International Food Receipes

Douglas Scott asked:


In the Greek island of Corfu, Ipsos is situated. It is a short nine mile north west from Corfu town and Corfu airport. The main road runs through the shopping and disco strip, lining the inland side whilst the clear water and clean beach occupy the opposite side. The beach stretches along the roadside and gently curves round at the harbour end. It is set against the dramatic backdrop of the hills.

It is a very lively resort with discos and bars. It tends to attract young people due to its reputation. Groups of friends and teenagers enjoy it here. Also the resort is starting to cater for families with teenage children. Many couples enjoy Ipsos as it is a resort with plenty of life, but the edges are the quieter parts, such as the harbour end and the village behind the main road.

The bars are something that Ipsos is not short of. Everything ranging from quieter cocktail bars and traditional Greek bars to the more lively music bars with wide screen TV playing the latest films and sports all day. One feature that some holidaymakers may enjoy is the numerous English bars.

The beaches are mixed shingle with patches of sand. Many use the beach to nurse hangovers from the night before. It is a big water sports resort and there are two large purpose built jetties that cater for this. One is at the far left side of the beach and the other is at the middle. Water skiing, ringo, banana rides and parasailing is available at both of these jetties. Boat rental is available at the harbour end of the beach.

There are many supermarkets in Ipsos itself and larger ones can be found just outside the town towards Corfu town. Food shopping tends to be slightly cheaper here than in the North East towns and villages further along.

A cash machine can be located in the centre of the line of shops and also there are many places to change travellers cheques and foreign currency throughout the resort.

There is a small play area in the village behind the main road, also there are childrens pools in some of the public pool bars. Just behind the main road there is a go-cart track. Many of the bars have pool tables and games machines.

At various points throughout Ipsos there are public telephones that require a card, these can be purchased at the shops and supermarkets near by. Also there are Post boxes near these.

Roy Witman asked:


By Roy Witman

From the enchanting writings of Homer to the celebrities of Greek mythology, the country of Greece has touched the lives of us all whether we realize it or not. The Trojan War, Helen of Troy, the first Olympics, Alexander the Great, Plato, Aristotle, the Biblical city of Ephesus… the list goes on. And of course, virtually everyone is familiar with the Greek gods and goddesses Zeus, Athena, Apollo and Hades. Whether you long for a closer look at the real or mythical side of Greece, a tour of the Greek Isles will satisfy your curiosity. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular destinations that can be reached via Holland America and other cruise lines.

Santorini

The unofficial colors of Santorini are blue and white thanks to the abundance of whitewashed buildings and the azure-blue sea that surrounds the island. The contrast makes for a very dramatic presentation as you approach from the sea.

The fun of your visit to Santorini begins the moment you depart the cruise ship. Reaching the city requires a walk of about 600 steps, which, if you so desire, you can take on foot. However, most opt for either riding a cable car - which offers great views - or riding a donkey, a fun experience for all ages.

As your sightseeing of the island begins, you might elect to take a bus ride to the highest mountain peak where the views are absolutely outstanding! A local winery welcomes tourists as do all the residents of the quaint village you’ll pass through during your excursion.

You may also choose to visit the ancient archeological site of Akrotiri. This historic wonder has been preserved under volcanic ash for nearly 3,600 years and helps depict what life in the Minoan period would have been like.

Don’t forget to make at least a short visit to the local beaches. Because Santorini is a volcanic island, you’ll find white sand beaches plus a few unusual varieties including grey sand, black sand and red sand.

With plenty of craftsmen, boutiques and jewelry to choose from, shopping is also a fun pursuit. In addition, there are excellent open-air restaurants and cafes that let you enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. But one of the most popular activities is watching the sunsets.

When the sun hangs low in the sky, the cascade of oranges and golds sends a fiery blaze across the sky that reflects off the water below. Amazing!

Rhodes

Rhodes is a delightful island where you can participate in the three S’s: shopping, sunning and sightseeing. This walled city offers spectacular beaches that range from crowded, tourist hotspots near luxury resorts to virtually untouched, secluded hideaways. There are dozens of beaches and bays to choose from around the island.

You can also partake in virtually every type of water sport. Thanks to the shape and position of the island’s curves, you often find perfect conditions for windsurfing. When the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up with plenty of clubs available.

