Digestion
Total body detox - a few spots available!
04/04/12 14:52
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
There are still a few spots available at both clinics for my Total Body Detox Spring Program! Register by Friday, April 6th 2012. Call the practice location that best suits you.
The program offers a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported. Each patient receives a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support. On top of that, each week we provide an educational session on a different aspect of detox!
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
Package includes:
1. 3 naturopathic visits
2. 5 group sessions (Tuesdays
Package price:
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited. Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
There are still a few spots available at both clinics for my Total Body Detox Spring Program! Register by Friday, April 6th 2012. Call the practice location that best suits you.
The program offers a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported. Each patient receives a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support. On top of that, each week we provide an educational session on a different aspect of detox!
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
- Lose weight
- Improve energy and vitality
- Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
- Address digestive issues
- Ease hormonal symptoms
- Heal skin issues
- Ease pain and inflammation
Package includes:
1. 3 naturopathic visits
2. 5 group sessions (Tuesdays
- Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management
- Group sessions Tuesdays 7 to 8pm, April 17 through May 15 held at Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
- Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
- Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification
- Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs
Package price:
- $430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited. Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Comments
Total body detox spring program 2012
07/03/12 09:35
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Spring is fast approaching and many people benefit from a cleanse or detox to shake off the winter sluggishness and get well for the warmer weather! With this in mind, I am organizing a spring detox program at both my practice locations!
Symptoms that may indicate the need for detoxification:
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
The program is designed to offer a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported through both individual visits and group sessions. Each patient will receive a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support.
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Package includes:
1. 3 individual naturopathic visits
Package price:
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited
Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment:
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment
Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
Spring is fast approaching and many people benefit from a cleanse or detox to shake off the winter sluggishness and get well for the warmer weather! With this in mind, I am organizing a spring detox program at both my practice locations!
Symptoms that may indicate the need for detoxification:
- Excessively dry or oily skin, or skin itching
- Allergic reactions
- Chronic digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, IBS, bloating, and gas
- Chronic fatigue (despite sufficient sleep)
- Chronic pain (not due to injury or overuse)
- Frequent infections
Detoxification can be part of an overall treatment plan to help you:
- Lose weight
- Improve overall energy and vitality
- Reduce and prevent seasonal allergies
- Address digestive issues
- Ease hormonal symptoms
- Heal skin issues
- Ease pain and inflammation
The program is designed to offer a total body, 360 degree detox that is safe, effective, and supported through both individual visits and group sessions. Each patient will receive a personalized detox protocol as well as a diet program incorporating liver detoxification support.
This is a great opportunity to jump-start your journey to better health or re-motivate you in keeping your health goals for 2012! It’s also a fun program to do with your friends and family!
Package includes:
1. 3 individual naturopathic visits
- See below for specifics for each practice location
- Weekly focus on a different aspect of detox, including digestion, liver and kidney detox, skin health, lymphatic system, exercise, and stress management (mental/emotional detox)
- Coaching, support, and discussion for entire program duration
- Hypoallergenic protein source plus nutrients to support liver detoxification
- Biotherapeutic drainage remedies chosen specifically to address your health concerns and detox needs
Package price:
- $430 for new patients, $360 for existing patients (savings of 20% off regular price!)
- This is an amazing price for a complete, personalized, supported, and supervised detox program!
Register by Friday, April 6th 2012, space is limited
Call the clinic location that best suits you:
Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health
73 Warren Road, Suite 102
Phone: 416-792-4400
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment:
- New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (45 and 30 minutes)
- Existing patients: three follow-up visits (two 45 and one 30 minutes)
Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
2010 Queen St. East, 2nd floor
Phone: 416-690-6168
Package details:
3 individual naturopathic visits by appointment
- New patients: initial visit (90 minutes) and two follow-up visits (30 minutes)
- Existing patients: three follow-up visits (one 45 and two 30 minutes)
Group sessions Thursdays 7 to 8pm, April 19 through May 17 held at Kew Beach Natural Health Clinic
Blood type diet primer, part 2
19/10/11 14:30
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
This is the second part of a two-part blog about blood type and the Blood Type Diet. In part one, I covered the basics of blood type and what it has to do with food. Now that you’ve got the foundation, let’s learn a bit about each blood type and how you can use this valuable information to improve your health!
