Kick Cravings & Say Adios to the Belly Pooch by Amira Lamb
Did you know that food sensitivities are the reason behind many people's cravings and addictions? That's right. Giving into cravings and addictions aren't purely about lack of willpower. Here's the scoop:
"Food sensitivity" is an umbrella term for the terms food allergy, food intolerance, and other adverse reactions to food (excluding those of purely psychological origin). They are not necessarily obvious reactions either. Food sensitivities can range from an immediate allergic response to something delayed or even asymptomatic. You might not even feel ill. You might feel the complete opposite! In the presence of a reactive food, the body produces it's own addictive narcotics (opioid endorphins) bringing on feelings of euphoria. Simply put - a reactive food produces a drug-like effect. This is why foods are so addictive. The most effective way to fight these addictions is to cut the trigger foods out entirely. A common trigger food substance is gluten. Gluten is a protein found in all grains but it is particularly high in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is what helps bread rise and makes bagels chewy.
The most common short-term symptoms of gluten and other food sensitivity include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas and cramping. Long-term symptoms can include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dark circles under the eyes, chronic digestive issues, diabetes, autoimmune challenges and even depression.
On a superficial level, chronic digestive issues can weaken and inhibit the abdominal muscles due to a "visceral-somatic reflex". In other words - ignoring a food sensitivity can actually weaken your abs and create a pooch belly!
Do you have a food sensitivity you might not be aware of? Here's a brief questionnaire developed by Dr. Daniel Kalish:
Test Interpretation Guide (Combine both sections.)
Number of Yes Responses 4 or less = 5 - 8 = 9 or more Potential for Gluten Intolerance Not likely Suspected Very likely
Yes No
Weight gain
Unexplained fatigue
Difficulty relaxing, feeling tense frequently
Unexplained digestive symptoms
Female hormone imbalances, (PMS, menopausal symptoms)
Muscle or joint pain or stiffness of unknown cause
Migraine-like headaches
Food allergies/sensitivities
Difficulty digesting dairy products
Tendency to over consume alcohol
Overly sensitive to physical and emotional pain, cry easily
Cravings for sweets, bread, carbohydrates
Tendency to overeat sweets, bread, carbohydrates
Abdominal pain or cramping
Abdominal bloating or distention
Intestinal gas
"Love" specific foods
Eat when upset, eat to relax
Constipation or diarrhea of no known cause
Unexplained skin problems/rashes/pimples
Difficulty gaining weight
Have you suffered from any of the following conditions?
Yes No
Allergies
Depression
Anorexia
Bulimia
Rosacea
Diabetes
Osteoporosis/ Bone loss
Iron deficiency/ Anemia
Chronic fatigue
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Crohn's Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Candida
Hypoglycemia
Lactose Intolerance
Alcoholism
Eliminating gluten can seem challenging at first. Gluten is in nearly all packaged products! Here are a few simple ways to eliminate gluten:
1. Emphasize whole foods that don't come in a box or have a long shelf life. This includes fresh/frozen vegetables and fruits, healthy fats (e.g. coconut oil, avocado, organic/pastured butter or ghee, and fats from grass-fed animals), and healthy proteins. All grains have gluten but rice, corn, sorghum, millet, teff, ragi, and Job's tears contain lowest amounts. If you're shopping packaged products, watch out for these ingredients: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, modified starches, soy sauce, vegetable gums, emulsifier, plant protein and stabilizer.
2. Minimize foods with a flour-base (unless it's coconut, almond or other "gluten-free" flours) to be on the safe side.
3. When dining out or ordering in, skip the bread basket and ask if there's a "Gluten-free" menu. If there isn't one available - order grilled, poached or sauteed fish, poultry, grass-fed beef, lamb or other meat served with a salad, vegetable or rice/potato (instead of pasta). Ask if there are any hidden flours or thickeners.
