Multiple Food Allergies - looking for friends!
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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 -
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.
Hey Erin, in my case when I was eating foods I was sensitive to it would trigger acne and eczema - I'm not allergic to those foods, I was just intolerant to them. If you recognise that it's cow dairy you need to avoid it in any foods for at least 3 months then gradually reintroduce it ( ie eat it 3 days in a row, in moderation) and see what happens. If the eczema flares up, avoid it again for 3 months and try again. Look up exclusion diets for allergies online, there's lots of advice out there. My own experience was 2years of doing this and it paid off - unfortunately I didn't have a sympathetic doctor and had to get on with it, sometimes learning the hard way but learning to listen to my body and notice what was happening. Hope this helps 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!
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.
Hey Erin, in my case when I was eating foods I was sensitive to it would trigger acne and eczema - I'm not allergic to those foods, I was just intolerant to them. If you recognise that it's cow dairy you need to avoid it in any foods for at least 3 months then gradually reintroduce it ( ie eat it 3 days in a row, in moderation) and see what happens. If the eczema flares up, avoid it again for 3 months and try again. Look up exclusion diets for allergies online, there's lots of advice out there. My own experience was 2years of doing this and it paid off - unfortunately I didn't have a sympathetic doctor and had to get on with it, sometimes learning the hard way but learning to listen to my body and notice what was happening. Hope this helps
Thanks. I have avoided any products from cow for 4 years now - but every now and then a restaurant ignores my dairy free request and I end up with terrible eczema. The reaction seems to be getting worse instead of better.0 -
Allergies-> nuts (all), soy, many herbs and supplements
Sensitive-> corn, lactose, chocolate
Corn is the hardest for me. HFCS is in a lot, but the big one is corn oil. My body HATES me if I have too much..0 -
wow you have quite a bit!
my allergy: gluten/wheat (we haven't determined if it's gluten entirely or just wheat, but wheat is for sure)
sensitivities: dairy to an extent, soy, and any fodmap foods (LOTS of things, apples, plums peaches, honey, cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, legumes, garlic, onion.. just to list a few, the list goes on)0 -
As I read some of these posts, I almost burst in tears. I am not alone! I developed an allergy to citrus fruits, primarily oranges, tangerines and grapefruits, in my mid-30's. It started with swollen eyes, lips and hives. It has now come into full anaphylaxis. I am sensitive enough that when I ate tomatoes that had been handled by the same stock person who had stocked the oranges, I ended up in intensive care with anaphylactic shock. Sharing airspace with oranges triggers at the least hives and facial swelling! I do not even have to touch them!
I carry an epipen and take all the precautions I can, but it is getting dicey at work. I teach high school, so there is a cafeteria that prepares and serves meals for the faculty and students. Obviously, I bring my own food, but just the morning of my return to work after the last episode, guess what they had in the cafeteria?!? ORANGES!!! I left immediately with flushed face and swelling.
Have any of you ever had to take legal measures to ensure a safe work environment? I may need to. I know I have the law on my side, but I hate to go to that extreme. It is just that I made this allergy known when I was hired and it is the repeated exposures at work that have caused the reactions to worsen over time. I love my job, even on days when I hate it. (You know what I mean... we all have those days.)0 -
Have any of you ever had to take legal measures to ensure a safe work environment? I may need to. I know I have the law on my side, but I hate to go to that extreme. It is just that I made this allergy known when I was hired and it is the repeated exposures at work that have caused the reactions to worsen over time. I love my job, even on days when I hate it. (You know what I mean... we all have those days.)
Gosh! you've really got a tough one there! It seems all you can possibly do is avoid them wherever possible. As to the legal side, i'm no expert but to be honest I think your employer only has to make 'reasonable adjustment' ... I'm not entirely sure that it could be considered reasonable to ban oranges from an entire school - I mean how would you stop the pupils? its healthy, why would they want to? It sounds a bit harsh but you might have to reconsider your working options to reduce risk to yourself 0 -
Have any of you ever had to take legal measures to ensure a safe work environment? I may need to. I know I have the law on my side, but I hate to go to that extreme. It is just that I made this allergy known when I was hired and it is the repeated exposures at work that have caused the reactions to worsen over time. I love my job, even on days when I hate it. (You know what I mean... we all have those days.)
