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New to forum and have food sensitivity questions....

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Posted 6/9/2008 2:24 AM (GMT -6)
Hi everyone,

I normally post on the MS forum, but am having some issues with "allergies" as of late. 

Ten years ago an allergist gave me some skin prick tests and I had positive results for many foods, the highest numbers were 3+ on egg whites and milk.  Back then I did try to cut out a lot of those foods, but my reactions weren't bad enough for me to stick with it I guess.  I love bread!!

Within the past few months however, I have been getting worsening face rashes.  This week I tried cutting out wheat, but I think I'm getting rashes from the other stuff too.  I've been trying to eat other carbs and sugars, but am still really lightheaded and tired without the wheat (withdrawals?).  I've been craving sugar like crazy and eating a ton of ice cream, which of course is also giving me rashes confused

I have a feeling these allergies are not helping my MS at all, as the rashes have increased, my MS symptoms feel worse, especially fatigue.  I asked my gp about seeing an allergist, and she said to try eliminating these foods first.  That is a huge challenge for me as I rarely have the energy to cook.  I'm quite frustrated with the rashes and don't even want to leave the house.

I guess my questions are:

- Is it normal for allergies to get worse over time?

- Could I take allergy pills instead of cutting foods out? (wishful thinking? lol)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Shar

 

Posted 6/9/2008 11:05 AM (GMT -6)
Allergies can get worse over time. This applies to all allergies, not just outdoor/inhalant allergies.

Avoidance is far superior to suppressing your body's immune system with medication so you can continue to eat the foods your body is trying to tell you not to eat. Also, if you take steroids and/or antihistamines all the time, then when you really need the medication for a severe reaction, they may not work as well because your body may have adapted to the medication.

In your case, there are suitable substitutes out there for both dairy and egg. Soy milk, rice milk, nut milks, oat milk all come in cartons in the health food section of many grocery stores. Egg substitutes are also available, although egg tends to hide in a lot of things without always being listed on the main ingredient label (food labeling laws require that eggs be listed in an allergy statement if there is any chance that the product could be cross-contaminated with eggs or contain a small amount of egg as part of the ingredients). You might look into Amy's Kitchen frozen meals (some large grocery stores & health food stores carry this brand) - this company offers many dairy-free options, and all of their foods are egg-free. They also have some wheat-free options.

The following links contain some additional info:

http://nomilk.com/
http://www.foodallergyinitiative.org/section_home.cfm?section_id=3&sub_section_id=3
http://foodallergies.about.com/od/eggallergies/p/eggallergies.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/egg-allergy/DS01021/DSECTION=9

I hope this helps - take care,
Posted 6/9/2008 4:22 PM (GMT -6)

Thank you very much Razzle. 

I will check out those links.  I guess I know what I need to do (cut these foods out) but am fighting it, with my MS and anxiety disorders, food is my "comfort".  Although, I've been doing some reading, and these comfort foods it seems may have got me these health problems in the first place sad argh.

Ok, tonight I will go to the grocery store and see what I can find to eat.  If I feel a lot better not eating these things, it may just be worth it....

Thanks again!

Shar

Posted 6/11/2008 11:09 AM (GMT -6)
heyy im allergic to egg and milk and some other things but i have to cut them out all toghter i get food what dont contain them in. there a bit more expensive though but you will find every shop does a free from range some are nice and others not so nice.
xxx
Posted 6/11/2008 6:35 PM (GMT -6)

Photogirl,

I wanted to welcome you to HealingWell.  I think you have already been given very good advice.  We are very happy that you have joined us.

Take care!

Carla

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