diarrhea

Symptoms Become Worse After Changing Diet

by Kelly Dorfman, MS, LND Improving the diet and adding nutritional supplements are important foundations of effective therapy programs.  Yet some parents find that when they modify their children’s food, symptoms become worse after changing diet. When children become cranky, less related or more hyperactive, it is tempting to see dietary intervention as a failure. The surprising truth is that youngsters who react the most negatively to dietary modifications and supplements can ultimately be the most dramatic positive responders. No response at all is the worst scenario. A change in symptoms indicates that the system is responsive to biochemical shifts.  The key is to understand the hidden message in unwanted symptoms and to make adjustments. Symptoms Worse After Eliminating Dairy OBSERVATION:  Sarah gets diarrhea or a cold after eliminating dairy foods. WHY?  Consuming dairy products may have masked her poor digestion of gluten-based foods. Dairy-based foods tend to be binding.  Eliminating the binder revealed underlying irritation. A sudden illness, such…

Alternative Treatment for Allergies

by Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, P.T., I.M.T.,C. Recently, I visited with my son’s new preschool teacher.  One of the first questions that she asked me was if my son had any allergies.  I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly, my biggest fear in having my son begin school was that his food sensitivities would not be accommodated. When I mentioned that he had gluten sensitivity and peanut sensitivity, she exclaimed, “That’s great! We have plenty of gluten-free snacks in the classroom and the school is a peanut-free zone!” In fact, she mentioned that the only snacks that they provide to the children in the classroom are those that can be eaten by everyone. Now, I know that not every classroom is as allergy-friendly as this one.  But it leads us to consider a future of more possibilities. Allergies are becoming so commonplace today.  It is a rare family that does not have a child and/or parent with allergies. There are many signs and symptoms…