| The ancient Roman poet and philosopher Titus Lucretius Carus once said, ÒWhat is food to one, is to others bitter poison.Ó Food sensitivities are unique to each person due to individual biochemistry and are influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, overall health and other factors. Each person with food sensitivities will have different symptoms that vary in degree of severity, age of onset, duration, location and amount of food necessary to trigger symptoms. Only an individualized diet that eliminates specific intolerant foods can help ensure that allergens and toxins that interfere with an individualÕs health do not overload the body. It is now recognized that food sensitivity, a common but frequently ignored medical condition, may cause or contribute to many of the ailments that plague us. Proper diagnosis of food sensitivity can help cure a wide range of health care problems ranging from obesity to migraine headaches, from depression to diabetes. By removing identified foods that disturb an individualÕs unique biochemistry, the body is allowed to heal and operate at its optimal performance. Treating food sensitivity may have the same medical significance in curing chronic health problems as did the discovery of penicillin. Food sensitivities occur when the bodyÕs immune system cells react to a chemical that either naturally occurs in food or is added to it and is different from food allergies. The modern diet of processed and adulterated foods contributes to food sensitivities by introducing more unnatural and foreign substances into the body and not providing adequate levels of nutrients necessary for proper liver detoxification. So, how can you tell if you have food sensitivities that cause or contribute to the excess weight, fatigue, headaches, food cravings, or chronic illnesses? A simple blood test, the ALCAT test, can assess sensitivity to over 200 common foods and food additives, molds, environmental chemicals and more. Most individuals can overcome their food sensitivities by eliminating the offending item from their diet for up to six months, then reintroducing it in a four day rotational meal plan. If you are tired of feeling tired, suffering from migraine headaches, having difficulty losing weight, dealing with a chronic illness, or just want to perform your best in life, eliminating reactive foods can help. 
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Dr. Afreen Pappa is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. This year, she was named one of HoustonÕs Top Docs 2009 by H Texas Magazine.