Multiple Food Allergies - looking for friends!
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found out a couple years ago I have multiple food sensitivities. about 2 months ago I started doing laser therapy in a chiropractic office and all of my eczema and hives went away. I don't know if it will work for you but it definitely works for me. I am amazed and grateful!!0
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I know how hard it can be! I have just been diagnosed with allergies to egg/soy/corn. I feel sooo much better when I avoid these foods, but it is definetly a learning curve. Anyone, please feel free to add me!0
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I am gluten free and dairy free, feel free to add me for support! OP--> I sent you a friend request.0
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I just learned that I am gluten/wheat sensitive a few days ago. Not too long ago I also learned that I am lactose intolerant. I have peanut/nut and spice allergies but all my allergies are through my skin and my sensitivities are gastrointestinal.
So I'm still learning how to eat in order to try to avoid these foods. The gluten-free world is totally new for me so if anyone would like to add me, please do!0 -
Hi, I have some allergies, but am not also aware of what. I break out in mild rash/hives but its kind of random, and not always easy to identify. Feel free to add me!0
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Wow, lots of people on here have food allergies! Me too...feel free to add me if you wish. Gluten and dairy sensitive, allergic to potatoes, carrots, peaches, pears, cherries, celery and still discovering others. Epi pen and benadryl are with me all the time just in case. I develped Erosive Gastritis as a result of my insides always being exposed to allergens before I started actual testing. Before that I just avoided what I knew caused throat and face swelling.
Eating out happens VERY rarely b/c its almost a guaranteed reaction but when we do I usually order off menu and just get a grilled chicken breast and some steamed veggies after a LOT of checking and instructions for the server to pass on to the kitchen to avoid cross contamination!
Social settings at other's homes...depends on who and where. At my parent's I have to bring my own usually, not b/c my mom is difficult, she just really doesn't "get it" to the degree that I am comfortable eating a lot of what she makes. Which is a bummer b/c she's an amazing cook. In-law's, I just stay away...I also have enviromental allergies and they have alway had animals in the house and even though they don't right now the dander is still all through the house and that alone triggers hive but also b/c my MIL is a HORRID cook and if they invite us over its usually ordering pizza...duh, dairy, gluten...0 -
WOW, that is a ton. I'm really interested in how you cope during social situations, too. That must make it really tough to go to restaurants (can you even?) This really helps put my food intolerances into perspective.0
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By the way, I have been learning about what causes food allergies in the first place. A lot of time it is "leaky gut" syndrome. Especially when I see someone allergic/sensitive to healthy foods that are not part of highly processed foods (like asparagus or turkey) it seems likely that leaky gut is the cause.
You can google leaky gut, but the basic idea is that damage to the intestines cause separate in the walls so that food particles leak out into the blood stream. The body sees these as foreign objects and mounts an immune response. Hence the allergies/sensitivity. Which means that if you avoid those foods and eat other foods, as the new foods leak you will just develop sensitivity to those new foods. Endless cycle.
The way out of the cycle is to heal the gut. Then avoid the sensitive foods long enough for the body's immune response to settle down, then they can be incorporated again.
I am completing a leaky gut test right now (involves saliva samples over a day at different times then sent off to a lab). If you want to read a great book about it, I recommend "Accidentally Overweight" by Dr. Libby Weaver.
I will definitely check that out - I've heard of Leaky Gut syndrome and I completely agree with the "accidentally overweight" title, because I really believe I gained the weight by my inflammation levels skyrocketing.
I had my inflammation levels tested with my Naturopath back in December and I was at a 6, when the high range is a 3. So it was a wake up call that I can't just continue to ruin my health - it already was catching up with me at 26 years old.0 -
I have never heard of "leaky gut." Interesting.
I am sure that isn't the cause of all food allergies, though. I have never consumed even one tiny amount of fish or shellfish (I've been a vegetarian my entire life), but have anaphylactic reactions to both groups of foods. I have certainly been AROUND fish and shellfish, though, and have likely breathed in the aerosolized protein particles, which is what caused my allergies (One cannot be allergic to something to which he/she has never been exposed; I've been exposed to my allergens, but not in the traditional manner). Now, my allergies to fish and shellfish have become so serious that I have anaphylactic reactions after both dermal and inhalation exposures. The proteins to which I am allergic are not in my gut at all, but are instead on my skin or in my lungs.
