ASK BONNIE for January 2003

Question #1:

I have a very sensitive stomach and a hard time taking any dietary supplements. Why does this happen to me and others in the same boat? I would like to know before I make an appointment.

Answer #1:

Allergies and food sensitivities are common causes of supplement reactions since most contain lactose, corn derivatives, yeast, etc. I have worked with thousands of clients, like you, who never tolerated supplements in the past. You will be able to tolerate at least some of what I recommend. Everything we would add, would be very slowly. We also have testers for most of the products I would recommend so that you do not have to purchase them if you react. The dietary portion is just as important as supplements. Incompatible allergenic diets are the major contribution to your digestive distress.

Question #2:

I saw a bite on the news about a studying being conducted regarding allergies to peanuts. They stated that the dry roasting process caused these allergies. I thought mold was the catalyst? Can you clear this up?

Answer #2:

In answer to your peanut question, neither is correct. First, peanut butter is not dry roasted. Yet, people react the same way. The cause is the aflatoxin (immune-suppressing mold) that pregnant women and children under two should not ingest. A child's immune system is not fully formed until age two. Thus, the fetus or child under age two cannot handle the assault to the immune system.

Question #3:

I currently manufacture an item using Yellow #5. I would like to continue using color but would like a safer, less controversial  substitute without altering the taste of the product. Can you suggest a natural yellow coloring?

Answer #3:

Turmeric and beta carotene are used routinely by the natural foods industry for a yellow color. Yellow #5 causes many serious reactions. The health conscious public would be pleased to see it avoided in all foods and nutritional supplements.

Question #4:

Could you please tell me the amount of fat per day a women can have? Is it the same for a man? we have high cholesterol and want to change our dietary habits.

Answer #4:

Dietary fat is not the cause of high cholesterol. The wrong types of fats (especially trans fats/hydrogenated fats) are culprits. Go to the New England Journal of Medicine's website and read about the American Medical Association's admitting last week that "fat-free" is not the way to go. The AMA admitted it is the type of fat you eat that is the issue. Not all fat is bad!

Another major cause is an incompatible diet of too much carbohydrate (especially grains and simple sugars). I look at individual needs (including genetic predisposition), not a simplistic "one size fits all approach." 

Have a happy, healthy day.

Past Ask Bonnie entries: 1999 June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec,                                              2000 Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec                                  2001 Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec                                  2002 Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

 

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