WiseWomenUnite.com

General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 08:25:24 AM

Title: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 08:25:24 AM
  How would you handle a family "doing" that you are invited to, let's say a wedding shower, where your family is aware of your food sensitivity/allergy and you find they have done nothing?  They send you an invitation, knowing full well that you cant have certain foods.  You send in your rsvp saying you will attend.  You arrive, gift in hand and find you can only eat plain carrot sticks and celery stalks?  Why would close family do this?  The food was prepared by sister inlaw and the bride? 

Now, what about the wedding itself?  Should the person who can't eat the food be allowed to bring a packaged meal from home?  Or just not go?  Would seem like the invitee was "starting something." 

The MOB had reassured this guest that the menu was planned with her in mind, knowing she couldn't eat bread.  But they only had sandwiches and pasta salads, cookies, cakes, dips, that were NOT gluten free??!!?!

Should I have dd send sil an email? Should I call her?  Should anything be done?  I mean to sit at a family shower and be able to eat nothing after being told there would be something just seems wrong.  What to do?
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: pam1 on April 18, 2011, 08:31:40 AM
To be honest, I'd probably leave if it was that bad.  Not make a big deal or anything, just say I've got to get going.  I do have a situation with my in laws that is similar and I've come to figure out I need to eat before I get there. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: LaurieS on April 18, 2011, 08:50:50 AM
It is possible that they did not know how to meet her diet requirements.... if someone told me that they had to have a Gluten free diet I'd have to do a lot of research.  For anyone with very stringent requirements I would think that they are always thinking about Plan B when it came to eating out or with a large group.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Pen on April 18, 2011, 08:56:01 AM
DH & I have similar issues. We eat beforehand and/or bring our own food. I choose not to see it as a P-A move on the host's part but it might well be in some cases. A lot of times it's just ignorance. Most people don't know that there is gluten in soy sauce for example, or don't have a clue how to accomodate food allergies/other dietary restrictions as Laurie said. It seems to bother others that we're not partaking more than it bothers us, actually.

I know there is some anger out there as well; some people can't tolerate what they see as a food allergy "trend" and do some mean things like slip the forbidden food in just to see if we're faking it or not. When they don't see an immediate reaction it validates their narrow-minded belief that it's all bunk. Hence, I often don't tell my hosts/server about my allergy; I do my research and avoid ordering/choosing items that would be likely culprits. I just don't make a big deal out of it since it really freaks people out.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: seasage on April 18, 2011, 09:00:39 AM
Quote from: HappyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 08:25:24 AM
  How would you handle a family "doing" that you are invited to, let's say a wedding shower, where your family is aware of your food sensitivity/allergy and you find they have done nothing?  They send you an invitation, knowing full well that you cant have certain foods.  You send in your rsvp saying you will attend.  You arrive, gift in hand and find you can only eat plain carrot sticks and celery stalks?  Why would close family do this?

When this happens to me, this is how I hope I will "handle" my family.  I hope I will be able to calm down my incensed brain, quietly eat my carrot sticks, tell myself that the shower is for the bride not me, and enjoy my family and friends.  I hope I will be able to forgive them within the first 5 minutes.  I pray I can be that classy.  (Note that I am not absolutely sure I can do this, but I will try).
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 09:20:05 AM
She did and she has.  It really has nothing to do with the bride at all but her M O T H E R. aarrgh.  I should just be happy it isn't a peanut allergy I suppose? 

But, my dd has become ill from just touching the stuff - to where she is laying on the bathroom floor writhing in pain begging God to make it stop--or those after being glutened times when she cannot wake up.  *She was at work after they had a pizza party and everything was full of crumbs and grease and beer and all the stuff she can't touch - which is why she came a bit later to try to avoid it.

It's hard enough on the person that is aware of limitations, trying to explain it away to family is even more difficult.  She couldn't just not go, but to sit there with a carrot and celery stalk and a bottle of water while everyone around you at a table of eight is slopping up pasta salads, chicken salad on crescents, turkey on rolls, etc then here comes triple layer chocolate cake and all those cookies is just unfathomable, imo.  Then all the questions as to why she has no food. 

I won't insist she go to any of the things anymore.  She has no health insurance.  Is trying to get her health back.  And to say anything just might anger someone.   We can do the food before the event, she can even eat while in the car -  and can sit at the table with a blank plate smiling at everyone else while they get to share in the food fest.  I don't know.  My dd has been so good about the family home parties and picnics and all that.  She can't do many of the parties at work and now this. 

It's almost like asking the only Kosher person you know to a hogroast.



Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: holliberri on April 18, 2011, 09:20:19 AM
My friend has landed in the hospital b/c her mother cooked her non-gluten free food that she insisted was gluten free (my friend feels her mother blatantly lied to her). Her mother simply does not believe in gluten intolerance or food allergies.  :(

I don't think my friend has any choice but to not trust anyone else with her diet ever again. I think she is planning on bringing her own food wherever she goes from now on.

I also know many diabetics that have to do the same. As well as vegans. People just don't consider the needs of one person when cooking for many; which is kind of sad, considering this problem is more prevalent than most people think. I'm very sorry. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 09:41:22 AM
Oh Holly that is awful! 

  I had no idea how bad it can be until I saw dd laying on the floor barely breathing saying over and over "God, please make it stop, God, please make it stop. Please. Please."  I so wanted to call an ambulance.  She worried that she would then have the  ER visit to pay while paying off student loans?  All I could do was try to calm her down.  We did deep breathing.  Then,  I started talking about how relaxing the swimming pool was and for her to go back there in her mind and remember the warm sun, the breezes and floating in the water.  She calmed enough at this point to get off the floor and back into bed.

Then I put a cool washcloth on her head and she fell asleep.  This was at 430 am and she didn't wake up until 2pm!!  It was the worst time for me for I had no idea what to do to comfort her or take away the pain.  She was lethargic for days after this and she feels it was from work and cross contamination. 

I worry about the damage to her intestines and how that carries that not so wonderful non-Hogkins lymphoma possibility.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: LaurieS on April 18, 2011, 09:47:42 AM
See I would be the one to invite the kosher person to a hogroast, because I didn't know you shouldn't.  Parties typically have party style food.. which also includes all the things your  daughter can not eat.  You shouldn't expect others to do without and I'm sure that is the last thing your  daughter would  want... instead there should be something in addition to all that stuff that she can have... and if in fear of someone not recognizing that ahead of time then by all means she should kick back onto plan b and either have eaten or brought something with her. 