I am so sorry to read that so many others have severe food allergies, as well. It certainly makes eating out difficult! I cannot eat in any restaurants that serve fish or shellfish, which is pretty much every restaurant, unless I give EXTREMELY detailed instructions, trust that the kitchen and wait staff will take my allergies seriously, wear a mask, and risk needing to use an Epi-pen (and visit the ER, of course). Not fun.
It used to be easier than it is now. It used to be that I knew to avoid fish and shellfish, as well as anything remotely resembling Asian food. NOW, however, I cannot even trust that orange juice, baby food, margarine, and numerous other foods are safe (DHA is added in the form of tuna oil). Again, not fun.
Again, I am so sorry.
I think what BettyEditor is referring to with Leaky Gut is a 'food intolerance' or 'extreme sensitivity'. Although I do get hives with some foods, I've never had an anaphylactic reaction to anything except a medication (and due to stress once). My reactions are all delayed, such as terrible cystic acne, digestive disruption, headaches, etc.
True anaphylactic allergies are not within one's control (that I've seen). In most extreme cases the person was either born with the allergy or developed it very suddenly.0 -
We're allergic to everything in this how! would love to have some friends that understand as well:). I'm vegan due to our restrictions and have been dealing with every major food allergy you could think of between my daughter and I.0
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Black pepper and all raw vegetables, except lettuce are my allergy triggers. I have an epi pen for pepper and the others cause my ears, lips and mouth to itch and swell. MSG is a big one for me also, causes severe diarrhea almost instantly. I am also lactose intolerant and have problems with corn, especially popcorn. I am in my sixties and it took me a lot of years to figure out what caused my health problems, so it is great to see young people that already know they have allergies and food sensitivities.
I agree with you! My mom didn't discover her gluten intolerance until she was at least 50, and she suffered throughout her life never understanding why she didn't feel good. Growing up I had very bad grades and extreme hypoglycemia, I was a very emotional child and only when I got older did I understand that my diet was such a huge part of that. I think times are changing and food intolerance is becoming so much more widely accepted as a real problem.0 -
I just learned that I am gluten/wheat sensitive a few days ago. Not too long ago I also learned that I am lactose intolerant. I have peanut/nut and spice allergies but all my allergies are through my skin and my sensitivities are gastrointestinal.
So I'm still learning how to eat in order to try to avoid these foods. The gluten-free world is totally new for me so if anyone would like to add me, please do!
Hi Marie - your symptoms sound almost precisely like mine. I have always had terrible acne but my skin has cleared up quite a bit since cutting out a majority of these foods. Occasionally if I eat peanuts I get a few hives here and there or huge, painful cystic breakouts. It's interesting to meet people who also have these symptoms so that I know I'm not crazy (or alone!)0 -
feel free to add me! i'm all nuts, legumes & shellfish0
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I have never heard of "leaky gut." Interesting.
I am sure that isn't the cause of all food allergies, though. I have never consumed even one tiny amount of fish or shellfish (I've been a vegetarian my entire life), but have anaphylactic reactions to both groups of foods. I have certainly been AROUND fish and shellfish, though, and have likely breathed in the aerosolized protein particles, which is what caused my allergies (One cannot be allergic to something to which he/she has never been exposed; I've been exposed to my allergens, but not in the traditional manner). Now, my allergies to fish and shellfish have become so serious that I have anaphylactic reactions after both dermal and inhalation exposures. The proteins to which I am allergic are not in my gut at all, but are instead on my skin or in my lungs.
I am so sorry to read that so many others have severe food allergies, as well. It certainly makes eating out difficult! I cannot eat in any restaurants that serve fish or shellfish, which is pretty much every restaurant, unless I give EXTREMELY detailed instructions, trust that the kitchen and wait staff will take my allergies seriously, wear a mask, and risk needing to use an Epi-pen (and visit the ER, of course). Not fun.
It used to be easier than it is now. It used to be that I knew to avoid fish and shellfish, as well as anything remotely resembling Asian food. NOW, however, I cannot even trust that orange juice, baby food, margarine, and numerous other foods are safe (DHA is added in the form of tuna oil). Again, not fun.
Again, I am so sorry.
