Severe Food Allergies

[cherrylola]

I'm 35 and have developed severe food allergies. I began noticing symptoms last year. I had my first sever reaction in April, requiring an Epi-pen and a visit to the ER. In the past 6 months I have had to use my Epi-pen 4 times. Each time requiring a visit to the ER. I am allergic to soy, tomato, peanuts. I can't seem to eat anything that says "natural flavoring", soy is in everything. I did not test allergic to tree nuts, but for some reason, I can't eat those either. The biggest problem is that my allergies have become so severe that I cannot even be around the smell of most foods. I can't be around the smell of laminate, either. (I'm a HS teacher). Popcorn smell sets off the most severe reaction, followed by chips, candy, and any fast food. It's becoming to where I cannot even leave the house. Going to work is difficult, as I teach high school and the kids also have food. Also, at the school I teach at, 87% of the students are on free or reduced breakfast and lunch. So, they are always in the cafeteria. When they come to class, just the grease smell on their clothing makes my throat sore and makes me dizzy. I can't go to watch my daughter cheer. I tried to sit outside at the football games, but even the open air couldn't mask the smell of the concessions stand, and there is absolutely no way I can even step foot into the gym for the basketball games. My son gets upset because I can't go to anything at his school. My children understand that I have allergies, have seen the severe reactions, and know what I have to do. However, it's very difficult for them to have a mom who can never go anywhere with them. In addition, you can imagine how little food we have in the house!

Things I can eat: fresh or frozen fruits and veggies (not canned), any meat. I can only use salt, pepper, butter, fresh rosemary, and olive oil as seasonings. I cannnot drink sodas or any sort of flavored drink. For some reason I cannot have anything made with flour, even if I make it myself with only ingredients that I am not allergic to.

Has anyone else out there suddenly become allergic to everything as an adult? Has anyone done any research on this? Any information would be much appreciated. HELP!

[FurballsMom]

A video you may be interested in:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7gXDKcYWMI&feature=share

[estelle599]

I suggest you give up all processed food as I have done. The less the product is handeled the better. My generally rule is it must be fresh and require no handling. Like fresh fruit and veg. Meat free range if possible. No condiments only those that are natural therefore herbs and spices but not bottled mixed spices or flavourings. Which have MSG or other additives. Use lemon, vinegar, mustard, I never eat pizza,burgers, take aways, even chicken (KFC)  has a coating that gives me hives. I also think the over used oil causes problems. I am whaet intolerate so only eat rye or gluten free. Red wine causes joint pain for me so again - a treat but not to often. Boil or steam, oven roast using herbs and lemon, never deep fry.

Good luck

[ChitChatNine]

Some who are extremely + cannot even tolerate the oils/smells from afar ... I hope you find an answer .. Please keep us posted.  So sorry to hear your story and hope you find an answer for support soon.

C~

[FurballsMom]

Check out a post that has the title "What else contains sulfites?"  There is some useful information there that might apply, because the original poster has to use an epi pen as well.  Soft drinks have sulfites in them and a lot of artificial coloring and flavor.  These are the things that made me think there is a cross reaction to sulfites.  The natural flavorings also often have MSG, so I can't use those myself.  Although, most of my allergies are actually considered sensitivities, which is a great relief to me.  But, as I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) I definitely understand what you're talking about with the smells making you dizzy, as you mentioned.  Some food smells do that to me as well.  I can't be around the smell of peanut butter without getting sick to my stomach.  Some food will also make me sneeze.  So, it's more than the usual bad chemicals that people who don't have this MCS only sort of understand.

What kind of flour are you using when you try to use flour?  You might have a gluten issue.  From what I understand, the more processed a food is, even just grinding flour, the more likely allergies can be more pronounced.  I know that it also affects the starches in the foods, like if someone over cooks pasta, which is bad for people trying to lose weight or dealing with a blood sugar issue.

How are you with other beans?  If you're able to deal with garbanzo beans (chick peas), this one is often made into flour.  It is a useful substitute for people with Celiac or other gluten issues.  If you're not sure, you have to be careful and only taste it or even just touch it first to make sure you're not going to have a life threatening reaction if you eat it.  This isn't the only alternative flour out there, but it's the only non grain one I know of besides flour made from quinoa.  Quinoa is a seed rather than a true grain.

I know others with severe allergies should have more and better information, but I assure you that there is a lot of useful information on the thread I mentioned at the outset.