My mil is a diabetic, but I'm not, not going to make that big yummy carrot cake... I just made sure I also had something I thought she could eat.. fruit.. then I found out that she can't eat the fruit.. I said oh here I have potatoes.. surprise she can't eat those either... it would be much easier if I knew what she could eat and plan accordingly.  I learned recently that depending on blood types people with diabetes can tolerate different types of food.. wow if I had to also know their blood type I'd really be lost.

I would hope that people wouldn't challenge and test someone's special needs, that seems rather insensitive.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:03:31 AM
I certainly wouldn't jump to the conclusion that they did it on purpose. Gluten-Free cooking is, well, a royal pain in the you know where. When DH was given his diagnosis, I started reading. I couldn't believe the all the things that have gluten in them It is unreal! So, I would chalk it up to them just not knowing what gluten is in.

It is pathetic when soy sauce, some BBQ sauces, pie filling, etc. have gluten in....

Incidentally, :-) I do have a fabulous gluten-free dessert that DH LOVES.

It is a frozen rice krispy (need to get the gluten free ones) dessert. 2 cups rice crispies, mixed with a tbsp. of butter, quarter cup brown sugar, and cup of coconut (you can add nuts too, I like to add almonds). Press half in the bottom of a cake pan, put a layer of vanilla ice cream, then the other half. FREEZE, serve topped with cherry pie filling (The Walmart Brand is Gluten Free!!!!).
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 10:06:13 AM
That's exactly how I feel Laurie!   :)  Those family members have been aware for two years now. She attends the birthdays, the whatevers, brings a card, or a gift and either has eaten before and leaves quickly or just sends a card and doesn't go.  But there are some functions this is not so easy to carry out.  Like this wedding of a first cousin she grew up with and truly loves.  My dd did just there at the table smiling and being a good guest with her carrots on her plate while everyone else "dug in." 

She recently had a bride to be tell her to write on the response card about her requests and she will have the hall accommodate her for she has friends/family that are sensitive as well and she has totally eliminated anything with tree nuts for added measure, although there will be no children at the reception.

I have been making parties a bit more accessible for most, lately.  Organic, gluten free and as unprocessed as possible.  Only because of my awareness now and what these allergies can do to the person afflicted.  You try as best as you can - but most of the time I have been unaware of restrictions. 

My family IS aware.  Dd is just written off as being hard to please. 

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: free_at_last on April 18, 2011, 10:10:17 AM
This was a rotten thing for them to do and it may or may not have been intentional. 

Vegetarians and vegans deal with this issue on a daily basis (although I realize the situation is not the same since having an allergy isn't a choice like vegetarianism/veganism is). The way I personally deal with this is like Pam, eat something before I go so I'm not starving and then pick a few things I can eat while I'm there, even if it is just carrot & celery sticks.  I've never said anything to the host/hostess because if it was unintentional it will only make them feel bad when it's really not their fault that I won't/can't eat their food, and if it was intentional it will just give them the satisfaction of knowing it bothered me.  You do always have to be on the lookout for those that will try to sneak things in and tell you that the food is OK for your diet needs, I've learned to stick to simple things like fresh fruit & veggies except when I completely trust that the host/hostess wouldn't lie about ingredients (such as my Mom, siblings, and closest friends). 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 10:15:22 AM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:03:31 AM
I certainly wouldn't jump to the conclusion that they did it on purpose. Gluten-Free cooking is, well, a royal pain in the you know where. When DH was given his diagnosis, I started reading. I couldn't believe the all the things that have gluten in them It is unreal! So, I would chalk it up to them just not knowing what gluten is in.

It is pathetic when soy sauce, some BBQ sauces, pie filling, etc. have gluten in....

Incidentally, :-) I do have a fabulous gluten-free dessert that DH LOVES.

It is a frozen rice krispy (need to get the gluten free ones) dessert. 2 cups rice crispies, mixed with a tbsp. of butter, quarter cup brown sugar, and cup of coconut (you can add nuts too, I like to add almonds). Press half in the bottom of a cake pan, put a layer of vanilla ice cream, then the other half. FREEZE, serve topped with cherry pie filling (The Walmart Brand is Gluten Free!!!!).

I can agree if I haven't - and she hasn't - been asked a hundred times at the other family get togethers what she can and cannot eat.  And we tell them:  no wheat, no rye, no barley (some oats).  The food we purchase says GLUTEN FREE right on them!  What she can eat:  Gluten free rolls, pizza, bread, crackers, cookies, soups, rice, cereal, fruits, veggies, turkey, beef ham.  For the past two years. 

It's a package of GF rolls purchased pretty much at every store *even the ones I have seen the family shopping at ;)* some turkey/cheese, plain old salad, maybe some plain rice, etc.  I don't understand.  These two kids were very close growing up.   Their dads are brothers.   We live less than five miles apart.   The girls were together so much when younger.   What should she do for the actual wedding?  Bring her own?  Fill up before and sit in front of an empty plate?  Not go? 

  Oh, even her shampoo/soaps, etc must be gluten free. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:26:42 AM
Quote from: HappyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 10:15:22 AM
  Oh, even her shampoo/soaps, etc must be gluten free.

Holey Moley! I had no idea that shampoos/soaps ever had gluten in them. WHY would they put gluten in that?! That is sooooooo weird!

I'm glad DH's isn't as severe. I'd be constantly paranoid that I am accidentally going to "poison" him. He doesn't have the cross-contamination problems and can tolerate a "little" gluten. Like if a marinade happens to have some in, he will be okay.

Are they really close now? My cousin and I were practically inseparable as kids, but we went through a phase in the early 20's where we didn't see each other at all. She has Chrone's and was gluten free for a while and can't eat onions, but I forget everytime I invite her over.  :-[ She usually asks what I am going to make and then reminds me of her allergies. When you aren't the one who has the allergy, it is very easy to forget. If you don't live day-in, day-out preparing gluten free, you might not think about it.

