In an article “Stinking rich” in a recent Australian newspaper James May of Top Gear TV fame describes feeling queasy and itchy, with even his clothes smelling of the leather, after driving his Rolls-Royce. He notes that other old leather things – jackets, antique suit cases, have a similar effect. So he is selling his car. I sent the following to the Letters to the Editor section, published under the title "Gets up the nose". James May may be pleased to know he is among a special group … [Read more...]
When in Rome do as the Romans do
The old saying “When in Rome do as the Romans do” also applies to food. It can be frustrating to find gluten-free products when overseas. I wanted corn flour, but the main wording on the variety of flours looked like semolina. Once I learned that Italians call corn flour, or maize flour, corn starch, I could buy what I wanted. I had a great time buying groceries from a local supermarket. Much can be done with pointing, especially for fruit and vegetables. People with iPads and internet can … [Read more...]
Comments on Rosacea
A reader recently asked me about rosacea outbreaks and food. I gather that rosacea is a distressing condition of reddening and change in the skin on the face. It is known to come on with different factors. The one most cited is alcohol, but there are others. I can let you know that I have not seen it in any food sensitive people. But in a way finding out what may make a difference is diet detective work too. You may even have to do it backwards such as excluding foods you may suspect such … [Read more...]
Eczema happening within minutes
Question: If I eat a food and I get itchy within a few minutes, is that a reaction and is that food possibly an offender? Joan, thank you so much for your articles. I am in the middle of an elimination diet now for my eczema and am worried about the reintroduction phase. My eczema, which is mostly on my chin, is not yet healed (but is much better). Dear Lauren, Investigating your diet means lots of thinking about all the possible happenings. Following are some: Any symptoms that happen … [Read more...]
Managing a low salicylate, low chemical, limited wheat and dairy diet in Asia
Managing a low chemical, limited wheat and dairy diet in Asia is much more than just having lists of foods that fit the diet. And there are no ingredient lists, and you can’t guess what the ingredients might be in some made up foods. You may be provided with a large variety of food choices in hotels or on a cruise. They look wonderful. You are forced to manage the whole experience of choosing food in a new way. You started your diet at home and gradually found the variety of allowed foods you … [Read more...]
How do you update the diet manual for food sensitivity?
How do you decide which pages to add to define your new direction for dietitians? Which do you delete? Can you summarise sections or have the manual get longer but less useful? Above all a manual has to be user friendly with pages that say all that needs to be said for those investigating diet. It does not have explanations of why you have altered your work, but your user of the manual hopes you have thought well before making updates. I have just updated my manual for diet investigation of … [Read more...]
Food Sensitive Adventures in India
The first introduction to exotic spices was on the plane as we flew from Australia. The smells were pleasant so the flavours were good but a little too strong to test. The cheese was mild and the dry biscuits plain and crisp. Of the fruit the tropical watermelon was the sole low risk option. In India we stayed at a guest house with staff who wondered at people who asked for food with no curry! We were given plain rice pancakes, rice, a vegetable mixture of potatoes, carrot, greens thickened … [Read more...]