Parents told me about children who had never slept through a night in their whole three years who slept normally when put on the additive free low salicylate diet. They even checked they were alive because they were so still when asleep! Some parents reported children sitting still really playing with a toy when they had never sat still for a moment in their short lives. I remember the child who used to run across the back yard and bounce off the fence then back across the year and bounce off … [Read more...]
Why additives are now considered ‘bad’
In the early 70s we thought that additive colour and flavour were harmless substances that made no difference to the foods that contained them. It is important to remember that in those days when food was flavoured the amount of added flavour to food was smaller than today. It was just enough to enhance the initial food, not to dominate the dish. I remember when attending classes in high-class cookery (my dietetic course included interesting subjects!) we wrapped small amounts of herbs in a … [Read more...]
Phenols excluded for ADHD and ASD
Phenols are the new name for the food chemicals best avoided where ADHD and ASD are present. Food additives were the first “baddies”, then salicylates were singled out. Then MSG was highlighted, and tyramines and histamine were other food chemicals said to cause symptoms. Salicylates, additive colours, flavours and most preservatives, as well as strong flavours and smells (which I emphasized particularly with the others) all have a phenolic or aromatic chemical structure. The new name sounds as … [Read more...]
Low tyramine cookbook
What recipes should be in a low tyramine cookbook? The important question is what foods and ingredients do you need to leave out of the recipes. This is not as simple as it sounds. But I will tell you how to make it simple for just you with your individual needs. What foods is tyramine in? See http://foodintolerancepro.com/category/tyramine-intolerance/detail-of-amines-in-food/ Tyramine was the first amine recognised as causing reactions. Aged cheeses were the main culprits. … [Read more...]
Why don’t children eat vegetables?
THE MUDDLE Many six or seven year olds don't eat their vegetables. They may eat cereal and milk for breakfast, maybe with some fruit juice and toast. They may eat snacks and drinks throughout the day and have sandwiches for lunch and so the problem seems to be only at dinner at night. But is it? Is this a usual six year old pattern or does it remind you more of a two or three year old, except that a baby food dinner would have been eaten in the evening. WHY DOES IT … [Read more...]
Diet and high blood pressure
Hazel wrote: My blood pressure is controlled with medication and doesn’t cause a problem for me unless I eat certain foods. I have been sensitive to soy for over 20 years, and have become sensitive to other foods since then. Soy, corn, turkey, nuts, shrimp, and sometimes beans all cause a rise in my blood pressure usually a few hours after consumption. I have been to the ER several times for this as my blood pressure medications will not bring it down. My Dr … [Read more...]
How are our eggs coloured?
Does anyone know what colour is added to poultry feed now? Back in the 1970 eggs were blamed for reactions by my patients, both keeping their hyperactive children awake at night and aggravating eczema. I learned that tartrazine was used to colour feed. After much fuss by self-help groups and dietitians the dye added to feed was changed to a colour derived from crab shells. Reports of reactions to egg greatly reduced. Those who were allergic to eggs still had reactions. It has always been … [Read more...]