Foods, chemicals, and other substances can cause disturbing, disabling, or even        life threatening symptoms.

Something to consider when trying to determine if you have allergies or sensitivities to foods is whether or not they are organic, conventional, or GMOs. Also, as a couple of recent studies revealed, many foods are chemically contaminated with BPA and phthalates (and probably other chemicals that weren’t tested for), so if a person also has chemical “sensitivities”, getting to the bottom of what is causing any number of symptoms can be challenging, especially with the delayed symptoms that are becoming so common these days.

Please opt for organic foods (preferably bought from a farmers market that doesn’t have chemical products stored in the same air-space as foods), especially while testing  and using the elimination diet and re-introducing foods. If there are no changes or adverse symptoms from the organic (and home-made) versions, then try regular supermarket versions to see if those cause any changes.

Here’s a good article by Robyn O’Brien where she discusses the issue of sensitivity and allergy as it relates to food. There are many similarities with chemical and other environmental exposures.

Food Allergy or Food Sensitivity?

https://robynobrien.com/protecting-children-from-food-allergies-food-sensitivities/

Common Symptoms of Food Allergy: Immediate Reactions

• rash or hives

• nausea

• stomach pain

• diarrhea

• itchy skin

• eczema

• shortness of breath

• chest pain

• swelling of the airways to the lungs

• anaphylaxis

Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivity: Delayed Reactions

• fatigue

• gastrointestinal problems, including bloating and gas

• itchy skin and skin rashes like eczema

• brain fog

• muscle or joint aches

• headache

• sleeplessness and sleep disorders

• chronic rhinitis (runny nose), congestion, and post-nasal drip

As you can see from the list of symptoms, determining what is causing them, and elimination the source(s) can create remarkable improvements in quality of life.

Dr Doris Rapp has written several excellent books if you are seeking more info on child health, allergies and sensitivities.

(Unfortunately, I noticed in June 2017 that Dr Rapp’s  own website isn’t up anymore, and I couldn’t find a complete list of all of her work elsewhere)