Is this food working for me?

Where to start when you are sick, or you just have the sense that something is not right physically.

It used to be assumed that everyone had a general standard of health and wellness. In recent years it has been increasingly brought to our attention that while health problems may often seem to suddenly appear, the truth is that disease and tissue damage actually smolders for years, sometimes even over a decade before a diagnosis is confirmed. This may be upsetting to hear if you just received a diagnosis, but this can also be reframed as a huge blessing! This means our bodies are amazing and they try their best to keep going regardless of the insults they must try to cope with. But the really exciting aspect of this information is that within this window of disease progression if we take the time and energy to better understand our unique bodies, we can influence the trajectory of our health! Even if you have already been diagnosed with an aliment you can still support your wellness and move towards healing and “right the ship”. Your current health challenges, those that are common in your family, or the common issues of your community – aliments such as diabetes, Hashimoto’s or scleroderma etc… need not to be your destiny (or the end of your health span) if you are willing to interrupt and redirect the cycle.

Each of our body’s will offer us subtle, (and sometimes not too subtle) signals that we can learn to “read” if we are willing to learn. These signals will guide us to understand what we need to eliminate from our diets/lives and bring us to a closer understanding of what we need or would benefit from including in our lives.

So how do you start to understand your body’s messages?

Well, firstly know that they can be communicated in many ways, but your body will always be sending signals. Some will be obvious like a rash or headache immediately following a particular food or fragrance each time your exposed to it, or it could be much more subtle.

So here are things to begin tuning into your body so that you can over time become more attuned to your own reactions to what you put in, on and have around your body.

Places to observe for changes or disturbances:

- Itchy skin or rash

- Fatigue or sleep disturbance

- Hyperactivity either in terms of your thoughts or physical energy

- Mouth feel – numbness, itchy mouth or throat

- Postnasal drip or congestion

- Desire to clear throat or tickle in the throat/cough

- Flush, especially in the face, though it can affect any and all skin. This may be especially noticeable when body temperature is warm, ex. When getting out of the shower/bath.

- Brain fog, trouble concentrating, or issues with memory

- Headache

- Sore or “shooting” pains in your throat

- Psoriasis

- Bloating

- Upset or nauseous stomach

- Constipation and/or loose stools

- Joint stiffness or pain

- Dermatitis

- Acne

- Abdominal pains or discomfort

- Cravings, or sense of compulsion to consume a food

I know the above list is a decent length but instead of getting frustrated, just think how amazing your body is that it can try to communicate in so many ways! It is likely that with time you will notice that your body favors particular reactions and then you will learn your body’s communication style. It is unlikely you will have all of the above listed reactions occurring (this list is not all inclusive).

You may also start to recognize that one food/substance causes symptom A, while food substance B causes a different reaction. Typically, once you have cracked the code of a substance your reaction to that food/substance will remain rather consistent, for example, if eggs cause you to develop some psoriasis then after you think you have eliminated them, if you have a flair up, it is worth your time to double check if you are accidently ingesting or being exposed somewhere – retrace your steps or keep a food/product diary to make it easier to track down the ways these problem foods/products are getting into your body. What was the binder for that breading on your chicken last night?, or did you ask about the creamy aioli that was served with your sweet potato wedges? Over time you will learn to spot the ways you are having unwanted exposures so that you can make the healthiest choices for your body and your best health. Because that is what this is all about after all!

Eliminations whether they be short term or long term can be challenging but they are all in service of helping you feel and look your best. So while skipping an ingredient maybe frustrating at times just remember that your goal is supporting your best self, and there are more alternatives than ever!

Give your body what it needs to heal and you will find your bounce back, your health is Elastic!