Food Allergies, Sensitivities, etc ...

[Erik]

So what's up with this?

It seems every third person has some kind of food allergy, or sub clinical food sensitivity these days.

20 years ago? Not so much.

Why?

Do you have one?

[Blondell]

Nope, all foods agree w/ me. My stomach does not discriminate. :lol:

[Lyn]

I've always been somewhat sensitive to acidic things like tomatoes or orange juice. If I consume a lot I get a rash, but I've always been that way. It's nothing that has occurred recently.

I know what you mean though. It seems like every other person is allergic to nuts, or gluten, or whatever. I would think it would be hell to try to plan a birthday/dinner party and include some of these folks.

Personally, I think this current generation is a bunch of wienies.

[Maria]

I am allergic to candy.
It goes straigt to my hips.

[Blondell]

I would think it would be hell to try to plan a birthday/dinner party and include some of these folks.
I don't plan around other kids for my kids parties. If you are allergic to something we have, don't eat/drink it. There's always water for you. :lol:

[Cass]

None.

[Amy]

My daughter cannot digest Cow's Milk Protein :wth: By the time she was 9 months old she was only about 9 pounds!! We had no idea cause I was breast-feeding. She threw up all the time so they sent her for a reflux study and they gave her a special drink and nothing came back up. But as soon as I breastfed her she threw up again. They then did some tests and came to this conclusion. The sad thing is she LOVES yogurt, ice cream, etc.

[Lyn]

I don't plan around other kids for my kids parties. If you are allergic to something we have, don't eat/drink it. There's always water for you. :lol:

I was just thinking that it would be hard to have a kid at a party that was allergic to gluten or something. All kids like cake and I'm sure they don't know the repercussions of eating something that would make them sick. They just want to eat what everyone else is eating.

[Neely]

No problems here :shrug:

Although, when I hear people say they have a gluten allergy, I always think of what hell that must be trying to eat :crazy:

[Blondell]

I was just thinking that it would be hard to have a kid at a party that was allergic to gluten or something. All kids like cake and I'm sure they don't know the repercussions of eating something that would make them sick. They just want to eat what everyone else is eating.
Oh....I see what you are saying, but I don't have parties where the parents drop the kids off. I'm not a babysitting service. If you want your kid to come, you stay w/ them.


I'm such a nice person. :lol:

[Erik]

But don't you agree that we much more about food allergies/sensitivities today than we did 20 or so years ago? Seems so to me anyway.

[Cris]

I'm not sure if this is a sensitivity per se, but we were having behavior problems with our son to the point of looking at medications and thankfully we had a great counselor that suggested looking at his diet. This year, he is literally a different kid.

I sometimes wish I was sensitive to something.....I can eat anything, and there isn't too much I would turn away :cheat:

[Blondell]

But don't you agree that we much more about food allergies/sensitivities today than we did 20 or so years ago? Seems so to me anyway.
I don't know......I was 6 then. :p

[Lyn]

But don't you agree that we much more about food allergies/sensitivities today than we did 20 or so years ago? Seems so to me anyway.

Do you think we actually have more or it's that they weren't properly diagnosed 20 yrs or so ago? Has food processing and/or food additives changed that much in the past 20 yrs?

[spicy~d]

I'm allergic to Celery and Flax.
I had food allergies as a child, however they are different foods now. They are genetic, as well. I have an epi pen to carry with me. It's quite a life altering thing. Consider yourself lucky if you have none! It's quite scary to see your body swell, and wonder if your throat will be next.
I never ask people to alter their food at parties and such, I don't eat things if I can't read the label...mostly. If it is questionable. I have a friend whose kids are gluten intolerant and allergic to milk. I always provide them with an alternative at a kid's b-day party...because it's not about my inconvenience, it's about the kids and them feeling "normal" .

[Noel Clark]

Do you think we actually have more or it's that they weren't properly diagnosed 20 yrs or so ago? Has food processing and/or food additives changed that much in the past 20 yrs?
:yeahthat:

I have none...:piggie:

[MichelleS]

But don't you agree that we much more about food allergies/sensitivities today than we did 20 or so years ago? Seems so to me anyway.
UM! I was one 20 years ago with it. Peanut and banana ( took 10 years of shots and got a little bit better)


I do think its become more talked about and they may have become more severe over the years. Like the whole Peanut free ZONE at my daughters school. I never got that I had to sit next to the girl that had pbj every day for lunch. I suprised i didn't die.