An aquarium, the Valley of the Butterflies and the ancient village of Lindos are popular attractions for families. As you ascend to the Lindos ruins, the streets are lined with vendors selling their wares. Good buys can be had on practically everything imaginable including jewelry, leather goods, furs, carpets and more.

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s out of the ordinary, touring the Greek Isles is an excellent choice. With plenty to do for all ages, you’ll expand your mind and your cultural knowledge while enjoying friendly people, exceptional food and intriguing sites.

Jack Sands asked:


A person will never know if they are allergic to a certain type of food unless they have eaten the food allergen itself. It takes a certain amount of food for the reaction to take place and trigger a symptom.

Food allergy and anaphylaxis are closely related, but they have their own defining differences that will be discussed as you read on.

Plus, a person can also develop allergic reactions to foods that are closely related to the original food allergy he or she has. Say, an allergy to oysters can also lead to an allergic reaction when the person eats shrimp, crabs, or fish.

In food allergy, the individual’s immune system reacts in two ways. The body may respond through the use of mast cells. These mast cells can come about at just any part of the human body but its favorite spots make itself known to the world is in the throat, lungs, eyes, skin, and especially the organs of the gastrointestinal system. The other type of response is through the body’s release of immunoglobulin E antibodies that travel through the blood system. It then eventually causes the discharge of the body chemical histamine which then causes the activation of allergic reactions in the common body sites previously mentioned.

On the other hand, anaphylaxis is derived form the Greek words ana and phylaxis, which subsequently means back and protection. It is the abrupt allergic response that is much more intense than the common allergy which can be lethal to the sufferer. Chief causes of anaphylaxis include insect stings, skin contact to latex, medications, and food. Anaphylaxis may also be idiopathically caused or, in lay man’s terms, unknown causes.

Like in food allergy, anaphylaxis involves the reaction of the different body sites; the only difference is the intensity of the response and only a small amount of the allergen is needed for the reaction to take place. The time span before signs and symptoms become evident ranges from within a few seconds up to a few hours after allergen exposure.

Anaphylaxis can come about following the intake of food, skin contact, or even as simple as inhalation of the food aroma. The life threatening type of anaphylaxis is called anaphylactic shock. In anaphylactic shock, only a tiny amount of the food allergen is needed to cause death to the sufferer within moments of exposure.

Individuals who are in danger of undergoing an anaphylactic reaction are those who have a history of allergy to food, asthma, and eczema. They are more likely to experience an anaphylactic response that can be fatal. Another population group who are also at risk of anaphylaxis, through the evidences of current studies that have been conducted, is teenagers who are afflicted with a certain type of food allergy. This is due to the fact that teenagers have frequent tendencies to eat out, are daring and experimental in their endeavors, and are more likely to fail to identify symptoms of anaphylactic reaction. Moreover, teenagers have tendencies to forget to carry with them essential medications which can either be caused by self-consciousness common to their age group.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may be similar to that of food allergies. Basically, an incident of anaphylaxis initially starts with an itchy or irritating sensation, and some individuals experience a metallic after-taste. Anaphylactic symptoms may also include hot flashes or sudden warm feeling, inflammation of the throat and oral cavity, hives, dyspnea or labored breathing, low blood pressure, diarrhea, gastric irritations, and fainting or loss of consciousness.

Furthermore, there are cases wherein the symptoms fade away for a moment but then come back within a few hours; this incidence is known as biphasic reaction.

To prevent food allergy and anaphylactic reactions, careful scrutiny of food labels, diet modifications, specific instructions in food orders in restaurants, and certain medications can be of great help in reducing the incidence of any type of reaction. Moreover, a consultation to the physician is advisable for an efficient management plan and if allergies seem to run in families because it can also be hereditarily caused.

Lauren S Johnson asked:


Aging is a part of life. As we get older, the effects of aging are physically and mentally visible. Since we can’t really stop the years from coming and going, is there anything that we can do to help us feel and perform as well as we did when we were younger and healthier? Surprisingly, there are several foods which aid in healthy maturity.