Blood type profiles
A full description of each type is beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a quick summary of each type. For more info, dig into the vast resources listed below, read about Blood Groups and the History of Peoples, and check out Wikipedia for an interesting breakdown of ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation.
Type O:
Type O is the oldest blood type. This type dominated during the time of hunters, when meat (protein) was the primary food source for humans. Type O at its best is strong, active, with a feisty immune system and hardy digestive tract. However, Type O does not adapt well to change and when out of balance, suffers from an overactive immune system, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid disorders.
Type O thrives on a paleolithic-type diet of green vegetables and animal protein, while wheat, corn, potatoes, and dairy impair the Type O metabolism and encourage weight gain.
Type A:
Type A emerged as humans developed agriculture and the lifestyle that came with it. Cultivated grains became a primary food source and humans settled into larger communities, necessitating adaptations in digestion and immunity. Type A enjoys an adaptable and efficient physiology that thrives on routine. However, Type A can be at risk for heart disease, due to chronic stress and difficulty digesting animal protein, and cancer, due to a vulnerable immune system.
Type A thrives on an agrarian-type diet of vegetables, vegetarian proteins, and whole grains. Red meat and dairy products impair digestion and lead to long-term illness.
Type B:
Type B developed where humans lived a more nomadic existence and is more concentrated in Asia. Type B benefits from a strong immune system, balanced nervous system, and superior adaptability. However, Type B is susceptible to losing this important balance as it is highly sensitive, resulting in autoimmune disease and chronic fatigue.
Type B thrives on a balanced diet integrating some animal proteins, such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, along with lots of green vegetables. Lectins in certain foods, such as chicken, corn, wheat, and tomatoes are problematic to sensitive Type B.
Type AB:
Type AB is the most modern and rarest type, developing from intermingling of Type A and Type B. The strength of Type AB is a tolerant immune system designed for modern conditions. Type AB can draw on strengths from both the systematic Type A side and more creative and balanced Type B side. However, due to the rare combination of both A and B antigens, Type AB faces greater susceptibility to microbial infections and some cancers as well as the challenge of being a physiological anomaly in a Type O and Type A dominated world.
Type AB thrives on a diverse diet including seafood and sea vegetables as well as some dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins, such as red meat and chicken, as well as wheat and corn are red flag foods for the Type AB metabolism.
What is secretor status?
Most people (about 85%) secrete their blood type antigens (markers) into bodily secretions such as saliva and are therefore dubbed “secretors.” The minority of those who do not are called “nonsecretors.” Secretor status is also a genetic marker, also determined by two alleles. Secretor is dominant, nonsecretor is recessive. Live Right For Your Type is the book to find out more about secretor status and its relevance to diet.
Why does secretor status matter?
The short explanation is that secretors have a lot more free blood type antigens because they secrete them in places like the intestinal tract, respiratory tract, and even the uterine cervix. These antigens interact with the environment to influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Knowing your secretor status gives you an additional tool to help you understand your unique needs and therefore treat and prevent disease.
Resources
There are so many great resources to learn more about the Blood Type Diet! I would suggest you start by exploring the official website, which includes tutorials, message boards, research writing, and a lot more.
Dr. D’Adamo has written many books about blood type and its influence on health. The best place to start is with the classic Eat Right For Your Type and then the more in-depth Live Right For Your Type (my personal favourite). Also check out Eat Right For Your Baby, Cook Right For Your Type, and the Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia. Dr. D’Adamo has also written a series of books on specific conditions, covering Aging, Allergies, Arthritis, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Fatigue, Menopause.
His most recent book, The GenoType Diet, builds on his work with blood types by looking at how our genes and environment interact to influence health.
Finally, for the medical professionals out there, another great resource is the Textbook of Natural Medicine by Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray. Chapter 43 is titled “Nontransfusion Significance of ABO and ABO-associated Polymorphisms” and was written by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo.