[Erik]

Hmm, maybe it's just discussed more these days. But in talking to my mom about it, she also said that 'back in the day' ... that likely means more than 20 years ago ... this stuff didn't seem to be as prevalent as it seems to be today. :shrug:

[EnergyJoule]

No allergies, but I know that my stomach is more sensitive than it's ever been. Anything not designated "clean" leaves me with an unhappy belly. Also, even if I overeat, just a little, my stomach lets me know.

[Lyn]

I wonder if maybe "back in the day" families just dealt with it on a more individual basis. If you or your child was allergic to something, you just didn't give it to them or made sure they didn't come in contact with it. Now it seems schools, restaurants, manufacturers, etc. are more involved and its been brought more to the forefront. :shrug:

[MichelleS]

I think doctors are more likely to test kids now. I had to almost die for them to fine out what made me so sick.

A family from the clinic here girls were allergic to almost everything. Like red dye# 4 they could only eat beef for meat. When we went to a party they even had close calls with chips.

[MichelleS]

I wonder if maybe "back in the day" families just dealt with it on a more individual basis. If you or your child was allergic to something, you just didn't give it to them or made sure they didn't come in contact with it. Now it seems schools, restaurants, manufacturers, etc. are more involved and its been brought more to the forefront. :shrug:
Yes I totally agree.

[Patyal]

Hmm, maybe it's just discussed more these days. But in talking to my mom about it, she also said that 'back in the day' ... that likely means more than 20 years ago ... this stuff didn't seem to be as prevalent as it seems to be today. :shrug:
I think it's all the additives and chemicals used in animals and plants. Back on the day our parents and grand parents had access to more organic and natural foods.

Everything seems to be raised in farms these days. For example, only a few people know that Atlantic salmon is not coming from the Atlantic ocean any more. Any type of atlantic fish means farm-raised. Farmers add artificial colors to salmon, to make it "pink" and resemble the wild Alaskan type. What is that artificial color made of?

It's getting tougher and very expensive to stick to organic and natural food these days. So, what does the masses eat? Chemically grown stuff that eventually might develop into all kind of new and unheard allergies.

[Lyn]

I think it's all the additives and chemicals used in animals and plants. Back on the day our parents and grand parents had access to more organic and natural foods.

Everything seems to be raised in farms these days. For example, only a few people know that Atlantic salmon is not coming from the Atlantic ocean any more. Any type of atlantic fish means farm-raised. Farmers add artificial colors to salmon, to make it "pink" and resemble the wild Alaskan type. What is that artificial color made of?

It's getting tougher and very expensive to stick to organic and natural food these days. So, what does the masses eat? Chemically grown stuff that eventually might develop into all kind of new and unheard allergies.

Good point.

[MichelleS]

Good point.
:yeahthat:

[pixie]

I wonder if maybe "back in the day" families just dealt with it on a more individual basis. If you or your child was allergic to something, you just didn't give it to them or made sure they didn't come in contact with it. Now it seems schools, restaurants, manufacturers, etc. are more involved and its been brought more to the forefront. :shrug:

This point has a lot of merit, I think back in the day we ate at home more frequently and more foods were prepared from scratch. So, in essence we did keep it in the family. Many allergies run in families, too, making it easier to limit or eliminate. I've been noticing more and more that prepared items are labelled if there were even processed on equipment that is also used to process peanuts, soy, etc.

My husband is allergic to shellfish. He keeps an epi pen with him when we go out. The biggest conflict while we were planning the wedding was when my parents found out I pulled all shellfish from the menu and had the chef at the inn sign a contract saying he'd keep his kitchen shellfish free all weekend. I still remember my Mom questioning why all the guests had to suffer. I swear we'll be married 20 years and she'll still bring it up; like it would have been ok to rush the groom to the hospital if his chicken got cut with a knife that had been used to devain shrimp.

[gymgurl]

My 'food insensitivities' for the most part are made up excuses I tell other non-fitness minded people so they will leave me the hell alone as to why I eat the way I do. :rolleyes:

[nicki]

My 'food insensitivities' for the most part are made up excuses I tell other non-fitness minded people so they will leave me the hell alone as to why I eat the way I do. :rolleyes:


what a good idea:bannana:

[mich56]

Interesting topic. I am allergic to corn and have a myriad of food sensitivities. I am now in the process of getting some testing done for celiac. This is because I have been "sick" for over 10 years, and they still haven't found anything wrong with me. I have talked on here in my journal and such about some of my issues. Some may say that it is in my head...but when you feel like shit all day long, and there are few and far between good days - you want some answers.

