Although we rarely think about it, many of the foods we eat have been exposed to natural or synthetic gas. Small but potentially harmful residues of this gas may remain in these foods and cause problems for susceptible individuals. Most bananas, for instance, are artificially ripened by exposure to ethylene gas immediately before they are [...]
The remaining NSAIDs have a powerful anti-inflammatory action, on a par with aspirin. They can all produce side-effects in susceptible individuals, but are reasonably safe for long-term use. Indomethacin ((Artracin, Flexin Continus, Imbrilon, Indocid, Indolar, Indomod) is powerful anti-inflammatory drug that has been in use for many years. It is useful for morning stiffness because [...]
Synonyms for food ingredients The following synonyms may be used on food labels: Casein, caseinate Cereal binder Cereal filler Cereal protein Cereal starch Corn meal Corn starch Corn syrup Dextrose Edible starch Flour Fructose Glucose syrup Hydrolysed protein Hydrolysed vegetable protein Lactalbumin Lactose Leavening Lecithin Maltose Modified starch Ovalbumin Starch Sucrose Vegetable oil Vegetable protein [...]
Even those who think they are eating healthily may in fact be undernourished. The fashion for wholemeal-everything and added bran is one factor here: bran contains a substance called phytate that is known to impair the absorption of iron, zinc, calcium, and possibly magnesium – all essential minerals. The yeasts used in bread-making break down [...]
Our own viewpoint is that genuine cases of Munchausen’s or Meadow’s syndrome are very rare because these people are seriously disturbed. If they had not had medical knowledge, their mental problems would have surfaced in some other form. In the same way, many suicides jump from tall buildings, but removing all the tall buildings in [...]
If atopy is inherited, then the genetic information that is passed on from parent to child must in some way be faulty. Studies of atopic families have led to some understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved, and they help to explain some puzzling features of the problem. Current research suggests that atopy is not due [...]
This test is a shortcut to testing fibres without major expenditure. This should help you tell whether it is the fibre itself causing reactions. Choose an item made of the fibre you want to test: COTTON: a T-shirt, pillowcase, cotton towel or cotton blanket. LINEN: a pure linen tea-towel. SILK: a silk scarf. SYNTHETICS AND [...]
Cross-reaction, or cross-reactivity, is a phenomenon whereby if you react to a particular allergen or substance, you are prone to react to other substances that are closely related to it, biologically or chemically. In true allergy, the immune system has an ability to recognise and produce antibodies to allergens that are related. In food intolerance [...]
Some of the worst problems with caring for a child are caused by avoidance and elimination, particularly over food elimination and special diets. There is no easy answer on how to manage a child on an elimination diet when foods are being tested, or on a special permanent diet which excludes problem foods. It can [...]
Select a food to omit If the baby does not have evening colic, or if the above measures do not work, then the next step is to select a food or drink to leave out of the mother’s diet. The most common causes of babies’ reactions to breastmilk are the foods that most frequently cause [...]