Food Allergies Question

Somebody_Loved

I know there are several differing views on this topic, but I'm looking for some opinions. In 2011, I was having major stomach issues the would not go away. After a bunch of tests all coming back negative, I was "diagnosed" with IBS but given no real plan on how to manage it.

From there, I decided to see a naturopath who monitored my food intake and symptoms, and tested me for food allergies. The test showed I was severely allergic to gluten and dairy (although there is a lot of question around the validity of such testing) so I eliminated both from my diet and kept it up for about a year and a half. Overall I felt much better but inevitably added both back into my diet after deciding they were not longer worth avoiding.

All of this to say, I've been having horrible stomach issues for the past two weeks and am considering cutting them out again. I've been hesitating to do so, though, and I guess I'm wondering if anyone here has gone through similar issues? It's been so nice not having to avoid certain foods but I'm getting very frustrated. Any thoughts?

Kalikel

I'd you feel better when you don't eat certain things, don't eat them. Easy peasy.

LKArgh

Allergies and intolerances are two different things. If you suspect you are allergic to something, you need to talk to a dr. If you just notice that you feel better when avoiding some foods (I doubt it is both dairy and gluten to be honest, but it should be easy for you to figure out), then avoid them, it sounds simple.

Pawsforme

Look up the low FODMAP diet. Limiting my intake of most of those foods has helped my IBS more than anything. I don't have to avoid them totally, just limit.

WBB55

honestly i'd start with cutting out the dairy -- in particular liquid/soft dairy. But if you don't mind cutting out tons of food, do it. I personally went through a lot to figure out wtf was wrong with me.

One word of caution, though. Dairy and bread/cereal are two products that are often fortified with iron or Vitamin D, B vitamins and/or other things. If you don't have a solid source of these outside of fortified dairy and breads/cereals, you might want to consider finding replacements.

Somebody_Loved

aggelikik wrote: »

Allergies and intolerances are two different things. If you suspect you are allergic to something, you need to talk to a dr. If you just notice that you feel better when avoiding some foods (I doubt it is both dairy and gluten to be honest, but it should be easy for you to figure out), then avoid them, it sounds simple.

The test I had was a blood test that said I was allergic, not intolerant. Although, I've heard those tests aren't all that valid.

You're all right, I suppose I'm overthinking this way too much. I've just enjoyed not having any restrictions that the thought of adding them back makes me hesitate some. I'll experiment and see how I feel.

Somebody_Loved

WBB55 wrote: »

honestly i'd start with cutting out the dairy -- in particular liquid/soft dairy. But if you don't mind cutting out tons of food, do it. I personally went through a lot to figure out wtf was wrong with me.

One word of caution, though. Dairy and bread/cereal are two products that are often fortified with iron or Vitamin D, B vitamins and/or other things. If you don't have a solid source of these outside of fortified dairy and breads/cereals, you might want to consider finding replacements.

Thank you for the reply! When I cut them out the last time, I didn't find it all that difficult to eliminate both at the same time. I'll do that and see how I feel and take a vitamin to supplement for missing nutrients - thanks for the suggestion!