Some things that I have discovered in my studies: one; being that the processing of food is disgusting. By that I mean all foods - from growing the damn food (GMO, pesticides etc) to the tearing apart to make it isolated etc, even to the way it is cooked (deep fried etc) that take away nutrients, or add in other shit that makes our immune system go into havoc. Whether it is that we have an immune response (allergy or sensitivity) or our immune systems are getting a beating and getting weak, so that when what we would call normal foods can and will become sick from them - as they are then seen as intruders. Secondly; We consume the same type of products continuosly and not using what is more common in ancient times (ancient grains for example)...and of course, as mentioned before, there are few organic foods available and most are mass produced. Most people make their food from the can rather than making it fresh. Thirdly; I do believe that people are becoming more aware of it for sure, but I think that those messing with DNA in food are messing with our bodies and nature itself.

Those are a few ideas.

[Espi]

Do you think we actually have more or it's that they weren't properly diagnosed 20 yrs or so ago?
The latter.
The problem has always been there, but
1. I didn't know what caused it and didn't pay attention (constantly needing handkerchiefs made me think I was just having a nasal cold all the time instead of looking at dairy ; thought intestinal cramps were caused by stress instead of glten)
2. things got worse over time once I got older

For kids: I'm believing they grow up in a semi-sterile surrounding. Not good, it makes their immune system pick up other innocent things to 'practice' on.
Some dirt = good. Too clean = bad.
I'm sure it's more complicated than that but it's the dumbed down explanation.

PS on the touting of 'fresh' goods: give me frozen foods. I don't tolerate fresh strawberries but can have them frozen or in preserves. I can have peanut butter (if it doesn't have soy lecithin ) but not 'fresh' peanuts (molds!!)

[Sunshine]

Yes. Celiac disease, which is gluten intolerance. 1 in 133 Americans has it, many are undiagnosed. In my family, after I was diagnosed, my dad got tested and was also diagnosed, and my mom and grandma probably have it as well but are in denial-they don't want to give up the bread!! For celiac, it's definitely being tested for more now-in the past, it wouls get written off as "having a bad stomach" or IBS, my dad always just thought he had digestion problems. I think things are being diagnosed more now, plus with more processed food being available and everywhere, there is crap in everything! Hell, there's wheat in some kinds of chicken broth!! So, I think a combo of things..
There was a program called "Edible Enemies" on the Food Network that was pretty interesting on this topic.

[Inatic]

I break out with black heads when i eat too much cottage cheese or when i increase my fats, which is currently happening. I used to have issues with IBS prior to being treated with thyoid disease.

Other than that, i can pretty much tolerate all foods.

[KelleyM]

I am not allergic/sensitive to any foods that I know of.



I know what you mean though. It seems like every other person is allergic to nuts, or gluten, or whatever. I would think it would be hell to try to plan a birthday/dinner party and include some of these folks.

DD's class isn't allowed to have things sent in to celebrate birthdays b/c she's had a boy in her class (both last and this year) who supposedly is HIGHLY allergic to peanuts. :zipit: They also aren't allowed to bring any snack into the classroom made with or which could have traces of nuts..... they aren't left with too many school snack choices then.
A friend of mine's son had food sensitivities/allergies so when he went to a birthday party, she'd send along a special brownie/cupcake that he could eat.

[Lyn]

I am not allergic/sensitive to any foods that I know of.


DD's class isn't allowed to have things sent in to celebrate birthdays b/c she's had a boy in her class (both last and this year) who supposedly is HIGHLY allergic to peanuts. :zipit: They also aren't allowed to bring any snack into the classroom made with or which could have traces of nuts..... they aren't left with too many school snack choices then.
A friend of mine's son had food sensitivities/allergies so when he went to a birthday party, she'd send along a special brownie/cupcake that he could eat.

It seems highly unfair that one kids "special needs" can have such an impact on what the other 20 kids can or cannot do. I mean, good grief, I'm sure nobody wants to see that kid have a reaction, but restricting the diets of what the others can/can't eat doesn't seem quite right either.

