Only a little bit does count

I have now been on this elimination diet - no dairy, no gluten, for going on 3 months. And boy, am I still learning! Last week for instance, I really wanted something sweet for breakfast and as my cupboards were bare (this is the first hint ...always keep stock) and I had no honey, I decided to have some strawberry jam on toast. Now I did read the label first, and noticed it said containing glucose syrup from wheat. I also noticed that this was one of the first items listed, so I did register that this was probably a reasonably high percentage of the ingredients, but I decided to eat it for 2 reasons. As mentioned, I wanted something sweet, but I also thought after 10 weeks on the elimination diet, it wouldn't be a bad idea to see if and how I reacted to it. So, having been deprived for so long, I rather lavishly spread the jam on my 2 slices of gluten-free toast. This was on the Thursday morning. Well ...(I reckon you know what's coming), starting on the Friday, I was REALLY SICK for 3 DAYS. I had restless leg at night and couldn't sleep. I had head pain, low back pain, and stomach pain. I had bloating, cramping and diarrhoea - for 3 days. You know, I am still reeling from that, and I don't think I will ever forget it. I am also quite frankly, still finding it really hard to believe that so little could make such a difference. Interestingly, I am just editing an article by Sue Dengate (author and operator of the Food Intolerances Network) about food intolerances and particularly additives in food, which we will publishing in our Sep/Nov issue of The Art of Healing. One thing Sue talks about is an additive called annatto, a natural substance and additive which has been found to cause quite severe reactions in some people, and also salicylates which she says are increasing in our food supply. Foods high in salicylates include most fruit, but especially berries and citrus, fruit juices, sultanas, dried fruits, some vegetables, and especially tomato-based sauces. She also said that problems often occur when people eat "a very large does over a very short time". So I certainly had a couple of 'aha' moments when reading this article ie. berries and quantity. I hope this information also serves you well, and look out for the article. It is very good.