Elimination of Wheat and Dairy

 Q. I found you while I was doing research on the web.  I am one of the many who are desperately trying to lose weight while on anti-depressants.  Talk about a struggle!  I came across a book that suggested an initial "detox" to see how your body responds to certain things such as wheat, dairy, and eggs.  The author then goes on to suggest if you DO see a reaction to a food to avoid it for another 3 months and then try again.  The problem is, he doesn't give an explanation as to why.  My question is... do you know the rationale behind this thinking?  Also, if I were to give up dairy, how would I get enough daily calcium?

A. Well you are asking great questions.  The rationale is that we eat so many foods with wheat, dairy and gluten on a daily basis.  I don't agree with eggs as much for everyone because they are excellent sources of protein and most of us, don't eat them everyday.  We are also exposed to so many toxins in the environment such as exhaust, pesticides, fuel emissions, chemicals in food, water, and on and on... our immune systems can become overburdened.  The repetitive eating of wheat, gluten and dairy causes our immune system to become overburdened with those foods, and starts to develop allergies or sensitivities to the burden.  By eliminating them from the diet, the immune system has a chance to rest.  Substitution foods, rich in nutrients such as sweet potato, yams, brown rice, beans, lentils, and fresh varieties of vegetables (washed thoroughly) will give the immune system a rest, and reduce inflammation. During this time really good sources of proteins, fresh natural nuts in moderation, and plant oils in moderation can help the immune system become even stronger.  Exercise and clean water along with 8 hours restful sleep is also a huge help to the immune system.  So if you need calcium, a calcium magnesium supplement with D3 is important.  Work on your digestion as well.  If you are over 30 chances are, you might benefit from digestive support and a good dose of probiotics but do the elimination to start and work up to it. 

Please let me add that supplementation such as cinnamon, chromium picolinate, or glycinate, fish oils, and a really good multivitamin will also help you support sugar utilization, insulin and metabolism that is often altered by antidepressant meds.

I hope these suggestions gave you some other possible causes to think about. If you decide you would like an nutritional e-consultation, please visit the rate section of my website.

Sincerely,
Gay Riley, MS, RD, CCN
www.netnutritionist.com

I hope this helped.  Please contact me for further information or if you have another question!