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...]
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...]
Testing food at Christmas
Will you do daring or careful testing over Christmas? You might be lucky. Every January I heard people say they got slack with their diet over Christmas and some said they got away with what they had, and others did get distressing symptoms and will never be that slack again! Some ideas if you want to test carefully Take nuts you want to test to family functions (but not almonds!) Try a small amount of a seasoned turkey (but not stuffing!) Try a diluted commercial mayonnaise with … [Read more...]
Low Chemical Diet using Diet Detective Method
Do you suspect you react to foods? You may be sure you get symptoms after foods you use occasionally such as chocolate or red wine, but wonder if other foods may matter, as your symptoms still continue, and they may get better or worse even with no noticeable change in your usual intake. You know other people do not feel the way you do. The right diet is in the person not in the diagnosis When a diet is named, such as the ‘migraine diet’ it gives the impression that the correct diet … [Read more...]