When I was a kid, schools weren’t preoccupied with food allergies. In fact, the idea of being allergic to food—something meant to nourish and sustain us—seemed almost unthinkable. But today, food allergies are not only common but are also a major health concern, and the situation appears to be worsening.
Consider these shocking facts:
- Peanut Allergy Epidemic: From 1997 to 2002, the prevalence of peanut allergies doubled. What was once a rare condition has become a widespread issue, leading to life-threatening reactions in children across the country.
- Hospitalizations on the Rise: In that same period, there was a staggering 205% increase in hospitalizations related to food allergic reactions. This statistic alone underscores the growing severity and frequency of food-related illnesses.
- A Changing Food Supply: The 1990s saw the introduction of new, engineered food proteins into the American diet. These proteins were designed to maximize crop yields and profits, but at what cost? The connection between these engineered foods and the rise in allergies and other health issues cannot be ignored.
- Synthetic Growth Hormones in Milk: In 1994, American dairy cows began receiving synthetic growth hormones to increase milk production. However, this practice didn’t just lead to more milk; it also resulted in sicker cows requiring more antibiotics. Milk, once a staple of a healthy diet, is now one of the most common food allergens.
- America’s Health Crisis: The United States has the highest cancer rates in the world. If you were to move from China to America, your risk of developing cancer would quadruple. This stark statistic raises critical questions about the impact of our food supply and overall environment on our health.
These trends suggest that the modern food supply, altered to prioritize efficiency and profitability, may be contributing to the rise in food allergies and other serious health issues. The very foods that should nourish us are now making many of us sick.
As a healthcare practitioner, I see these trends reflected in my patients every day. More and more, illnesses caused by foods that should be nutritious are becoming the norm. It’s time we take a closer look at what we’re putting into our bodies and demand changes that prioritize our health over profit.
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