[Espi]

Ohm, and that joint pain that was always bugging me slightly: disappeared as soon as I started to low carb, and came back again once I upped the carbs. That was the final clue that something wasn't right re glutinous carbs (a lot of grains are bothersome actually including legumes)

I still am bothered by allergies but keeping carbs lowish and diligently taking fish/krill oil helps a lot.

[KelleyM]

It seems highly unfair that one kids "special needs" can have such an impact on what the other 20 kids can or cannot do. I mean, good grief, I'm sure nobody wants to see that kid have a reaction, but restricting the diets of what the others can/can't eat doesn't seem quite right either.

Yeah, that's what I think as well, but the mom makes sure she's a room mom and I hear she's pretty vigilant..... :shrug:

[Espi]

I guess you'd do the same if your kid was reacting as badly. Though OTOH, how high is that risk? The only risk I'd see is that other kids would pester him into eating the wrong foods. You know how kids can be.. just like adults who pester dieting folks into eating 'forbidden' foods (or just too much of it).

[Cindy Day]

I think we hear about it more. The doctor's know more. On top of all the new, processed crap out there. Fake this, fake that. :blah: :blah: :blah:

That said, I have no issues with any food allergies or consumption issues. :piggie: I should be allergic to pb and simple carbs. :rolleyes: :shutup:

[KelleyM]

I guess you'd do the same if your kid was reacting as badly. Though OTOH, how high is that risk? The only risk I'd see is that other kids would pester him into eating the wrong foods. You know how kids can be.. just like adults who pester dieting folks into eating 'forbidden' foods (or just too much of it).

See, that's just it, I don't know how badly he reacts to exposure. I presume he's in the lunchroom with all the kids eating pbnj sandwiches, just perhaps sitting at the peanut free table. But he's obviously in proximity so .....:shrug:

[Lyn]

Yeah, that's what I think as well, but the mom makes sure she's a room mom and I hear she's pretty vigilant..... :shrug:

I still find this highly annoying. Since when did room mom's dictate dietary policy? Man, sometimes it is a good thing I don't have kids. :lol:

[Lyn]

I guess you'd do the same if your kid was reacting as badly. Though OTOH, how high is that risk? The only risk I'd see is that other kids would pester him into eating the wrong foods. You know how kids can be.. just like adults who pester dieting folks into eating 'forbidden' foods (or just too much of it).

No, I wouldn't act the same way. If I had a kid who was highly allergic to something, I would make the necessary accomodations to his/her diet, but I wouldn't expect others to adjust their diets just for my kid.

[Inatic]

It seems highly unfair that one kids "special needs" can have such an impact on what the other 20 kids can or cannot do. I mean, good grief, I'm sure nobody wants to see that kid have a reaction, but restricting the diets of what the others can/can't eat doesn't seem quite right either.

That's a hard one.

Little ones, the age i teach (3yo), dont clean their hands well, can get it on desks etc. Can spell trouble for a child who is so allergic.

We've had kids here at the preschool that have anaphalactic reactions to pb. Meaning it can kill them. There have been yrs where we had to say no pb in that particular classroom. It was hard on the parents and the children.. most kidlets, that is all they eat.

That said, we rarely have kids whose allergies are that bad and often the mom of that child will make something special so their child isnt left out.

[mcv]

I believe I am allergic to broccolli - it makes me gag. :lol:

[JackieRTP]

Nope, none as well.

[Ana]

I believe I am allergic to broccolli - it makes me gag. :lol:

I put it in my sandwiches :yum:

[Espi]

Yes, if it can be life-threatening, then it can be necessary, just like I-Lean says. As crazy as it may sound, a life could depend on it.. so you just need to know how bad it really is.. sheesh, imagine how hard life is when you've got such a crazy allergy :(

[Audrey]

I have no allergies (at least none that I know of).

But I do think it is indeed more prevalent now than it was a couple of decades ago. As others mentioned, I think part of it is better awareness and detection by doctors of the issue, and part of it because we have much more additives, preservatives and processed food around.

A family meal used to mean starting food from scratch, fresh produce and veggies... Now, it is more dump something out of a can, serve a frozen dinner with many unpronounceable names, or get something out of a bag.

