HEALHT MATTERS:22 Tricks To Avoid Bloating

Many of us struggle with high levels of inflammation in our system, a symptom of our over-processed and convenience-focused eating lifestyle.

When our bellies, digestive track and intestines are inflamed, we have trouble digesting and assimilating the nutrition we need, making us an overfed and undernourished society. Many of us aren’t aware of the daily battle our internal system is fighting. But if you're having a hard time losing weight, feel spacey, bloated or have other constitutional issues, you might just be facing a series of food intolerances.

Food intolerance or sensitivity can be defined as an uncomfortable reaction to food that doesn't involve an immune system response or the release of histamine, but results in a host of uncomfortable symptoms.

A food allergy is more serious than food intolerance and can cause instantaneous reactions from your immune system such as cramps, nausea and vomiting.

All of us are suffering from some level of sensitivities which impact our ability to feel fully healthy. In late 2012, after a full exam including food sensitivity testing, my doctor informed me I was sensitive to six of the most common foods in our diets, but that was nothing compared to the realization that almost every food item contained some or all of the following irritants: gluten, soy, dairy, corn, nuts and eggs. These items had been in my diet in large quantities for years leading up to my diagnosis. Many of these irritants appear in the guise of fillers, flavors, oils, enhancements and thickeners, making label reading a very important aspect of an elimination plan.

Having successfully completed a five-week elimination detox, I wanted to share some of the great substitutes that will make your detox, if you decide to embark on one, easier.

You can start to “swap” these foods into your diet now making the transition easier. These items are great to have on hand so you can always make better choices. There are a couple specific brands listed to save you from excessive label reading, but feel free to explore your local health food store for other alternatives.