My family knows of DH's Celiac's (although, not nearly as severe as your DD's), but they don't do anything "special" to be gluten-free for him. We aren't offended by it. I usually offer to take the dessert to places so I can make a gluten free cake or what-have-you so he won't be left out.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Scoop on April 18, 2011, 10:43:47 AM
We have a kid at DD's daycare who is so gluten sensitive that they had to check the play dough and have all the children wash their hands before coming into the class.  Most people think of gluten sensitivity as "Oh, she'll get a tummy-ache, wah." but it can be really serious.

Happy, what did they say when they saw that DD wasn't eating?  Did anyone at least apologize?  Because I can understand 'forgetting' or 'not realizing', but with no apology, it becomes 'not caring' and that sucks.

Seeing as how these people can't or won't accommodate your DD, then I think she should bring something to eat at the wedding.  I think she should be gracious about it and say that she's had bad experiences before with restaurants and she doesn't want to take any chances.  She can even bring something for the servers to warm up, so that she's enjoying a hot meal like everyone else.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 10:46:46 AM
Gluten just may be the best poison on the planet for making us chronically ill but not quite killing us. The gluten protein called gliadin is the cause of all kinds of reactions. Symptoms of gluten-intolerance may not be present for many years. Then one day a rash appears or the stomach will swell. Some will have a lack of energy, even though they slept all night. There are those who become irritable, anxious, depressed. It is very common for gluten to cause migraine or headaches. As you can see the symptoms are as varied as the individual. It is very important for individuals to monitor their diet and take note of any type of reactions, even if that reaction is "mild."

From what I have read and understand is:

    * People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley.
    * Untreated celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption.
    * Without treatment, people with celiac disease can develop complications such as osteoporosis, anemia, and cancer.
    * A person with celiac disease may or may not have symptoms.
    * Diagnosis involves blood tests and, in most cases, a biopsy of the small intestine.
    * Since celiac disease is hereditary, family members of a person with celiac disease may wish to be tested.
    * Celiac disease is treated by eliminating all gluten from the diet. The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement.
    * A dietitian can teach a person with celiac disease about food selection, label reading, and other strategies to help manage the disease.

So even though there are no symptoms of diarrhea, gas, bloating, tiredness, sores, rash, confusion, dizziness, etc, the damage is still on going in the stomach and intestines. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:52:57 AM
But if they don't have symptoms, how do they know if they have it? That's kinda scary if you think about it. If it is unabsorbable by everyone, why don't they find a way to eliminate it?
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: holliberri on April 18, 2011, 11:06:19 AM
You don't until you have problems. My mom has it...I am trying to avoid getting tested, but she's been on my case about it, particularly since I have DD now.   :-\  Then there are those of us with just slight gluten intolerance, not Celiacs.

I don't think they'd eliminate it b/c the  U.S. is the #1 producer of grain product. It's our "bread and butter" so to speak.

I didn't know it can cause migraines. Diet change might help me eliminate that issue.

Oh, and in New Jersey, there was a famous chef that boasted his gluten free culinary skills. 45 people wound up hospitalized, and he is basically a fraud. He was cooking with gluten all along.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 11:08:27 AM
Quote from: Scoop on April 18, 2011, 10:43:47 AM
We have a kid at DD's daycare who is so gluten sensitive that they had to check the play dough and have all the children wash their hands before coming into the class.  Most people think of gluten sensitivity as "Oh, she'll get a tummy-ache, wah." but it can be really serious.

Happy, what did they say when they saw that DD wasn't eating?  Did anyone at least apologize?  Because I can understand 'forgetting' or 'not realizing', but with no apology, it becomes 'not caring' and that sucks.

Seeing as how these people can't or won't accommodate your DD, then I think she should bring something to eat at the wedding.  I think she should be gracious about it and say that she's had bad experiences before with restaurants and she doesn't want to take any chances.  She can even bring something for the servers to warm up, so that she's enjoying a hot meal like everyone else.

It's a sticky situation isn't it?  You bring it up to them and you are being impossible or demanding.  You go and sit with carrots and you are the freak.  Why is it so hard?  She isn't being difficult, she has no insurance if she needs to go to the hospital.  Should the guest ask?  Or not go?  She just received the wedding invite, maybe should write that she would love to attend but diet restrictions/necessities say otherwise.  How sad.  To miss important family things because of gluten.  wow.

  This past Christmas we did not show up at the other brother's home, because of this.  We went to a couple and there among the many, many dishes and plates was nothing for her to eat other than what I brought.  We got the announcement of Christmas at so and so's and I chimed in "I'll bring some gf munchies/dishes for dd to eat"  I was then told "I don't care what she eats"  Her son's wedding is also coming up in a couple of months.  Hmm.....

Family.  Gotta love em.



Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Pen on April 18, 2011, 11:10:05 AM
Wouldn't that be nice! Fortunately these days there are a lot more products for us. Some are even GF & CF which is great for my family. Udi's chocolate muffins are just like chocolate cake - I make a frosting we can eat, decorate with fresh fruit, coconut or dark chocolate shavings, and we're good to go. We take them to functions so DD doesn't feel left out. Tinkyada makes excellent pasta, and there is a brand of Tamari that is GF. We've been dealing with this stuff for so long it seems weird to go places and not have our little cooler with us, LOL.

We found out a few years ago when a nutritionist examined our nails, hair, skin, and eyes and determined we weren't absorbing certain B vitamins. My GM had had a similar problem, so it seemed to be inherited. Gluten makes it difficult for us to absorb certain B vitamins so she put us on a GF diet to see if our symptoms would improve. I immediately lost 20 lbs, among other improvements.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 11:15:19 AM
My last two T-giving dinners were organic and gluten free!  Need to tweak the gravy, tho.  Everything was awesome.  Even the wine was organic ;)

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 11:16:33 AM
That is sooo sad, Happy.  :( They have lost their "benefit of the doubt" with me. They are just being mean. It would be sad for her to miss the wedding though.

I was thinking the same thing with the migraines, but I am 99% sure mine are from the Lyme's. Too many "crossover" symptoms these days. At least with Celiac's there is something you can do, with Lyme there is no treatment (yet) in humans if it isn't caught within the first month. I may have to get on hubby to stick to the gluten free diet more though. (He hates it).

