food/environmtal allergies trigger OCD?

[patty]

Is there a connection? If so, can someone provide more info what kind of diet would be helpful to OCD? And point me to some reading materials? Thx!

 

Pat

[Sheila]

Patty, sorry for the delay in responding to this.

 

By all means, foods can trigger OCD symptoms, as can environmental allergies. It depends on the individual case; one has to explore what maybe aggravating the central nervous system, or affecting the immune system and causing inflammation in the brain.

 

We have had reports of milk and/or other foods as well as chemical exposures -- such as chlorine, new carpeting, cleaning products--causing OCD symptoms to flare. Even if there is an underlying infection or other significant cause for symptoms, environmental factors can add to the total response. Some people report symptoms are worse during allergy seasons. There is no one diet for everyone. Have you seen our book Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourettes? It covers ways to determine food sensitivities and other triggers that apply to OCD as well as for tics. Hope that helps! Sheila