Practitioners
There are people around the world who have become experts on Dr. D’Adamo’s work and been certified by the Institute for Human Individuality. You can search for practitioners in your area here. To my knowledge, I am the only IfHI-certified naturopathic doctor in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. I use the Blood Type Diet, GenoType Diet, and SWAMI GenoType software in my practice. You can find out more about my practice locations and how to make an appointment here.
Supplements and testing
Dr. D’Adamo has formulated a line of products that started out in his own naturopathic clinic and are now available for purchase by the public. He also sells home testing kits for blood type and secretor status. In Canada, you can find them at Right For Your Type Canada.
Kukicha twig tea
30/09/11 11:11
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Anyone who spends any time around me will see me drinking my signature, favourite tea, kukicha!
Kukicha is a Japanese tea - either a green tea blend of both leaves and twigs from the tea plan (Camellia sinensis) or a pure tea, made from just the twigs and stems. The twigs are steamed, then dried, aged, and gently roasted to create a rich, toasty, dark tea. This taste is unlike other teas made from the leaves of the plant and often appeals to those who aren’t usually tea fans or coffee drinkers for its darkness.
Kukicha is very low in caffeine and is particularly associated with the macrobiotic diet. It is alkalinizing and is very easy on digestion, which makes it a great choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or with digestive troubles. Check out this page about home remedies from kukicha.
Anyone who spends any time around me will see me drinking my signature, favourite tea, kukicha!
Kukicha is a Japanese tea - either a green tea blend of both leaves and twigs from the tea plan (Camellia sinensis) or a pure tea, made from just the twigs and stems. The twigs are steamed, then dried, aged, and gently roasted to create a rich, toasty, dark tea. This taste is unlike other teas made from the leaves of the plant and often appeals to those who aren’t usually tea fans or coffee drinkers for its darkness.
Kukicha is very low in caffeine and is particularly associated with the macrobiotic diet. It is alkalinizing and is very easy on digestion, which makes it a great choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine or with digestive troubles. Check out this page about home remedies from kukicha.
Blood type diet primer, part 1
27/09/11 11:22
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” This saying has never been more true! This is the first part of a two-part blog all about blood type and the Blood Type Diet - stay tuned for part two coming soon!
The Blood Type Diet was the major catalyst for me to become a naturopathic doctor, so I can say that it literally changed my life, both health-wise, but also career-wise. I first became aware of naturopathic medicine after reading Eat Right For Your Type, the best-known book by best-selling author Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. This was a major turning point for my health as the information in this book transformed me from a tired and cranky university student well on my way to being overweight (with chronic disease down the road) to an energetic and vibrant naturopathic doctor.
How it all began...
Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? Dr. James D’Adamo noticed that some patients did well on vegetarian and low-fat diets while others did poorly. He began blood-typing his patients and a pattern began to emerge. Then, his son Dr. Peter D’Adamo researched his father’s theory while still a study at naturopathic college. He soon discovered a scientific basis for his father’s observations.
What is blood type?
There are four basic blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each individual carries two alleles (one from each parent) that together determine blood type. Types A and B are dominant, while type O is recessive. Therefore, type O people carry two identical O alleles, while type A and B people can either carry two identical alleles (either both A or both B) or one dominant allele (A or B) and one recessive allele (O). Type AB people carry two dominant alleles (one of each of A and B), creating the fourth blood type.
There is also another commonly used blood typing system based on Rhesus factor. In this system an individual is either Rhesus positive or negative. Rhesus positive is dominant and Rhesus negative is recessive.
These blood types determine antigens (substances that serve as identifiers and stimulate production of antibodies) on your cells. Blood typing is used in transfusion medicine to determine which blood is safe to give each individual. Blood type O negative, being recessive, is the “universal donor,” meaning this type can be given to anyone without causing an immune reaction (antibody production). Blood type AB positive, being dominant, is the “universal receiver,” meaning this type can be given any type of blood without experiencing an immune reaction.
What does blood type have to do with food?
Blood type goes far beyond your blood to impact disease and nutrition. Your blood type antigens are not just in your blood, they are everywhere in your body, particularly the surfaces that interact with your environment. These include your digestive tract all the way from your mouth to your large intestine as well as your nasal passages and lungs. Because these blood type antigens are everywhere, they influence on how your body interacts with the food you eat via several mechanisms:
Blood type also influences other processes in your body and how you get sick:
Why should I eat right for my type?