It is sad that there isn't a pill you can take for gluten sensitivity like there is for lactose intolerance. Maybe they will develop one!  :D
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 11:17:26 AM
I know modified food starch has gluten in it, but corn startch doesn't right?
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: holliberri on April 18, 2011, 11:18:31 AM
Actually, the upside to my mom's celiac's...

She thought she was lactose intolerant for years. Not true. She was able to incorporate more dairy into her diet once she eliminated gluten. She'd been missing out.

Vitamin B deficiencies? That was a reason they listed for my multiple miscarriages. I was on like 10x the recommended daily amount of folic acid and some vitamin Bs.

That's interesting, Pen.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 11:19:39 AM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:52:57 AM
But if they don't have symptoms, how do they know if they have it? That's kinda scary if you think about it. If it is unabsorbable by everyone, why don't they find a way to eliminate it?

That is what we are reeling over.  She may have been sick for years, until her immunity just couldn't handle anymore and she just became sicker and sicker with the oddest of illnesses, never getting over even a cold.  She ow nhas thyroid issues and PCOS and celiac/gluten sensitivity.  I have been tested and am negative but eat all organic/gluten free.  Aint' gonna chance it.  ;)   I have noticed a big decrease in my migraines:  one/two a year as opposed to three/four a month!  No more IBS.  No GERD!!!!  YAY.  But I do have a goiter.  :(   So I am on iodine/iodide for that. 



Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Pen on April 18, 2011, 11:20:51 AM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 10:03:31 AM
I certainly wouldn't jump to the conclusion that they did it on purpose. Gluten-Free cooking is, well, a royal pain in the you know where. When DH was given his diagnosis, I started reading. I couldn't believe the all the things that have gluten in them It is unreal! So, I would chalk it up to them just not knowing what gluten is in.

It is pathetic when soy sauce, some BBQ sauces, pie filling, etc. have gluten in....

Incidentally, :-) I do have a fabulous gluten-free dessert that DH LOVES.

It is a frozen rice krispy (need to get the gluten free ones) dessert. 2 cups rice crispies, mixed with a tbsp. of butter, quarter cup brown sugar, and cup of coconut (you can add nuts too, I like to add almonds). Press half in the bottom of a cake pan, put a layer of vanilla ice cream, then the other half. FREEZE, serve topped with cherry pie filling (The Walmart Brand is Gluten Free!!!!).

That sounds yummy, ADIL. I sometimes make meringues to fill with ice cream or whipped cream and fresh fruit. I'll have to check out that pie filling. Thanks for the hint.

HappyDays, have you tried the Mochiko brand white rice flour for gravy? It's great. I do a GF/CF pumpkin pie that is indistinguishable from the real thing according to my non-allergic guests (perhaps they're just being kind..)
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 11:23:32 AM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 11:16:33 AM
That is sooo sad, Happy.  :( They have lost their "benefit of the doubt" with me. They are just being mean. It would be sad for her to miss the wedding though.

I was thinking the same thing with the migraines, but I am 99% sure mine are from the Lyme's. Too many "crossover" symptoms these days. At least with Celiac's there is something you can do, with Lyme there is no treatment (yet) in humans if it isn't caught within the first month. I may have to get on hubby to stick to the gluten free diet more though. (He hates it).

It is sad that there isn't a pill you can take for gluten sensitivity like there is for lactose intolerance. Maybe they will develop one!  :D

Yes.  It's sad.  She's getting used to it tho.  She hates the fact she can't go out for pizza/beers with folks from work.  Unless she orders a grilled chicken breast, steamed broccs and maybe some wine.  Or, go right after eating at home and just sip some water but not touch anything!!!   

I have heard there was research going for some meds to help and they stopped because of the economy.  The funds dried up fast before actual use on humans could begin.  :( 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Rose799 on April 18, 2011, 11:31:03 AM
I had no idea gluten sensitivities were so common.  Have any of you or family members been tested?  One of my nephews has colitis.  He, too, has no ins. but wound up in the E.R. bleeding.  For lack of knowing anything better to do, I sent him some pricey probiotics from Costco.  He now takes them daily & hasn't had an attack since.  Do you think probiotics might help protect your dd, Happy?  I assumed you had to ingest gluten to have symptoms.  I heard though. some airlines were discontinuing serving peanuts because just opening a package near someone with allergies could cause severe problems. I've learned a lot here, thank you all...
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 11:47:57 AM
@ Rose, I have been tested - thru bloodwork and biopsy.  I do have some inflammation in lining, but no flattened villi.  Could have healed with better foods, maybe?  I don't know. I am on B6 and extra B12 constantly watching diet.  Husband has been diagnosed with diverticulitis after his colonoscopy and more recently with hypothyroid thru blood work.  I do believe more testing should be done on him to find if he is gluten/celiac sensitive. 

@Anon, no I believe corn starch is fine, as long as it is not processed alongside flours/starches that have gluten.  Even some oats cannot be eaten unless they say specifically they are processed in a gluten free plant. 
I once suspected she had Lyme's and I would still like to pursue that.  Have her tell her doctor to test her.  She had a strange bite on her foot right before things went really bad with her health:  she became sick with mono, tested positive for Ebstein Barr virus, became ill with pneumonia, and on and on.  I still wonder though about Lymes...
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 11:49:26 AM
Sooooooo, I am looking up stuff for the whole DH and Celiac thing. But can't find the answer to my question so I thought maybe someone on here would know since they have family members with it.

So, DH was diagnosed with celiac's about a year ago, maybe a hair longer than that. Anywho, his results were off the charts. He went "gluten-free" for MAYBE a month, then back to normal gluten intake. (sandwich here, pasta there). He has had no problems. They did bloodwork again and his numbers were normal.

Anywho, I remember DH talking about eating a sandwich like every two hours for a while. He was trying to boost his metabolism (I, of course, told him eating that amount of bread wasn't going to help him lose weight. and that he should eat a banana or apple or something HEALTHY). But, I think that he had his first round of blood tests during his little "experiment." Do you think that it is possible that his psotive Celiac's result could be wrong because he was basically eating a loaf of bread a day?
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 11:55:28 AM
Happy, if you are serious about pursuing the Lyme's testing. You might want to find a "Lyme-literate" doctor in your area. Most doctors laugh off the whole Lyme disease thing.