[homeschoolmom]

My DD has a close friend who is highly allergic to PB. Touching it, smelling it, or God forbid ingesting it, and her body reacts violently . She carries an epi pen on her body at all times. Her mom even taught me how to administer the epi as well. When Alisa visits here, we always open a new jar of jelly so that any that she puts on her toast won't have any traces of PB and we avoid ANYTHING that may have any traces of PB in it. Hell, I've even called food manufacturers if I'm unsure if something is safe for her. I think that if you have a child who could die or be hospitalized from a reaction to an allergen, that it is absolutely appropriate to request that others abstain from that allergen in your child's presence. I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't want to be the mom that caused another person's child to go into shock or die. No thank you. I've got enough mommy guilt from my own kids.

[Lyn]

:shrug: I don't know. I guess I might feel differently if I had children and were in that situation, but right now I just have a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that one child's special needs can mandate what an entire classroom can or cannot eat. I mean what happens when they eat out? Does she require the restaurant to use special utensils or what about places like Chuck E. Cheese? I guess I just don't understand why one person's issue should become everyone's issue. I know that there should be reasonable accommodations made for things, but that just seems excessive. I would think that as a busy parent in that classroom, I would be really resentful that preparing my kids lunches and snacks would be such a big deal, especially since something like PB is such a staple in a lot of kids diets and so many things have the potential of coming in contact of nut by-products.

[Inatic]

if their allergy is that severe, they dont usually eat out. The smell of cooking peanut oil could trigger a reaction like HSMom said.

[Espi]

You'd be like a prisoner in your home and restricted to foods you can absolutely trust for 100% unless you can visit friends /family who care enough about you.

[homeschoolmom]

if their allergy is that severe, they dont usually eat out. The smell of cooking peanut oil could trigger a reaction like HSMom said.

The poor girl doesn't eat out. I took DD's friends to play lazer tag for her B-day and everyone ate pizza except for Alisa. :( I did, in fact, make DD's B-day cake from scratch so I would know exactly what was in it so that she could eat it. It's not too often that I get the opportunity to bake a cake from scratch like that, so it was kind of a cool adventure for me. I feel for Alisa and her family. It's not easy being that severely allergic to something so popular. Her brothers have the same allergy as well so there seems to be a genetic component.

[mich56]

This little clip can make you think: (oh, and this has been around from about 30 years - without consumers knowing!)

Clicky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wmjiI1plyI)

[mich56]

Yes. Celiac disease, which is gluten intolerance. 1 in 133 Americans has it, many are undiagnosed. In my family, after I was diagnosed, my dad got tested and was also diagnosed, and my mom and grandma probably have it as well but are in denial-they don't want to give up the bread!! For celiac, it's definitely being tested for more now-in the past, it wouls get written off as "having a bad stomach" or IBS, my dad always just thought he had digestion problems. I think things are being diagnosed more now, plus with more processed food being available and everywhere, there is crap in everything! Hell, there's wheat in some kinds of chicken broth!! So, I think a combo of things..
There was a program called "Edible Enemies" on the Food Network that was pretty interesting on this topic.

Can I ask you how you came to the choice (or perhaps it was your doc) that made you get tested? How long were you suffering?

The reason I ask is simply the post I had up before. I attended a great seminar the other day on celiac..and because of my digestive issues and other illnesses thought that it could be possible. I am working on ruling it out, or finding out that I have celiac. There currently is no one in my family that we know having it, but as with you, if I had it, we know that someone else int he family have it as well.

How long did it take for you to get diagnosed?
What were your symptoms?
Did you have any other underlying illnesses (liver, thyroid, IBS etc)?

Any details would be appreciated!

[osteo33]

Yep I am one of those annoying people who is allergic/intolerant to everything. I am intolerant to gluten, dairy, soy, eggs some tree nuts preservatives and salicylates. My theory is this;
I had a slightly compromised immune system as a child and then hit me with all those immunisations with 900X the recommended adult levels for mercury in them as a baby.... big time assault on the immune system.
Then heaps of antibiotics as a kid due to ear infections etc... causing an imbalance in the gut flora causing gut dysbiosis. Hence the onset of leaky gut sydrome.
Next those protein molecules from gluten and casein pass into the bloodstream from the leaky gut, illiciting and immune response(well an inappropriate response) and then full on inflammation in the form of asthma skin irritations and gut symptoms.
The new childhood epidemics are asthma allergies autism and ADHD. All in my opinion and many others due to metabolic dysfunction, and toxicity from immunisations, environmental toxins and now food issues. Don't get me started as there is so much more to these problems than what I have just stated.
Anyway my symptoms are asthma and gut symptoms mostly.
Pretty motivating for me to eat clean hey!!!
Lisa from Australia

[homeschoolmom]

This little clip can make you think: (oh, and this has been around from about 30 years - without consumers knowing!)