One food which aids in healthy aging is olive oil. Researchers found that people from the Greek island of Crete, decades ago, had extremely low rates of heart disease. The reason for this was their consumption of olive oil. This particular food is rich in monosaturated fats and in polyphenols which protect the body from heart disease and other age related illnesses. Another healthy meal alternative is fish. Fish is also beneficial when it comes down to heart heath. The omega 3 fats which are present in these creatures prevent cholesterol buildup, prevent abnormal heart rhythm, and other heart related diseases. When researchers studied the native Inuit’s of Alaska, who feed mostly on fish, they found that their community was free of heart disease. This certainly intensifies the belief that omega 3 fats are beneficial for healthy aging.

The third food which keeps us young is blueberries. It has been said that this particular fruit aids in protecting our balance and our coordination as we get older. There are certain compounds in blueberries which lessen inflammation and oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is mostly associated with age related deficits in memory and in motor function. Therefore, by consuming blueberries we improve our memory, our reaction time, our balance, and our coordination. All of these foods, olive oil, fish, and blueberries aid in healthy aging. They not only help us feel better mentally but they also reduce our chances of developing serious illnesses.

Albert Lee asked:


According to popular saying, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and funnily enough, it’s the same thing as well for wedding guests. If you want to have satisfaction guaranteed for all your guests, here are several wedding reception food ideas to make them too full to complain.

1. Wedding Reception Food Ideas for Breakfast – If you’re on a tight budget then make sure that you schedule your wedding early in the morning to take advantage of a brunch wedding reception. To prevent your guests from feeling that they’ve got the shorter end of the stick however, consider taking the best slices from various breakfast cuisines: beans from the English, eclairs from general Europe, bacon from the States, and Trahina soup with katiki cheese from the Greeks.

2. Wedding Reception Food Ideas for Lunch – If you’re having a noon reception, it must be something heavier and lighter than what you’ll serve for breakfast and dinner respectively. Pasta and elaborate salads are favorite items for this type of event.

3. Wedding Reception Food Ideas for Dinner – This is the grandest of all receptions so you’ll definitely need a large budget to meet the expectations of your guests. Serving wine is de rigeur but if you can’t afford at least a 5 year old wine then consider serving cocktails instead.

4. Wedding Reception Food Ideas for Buffet – To prevent your guests from waiting in queues to reach the buffet table, allow them to have two points of access to the table. Consider setting up another buffet table as well to further minimize discomfort and delay. And if there’s no chance to prevent long lines, consider hiring jugglers and other performers to entertain guests while they’re waiting for their turn. Lastly, make sure that children, the elderly and handicapped are served at their table.

5. Wedding Reception Food Ideas for Various Courses – If you’re going to serve your guests with a multiple-course meal, make sure that you have all the guests RSVP before a specified time about their preferences. This will allow you to prepare the appropriate number of dishes and consider special diets of vegetarians, diabetics, and the likes.

Annie Dubois asked:


When you think of food, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Do you envision delicious and hearty Italian meals? Maybe you prefer the robust Greek foods? Regardless of what it you choose, you will find that more and more people around the world are choosing delicious Mexican cuisine for their own.

There are many reasons Mexican cuisine has become such a favorite. Healthy and delicious, this is food that stays with you for generations and is extremely affordable. Yes, authentic Mexican cuisine is not expensive at all. You will find that it is even easy to incorporate this food choice into your regularly scheduled menu.

One of my own personal favorites for choosing authentic foods from Mexico happens to be the vibrant colors. The mix of fruits and meat leave a picture perfect composition worthy of the greatest artworks in the world. Such vibrancy means while my taste buds are relishing the flavors, my eyes are being pleased by the vibrancy.

When considering Mexican cuisine, you should first be aware that there is a different between authentic foods from Mexico and Tex-Mex foods. Tex-Mex foods are a combination or mingling of two cultures. While I thoroughly appreciate Tex-Mex foods, the authentic flavor of Mexican cuisine is undeniably unique and wonderful.

For instance, pico de gallo is a favorite of many people. This is actually Spanish in origin and translates to “rooster’s beak”. Pico de gallo is a wonderful condiment which consists of freshly chopped chiles onions, and tomatoes. Sometimes, those chilies will be serranos, but other times you will find the best of the jalapenos in the world. Lime juice is often used to preserve the color. This is a great addition to any meal and is perfect with a choice of meat and a warm tortilla.

