[telemetrynurse]

http://depression.about.com/cs/diet/a/foodallergies.htm

I wanted to share this article, very interesting!

[freiamaya]

Hi there!
I did a google on Dr. Braley, who co-authored the article, and found his website. On it, he claims that the following diseases are caused by or irritated by undiagnosed food allergies:
ADD/ADHD
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Candidiasis
Celiac Disease
Chronic Fatigue
Diabetes
Ear Infections
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Hyperactivity
Hypoglycemia
Hypertension Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Leaky Gut
Migraines
Skin Rashes
Sinusitis
Stress/Tension
Weight Challenges
He would like you to purchase your own, home finger-stick diagnostic tester to draw your own blood sample, which will then be sent to one of his labs, after which he will tell you what foods are responsible for, say, your Diabetes or for your child's Autism, and to tell you how changing your diet will cure your disease. HOWEVER, his disclaimer at the bottom of the website is as follows:

"The information provided on this web site is for educational purposes only and in no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. The information provided here should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. Additionally, all laboratory services offered on this web site are for screening purposes only. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem, you should consult your physician. The opinions expressed herein are those of Optimum Health Resource Laboratories. This information is provided in good faith and no warranty can be made for its accuracy. We assume no responsibility for how this material is used."

He has a handy link to his online shop, but offers no further biographical details (Where did he study? When? What are his credentials?)

Personally, I would take his research and advice with a huge grain of salt...

[midwife]

Have to say that I haven't read the article and I probably won't, but that I agree that food choices can negatively impact many of those disorders you have listed above.

IBS: I had it. Cut out caffeine and fast food and it is gone. The recommendations to clean up one's diet to help with symptoms are effective. Is it an "allergy" in a true sense that it causes histamine release? Probably not. Is is a negative reaction to consumption of certain foods? Yes.

Eliminating dairy can help with asthma symptoms.

A diet high in sugar supports candida growth.

Certain food choices contribute to wt management issues. (that is why i am here!) A true allergy? Again, no, but definitely negative side effects.

Quite a few of these medical issues are associated with formula feeding. Are they triggered by a cow's milk allergy? The science is not totally clear.

When I have a mom breastfeeding a baby who has a funky rash or strange poops that aren't explained by other problems, often an elimination diet can be successful.

Nutrition plays a huge part in both relief and exacerbation of many of these disorders. I am not sure how paying him for a finger stick would help, but following dietary guidelines or an elimination diet can be very helpful.

[telemetrynurse]

Hmmm.... I did find the article and the cited references to be interesting. The authors statements are based on medical research which is cited at the end of the article..... although it is their opinion.

I didn't do an extensive background check on the authors prior to posting a link. I will do this in the future. Thanks for pointing it out!

[freiamaya]

Don't get me wrong! I believe that food choices do impact one's health. Obviously, diabetics need to control their carbohydrate intake. Celiac disease sufferers have found relieve through dietary adjustments. BUT, I have difficulty when an entire food group is eliminated, as the author of this article recommends through his web-site and through his personal book sales. It also seems a bit dodgy to me to be "diagnosed" through a home finger-prick test that you send in the mail to one of his labs for a full account of your "food-allergies". ESPECIALLY when he, in the small print, takes no responsibility for the outcome of his "diagnosis". If this was the solution to the problem of depression, the Mayo Clinic would have him on staff. I fear he is treading into Tom Cruise territory!!!