Clicky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wmjiI1plyI)

Interesting clip. Here's a question. If a food is labeled organic, does it mean that it has not been genetically modified? Or are the two terms exclusive of one another?

[homeschoolmom]

Yep I am one of those annoying people who is allergic/intolerant to everything. I am intolerant to gluten, dairy, soy, eggs some tree nuts preservatives and salicylates. My theory is this;
I had a slightly compromised immune system as a child and then hit me with all those immunisations with 900X the recommended adult levels for mercury in them as a baby.... big time assault on the immune system.
Then heaps of antibiotics as a kid due to ear infections etc... causing an imbalance in the gut flora causing gut dysbiosis. Hence the onset of leaky gut sydrome.
Next those protein molecules from gluten and casein pass into the bloodstream from the leaky gut, illiciting and immune response(well an inappropriate response) and then full on inflammation in the form of asthma skin irritations and gut symptoms.
The new childhood epidemics are asthma allergies autism and ADHD. All in my opinion and many others due to metabolic dysfunction, and toxicity from immunisations, environmental toxins and now food issues. Don't get me started as there is so much more to these problems than what I have just stated.
Anyway my symptoms are asthma and gut symptoms mostly.
Pretty motivating for me to eat clean hey!!!
Lisa from Australia

Lisa, I'd be interested to hear your take on ADHD, autism etc and how they are related to metabolic dysfunction. I have one child with ADHD/OCD/Apraxia and other related disorders and a couple of other kids with similar issues as well. I myself have soy, gluten, dairy issues and have wondered how this may translate to my kids.

[Audrey]

Interesting clip. Here's a question. If a food is labeled organic, does it mean that it has not been genetically modified? Or are the two terms exclusive of one another?

If a food is labeled organic, it cannot include any genetically modified ingredients.

[Ana]

If a food is labeled organic, it cannot include any genetically modified ingredients.

Are you sure Audrey?

I know in England they label BOTH on their products. I often wondered how I could get organic seedless graps, since grapes in their naturaly state have seeds. I'm not too well versed on this though.

[Blondell]

I think that the guidelines are different than stated by Audrey. But I'm no expert.

[Lyn]

I thought organic meant no pesticides or chemicals in the fertilizer :shrug:

[pixie]

We get our veggies from an organic food co-op, this explanation is part of a newsletter published online by one of the farms the co-op works with. This is one of the most logical explanations of organic I've come across.

http://www.grindstonefarm.com/go.asp?Whatisorganic

-Jennifer

[osteo33]

homeschoolmum,
you must read the book by kenneth bock from the states called "healing the new childhood epidemic. The 4 D's" ie ADHD, autism, allergies and asthma.
He believes as I do that alot of our kids problems are due to their systems being unable to detoxify properly due to many reasons. Basically the methylation system of detoxification is not working well. On top of this if you have a predisposition for a weak immune system then alot of these symptoms arise. If you wish to discuss it with me personally here is my personal email address cottagehealth@netspace.net.au. I am an osteopath and my husband is a naturopath and I have a passion for treating children with learning disabilites.
Lisa

[jaleena]

Too much celery makes my mouth numb. Very odd reaction, but not enough that I'll refuse to eat celery :lol:
Kiwi, on the other hand...a dozen or so years ago, I had one and started bleeding a little from the pores in my mouth. I didn't want to have another one to see if it'd happen again :nope: I'll eat around it in fruit salad though...so if it's still a problem, it's one that takes a pretty big dose for me. Not like the poor people who get sent to the ER for kissing someone who ate a peanut :sad:

[Sunshine]

QUOTE=mich56]Can I ask you how you came to the choice (or perhaps it was your doc) that made you get tested? How long were you suffering?
I had just noticed that my stomach was always upset, and much worse if I had any bread-type food. I spoke w. my primary, who sent me to a GI guy, who did the tests.
The reason I ask is simply the post I had up before. I attended a great seminar the other day on celiac..and because of my digestive issues and other illnesses thought that it could be possible. I am working on ruling it out, or finding out that I have celiac. There currently is no one in my family that we know having it, but as with you, if I had it, we know that someone else int he family have it as well.
Just get tested-the blood test isn't totally accurate, so you may have to have the biopsy, but still-peace of mind if that isn't it!