Chorizo is both an ingredient and a delicious meal all by itself. A chorizo is a type of sausage. These are most commonly deep red in color and have a distinctive smoky flavor that will make it something to remember. This is used as commonly as breakfast sausage is to many Americans. These can be sliced and eaten in a warm tortilla or diced and added to other meals. In addition, chorizos are delicious grilled and served for the whole family.

Quesadillas are a favorite for children, and these are so easy to make! All you have to have is a tortilla and cheese. These are similar to the famous grilled cheese sandwiches except a tortilla is used instead. Generally, the tortilla is filled with a layer of cheese, and my favorite, a little chicken, and then this is folded in half so it resembles an omelet. Fry in a skillet and serve. You can even add sour cream or salsa for a delicious snack or meal for children of all ages.

When it comes to great Mexican cuisine, you will discover that the world is a much yummier and colorful place. You too can make meals to remember by brushing up on those tips that allow you to make the best in foods for your family and friends.

Kimberly Buchanan asked:


What is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is discussed quite often these days – so what exactly does it mean?  Well, sometimes our bodies cannot tolerate the foods we eat. This is known as food intolerance. When people consume foods that they’re sensitive to, such as dairy products for lactose intolerant individuals, their bodies have a negative physical reaction. The effects show up every time the food is consumed, although not always right away. If large quantities of the food are ingested, symptoms can be severe.

Food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for food allergy.  Food allergies cause a person’s immune system to sit up and take notice, while food intolerances don’t involve the immune system.  Neither are they linked to contaminated or spoiled foods; those cause food poisoning, not intolerance.

Food intolerance describes the adverse physical reaction to the ingestion of certain foods; it is something that affects the digestive system.

The Causes of Food Intolerance

As mentioned earlier, food intolerance is caused by the inability to digest certain types of food, usually due to insufficient amounts of the chemicals or enzymes needed to digest a particular food.

Lactose intolerance is very common. People who suffer from this condition don’t have enough of the enzyme called ‘lactase’. Therefore, their bodies can’t break down the lactose, or milk sugar, in dairy products.

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include intestinal distress, gas, bloating, and bowel irregularities.

Other people can’t process alcohol because they don’t have enough of the enzyme ‘alcohol dehydrogenase’. They can become ill if they consume even a single alcoholic beverage.

The additives, flavor enhancers, and preservatives in processed foods are another common source of food intolerance. MSGs, caffeine, benzoates, and aspartame cause pain and fatigue in sensitive individuals.

Who Suffers from Food Intolerance?

Anyone can!  Food intolerance is not limited to any particular group of people, however there are some factors that play a role in the likelihood that a person is affected by intolerance.

Food intolerance can be hereditary; therefore if your parents have food intolerances, chances are good that you’ll have some too. Ethnicity plays a role, too. Only 10% of northern and western Europeans suffer from lactose intolerance whereas persons of Asian, African, Greek, and Native American descent are much more susceptible.  Lactose intolerance affects 70-90% of the latter populations.

Newborns tend to produce more lactase, so they can digest lactose more easily than adults and older children. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can appear in children as young as two, but many people develop it later in life. Gastroenteritis sometimes causes a dip in lactase levels, bringing on a temporary intolerance to dairy products. Children face a high risk of lactose intolerance following gastroenteritis.

And half of all Asians are affected by alcohol intolerance!

What are the Symptoms of Food Intolerance?

The symptoms of food intolerance center around the digestive system.  Sufferers may experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, loose stools, or the opposite (constipation.) These symptoms are seldom life-threatening, but they can make a person miserable on a daily basis. They can manifest anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the food is consumed, making it difficult to identify exactly what the problem food is.

Alcohol intolerance causes redness of the face, nausea, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness.

Symptoms can also feel similar to allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy throat.

Food intolerance symptoms can become quite severe if a large quantity of the food has been consumed. People with a slight enzyme deficiency typically don’t experience symptoms as acutely as people with a larger deficit.

How is a Diagnosis Made?

Trial and error is the simplest way to test for food intolerance. This is done by removing one food from the diet for a while and monitoring symptoms for improvement. If symptoms decrease, the food is then reintroduced. A return of symptoms will reveal whether or not that food was the culprit.

