Allergy or Sensitivity
Rebecca Smith A.S.K C.M.H. C.Hyp P.N.L.P
Systematic Kinesiologist, Hypnotherapist, Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
7, Barclays Bank Chambers, High Street, Newport, Shropshire. TF10 7AU
Phone: 01952 813348 Mobile: 07976 819938 Web: www.newportcomplementaryhealthclinic.co.uk
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Allergy or Sensitivity?
How often these days do we hear people say “I can’t eat cheese / drink milk / eat wheat because I’m allergic to it”? Over the last decade or more it has become almost “fashion” for people to state they have an allergy of some sort. In truth, more people suffer from sensitivity rather than a true allergy.
Allergy
An allergy is when a “readily observable symptom occurs shortly after a food is eaten or someone is exposed to a substance the body cannot deal with” This could be, for example, breaking out in spots after eating strawberries or being violently sick after eating shellfish.
Sensitivity
A sensitivity is “a fairly non-specific reaction” that the body produces when confronted with a substance that it either temporarily or permanently has no ability to deal with. These reactions are non life threatening as true allergies can be but can produce states of below normal health.
Different methods can be used in the approach to sensitivity but if the root cause of the problem is not addressed first, the symptoms will continue to present. By balancing the immune response and calming down its reaction it is not unusual for the sensitivity to disappear altogether.
These types of sensitivity problems can affect people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. There are many reasons as to the cause; mainly it is the gut that is at fault, due to a leaky lining of the gut wall allowing particles of food to enter the bloodstream, causing the immune system to “freak out”. The liver can also be a major cause for concern in food sensitivities. If the 2 phase detoxification process is not functioning appropriately, such reactions can occur. Reactions can cause pain, and suffering, resulting in ill health and misery.
Food
Symptoms of food sensitivity cover a huge range and it would be wrong to assume that these symptoms are always as a result of food intolerance.
Some of the symptoms can be any of the following:
- Skin problems – acne, eczema, psoriasis
- Headaches, migraines
- Small joint pain and some arthritic pain
- Digestive problems – acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, heartburn etc.
- Emotional states – depression, panic, anxiety, phobias
- Fatigue – chronic fatigue, M.E
- Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder
- Hormonal problems – pre- menstrual syndrome, menopause
And so the list goes on!
Kinesiology
So how do we identify food sensitivity? In my case, I use Kinesiology to discover if a food is causing an energy imbalance in the body which could eventually lead to health problems. This is done by using simple muscle tests which is a holistic way of “talking” to the body to discover its state of health. Once we understand the basics of digestion, we can appreciate that certain foods have target organs. Some foods strengthen a particular organ while others may affect their energy adversely.
When the problem foods have been identified, it is then down to the client to remove them from the diet, replacing them with less “harmful” alternatives for a period of time agreed by both client and therapist.
The body can then be allowed to heal itself as the offending foods have been removed from the diet. Further healing of the body is encouraged by the person taking positive steps to improve their health by changing some of their lifestyle habits. For example, reducing stress, improved eating habits, regular exercise, taking herbal remedies or vitamin supplements or regular Kinesiology balancing sessions.
A person’s body will respond positively during this time and, in many cases, symptoms are alleviated. Once the body has begun the healing process it will be much stronger and the person can then be re-tested in order to decide if some of the “problem” foods can be re-introduced. Often this can be achieved several months after the initial test without any of the old symptoms returning.
Blinkered choice
This regime can be difficult for some but usually because we are blinkered when it comes to choosing our foods. We have food varieties in abundance but we still put the same foods into our shopping trolleys each week. If we only expanded our minds, suitable, healthier alternatives can always be found. Nonetheless, dedication and perseverance is required but it pays handsome dividends.
Stress in any form whether it is from a mental, chemical or physical source, will undermine the immune system, so weakening our natural defences. It is at these times that our bodies can react more to a certain food. Future eating patterns, once health is regained, need to be controlled to some degree to ensure that problems do not reoccur. A sensible approach is all that is needed. Moderation, rotation and variation are definitely the key when it comes to our daily diet.