A friend of mine just came from her yearly physical. Her physician told her that her CRP (C-Reactive Protein see note*) was too high. He wanted her off: wheat, corn, fats, and sugar. Besides that her husband is lactose intolerant. She said “To cook for the two of us, I guess I better get your book”. I told her that was wonderful, but please pay attention to page 17 of my book. It is very important. “Why is it so important,” she asked. I replied, “It sets down the rules on how to shop for your food - Organic only.” “But Organic is too expensive!” she says. “So is a trip the the hospital,” I replied.

Organic stores or Organic sections of markets, are the only places where allergy sufferers and others can safely shop and be assured that the food they are purchasing are certified and labeled correctly.

Note*: C-Reactive Protein. Hs-CRP is the measurement of a person’s cardiovascular risk. 1.0 mg/L is low risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L is average, and anything over 3.0 mg/L is high risk for stroke and heart attack. C- Reactive Proteins are produced by the liver when inflammation is present in the body. This inflammation can be present anywhere, i.e., lungs, stomach, mouth and other locations.  Changing one’s health habits is critical in preventing the possiblity of heart attack and stroke. For more information contact the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.

I was talking to a friend of mine who just came from her family physician. Her children have been very sick, the youngest boy with asthma and pneumonia three times this year and her daughter with digestive distress. The doctor told her they had milk allergies and sent her on her way. I ask if she got a list of foods that contain milk products. She gave me a look and asked “Was I suppose to get a list?” Then I asked her if she knew that milk products were in hot dogs. She said no and that was all she feed her kids. For this individual and others that have no idea what products have milk products in them I have composed a list. It is not complete. But I hope it will help. A form of this list is also in my book.

SOURCES OF MILK (COW’S)

Milk–condensed, Milk-powdered and evaporated, Buttermilk, Creams- sour and whipped, Ice cream, Ice milk, Malted Chocolate Drinks,All cheeses (except from goats and sheep), Butter,Some Margarines, Creamed foods, Scrambled Eggs, Noodles, Canned and Frozen fruits, Chewing Gum, Caramels, Fudge and milk chocolate, Frostings and Icings, Hollandaise Sauce, Custards, French Toast, Glazed Rolls, Hamburger Mix, Marshmallows, Meringues, Creamed Pies, Eggnog, Pie Crusts, Cookies, Bisquick and pancake mixes, Crackers, Biscuits, Doughnuts, Bavarians and mousses, Soufflés, Au Gratin Foods, Soups, (especially creamed), Bologna,Sausage, Nougat, Fritters, Macaroni, Jelly Rolls, Salad Dressings, Tartar Sauce, Sherbets, Breads, Cakes, Commercial Pies and pie fillings, Puddings and custards, Instant mash potatoes, Instant Breakfast, Breaded Frozen Foods,Dips with Mayonnaise, and Commercial gravies.

Kosher meats are the best choice for deli meats and hot dogs. There will be no milk products in kosher meats. Beware of foods with casein, dry milk, milk solids, and whey.