others will need to go slow and steady. Do what works best for you, to avoid too much stress. It does not have to be too hard!
FIRST TIPS
Pick a food group to eliminate.
Look through your pantry/fridge to identify ALL the foods that contain this food group.
Brainstorm a list of alternatives.
Let yourself sit with this idea and new list of foods, so you can get your head around the change.
Be positive that what you are doing is worthwhile for your child! When you believe in it, your child will too.
More to come..
🙂 Heidi