Gosh! you've really got a tough one there! It seems all you can possibly do is avoid them wherever possible. As to the legal side, i'm no expert but to be honest I think your employer only has to make 'reasonable adjustment' ... I'm not entirely sure that it could be considered reasonable to ban oranges from an entire school - I mean how would you stop the pupils? its healthy, why would they want to? It sounds a bit harsh but you might have to reconsider your working options to reduce risk to yourself
According to a January 2013 ruling under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, employers are obligated to make reasonable accommodations, which to me would mean that signs are posted at all entrances, cleaning products and times are arranged to reduce my risk (ie mop after I leave) and stop serving whole citrus fruits in the cafeteria (serve fruit cups or other whole fruits). I realize they cannot prevent any and all contact. We are a poverty district so very few students bring lunch from home (as in ONE student brings his every day and another some days), so if the offending fruits are not offered on the premises, that would eliminate 95% of the problem. The signs would limit the school's liability and actually do more to help them than me, although the kids are pretty understanding of the matter.
I had a conversation with my principal today but I am not really sure where things are going to go from here. I really do not want to quit working and go on disability, but that might be the only real option.0 -
I wonder if anyone has tested food sensitivities between organic and non-organic foods or between GMO and non-GMO foods. i.e., Corn - GMO vs organic? Soy - GMO vs organic? Wheat - GMO vs non-GMO, etc...
Does anyone have issues with Carrageenan? LUSH cosmetic products? Canned tomato products vs fresh, organic tomatoes?
If one has a sensitivity to "citrus" does that include all the sub-catagories (lemonene, citric acid, tea tree)?
Thanks for sharing!0 -
I wonder if anyone has tested food sensitivities between organic and non-organic foods or between GMO and non-GMO foods. i.e., Corn - GMO vs organic? Soy - GMO vs organic? Wheat - GMO vs non-GMO, etc...
Does anyone have issues with Carrageenan? LUSH cosmetic products? Canned tomato products vs fresh, organic tomatoes?
If one has a sensitivity to "citrus" does that include all the sub-catagories (lemonene, citric acid, tea tree)?
Thanks for sharing!
That's a good question about the GMO vs non-GMO.
In my case, canning actually denatures the offending proteins, as in I have no problem eating canned orange slices but cannot eat fresh as they are almost impossible to not contaminate when peeling.
A citrus allergy is a very individual thing. It does not mean I can have no citrus. I eat tomatoes and cantaloupes all the time and they are considered citrus in the sense that they are a source of Vit C. Lemons and limes do not cause anywhere near as severe a reaction as oranges and grapefruits. Citric acid is no problem for me; it is the oil in the peel. I sprinkle citric acid on my sliced apples to munch on at work. I make it through about a liter of my beloved Hefeweizen before my tongue begins to swell (some are made with orange peels.)0 -
allergies - chicken and chicken eggs (duck/quail/goose are all fine), fennel
sensitivities - fake crab, too much of any oil
the only meat i eat is seafood/shellfish
i'm also ridiculously lactose intolerant but i just take lactaid so it's hardly worth mentioning.
i try to go out to eat at places with vegan options if not, i just explain my allergies to the waiter. they're usually quite helpful.
as far as going to social events, it depends. things like weddings or large parties, i just eat before and plan to eat after. for smaller things, i'll either bring my own food or offer to make something to share with everybody. it took some adjusting but i hardly think about it any more.0 -
While I've never been actually tested, I'm near certain that I am allergic to both corn and citrus fruits (pasteurized orange juice is okay though). And I'm sensitive to tomato sauce - I can eat it, just not in the quantity or at the frequency that I used to.0
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hi everyone, i cant have dairy or soy and struggle with fructose malabsorption and a few minor allergies and have sent a few of you friendship requests for foodspiration. feel free to add me everyone (:
i have recently read, that due to protein denaturation while processing soy, some people can have tofu or soy products, that have been cooked for 30min and stored for at least 4h after this. has anyone tried this? i would be so happy to have homemade soy yogurt again..0 -
I know this is an old thread but my internet has been down for a while so I am ODing LOL
Update... we got a new principal at my school and he had such a simple solution to my citrus allergy predicament that I am ashamed to have thought of it myself. Have the cafeteria workers slice the oranges into wedges before serving. Students still get the great food and no one slips the slices into a pocket to carry around the school. Also, my class load was rearranged so that I do not have students during the lunch block. PROBLEM SOLVED! I have had nothing more than mild itching the entire school year so far! The kids are being really great about checking perfumes and lotions too.0
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