The Healthy Way

Monday, July 06, 2009

Examining Food Sensitivities

Q: Dear Elena: Lately, when I eat a meal I get lightheaded and dizzy and sometimes short of breath. I have been to my dr. but they haven't found anything wrong. Do you know what would cause this?

A: A sudden drop of blood pressure often causes dizziness. However, shortness of breath (SOB) on the other hand could mean you are having an allergic reaction. If your doctor has checked you and no abnormalities were found I suggest you begin with a diet diary and write down your entire food intake including amounts, the way the food was prepared and your symptoms. By doing this for several weeks you may be able to narrow it down to certain foods or circumstances causing symptoms.

Keep your meals light and simple, and easy to digest. Sometimes when a meal is heavy, your digestive system is overwhelmed as has to work harder. As a result it may cause symptoms of SOB simply because your stomach is distended and your diaphragm is stretched. An allergic reaction to a certain food component or an ingredient can also cause SOB and may be much more dangerous (I assume this was ruled out by your doctor).

Try taking a full spectrum digestive enzyme with lots of protease (to digest protein). That may be helpful in that it will aid in digesting your food for you. Also, it is important to keep things moving. Make sure you are not constipated. A liver/stomach detoxification with liver cleansing herbs such as Artichoke and Milk Thistle is a good place to start.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here