I think what BettyEditor is referring to with Leaky Gut is a 'food intolerance' or 'extreme sensitivity'. Although I do get hives with some foods, I've never had an anaphylactic reaction to anything except a medication (and due to stress once). My reactions are all delayed, such as terrible cystic acne, digestive disruption, headaches, etc.
True anaphylactic allergies are not within one's control (that I've seen). In most extreme cases the person was either born with the allergy or developed it very suddenly.
Leaky gut is actually increased intestinal permeability, actually a gut that leaks! It means undigested food in your small intestine can make it's way into your blood stream through the damaged intestinal walls, where it can cause an allergic response. Food particles of this size shouldn't be able to permeate under normal circumstances. I did read one article that suggests people who suffer from this also suffer from the same condition in their skin, which explains why you can still have an allergic response to touching something. True it may not be the cause in all allergies, but it may help explain a few cases. Idea being if you avoid foods you're sensitive too, and generally a good diet (reduced grains and sugar) that your gut will heal over (and I guess your skin too) and you can reintroduce these foods.
Has anyone here in the UK been able to get allergy testing on the NHS? I suffered from chronic hives for years, which my doctor refused to test me for. Instead I got a strong dose of antihisthames for the whole time, the brand were then recalled for causing liver failure! Thanks doc! They're not as bad now, but have spread to other body parts and I feel they're getting worse again. Has anyone tried one of the at home testing kits? Like 'the food detective' IGg testing kit? They get good reviews but I'm skeptical0 -
Helenrs - yes, to both your questions! I'm in uk and had terrible skin, extreme lethargy, severe diarrhoea for over 6 months and went for Holland and Barrett food intolerance tests, I was skeptical but it really worked. Intolerant to grapefruit (have never been able to reintroduce it) tomatoes, citric acid, vinegar and quite a few other acidic foods as well as wheat. Took me about 2 years of exclusion diets to reintroduce them all but I felt better within a month and saw significant improvements even sooner than that. That was back in 2000 and I still keep an eye on how much of these things I eat and can't say I'm great with fruit or wheat but am fine in moderation. And I taught myself how to cook so it was a blessing in disguise!
Last year I had anaphylactic shock attack and went to a&e ... They were great, referred me to NHS dermatologist and I was seen within 2 weeks for full allergy testing (240 skin patch tests) which revealed allergies to linalool, limonene, blue dye and a couple of other citrus based things oh, and perfume. I got the shock because I'd sprayed hairspray that entered my bloodstream on an angry patch of eczema on my neck. I now avoid all foods containing these oils and all products containing them ie toothpaste, shampoo, washing up liquid, soap powder ... Pretty much anything nice
Allergy testing worked for me - it takes a lot of effort to take it all on board and deal with the results and still live a normal life but I do! And my skin is good and so is my health
good luck! 0 -
jakkisr: thanks so much, that gives me some hope! I'm just concerned that me doctor won't send me for testing unless I go in with anaphylaxis. My hives come and go, and what lingers is the skin damage from scratching, so doctors always tell me it's 'just eczema', like that makes it okay?! they then proceed to tell me that eczema is not an autoimmune condition (which it is) and it is not caused by ANYTHING (which it is). At one point I had such severe hives on the soles of my feet that I had to sleep with my feet in a bucket of water every night for about of month. I'm now incredibly sensitive and emotional about having cold feet!
Currently they have just started up on the palms of my hand. As I work in a lab, my swollen joints have resulted in a lot of cuts and burns and substandard work.
I followed the leaky gut diet for just over a week, but because I hadn't had allergy testing, the amount of food I gave up was huge. And there was basically no protein source I could eat. I was losing a massive amount of weight which was completely unsustainable but my skin felt great. So I'm convinced it is something (or a variety of things) in my diet. Just how to convince my doctor?
If you've made strides cutting out your allergens, I'd recommend following the leaky gut diet for a month of so. Might give you that extra support to reintroduce those last few foods0 -
jakkisr: thanks so much, that gives me some hope! I'm just concerned that me doctor won't send me for testing unless I go in with anaphylaxis. My hives come and go, and what lingers is the skin damage from scratching, so doctors always tell me it's 'just eczema', like that makes it okay?! they then proceed to tell me that eczema is not an autoimmune condition (which it is) and it is not caused by ANYTHING (which it is). At one point I had such severe hives on the soles of my feet that I had to sleep with my feet in a bucket of water every night for about of month. I'm now incredibly sensitive and emotional about having cold feet! Currently they have just started up on the palms of my hand. As I work in a lab, my swollen joints have resulted in a lot of cuts and burns and substandard work.