My brother was bit, pulled the tick off, got the bulls eye rash, and his doctor gave him ointment for it. told him there is no way it is lyme because it was not a deer tick. Well, about two years later (months after my dad died) my brother was all freaked out because he thought he had hodgkin's disease (sp?) and was dying. Well, we had actually done some voluteer work with our balloon sculpting business for Lyme-Aid. My mom contacted them for more info on the disease. Brother went to a Lyme Doctor. They sent bloodwork across the country and it came back positive (the local test was a false negative). Nothing can be done to cure it at this point, but he can manage the symptoms (joint pain, fever, headaches, and 90 or more other posibilities). So, if you really think she could have it, push for the testing.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 12:33:49 PM
The blood work for celiac/gluten isn't 100% proof positive.  The biopsy is way better.  But even then a false/positive can be found.  Maybe his first test was false/positive?  Sounds like it.  What made the doc test him in the first place?  I believe his high amount of eating gluten showed the high load in his blood workup.  After being off of gluten for six to nine months and then re-testing, would be a better indicator, I believe.   The proteins are leaking out of his gut and getting into the blood either way it is NOT good.  There is a reason why the barrier is being broken and could eventually result in several auto-immune disease, including Celiac Disease, Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Autism, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and atopic disorders such as Asthma, Rhinitis, Eczema, and Allergies to name a few.

I have read that wherever gluten goes, it alarms our immune system to react because it damages any tissue it touches. When our body surrounds and encloses it, we form granulomas. These hard nodules can develop in the liver, joints, and skin. Granulomas are like pearls formed by an oyster. Our body encapsulates gluten to keep it from hurting our tissues much like an oyster does a grain of sand that lodges inside of it.

The longer we eat gluten, the greater is our risk of developing other auto-immune disorders such as, Alopecia Areata (hair loss), Psoriasis (skin disorder), Addison's Disease (adrenal gland disorder), Grave's Disease (hyperthyroid disorder) and Auto-immune Hepatitis (liver disorder).

In auto-immune disorders, the development of anti-gliadin antibodies may be attributed to the response to food protein [from gluten] and is often not closely related with Celiac Disease.  (This could be my daughter - but to be safe, she is off the gluten.  No more unexplained tiredness.  No mouth sores.  But if she does get "glutened" she finds she is exhausted.  Gets mouth sores and sometimes eczema-like rashes!! But who knows for certain?)


With my daughter, she had Hashimoto's  found in 2005 when she lost half her thyroid to nodules.   While away from home she kept getting sicker and sicker and her medical treatment was not good.  She eventually was NOT healing.  She felt awful, always tired and depressed.  She was on so many meds without ever being tested for gluten.  Which most often goes hand in hand with Hashimotos and/or thyroid disease!!  Great.  All that suffering for nothing.

She moved back home and I began researching Hashimotos and told her to ask her doctor to test for gluten.  TaDA!!!  Then on a visit with another doctor, she was found to have polycystic ovarian syndrome.  All of these are auto immune disorders. 
 





Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 01:01:29 PM
Wow! Just WOW! This is obviously a very harmful (and in some cases lethal) toxin. It should be regulated and not be allowed in our food supply.  >:(

I think they did do a biopsy for DH. I don't know for sure though. It was before we were married. He lived at home and well, his mother did not feel that his fiancee was worthy of such information. Ugh! She still doesn't acknowledge that I'm his wife.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: luise.volta on April 18, 2011, 01:23:44 PM
I'd bring my own stuff and not trust anybody unless I knew for sure they could be trusted. Sending love.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 01:27:17 PM
luise that is just what dd and I have decided.   She will reply to the rsvp, (she really wants to go) and will bring something to eat to leave in the car unless she needs to go get it during the meal. 

That way there is no wondering or guessing or even getting upset for those that "forget".  right? 

Sending love back....
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: holliberri on April 18, 2011, 01:39:04 PM
On the flip side of that, for anyone hosting guests that might need accommodating....if you're inviting them over to eat at your house, an extra special way of making them feel important is fixing something they can eat. We like our food with kicking hot around here, but if I'm having guests...I need to tone it down and skip the Triple X Hot Sauce and the chili powder.

I tried to go veg in 2009. I told my aunt. 7 months later she called me for dinner (I had long since fallen off the bandwagon by then). I told her I would come. She called me back two days later asking what scrumptious plate to make for the vegs among the family (it was just me!)....I told her, "Oh well, I wouldn't know, since I'm not one." But man, I felt very loved...I imagine this would be double for someone dealing with food allergies or an autoimmune disorder.

My mom refers to her problem as 'antisocial' and I can see why she feels it is that way. It would probably be a lot easier on here if people helped her and took her issue seriously. She doesn't really like asking for special accomodations. My girlfriend who just discovered she has Celiacs is in a support group for it b/c it can be isolating at times, particularly for young single people. Plus, if you've eaten something all your life and have had to give it up to feel better...while you do feel better, you do still miss the food you used to eat. I think having all of that food would be much like going to a bar as a recovering alcoholic at first: there is a lot of temptation in front of you...except a well recovered alcoholic can ask for a glass of water. Someone with Celiac's is often left with no choice but to go hungry.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 01:52:16 PM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 01:01:29 PM
Wow! Just WOW! This is obviously a very harmful (and in some cases lethal) toxin. It should be regulated and not be allowed in our food supply.  >:(

I think they did do a biopsy for DH. I don't know for sure though. It was before we were married. He lived at home and well, his mother did not feel that his fiancee was worthy of such information. Ugh! She still doesn't acknowledge that I'm his wife.

He would have had the endoscopy for the biopsy, I hope I didn't confuse by saying the other scope is to be used, but I think did. oops.  I had both at the same time for anemia issues.  It is very confusing and after reading about the test, there should be many sample tissues taken, not just one or two.  So, it varies so much.  I don't think I want either scopes done again. Nope. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: pam1 on April 18, 2011, 01:58:23 PM
People can be rude or sometimes just don't know.  Someone on another thread came up with the idea of bring your own plate, maybe that can be the new "in" thing.