This method works best for those who have intolerance to one or two foods.

For those people (like me!) who have intolerance to several foods, the elimination method could take months…years…and an answer still might not be found.  There are home tests on the market, that can identify your problem foods for you.  Check out http://www.foodintolerancenews.com to see one.

Specific tests are used to diagnose lactose intolerance. For example, your physician might recommend a test to measure the amount of hydrogen in your breath; a stool acidity test; or a blood glucose test to determine how well the patient digests milk sugar.

How is Food Intolerance Treated?

Food intolerance is usually controlled by removing the troublesome food(s) from the person’s diet. For instance, lactose intolerant individuals can replace regular milk with soy milk.

If the intolerance is mild to moderate, the affected person can try eating only very limited amounts of the food in question. Mild lactose intolerance can be managed through the use of lactase enzyme supplements.

If foods are removed from one’s diet, they should be replaced with nutritious alternatives. It’s crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in growing children. If you have questions about suitable food replacements, speak with your nutrition specialist.

Munish Bhardwaj asked:


Corfu Island is the more popular destination, placed just off the North-West coast of mainland Greece. It is 58 km long and about 27 km wide and its highest peak is Pantokratoras . Corfu Island is renowned as the greenest of all the Greek islands also for its particularly beautiful scenery, very friendly locals, investment homes etc. According to Greek mythology, the island got its name from the daughter of the river god Asopos, Nymph Korkyra, who was carried away by Poseidon. A Corfu beach offers long sandy expanses, small pebble coves, sand and shingle shallow waters, or rocky / deep water. Crime statistics on the island are lowest in Greece, which in turn are the lowest in Europe. Theft is rare and violent crime virtually unknown. Family values are still esteemed. There are local food products are fresh and organic. Corfu is low-key. There is planning laws do not allow the construction of high-rise and large-scale residential developments. Minimum-sized plots are required to build single villas to preserve the charm and character of this beautiful island. Corfu offers mild winters and wonderfully warm summers. These reasons are behind to buying property in Corfu. To get property in Corfu is very easy .Properties for sale in Corfu are free from land garb laws. So you can purchase it safely and with security. Once you agree to buy your property, you normally have to pay a 10% deposit amount to secure the purchase in advance. It takes about six weeks for all process and the legal documents to be prepared so that you can complete on your Greek property purchase.

The main advantages are many.

The climate. There is winters without hazardous road conditions, no freezing fog or black ice, and summers without rain, clear blue skies, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and brilliant star and moonlit nights. 

The diverse landscape and environment. Lovely beaches, majestic mountain peaks, impressive gorges, hidden caves, ancient sites, picturesque are wonderful.

The cost of living. The cost of living in Corfu is about 30% lower than Cyprus.

The low crime rate. It is free from crime rate as 3% of the UK, 2% of Spain and Portugal, 8% of Ireland. 

Part of an EU member country and non-volatile country.  

The warmth and hospitality of the Corfians.

Corfu is low-key island.

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David Cowley asked:


I am a firm believer that the first and foremost of any anti aging regiment should be working from the insides out. Researchers in search for the fountain of youth keep coming back to one fact: you are what you eat. What you eat has a tremendous impact not only on your health but also on your life span. Why would you put a nice fresh coat of paint on your house if it is infested with termites? It may look good for a short time but if the underlying foundation will not support it then it will not last long.

Anti-aging foods are known to give you better endurance, prolong your lifespan, obtain a better quality of sleep, feel vital and energetic, and they can promote a sense of calmness and well being. You get quite a few advantages when you consume anti-aging foods, and you should remember that anti-aging is not an illness in fact many healthcare professionals do not consider the aging process natural and than it can be avoided.

Anti aging foods can reduce the effects of aging and in some cases ever reverse the damaged to your body caused by a stressful life style. Anti-aging foods can help all of the bodies’ functions by giving blood formation a boost and helping to rebuild damaged tissues.

Some of the more notable anti-aging foods are fish, avocado, berries, carrots, nuts, whole meal pasta as well as brown rice, and finally, drinking plenty of water to detoxify as well as keep the skin smooth. Including these anti-aging foods in your diet on a regular basis will soon show positive results.

Fish oil contains omega 3 and fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate the brain and increase memory and mental awareness.