“Your blood type is the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength. Your blood type determines your susceptibility to illness, which foods you should eat, and how you should exercise. It is a factor in your energy levels, in the efficiency with which you ‘burn’ calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even your personality.” (from the introduction to Eat Right For Your Type)
You literally “are what you eat” since all your cells, proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters are constructed from what you put into your body. Therefore, what you eat is also your most powerful tool for preventing and healing illness. Eating right for your blood type is designed to optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues as well as prevent future disease by protecting you against your unique susceptibilities. When you know your blood type, you are empowered to create an environment that is optimal for your type, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
A few of the major benefits to the Blood Type Diet:
The majority of people come to the Blood Type Diet hoping to lose weight. While this is indeed a major focus of this system, the greater goal is improved physiological function when an individual eats the foods that are the best fuel for his or her system. The natural result of this improved function is weight loss, but also improvement in other health concerns (such as digestive disturbance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, pain and inflammation, mood regulation) and prevention of chronic illness (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” This saying has never been more true! This is the first part of a two-part blog all about blood type and the Blood Type Diet - stay tuned for part two coming soon!
The Blood Type Diet was the major catalyst for me to become a naturopathic doctor, so I can say that it literally changed my life, both health-wise, but also career-wise. I first became aware of naturopathic medicine after reading Eat Right For Your Type, the best-known book by best-selling author Peter J. D’Adamo, ND. This was a major turning point for my health as the information in this book transformed me from a tired and cranky university student well on my way to being overweight (with chronic disease down the road) to an energetic and vibrant naturopathic doctor.
How it all began...
Have you ever wondered why the Atkins diet works for some people, while vegetarianism works for others? Dr. James D’Adamo noticed that some patients did well on vegetarian and low-fat diets while others did poorly. He began blood-typing his patients and a pattern began to emerge. Then, his son Dr. Peter D’Adamo researched his father’s theory while still a study at naturopathic college. He soon discovered a scientific basis for his father’s observations.
What is blood type?
There are four basic blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each individual carries two alleles (one from each parent) that together determine blood type. Types A and B are dominant, while type O is recessive. Therefore, type O people carry two identical O alleles, while type A and B people can either carry two identical alleles (either both A or both B) or one dominant allele (A or B) and one recessive allele (O). Type AB people carry two dominant alleles (one of each of A and B), creating the fourth blood type.
There is also another commonly used blood typing system based on Rhesus factor. In this system an individual is either Rhesus positive or negative. Rhesus positive is dominant and Rhesus negative is recessive.
These blood types determine antigens (substances that serve as identifiers and stimulate production of antibodies) on your cells. Blood typing is used in transfusion medicine to determine which blood is safe to give each individual. Blood type O negative, being recessive, is the “universal donor,” meaning this type can be given to anyone without causing an immune reaction (antibody production). Blood type AB positive, being dominant, is the “universal receiver,” meaning this type can be given any type of blood without experiencing an immune reaction.
What does blood type have to do with food?
Blood type goes far beyond your blood to impact disease and nutrition. Your blood type antigens are not just in your blood, they are everywhere in your body, particularly the surfaces that interact with your environment. These include your digestive tract all the way from your mouth to your large intestine as well as your nasal passages and lungs. Because these blood type antigens are everywhere, they influence on how your body interacts with the food you eat via several mechanisms:
- Lectins
- Protective barriers in your body, including lining of your gut
- Bacterial environment, including relevance to choice of probiotics
- Stomach acid production
- Intestinal alkaline phosphatase and processing of fats in your diet
- Secretion of digestive enzymes and other substances
Blood type also influences other processes in your body and how you get sick:
- Stress and response to exercise
- Blood clotting
- Disease risk (cancer, inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid, reproductive disorders, etc)
- Susceptibility to infection by bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc
Why should I eat right for my type?