Sometimes I just don't know, I guess I would be confused about gluten but it sounds like in the original post that it was ALL gluten.  Just a shame.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 02:01:05 PM
Quote from: pam1 on April 18, 2011, 01:58:23 PM
People can be rude or sometimes just don't know.  Someone on another thread came up with the idea of bring your own plate, maybe that can be the new "in" thing.

Sometimes I just don't know, I guess I would be confused about gluten but it sounds like in the original post that it was ALL gluten.  Just a shame.

As far as "ALL Gluten," here's food for thought. You can have your steak, but no A1 sauce. ;-)
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: holliberri on April 18, 2011, 02:13:20 PM
The sauces are the tough part. Most people can avoid the grain products. They don't even think that sauces would cause a problem. I could see where an unsuspecting family member would unintentionally make a gluten free dish harmful to one with Celiac's.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 03:34:30 PM
Quote from: AnonymousDIL on April 18, 2011, 02:01:05 PM
Quote from: pam1 on April 18, 2011, 01:58:23 PM
People can be rude or sometimes just don't know.  Someone on another thread came up with the idea of bring your own plate, maybe that can be the new "in" thing.

Sometimes I just don't know, I guess I would be confused about gluten but it sounds like in the original post that it was ALL gluten.  Just a shame.

As far as "ALL Gluten," here's food for thought. You can have your steak, but no A1 sauce. ;-)

What???!!!  Noooo!!! They changed it?  nooooo. I knew Heinz 57 was not gluten free but A-1 now, too? 

Ingreds:  Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste)Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Salt, Raisin Paste, Crushed Orange Puree, Spices and Herbs, Dried Garlic and Onion, Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate (to Preserve Freshness)Xanthan Gum.

I have read where there may be animal flavorings in the sauce - but if Kraft won't let you know what is IN that stuff how can one be sure of gluten, too?  Darn. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Rose799 on April 18, 2011, 09:50:28 PM
Quote from: HappyDays09 on April 18, 2011, 12:33:49 PM
In auto-immune disorders, the development of anti-gliadin antibodies may be attributed to the response to food protein [from gluten] and is often not closely related with Celiac Disease.  (This could be my daughter - but to be safe, she is off the gluten.  No more unexplained tiredness.  No mouth sores.  But if she does get "glutened" she finds she is exhausted.  Gets mouth sores and sometimes eczema-like rashes!! But who knows for certain?)


With my daughter, she had Hashimoto's  found in 2005 when she lost half her thyroid to nodules.   While away from home she kept getting sicker and sicker and her medical treatment was not good.  She eventually was NOT healing.  She felt awful, always tired and depressed.  She was on so many meds without ever being tested for gluten.  Which most often goes hand in hand with Hashimotos and/or thyroid disease!!  Great.  All that suffering for nothing.

She moved back home and I began researching Hashimotos and told her to ask her doctor to test for gluten.  TaDA!!!  Then on a visit with another doctor, she was found to have polycystic ovarian syndrome.  All of these are auto immune disorders.   

Thanks Happy,
My ydd is going through a similar experience.  She was diagnosed with Epstein Barr just over 1 yr ago, & also is hypothyroid.  Most recently, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.   Fatigue is a major concern for her.  I'm awed by how your dd responded to the gluten-free diet.  I'm going to suggest ydd be tested.  Thanks so much for the info...
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 19, 2011, 09:09:20 AM
You are so very welcome, Rose.  I have done so much research into this.  My dd had to completely eliminate all wheat, rye, barley (some oats).  I have done it at times myself and have found to have less transient symptoms like runny nose, blocked sinuses, tummy woes.  I think I might go gluten free myself since I have a history with ibs/gerd and those fun ones.

You might want to have you tested as well. 

I do hope your dd is having her entire thyroid panel done, not just tpo/tsh and a couple frees.  The entire panel needs to be done at least once a year.  She should also have ferritin AND iron checked.  Possibly the Vitamin B's since B12 is not absorbed when the digestive tract is compromised.  She might consider having her adrenals checked, too.  (Not too many doctors will - I am going to regret saying this but it is MY OPINION - I don't feel it is a big money maker.) 

I have a multi-nodular goiter as well since 2005.  I have ignored three surgeons insistence that I have surgery to find if it is cancerous.  Watching my dd go thru what she does with her Synthroid/Cytomel (hers were not cancer),  keeps me on Iodine/iodide and companion supplements.  I think my nodules are actually shrinking but I may be hyPERthyroid.  ug.

Good luck and good health to your dd and you.  The hormone balance is very crucial to her overall health.  You may want to see a DO or a more natural doctor that will consider everything to get her in balance.  Had my daughter had the proper care she may not be struggling with ovarian cysts that cause her to not ovulate anymore.  The doc just handed her birth control pills and said goodbye!  :(
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Rose799 on April 19, 2011, 12:43:39 PM
You have done your homework, Happy.  I did some research last night but didn't get far.  I appreciate all your suggestions & will pass them along to dd.   Two tests were done on her thyroid but I'm not certain which.  She still feels something is amok with her thyroid meds, but tests always come back in the normal range.  She's always sick with one thing or another.  Something has to give.  I have my own health issues, several of which fit the profile.  Maybe we'll go together for testing.  : )

Are the iodide tablets you're taking the same as the potassium/iodide tablets that may be used by the residents near the nuclear plant in Japan?   I know they're supposed to prevent thyroid cancer, but I thought they were only used for a limited period of time?

Thanks a lot, HappyDays
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 19, 2011, 01:55:56 PM
Well, sort of.  Iodoral does contain Iodide, but also Iodine.  Since we have been taking it for over a year, there was no worry if the "fallout" came stateside *which I believe it has been downplayed. 
   Most say don't take iodine but it's the first thing the government stock piles for nuclear ooopsies, makes ya wonder! 

I do a protocol that is popular with a Dr. Brownstein who believes iodine helps those with breast cancer.  Since I am not sure whether my nodules are cancer, I do the protocol. 

There are yes/no sides to the Iodine debate.  My dd has Hashi's and does iodine and feels fine.  Many cannot tho, and there are those that are allergic to iodine *although they do all you can eat shrimp dinners???  lol. 

We have tried the seaweeds/kelps but question the purity of those anymore or where they are actually farmed. 

