Q: I have suffered from panic attacks for the past three years and I have recently decided that I should start reading about ways to help myself. I read that certain foods can make panic attacks worse. How would I go about finding if and what foods are making my attacks worse?
A: If you feel like you could have an intolerance, allergy or sensitivity that is causing your attacks you are probably right. There is some evidence that food sensitivities can precipitate panic attacks or make existing ones more severe or more frequent. I find that alcohol, especially beer and wine, are frequently involved. It seems that sensitivity to yeast and mold spores present in these beverages may be what are causing the problem. Often patients suffering from panic attacks also have other health issues that are somewhat related to the "alcohol allergy." Other substances such as food additives/chemicals or medications may also be involved. In cases such as yours, gut imbalance is often the cause.
CO-WRITTEN BY MIRANDA TALLON-MALISANI. DR. ELENA KRASNOV IS A REGISTERED NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR, CLINIC DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TORONTO NATUROPATHIC CLINIC. CALL (416) 944-3526 OR VISIT WWW.NATUROPATHYCLINIC.COM.