“Your blood type is the key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of health, disease, longevity, physical vitality, and emotional strength. Your blood type determines your susceptibility to illness, which foods you should eat, and how you should exercise. It is a factor in your energy levels, in the efficiency with which you ‘burn’ calories, in your emotional response to stress, and perhaps even your personality.” (from the introduction to Eat Right For Your Type)
You literally “are what you eat” since all your cells, proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters are constructed from what you put into your body. Therefore, what you eat is also your most powerful tool for preventing and healing illness. Eating right for your blood type is designed to optimize your digestive and immune health now to alleviate health issues as well as prevent future disease by protecting you against your unique susceptibilities. When you know your blood type, you are empowered to create an environment that is optimal for your type, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
A few of the major benefits to the Blood Type Diet:
- Improve immune function, avoiding common infections
- Lose weight by improving metabolism, increasing nutrient intake, and reducing toxic burden on your body
- Prevent chronic disease, such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, etc
- Slow down the aging process by improving overall health
The majority of people come to the Blood Type Diet hoping to lose weight. While this is indeed a major focus of this system, the greater goal is improved physiological function when an individual eats the foods that are the best fuel for his or her system. The natural result of this improved function is weight loss, but also improvement in other health concerns (such as digestive disturbance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, pain and inflammation, mood regulation) and prevention of chronic illness (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
What's the difference between food sensitivity, allergy, or intolerance?
25/08/11 17:07
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND co-authored with Mélanie DesChâtelets, ND.
Do you ever feel confused about the difference between food sensitivity, food allergy and food intolerance? The differences are actually pretty simple to understand and will help you understand how food affects you. First, some basic definitions:
Antibody: A large Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system. Its job is to recognize foreign proteins and neutralize them. It’s what happens when you get a cold, the bacteria or virus is recognized and then neutralized by antibodies.
Enzyme: In simple terms enzymes help breakdown things. Enzymes are very specific for what they break down. Therefore, your body has thousands of different enzymes to break down very specific compounds. Without enzymes the process may not occur at all or at a very reduced rate. In the digestive system, enzymes help break down food into smaller units for absorption.
Both food allergy and food sensitivity are antibody-mediated reactions to food. The antibody recognizes a food protein as harmful and tries to neutralize it. If this is similar then what is different? We have different types of antibodies in our body. Different types of antibodies react differently and cause different symptoms.
Food allergy
Food allergy is mediated by an antibody called IgE. When this type of antibody reacts with a foreign protein it immediately elicits typical reactions ranging from uncomfortable to life threatening. Skin irritation, redness, and swelling are common. Difficulty breathing is more disturbing as it represents tightening of the airway. Other symptoms such as hoarseness of voice, stuffy and runny nose, itchy and red eyes as well as nausea and vomiting can are also seen with food allergies.
Here’s a diagram to demonstrate - imagine the pink line represents the symptom threshold; when you cross this line you have symptoms. The star represents the ingestion of the allergic food item.
Do you ever feel confused about the difference between food sensitivity, food allergy and food intolerance? The differences are actually pretty simple to understand and will help you understand how food affects you. First, some basic definitions:
Antibody: A large Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system. Its job is to recognize foreign proteins and neutralize them. It’s what happens when you get a cold, the bacteria or virus is recognized and then neutralized by antibodies.
Enzyme: In simple terms enzymes help breakdown things. Enzymes are very specific for what they break down. Therefore, your body has thousands of different enzymes to break down very specific compounds. Without enzymes the process may not occur at all or at a very reduced rate. In the digestive system, enzymes help break down food into smaller units for absorption.
Both food allergy and food sensitivity are antibody-mediated reactions to food. The antibody recognizes a food protein as harmful and tries to neutralize it. If this is similar then what is different? We have different types of antibodies in our body. Different types of antibodies react differently and cause different symptoms.
Food allergy
Food allergy is mediated by an antibody called IgE. When this type of antibody reacts with a foreign protein it immediately elicits typical reactions ranging from uncomfortable to life threatening. Skin irritation, redness, and swelling are common. Difficulty breathing is more disturbing as it represents tightening of the airway. Other symptoms such as hoarseness of voice, stuffy and runny nose, itchy and red eyes as well as nausea and vomiting can are also seen with food allergies.
