As far as I can recall, the only one of my doctors who has ever asked about my diet was Dr. Robert Atkins in NYC. No one else over the years--internists, cardiologists, OB/GYNs, a rheumatologist--has ever shown the slightest interest in what I eat. I find this appalling.

Food is what fuels us and impacts us in so many ways, and its influence on disease (certainly some diseases) is incalculable. Yet, it seems to be largely ignored by the medical community.

I've been aware of this for a long time but thought of it recently when a diabetic friend told me his new doctor, an endocrinologist, is changing his meds and putting him on insulin. Knowing there was a chance he could avoid insulin if he'd only give up all the sweets he's so fond of, I asked if the doctor had inquired about his diet. No, he hadn't.

It's possible the doctor took one look at his patient and figured out what he ate, but still...

I have an appointment next week with an MD who specializes in tick-borne illness. I'm told by friends who go to him that he will cut me off sugar, wheat and alcohol. I started this on my own a few weeks ago after one glass of punch made with pineapple juice, triple sec, and spiced rum made me feel bad for most of a week. Apparently the spirochetes went into a feeding frenzy. I wish I'd known about this a few years ago.