I believe my health was screaming for Iodine in 2005 when the goiter was first found but not ONE doc prescribed - yet they used to.  I don't use table salt at all and am not a big seafood eater so I believe I was deficient and grew another thyroid. 

As for salt - give me the natural unprocessed sea salt please.  I wish we could go back to the days when there were no bromides in the baked goods - iodine was there and no fluoridation in the water.  Can't seem to find any good reasons why it's so, but the Iodine helps me get rid of some of these halides.  Sometimes it's fierce like the worst cleanse possible.  I drink the sea salt water and all is well. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Rose799 on April 19, 2011, 05:30:41 PM
Wow HappyDays, I hope it works for you.  I'm a tad embarrassed to admit it, but I was one of those who ordered potassium/iodide tablets, but not because of the nuclear plant in Japan.  When I heard they were evacuating residents 50 miles from the plant, I started thinking about the San Onofre plant, 50 miles from where we live & also in an earthquake zone.  The 6-7 year expiration date helped to convince me to get them.  As you mentioned though, would they be honest about it?



Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 19, 2011, 06:00:25 PM
Quoteordered potassium/iodide tablets


You and many, many others!  Not a bad idea to have them, I feel. 
I would hope that "they" would be honest. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 19, 2011, 09:17:29 PM
Interesting discussion.  I have hashimotos, gluten and dairy sensitivity ( and take Iodoral as well as compounded thryoid) My Nurse Practitioner is passionate about  complementary/functional medicine.  I have two friends who could die and have been hospitalized from gluten exposure. One woman is very close to me and I have learned alot from her.  BTW she had these little business cards made for free at Vista Prints online that say she is allergic to gluten and gives it to the waitress when we eat out.

Happy, you mentioned that your dtr misses beer and pizza.  Where we live you can buy gluten free beer and I recently found two kinds of gluten free pizza crust in the freezer case at the food coop.  I mostly abstain from gluten (except in India) but my nurse p is really on me to get off it all together.  She has done some testing and found that I have the celiac gene and also have the gluten intolerance gene, she says I should never eat gluten again.  I work at it.  not perfect.  I'm getting a new test done next week which  tests to see if the intestine is  'sensitive' to gluten.  Its the first stage of celiac disease I guess.  She's done different layers of tests on me starting with the one most commonly used, which she says has alot of error, but she says its usually false negatives, so we are going step by step.  ADIL, you mentioned not having symptoms but being allergic to gluten, I'm beginning to wonder if the
symptoms are hidden, for example:  I have hashimotos thryoiditis and I got my antibodies tested after being on medication for 20 years and the antibody level was incredibly high, doesn't make sense, but the current thinking is that its due to gluten.  dang.  My brother also recently went off gluten as he was found to have an immune deficiency disease (not aids) where he can't digest protein properly and has alot of bronchitis symptoms.  When he and his doctor heard about my genetic tests they got him off gluten and at the three month mark he is better.  amazing.

I would agree with what others have said Happy that many people are just very ignorant and /or don't understand the consequences of  gluten  or food allergies, also like Scoop says they think its minor.  Your poor dd, its very serious for her.  I think it must be harder
for younger people...fitting in is more important with the peer group.

Rose:  There does seem to be a syndrome of hashimotos, food and regular allergies, parasites, viruses and more.
     I've been through all that and have been blessed with a great recovery...However, I know how miserable one can feel.

Here's an interesting book that was recommended to me:  "The Autoimmune Epidemic' 

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Rose799 on April 20, 2011, 06:38:01 AM
Thanks Tara, I'll check out the book...
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Pen on April 20, 2011, 07:00:48 AM
Hey, I'm a fellow Hashi's person too, as well as gluten-free. It sounds like there is a connection, but regular endos, at least in my experience w/my HMO, will not recognize it. I'm also learning about Wilson's Temperature Syndrome (he used to call it "Thyroid Syndrome" until the endo organization made him stop.) I think there's a connection there as well, but again my endos think it's bunk. I can't get anyone to prescribe the protocol, but I order the herbs and they are fantastic. Are any of you familiar with this?

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/ (http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/)

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 07:57:41 AM
Pen,

I haven't heard of Wilsons Syndrome, but do have issues with low morning temperature.  My Nurse P has raised my amt of  compounded thryoid higher as a result.  I should take my temperature again in the morning.  Is that when you take yr temperature?
I'll look up Wilsons Syndrome on the Provider Forum I receive and see if they have addressed it.  What herbs do you take and what do they do for you?

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 20, 2011, 10:28:02 AM
Thank you for the book suggestion, Tara!   We do make our own pizzas, or buy frozen from Whole Foods - when we can get there.  It is a life altering change that is new to us all.  A very serious one I, too, was ignorant of.  Now?  I am sympathetic to all who have reactions to foods. A very basic ingredient for life. I am forever changed - for the better :)

Our new doctor claims that many many diseases can be managed by finding suspect allergens.  I can't wait for her bloods to come back (and saliva tests).  For I will be next.  In the meantime, I have been actively trying to stop an aerial spraying of pesticide on our neighborhoods for a moth that is NOT a problem to us.  The pesticide has flour in it.  It will be dropped by a crop duster!!  People are going to become very ill and not consider the pesticide since it is being touted as "natural."  I was informed by the manufacturer's rep to have my daughter leave town for two to three days!!!  It's that bad. 

Autoimmunity is when your own body literally attacks itself.  Going from benign to pathogenic.  I want to know WHY.  Why did this begin.  It can be genetic or environmental - but what causes it to start?  Stress?  The undiagnosed mono?  Given soy milk as a pre-teen?  There is a link, I can feel it.  Hashimoto's goes hand in hand with gluten sensitivities/allergies.  Why wasn't a test done at the time the Hashimoto's was found?  Could have saved this young woman YEARS of struggle, illness, and depression that at times, was intense.  (Being 900 miles away from home and family.  Husband basically left her for his own interests.  Was this the stress that began the tumble for her?) 

