Beyond the Gluten-Free Aisle: Unmasking the Root of Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivity and how to treat them holistically
Today, I'm gonna be talking about something I see in my Ayurvedic clinic and that can be a real struggle for a lot of people: food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities can be a frustrating maze.
You experience bloating, gas, headaches, brainfog or fatigue after eating certain foods, but tests come back negative for allergies.
What gives?
Modern medicine often focuses on eliminating trigger foods, but what if the answer lies deeper, in the health of your gut?
Let's start with digestion. If you're not breaking down your food properly, it can sit in your gut and ferment, leading to inflammation and the creation of by-products that your body might mistake for threats. This can trigger an immune response, which is what causes those unpleasant food sensitivity symptoms.
The Gut Connection
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, emphasizes the importance of gut health, or agni, for overall well-being. A weakened agni {digestive fire} can lead to improper digestion, allowing undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response that mimics an allergy. This "leaky gut" can also create a breeding ground for candida overgrowth and parasites.
The Three Culprits:
Candida: This yeast naturally lives in the gut, but an overgrowth can lead to digestive issues, fatigue, and even skin problems.
Parasites: Tiny organisms that can steal nutrients and disrupt digestion.
Weak Digestion: Improper stomach acid production and sluggish bowels can contribute to a toxic gut environment.
Healing from the Inside Out
By addressing these underlying issues, abnd adressing the Root Cause, you can support your gut health and potentially reduce or even eliminate food sensitivities.
Here's how with a little help from Ayurvedic natural medicine
Diet: Focus on easily digestible foods like cooked vegetables, bone broth, and small portions of lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, which can feed candida.
Ayurvedic Herbs:
Triphala: A herbal blend that supports digestion and elimination.
Neem: Known for its antifungal properties, helpful in managing candida.
Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Carom seeds possess a robust and bitter flavor and are frequently utilized in ancient remedies for easing digestive problems. Their antimicrobial characteristics could aid in the fight against parasites.
Giloy (Guduchi): Promotes gut health and can help fight parasites.
Natural Antiparasitic’
Alongside herbs, consider incorporating:
Neem: Neem leaves or bark can be used in teas or tinctures. It's important to note that neem can be quite bitter, mild herb which is used as medicine for various conditions and it is considered “the village medicine” being very common.
Neem is rich in compounds such as anti-fungals, anti-virals, gedunin, nimbin, and nimbidin, which contribute to its effectiveness. Additionally, neem contains polyphenolic antioxidant compounds like quercetin and B-sitosterol.
Among these compounds, nimbidin plays a key role in eliminating bacteria and parasites, while gedunin exhibits anti-viral and anti-malarial properties.
Garlic: Raw garlic has natural antiparasitic properties. You can consume it whole, chopped in food, or take garlic capsules. However, high doses of garlic can irritate the stomach, so start with a small amount and increase gradually. Garlic was used in Ancient Roman Empire and is use in traditional Italian recipes often combined with parsley. Garlic possesses potent antimicrobial properties that are effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
Important Note: It's crucial to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or erbalist before starting any herbal regimen. Consult your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Remember:
Healing the gut takes time and dedication. Consistency with diet and herbal support can help restore balance in your digestive system, potentially removing food sensitivities and leading you on the path to a healthier you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health advice.