GLOW

My attention was recently brought to this article from Natural News, which raises many concerns about the future of alternative medicine, not only in North Carolina, but throughout the United States. Given the recent legislative trends in our country, it seems plausible that the idea could spread. Let's see what we can do to stop it, lest our health and the welfare of our healers suffer as a result!

I was grateful to Alison for posting a link to an article in the Wall Street Journal about gluten sensitivity the other day. I am one of the many who went through blood work and an endoscopy to test for Celiac disease, and was shocked to get negative results. My system becomes nearly crippled when I eat wheat or gluten, how could I not have it? Luckily, one of the many GI doctors I met with discussed with me gluten intolerance/sensitivity vs. Celiac disease, and even suggested an online testing option if I wanted to get a somewhat definitive answer. I haven't sought out the online test, as I know now unequivocally that I don't tolerate it, simply from listening and observing my body and it's needs. Not everyone has that support, though, or the awareness that gluten sensitivity could be causing their unexplained symptoms in the first place. Hopefully awareness will continue to increase, and more people will be assured that they are not crazy.

SOURCE: New Yorker Magazine, January 3, 2011

Within the same week, I happened upon an article in January's New Yorker about the revolutionary restaurant El Bulli, and listened to an interview on NPR's Fresh Air with the creator of Alinea restaurant in Chicago. Both restaurants create mind-bending plates with the most creative palates and textures you will ever hear of. I adore what they are doing to help evolve the way that we approach our relationships with food. My dearest wish is for incredibly talented and intelligent cooks like them to key into the needs of those with food allergies and intolerances, and to help create more options for those of us who find ourselves with limited ones. Or, I wish that I didn't have any limitations, physically or financially, and that I could fly to Chicago or Italy and eat everything that they put in front of me. Sigh...

Interesting article by Jerome Groopman on the current research about food allergies in children in February 7th issue of the New Yorker. It's good to know that the field of food allergies is finally being taken serious enough for proper research to actually be funded.