I followed the leaky gut diet for just over a week, but because I hadn't had allergy testing, the amount of food I gave up was huge. And there was basically no protein source I could eat. I was losing a massive amount of weight which was completely unsustainable but my skin felt great. So I'm convinced it is something (or a variety of things) in my diet. Just how to convince my doctor?
If you've made strides cutting out your allergens, I'd recommend following the leaky gut diet for a month of so. Might give you that extra support to reintroduce those last few foods
Do you have to have a referral where you are from? I found out unfortunately after the trip to emergency and explaining to the emerge doc the symptoms I had been having that you can self refer to certain allergists, but that is in Canada. He gave me a referral and told me to find a new GP. and you are so right about the eczema..once i figured out all my allergies, it went away. try putting some oilve oil on it before you go to bed, it did wonders for me.0 -
jakkisr: thanks so much, that gives me some hope! I'm just concerned that me doctor won't send me for testing unless I go in with anaphylaxis. My hives come and go, and what lingers is the skin damage from scratching, so doctors always tell me it's 'just eczema', like that makes it okay?! they then proceed to tell me that eczema is not an autoimmune condition (which it is) and it is not caused by ANYTHING (which it is). At one point I had such severe hives on the soles of my feet that I had to sleep with my feet in a bucket of water every night for about of month. I'm now incredibly sensitive and emotional about having cold feet! Currently they have just started up on the palms of my hand. As I work in a lab, my swollen joints have resulted in a lot of cuts and burns and substandard work.
I followed the leaky gut diet for just over a week, but because I hadn't had allergy testing, the amount of food I gave up was huge. And there was basically no protein source I could eat. I was losing a massive amount of weight which was completely unsustainable but my skin felt great. So I'm convinced it is something (or a variety of things) in my diet. Just how to convince my doctor?
If you've made strides cutting out your allergens, I'd recommend following the leaky gut diet for a month of so. Might give you that extra support to reintroduce those last few foods
Do you have to have a referral where you are from? I found out unfortunately after the trip to emergency and explaining to the emerge doc the symptoms I had been having that you can self refer to certain allergists, but that is in Canada. He gave me a referral and told me to find a new GP. and you are so right about the eczema..once i figured out all my allergies, it went away. try putting some oilve oil on it before you go to bed, it did wonders for me.
here in the uk you need a referral to see a specialist - it can be done on the NHS but there's usually a delay, or you can go privately (but you still need your doctor to do a referral). There are places you can get tests done without a referral for food allergies but I don't know about any for skin allergies (unless I guess there are private hospitals/clinics thta offer the service).
I currently don't have any food problems, got it all under control and nicely balanced without having to moderate anything. I eat pretty healthily (occasional 'treats') and I found cooking everything from scratch works for me and I enjoy it.
My skin is under control, eczema appears to be stress-triggered. Having said all that though, I am seeing a dermatologist and had a biopsy this week for what appears to be granuloma annulare .. which has no known triggers and appears for no reason and goes without treatment eventually ! goodness only knows why I got the flipping thing, typical!0 -
Yes you need a referral in the UK. I was supposed to be sent for some testing a couple of years ago after i had anaphylactic shock due to penicillin. The doctors in the hospital I was at were fantastic, but when I spoke to my GP about it afterwards he was not in the least bit interested and refused to chase it up. Short of popping some penicillin and going to see him I don't know how to convince him! perhaps if I keep a food/symptom diary for a month or so and show him then he'll realise that I'm willing to put in the work and I'm not just a hypochondriac.0
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I just learned that I am gluten/wheat sensitive a few days ago. Not too long ago I also learned that I am lactose intolerant. I have peanut/nut and spice allergies but all my allergies are through my skin and my sensitivities are gastrointestinal.
So I'm still learning how to eat in order to try to avoid these foods. The gluten-free world is totally new for me so if anyone would like to add me, please do!
When you say your allergies are "through your skin" what do you mean? I have a cow dairy "allergy" in that if I eat any cow dairy I get eczema all over my face, ears, neck and upper chest that lasts for 2 weeks. But I do not test positive for an allergy to dairy with the skin prick test.0
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