By: Dr. Amanda Meyers-Kuper
I’d like to share my story about food allergies… imagine an extremely active girl that needed both swim practice and gymnastics to tire her out enough for bed. And picture this same kid suffering from chronic strep throat, chronic sinus infections, mononucleosis at 6 years old, and the list continues. Then, at 20 years old, I started having severe breathing problems while swimming at the collegiate level. Doctor after doctor would simply say “we don’t know” after trying inhalers that were unnecessary. Then I met a naturopathic physician with an open mind and the story takes a turn for the better.
The doctor ordered a blood test for food allergies and the results stared me in the face: I was allergic to wheat, gluten, soy, egg, cow’s milk, yeast, and kidney beans. I was overwhelmed, but happy to know that we may have found the solution. Within one week of eliminating the problem foods I was swimming faster than ever and I could breathe! After 3 years of training at the highest level I was finally obtaining personal bests and making a difference on the team. It was empowering, but as a college-aged student it was also devastating! I could no longer eat pizza with my friends, go out for ice cream to celebrate a big win, or drink what I thought was a healthy protein shake because the ingredients were on my DO NOT EAT list. Luckily, swimming was my motivation… and soon after, living a healthy life was all the motivation I needed.
My family and friends were amazed by the results and were extremely supportive through the whole process. I grew up in a very nutritious household. I took a lunch box to school that always included a piece of fruit and a balanced main dish. Our dinners were always a meat, vegetable and side. Ice-cream or cookies were only allowed on the weekend or special occasions. Having Diabetic grandparents I was witness at an early age to the dangers of the disease as my grandfather lost his feet to amputation. We were educated to stay active and eat healthy to avoid such damaging results. Even with a health-conscious background, you never know what’s going on in your body!
Over the years I’ve been able to add all of the foods back into my diet except for dairy and gluten. Is it frustrating at times, of course! But I feel better now than I ever felt in the first 20 years of my life. I have seen positive changes within my body ranging from clearer thinking to clearer skin and improved gastrointestinal health. I even experienced an enjoyable pregnancy with a healthy baby girl as the result. If I had not followed the guidance of that naturopathic physician, the above story may not have been the same. Now, as a physician, I have the opportunity to help others achieve the same successful story of health that I was given. It’s not the easiest of paths, but it is well worth the journey. Please read about our food sensitivity testing promotion for the month May. Body Logic is here to help!
Dr. Amanda and her niece, Samantha, swimming together.