How long did it take for you to get diagnosed?
I really don't remember, it was many years ago.
What were your symptoms?
OK-TMI here-horrible gas, cramping, bloating-serious buddha belly, episodes of constipation alternating w/ diarrhea-basically all GI symptoms
Did you have any other underlying illnesses (liver, thyroid, IBS etc)?
Yes, I have several other autoimmune disorders. I have Hashimotos thyroiditis and Raynauds syndrome.
Any details would be appreciated![/QUOTE]

Good luck-and take care!

[Audrey]

Are you sure Audrey?

"What is organic food?

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering (NOTE: i.e. GMO's); or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."

http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html


From the National Organic Standards:

As GMO contamination of organic crops relates to genetic drift, the Preamble to the National Organic Program regulations, Applicability, Clarifications (1) Genetic Drift, states:

"This regulation prohibits the use of excluded methods [which include GMOs] in organic operations. The presence of a detectable residue of a product of excluded methods alone does not necessarily constitute a violation of this regulation. As long as an organic operation has not used excluded methods and takes reasonable steps to avoid contact with the products of excluded methods as detailed in their approved organic system plan, the unintentional presence of the products of excluded methods should not affect the status of an organic product or operation."

However, if a certifying agent has reason to suspect that an organic product has come into contact with prohibited substances or been produced using excluded methods, the certifying agent can call for testing, which under certain conditions could result in that product no longer being considered "organic."

For a complete discussion of this issue, you must read the National Organic Standards, subpart G, Administrative, sections 205.670 – 205.671.

[Audrey]

I often wondered how I could get organic seedless graps, since grapes in their naturaly state have seeds. I'm not too well versed on this though.


Organic produce by law excludes all GMO's. Seedless grapes are not genetically modified, but are made seedless through farming techniques. Rest assured, Sainsbury's would be taken to the highest European courts if they were ever found selling anything organic that was actually GM. And also don't forget that not a single piece of fresh fruit or veg in the UK is currently genetically modified.

http://www.organicfoodee.com/emails/seedlessgrapes.html

[Ana]

http://www.organicfoodee.com/emails/seedlessgrapes.html

So this applies in England where I stated that they label organic and NON GMO.
Same standards apply in NA?

[mich56]

QUOTE=mich56]Can I ask you how you came to the choice (or perhaps it was your doc) that made you get tested? How long were you suffering?
I had just noticed that my stomach was always upset, and much worse if I had any bread-type food. I spoke w. my primary, who sent me to a GI guy, who did the tests.
The reason I ask is simply the post I had up before. I attended a great seminar the other day on celiac..and because of my digestive issues and other illnesses thought that it could be possible. I am working on ruling it out, or finding out that I have celiac. There currently is no one in my family that we know having it, but as with you, if I had it, we know that someone else int he family have it as well.
Just get tested-the blood test isn't totally accurate, so you may have to have the biopsy, but still-peace of mind if that isn't it!

How long did it take for you to get diagnosed?
I really don't remember, it was many years ago.
What were your symptoms?
OK-TMI here-horrible gas, cramping, bloating-serious buddha belly, episodes of constipation alternating w/ diarrhea-basically all GI symptoms
Did you have any other underlying illnesses (liver, thyroid, IBS etc)?
Yes, I have several other autoimmune disorders. I have Hashimotos thyroiditis and Raynauds syndrome.
Any details would be appreciated!

Good luck-and take care![/QUOTE]

Thanks for sharing!

I went to see my Doc today. She was telling me that I am fishing for answers that aren't there. However, I have many GI issues and have for many years. I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis in 2000, and around that time with IBS. But IBS is something that I am not sure I believe in :shrug: :crazy:

When I was dieting and having limited gluten consumption I felt better. Not 100% (still at oats daily)...then reintroducing them I have felt like absolute shit. I do too, have a corn allergy. So wonder if it is the corn, or if it could be gluten. My doc is running the blood test (as I did have a biopsy in June that showed nothing - but only a couple of samples were taken). So we shall see. I may try going GF for some time to see how much better I feel. It's all a game...and it can be extremely frustrating!!

[homeschoolmom]

homeschoolmum,
you must read the book by kenneth bock from the states called "healing the new childhood epidemic. The 4 D's" ie ADHD, autism, allergies and asthma.
He believes as I do that alot of our kids problems are due to their systems being unable to detoxify properly due to many reasons. Basically the methylation system of detoxification is not working well. On top of this if you have a predisposition for a weak immune system then alot of these symptoms arise. If you wish to discuss it with me personally here is my personal email address cottagehealth@netspace.net.au. I am an osteopath and my husband is a naturopath and I have a passion for treating children with learning disabilites.
Lisa

Thanks Lisa! I just ordered Boch's book off of Amazon. I might be getting in touch with you after I finish reading it.

Erika

[bcmom]

It seems highly unfair that one kids "special needs" can have such an impact on what the other 20 kids can or cannot do. I mean, good grief, I'm sure nobody wants to see that kid have a reaction, but restricting the diets of what the others can/can't eat doesn't seem quite right either.

My son is anaphylactic to peanuts, shellfish and eggplant. I don't feel bad at all about the inconvenience for other kids to not have these foods at his daycare (and his school when he starts next year). Also, as a teacher, I would rather be in an environment that extremely limits / eliminates the possibility of a child having a deadly reaction to an allergin. Yes, my son's needs are "special", in the sense that these foods can kill him. Eventually, he will be old enough to protect himself in the real world, but at a young age, his family, caregivers and school need to protect him. If that is an invoncenience for others, well, that is the way it is. I hate that he has to deal with this. I have to say, you might feel differently about this if you had a child who was in this situation.

[pixie]

homeschoolmum,
you must read the book by kenneth bock from the states called "healing the new childhood epidemic. The 4 D's" ie ADHD, autism, allergies and asthma.
He believes as I do that alot of our kids problems are due to their systems being unable to detoxify properly due to many reasons. Basically the methylation system of detoxification is not working well. On top of this if you have a predisposition for a weak immune system then alot of these symptoms arise. If you wish to discuss it with me personally here is my personal email address cottagehealth@netspace.net.au. I am an osteopath and my husband is a naturopath and I have a passion for treating children with learning disabilites.
Lisa

Thanks for posting, sounds like an interesting read.

[Audrey]

Same standards apply in NA?

NA = North America?

The first quote that I posted above entitled "What is organic food" describes the USDA standards, and states that bio-engineered/GMO's are not authorized in organic agriculture. So yes, I would assume the same applies here.

[Ana]

NA = North America?

The first quote that I posted above entitled "What is organic food" describes the USDA standards, and states that bio-engineered/GMO's are not authorized in organic agriculture. So yes, I would assume the same applies here.

Yes and thank you. I should have read a little more closely :oops:

[chelleashley]

My son is anaphylactic to peanuts, shellfish and eggplant. I don't feel bad at all about the inconvenience for other kids to not have these foods at his daycare (and his school when he starts next year). Also, as a teacher, I would rather be in an environment that extremely limits / eliminates the possibility of a child having a deadly reaction to an allergin. Yes, my son's needs are "special", in the sense that these foods can kill him. Eventually, he will be old enough to protect himself in the real world, but at a young age, his family, caregivers and school need to protect him. If that is an invoncenience for others, well, that is the way it is. I hate that he has to deal with this. I have to say, you might feel differently about this if you had a child who was in this situation.

My daughter doesn't have any allergies and I'm grateful for that. So she doesn't get to eat nut products at school? So what...she can have 'em at home. I wouldn't want to deliberately put another child's health in danger.

[chelleashley]

And i too thought it'd be a pain in the @ss to find products to put in her lunches...until I started reading boxes and labels...and there are quite a few products out there...especially geared towards kids that clearly state that they have not come into contact with any nut products.....

[Fitwolf]

Not eating peanuts in classrooms seems similar to not smoking in resturants or other public buildings because of the second hand smoke. Yes... the second hand smoke affects everyone and in the classroom cases it's often just one. How many people have to have a risk of death before we stop doing something in a public place?

That isn't as strong as an opinion as it sounds... I'm just brainstorming here.

Also, it seems similar to not wearing perfume around sensitive people.

I don't have any food allergies I know of, although milk makes me gassy.

It seems likely to me that a combination of awareness and diagnosis AND the human body being affected by our food production methods can be leading to the perception/reality of more people with allergies.