Here’s a diagram to demonstrate - imagine the pink line represents the symptom threshold; when you cross this line you have symptoms. The star represents the ingestion of the allergic food item.
With food allergy, as soon as the offending food is ingested, IgE levels rise and react quickly. The allergic symptom threshold is always reached. Avoidance of this offending food is necessary as it can be life threatening. The levels of IgE will also drop relatively quickly and within 5-7 days you typically no longer have symptoms.
Food sensitivity
Food sensitivity is mediated by an antibody called IgG. IgG antibodies react very differently from IgE. When IgG antibodies react with foreign proteins, they elicit a milder, slower, and non-typical reaction. Symptoms can vary from migraines, to increased behavioural difficulties in children with ADHD, to chronic digestive concerns (constipation, diarrhea, IBS, IBD), decreases in energy, skin issues (acne, eczema), and other vague symptoms. Here’s the problem - unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are very hard to diagnose. This is because their impacts can be seen 24 to 48 hours after the ingestion of the offending food. There are two ways that can help identify food sensitivities: the first is a strategic elimination/hypoallergenic diet, which works as both a diagnostic tool (to identify offending foods) and treatment (avoidance of offending foods as a first step towards long-term healing). The other is an IgG food sensitivity blood test - I offer this testing via either Immunolabs or Rocky Mountain Analytical. This tests how reactive your IgG antibodies are against various foods. The higher the reactivity the higher likelihood a food sensitivity might be present. This test can be a good starting point in assessing potential food sensitivity.
Here’s a diagram to demonstrate how IgG works.
With food sensitivity, the offending food is ingested and the IgG antibody levels rise slowly and linger for up to 3 weeks. This is what makes a food sensitivity so hard to diagnose. You first ingest the offending food sensitivity and you are symptom-free. This is because you are still far from your symptomatic threshold. In a few days you ingest this same food item and again no symptoms. What you don’t know is that your IgG antibody levels have accumulated with those of your last exposure. Third time is a charm, you ingest the food and this time you get symptoms, such as migraine, constipation, weight gain, water retention, skin breakouts, fatigue, etc. Please note in this example I used 3 days but this is for illustrative purposes and is not literal. It can be confusing! Symptoms don’t appear immediately, so it is hard to link exposure to symptoms and you are left guessing at which foods is causing symptoms. Unlike an IgE food allergy were every single exposure is followed by symptoms, IgG food sensitivities depends on frequency and dose of the exposure.
Food intolerance
Food intolerance represents an enzyme deficiency, meaning your body can’t break down a component of food and this causes digestive upset. The most obvious example is lactose intolerance or lactase enzyme deficiency. This enzyme is important in breaking down lactose found in dairy products. The lack of this enzymes results in gas, diarrhea, and discomfort.
I work with many patients to address food sensitivities. The goal is not to eliminate a food for the rest of your life although avoidance for a period of time is sometimes necessary while we improve the integrity of the gut lining so that you can once again tolerate the offending food. When you figure out which foods you are sensitive to and understand the symptoms, you are empowered to take charge of your health!
Guest post: Treating irritable bowel syndrome
10/02/11 19:36
The first line therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diet modification. Most IBS patients have specific food triggers and their symptoms can improve significantly by identifying and removing the offending foods from their diet. A hypo-allergenic diet is recommended with gradual re-introduction of foods to identify any specific triggers.
Probiotic supplementation has been shown to be helpful in IBS. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth and an alteration in normal intestinal flora may be one contributing cause or mediator of IBS. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are two species that have been identified as being particularly helpful to combat this. Aside from renormalizing the flora, probiotics have also been shown to significantly improve global IBS symptoms and decrease abdominal pain. Peppermint oil has also been shown to be effective in treating IBS symptoms. Peppermint oil relaxes the tone of the gastrointestinal tract and thus may help address dysfunction in smooth muscle contraction, which may be particularly helpful in regulating bowel function. Finally, several studies have shown a link between IBS and an impairment of serotonin receptors. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor whose supplementation increases serotonin in the body may be helpful in managing this impairment. A combination of these recommendations generally results in safe and effective management of IBS.
