Does red wine give you a headache? Do your kids go out of control on sweets? Does pizza make your skin break out in spots? A good diet is crucial for better wellness but how much do foods specifically target certain areas? Experts say that when it comes to eating for everyday wellbeing, sometimes the myths about how some foods affect health may be more powerful than the truth.
According to dietician Nelda Mercer, ‘A lot of people think sugar causes hyperactivity, but it’s actually the circumstances in which it’s given in large doses like at a fun party, Halloween or a birthday that causes hyperactivity,’ and the link ‘simply hasn’t been proven.’
Another link people believe exists is the one between chocolate or red wine and headaches. Headache expert Dr Seymour Diamond says several studies have unequivocally shown that there is no link between food and headaches, yet this doesn’t bust the myth for everyone as Diamond concedes that ‘only about 30% of migraineurs are really sensitive to anything.’ However, when it comes to alcohol, headaches can occur because your blood vessels widen, your blood sugar decreases and you become dehydrated.
People often also report headaches or migraines from aged cheeses, foods containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and chocolate, foods that are pickled, fermented or marinated, processed meats and artificial sweeteners, and Migraine Action recommends you keep a food diary to determine any possible food sensitivities.
When it comes to acne, you may have to find another way to deter your teenager from eating greasy foods, as extensive scientific research has yet to find a connection between diet and acne. A cause-and-effect relationship is hard to prove – does stress itself cause acne, but you blame it on the foods you eat when you’re stressed? Or during your period when you crave chocolate, is it the hormones that cause the acne or is it the food itself? According to dermatologist Dr Doris Day, ‘You know your own body, and you know what happens to you when you eat certain things,’ so you need to avoid the triggers that you know cause acne for you. Sometimes, it’s just the power of the myth.
Comments are closed.