@Pen - When she was first placed on replacements, it was T4--synthroid -- ONLY.  For five years.  It wasn't until she moved home and found a new doc who put her on T3-Cytomel--that she was lacking.  She improved greatly.  Her immunity improved while symptoms lessened.  YAY.   Wilson's protocol sounds interesting.  They would be removing the T4?  Correct? I will take a closer look into that.  (While watching out for those that claim T4 is the ONLY way to go.  Forget how the patients feel-look-act.  Go by what the pharmaceutical companies say. )

  Dd will be contacting the hall where the wedding reception is and find out about "special dietary" needs.  If they have none, she will contact bride and let her know that she is attending, but will bhof (bring her own food).   We may/may not be able to let them serve her as well--cross contamination is what put her on the floor that morning! 

Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 12:16:16 PM
Hi All,

I was looking up some info on the web with a lab that did some of my gluten tests and they explained the difference
in allergies and intolerances to food.  Would you like me to upload it?  It addresses adils question re:  no having apparent symptoms
and yet having a positive result from the lab.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 20, 2011, 12:17:37 PM
I sure would appreciate it Tara.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 12:24:05 PM
 This is from the wesite of Diagnos-Techs, Inc.

Eliminating the Fallacies

Food intolerance, a genetic inability to handle selective food proteins, is associated with several misconceptions.

Fallacy #1

Food Intolerances and food allergies are two names for the same condition.
Intolerances continue to be confused with transient allergies to food. While food allergies are immunologically explained by different forms of hypersensitivity reactions, they are distinct from intolerances and are subject to oral tolerance and the anticipatory nature of the immune system.

Fallacy #2

Food intolerances are viewed as diseases of childhood.
Intolerances are more likely to be symptomatic in children but are found in adults of all ages, because they arise from genetic factors. Many adults on careful examination exhibit silent forms of intolerance that present with sub-clinical pathology. However, even at low, almost latent levels of disease, the reactive substances are perpetrators of low-grade intestinal inflammation that can significantly impact a patient's well-being.

Fallacy #3

Food intolerances are present only in symptomatic patients.
Many cases of food intolerance are asymptomatic, depending on the severity of the toxic inflammatory response they trigger in the intestines. In fact, low-grade intestinal inflammation sometimes is the only manifestation of food intolerance when there are no significant clinical symptoms but there are repeated inflammation-provoked bodily defenses. Food intolerance prevalence is naturally underdiagnosed in a symptom-driven heath care system. The attempts thus far to raise awareness of this malady still fall far short of even minimal expectations due to inadequacy of conventional testing methods.

Fallacy #4

Food intolerances are simple enteropathies.
Food intolerances are usually more than a simple, uncomplicated enteropathy.They may predispose patients to autoimmune diseases and cancer in addition to premature aging, because they are inducers of chronic stress. As a hidden source of inflammation, they continuously limit nutrient absorption and waste energy and other limited bodily resources.

Gastrointestional Manifestations of Food Intolerances

Food intolerances or food-sensitive enteropathies are clinical syndromes that damage the small intestinal mucosa and can result in altered intestinal permeability. These symptoms may have implications beyond the gut, especially in aging and autoimmune diseases.

The intestinal damage ranges from a barely measurable increase in inflammatory cells (intraepithelial lymphocytes) in the mucosa and submucosa without visible damage to the mucosal barrier to extreme villous damage and patchy mucosal sloughing. The intestinal lining damage may or may not be reflected in the degree of symptoms and systemic affliction observed on examination.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 12:48:43 PM
Hey,look what else I came across:

"Several large studies show that people with both gluten sensitivity and autoimmune thyroid disease who eat gluten have increases in both gliadin and thyroid antibodies. A gluten-free diet lowers both types of antibodies."

Elaine Moore
Graves and autoimmune disease education
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: pam1 on April 20, 2011, 12:50:52 PM
This is all so fascinating ladies.  I have a form of psoriasis, fortunately I only have the small spot kind instead of the larger scale version.  Anyway, I have never ever been able to find a cure or even anything that helps, dermatologists/doctors etc nothing works.  I wonder if this is a gluten thing now, I might try going gluten free to see if that is it.  Thanks for all your information
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 20, 2011, 01:20:33 PM
wow Tara.  Thanks so much.  Wish I had a copy of that to hand to several of the doctors that are clueless.

How many patients are being handed scripts for diet/weight issues, skin problems, digestive disorders, depression, confusion, the list goes on.  Without the patient ever getting better. 

Even with my dd, the doctors would not listen when she told them of how many times she fell asleep in class, or at home her head on top of her computer - never finishing homework assignments. 

All that because of that stupid protein. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 02:36:27 PM
Most doctors don't do functional/complementary medicine unfortunately. 
Interesting that one of your dtrs chief symptoms was fatigue, that was me for years.


Pam:  I googled Psorisis and gluten and came up with this


Celiac Disease & Psoriasis


Overview

A growing body of evidence is beginning to show that there is a connection between psoriasis and gluten intollerance (celiac disease). For a small percentage of psoriasis sufferers there exists an important connection between what they eat and what happens to the skin.
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: pam1 on April 20, 2011, 03:13:19 PM
Tara, thanks so much.  After Easter I'm going to try it.  I saw in the grocery store last night a bunch of gluten-free stuff.  It's worth a shot, I've been putting up with these spots for so long and nothing helps
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 03:38:49 PM
Will you set a date for how long you will try it for? 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: SunnyDays09 on April 20, 2011, 03:40:41 PM
some of the items  are quite good pam.  It def is personal preference as for the consistency of many of the items, taste, etc.  The rise pastas tend to become quite gooey when boiling.  The breads are a bit more crumbly.  Schar brand breads/rolls are good. 

Cookies are different.  Nothing like homemade or most gluten products. 

Haven't tried the donuts, tho or any of the muffins. 

When I went to grab a small box of cookies the other day, the $6.49 price tag stopped me--there were only 10 cookies!! 

I need to get baking again.  Make my own for sure. 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: pam1 on April 20, 2011, 06:29:13 PM
Quote from: Tara on April 20, 2011, 03:38:49 PM
Will you set a date for how long you will try it for?

I don't know, I figured I'd read more about it before I go grocery shopping next week.  Is there an amount of time recommended? 
Title: Re: Food allergies and family "doings"
Post by: Tara on April 20, 2011, 07:18:53 PM
Probably different for everyone.  My brother decided to try gluten free for a year, but he has a serious problem it seems to
be helping.