Avocado oil can also be used as a skin moisturizer. Keeping your skin properly moisturized is the best way to make sure it does not age prematurely.

Blueberries and Blackberries contain a large quantity of antioxidants, which may help reduce the effect age related memory problems. They contain a chemical called anthocyanins which are very powerful antioxidants.

Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Carrots are a good source of natural Vitamin A.

Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.

All of the different Vitamin Bs taken together as B-Complex work together as a team to perform vital biological processes, such as energy production and efficient metabolic function. Vitamin B boost energy levels and help fight fatigue.

Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. Bananas can help improve your body’s ability to absorb calcium. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing kidney cancer.

Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.

Eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower you risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.

Garlic can counteract the usual result of high fats in the diet and to help reduce high blood pressure.

Green tea extract contains natural antioxidant compounds know as polyphenols useful in fighting tumors as well as helping prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Oat Bran helps to regulate blood glucose levels, aids in lowering cholesterol, and helps in the removal of toxins.

Rosemary stimulated blood circulation and the nervous system and enhances memory and concentration. The ancient Greeks called it the Herb of Memory and they wore a stalk in their hair to increase memory.

A 2006 article in the Journal of American Medical Association suggested that by periodically restricting our caloric intake to as little as 890 calories a day, or fasting, resulted in a decrease in insulin levels and body temperatures, another two biomarkers of longevity. Restricting calories helps to eliminate the free radicals by burning off more calories than you take in thus reducing the amount of fat stored in the human body. Skipping a meal here and there from an evolutionary point of view would be beneficial. The human body is used to going days without eating anything but today we have constant access to food and we are taking in calories all day long.

If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Eric Taylor asked:


Holistic pet foods are, often reflexively, considered by many to be the healthiest pet foods available. What is the definition of ‘holistic’ and what does it mean in the pet food industry? The term ‘holistic’ is derived from the Greek word ‘holos,’ which means ‘all,’ ‘entire,’ or ‘total.’ It implies that the sum properties of a system (e.g., a body) can only be explained adequately if all its parts are considered in unity instead of on an individual basis. Or, as Aristotle summarized it, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ The principle of ‘holistic medicine’ has been recognized and applied intuitively by many cultures to the present day. Although the holistic approach was eventually lost to the majority of people in the Western world, eventually the concept was rediscovered by ‘holistic’ physicians, who realized that one cannot heal the whole person if one considers only the part of the body that shows the most obvious symptoms of disease.

Increasing numbers of veterinarians have come to see the importance of the holistic approach in the treatment of their animal patients. For example, what’s the benefit of recommending repeated administration of a stool softener to an animal that is constipated without correcting the underlying cause of this symptom? In many cases, this would simply amount to evaluating the animal’s diet for possible causes of the condition. The same applies to other diseases, such as eczema, which are often caused by food allergens. How could a topical cream restore health if a food allergen was the culprit?

Holistic treatments look beyond the surface veneer of disease symptoms, and a good holistic veterinarian will always inquire about a pet’s diet, which is one of the most prominent factors determining states of both health and disease. Considering that the vast majority of a pet’s immune system is located in the intestines, it is understandable that food is supremely important for maintaining good health. Food loaded with toxins or deficient of nutrients will eventually affect the entire body. Although symptoms may only become obvious in one location, it is likely that more than one organ will be knocked out of balance. Instead of treating the symptoms, one might consider the fundamental causes of the ailment and treat the animal holistically.

Here’s where holistic pet foods come in. As food is a major determining factor of pet health, the concept of a food that nourishes the entire system becomes extraordinarily important as a major means of disease prevention. Any sincere attempts undertaken by pet food manufacturers to offer holistic pet food is the highest ethical endeavor in this industry. The term ‘holistic pet food’ is being exploited excessively, much as the terms ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ have been misused for some time.

It is not enough to omit obviously toxic ingredients to pet foods to rightfully call them holistic. Pet foods that are truly holistic not only not do no harm, but actually support the body’s endeavor to remain fully functional, and in doing so, support the animal’s overall wellbeing and happiness. The best holistic commercial pet foods are those that contain highest quality, health-promoting ingredients which are not heat-treated and allow keeping supplementation with isolated nutrients down to the absolute required minimum.