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- Energy Level
- Ability to Focus and Concentrate
- General Pain Level
- Specific Pain Level
Are Hidden Allergies Destroying Your Body? A 6-Week Diet to Combat Them
When it comes to chronic pain and depression, we now know that these states — and a host of conditions that accompany them — are caused by the inflammation of microglia (immune cells) in the brain. The microglia turn on inflammation, and when they reach a tipping point, they become hyper-reactive. The slightest assault can set them off, triggering system-wide inflammation that can be difficult to stop.
That makes the case for adopting healthy habits (eat well, exercise, meditate) even stronger. We need to give our bodies the nutrients and care they need — making sure to avoid the foods that are the likely culprits for allergies and sensitivities.
Here’s how to figure out if your diet is causing inflammation:
Try a low-inflammation diet
For six weeks eat only brown rice, fish, chicken, eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. (Organic, grass-fed beef can be included in the diet as well.) This diet eliminates most of the foods people are allergic or sensitive to, such as wheat, soy, and milk products.
Start an “eating and after effects” diary
Here’s why it’s important to keep a food diary: Allergies and food sensitivities may not show up for hours after you eat the offending food or spice, but if you pay attention and note how you’re feeling throughout the day, you’ll increase the odds of making connections between the food and your response. Be sure to start your diary at the beginning of the diet, so you can make an accurate comparison in six weeks.
Avoid stimulants
This means no caffeinated coffee, tea, or alcohol. It also means no NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen) to inflame your gut. If you typically drink more than two cups of coffee a day, it might be best to cut your consumption in half every few days until you are coffee-free. After a week or two of easing off caffeine, you should be able to go without coffee and not get a headache.
Evaluate your process
Rate the following factors in your diary:
