Food isn’t what it used to be. Even just 100 years ago, the food system was more localized and crops could only be grown if nature allowed it. Americans ate by the seasons and accepted fruits and vegetables with all of their imperfections. Today, on the other hand, science and technology have become so advanced that food can be created above and beyond the limitations of nature. Preservatives, GMOs, additives, and many other things could be causing your body to reject some of the food you eat. This is known as a food sensitivity, and it’s important to understand how a simple sensitivity can impact your health.
When Food is Like a Drug
Does the thought of living your life without cheese and sugar make you want to curl up in a ball and cry? Probably, because foods like dairy, sugar, and gluten are actually natural opiates! You essentially get high from the gluteomorphins and casomorphins that act like morphine. If you give up cheese for a day and begin to feel moodiness and brain fog, it could be a sign that your body is essentially in withdrawal mode. Keep pushing forward, beat the misery, and you’ll feel better than ever before.
Gas, Bloating, and Constipation
For women especially, it’s easy to shrug off gas, bloating, and constipation as a result of PMS or a stressful day, but the truth is that it could be certain food sensitivities wreaking havoc on your GI tract. Experts believe that processed foods actually change the composition of your gut bacteria, leading to belly discomfort. Try cutting out all processed foods for a week to see how your body reacts. It also can’t hurt to take a probiotic for extra support.
Joint Pain
Yes, joint pain can be a sign of more than arthritis. Food sensitivity often results in inflammation as the body battles against danger, especially foods based in dairy, soy, and gluten. If you can break free from these culprit foods, even for just a few days, you will feel the relief in your body.