While sitting in a reception this morning, I listened to a commercial for the Children’s Hospital promoting their well-trained doctors who specialize in pediatric gastrointestinal disorders like celiac, Crohn’s, irritable bowel and gastric reflux. I immediately thought of my grade school years (1970’s-1980’s). I don’t recall kids in my class having these disease processes and hospitals advertising over the airwaves their specialties. Food allergies and intolerances were rare back then.
What happened? What is it that we all have in common no matter what our socioeconomic background?
The answer is food and water. It’s often challenging for people to learn what is good and what is bad for them and their families. Just this week, my aunt brought me a salad for lunch and apologized that they did not have oil and vinegar dressing. She got me a packet of Italian Dressing. I thanked her and told her I had my own dressing in the back. When I looked at the packet of dressing today, the list of ingredients were: Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Salt, Contains Less Than 2%: Garlic, Xanthum Gum, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Spice Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dextrose, Beta Carotene and Paprika.
Here people are thinking that they are doing something good for themselves eating a salad. What they are really doing is contaminating it with the dressing. This dressing is genetically modified with soy and corn products. These two ingredients alone can create gastrointestinal distress and weight gain. So here people are going around with stomach issues and having a bunch of tests to figure out what’s going on. The culprit could be as easy as the stuff you are unknowingly putting into your body. READ YOUR LABELS.
Upcoming Events:
Next week we will be starting our school countdown. You will be receiving information to help the children in your life lead a healthier lifestyle.
Our August Health Talk will be on spinal and nutrition basics 101. The date will be determined next week.
Have a great day and Be Well!
Dr. Anne Marie