[litekepr]

I am curious if anyone else on the board is familiar with food allergies and intolerances. It would be nice to share ideas and suggestions with others. I can also help you figure out if you may suffer from either of these conditions. After dealing with it for 15 years, I hope you don't have either. But, understanding the situation and learning how to handle it does make a difference.
Nikki

[mcmama]

I have an allergy to processed orange juice. Tropicana seems to be the worst - I break out all over and it is very painful. I am not allergic to oranges, so it must be either an additive or the metal in the vats they use for pastuerizing.
So I drink fresh! Much better!

[litekepr]

I have had to make many adjustments in what I eat and drink.
That is a drastic reaction, but at least that sort of a reaction makes it easier to identify the particular allergy or intolerance.
It is amazing how many of us have reactions to processed foods. Its a good thing for the food industry that many people still eat processed and packaged foods.
Do you read labels when you go to the grocery store or is this the only allergy that you have identified? I have many intolerances and it makes shopping a real pain. But, it is wonderful when I can find something that doesn't cause any reaction
Nikki

[babydawn]

I don't have any myself, but a friend of mine's children are all allergic to milk. She didn't know this, they just kept getting ear infections and strep throat. Both had tubes put in their ears, and one had to have her tonsils taken out. After one of her kids tubes fell out, he started getting infections again and she did some research on the internet. She found the theory that milk allergies cause these kind of symptoms in kids and immediately took her son off of milk. He cleared up with out having to finish his course of antibiotics and has never had one since. She now has one other daughter that is also allergic to milk, but at least she knows now and can deal with it in a more productive manner.

[litekepr]

One day I hope to write a series of magazine articles or a book to help people identify the symptoms of food allergies and intolerances. The biggest thing is knowing what signs to look for and then learning how to alter your lifestyle to keep from getting sick.
It is also a shame that the children had to take antibiotics unnecessarily. There are many foods that cause a variety of symptoms. The list of foods and other things that I cannot have contact with is a long ugly list. But, the symptoms are bad enough to go through the lengths to avoid the foods etc.
I'm very glad your friend identified the problem and was able to help her children.
Nikki

[mcmama]

I do read labels on food - my youngest son taught me to do that when he was in Kindergarten. He is now 15 and I do not dare buy milk that is not labeled "no hormones or antibiotics". We also have to have free range chicken and beef when available, and we always pay more for cage free eggs. As for my allergy to Tropicana, I get a similiar reaction when touching certain metals, so I think there are trace metals left from the pastuerization. I am the only person I know that this happens to with Tropicana.

[litekepr]

Reading labels has helped me avoid many problems with food intolerances. Its a pain, but not as big a pain as being sick
I bought some Tropicana OJ right before you posted your message. But, I've never had a reaction like that. Plenty of other reactions though
I've found that educating myself and learning all the names for "harmful" items has been a big help for me.
I am glad to hear that you have found the sources of your problems. Its not pleasant, but it is a huge step toward finding ways to live with the problems.
Nikki

[mcmama]

Yes, it took a while to isolate the problem with the Tropicana juices. I also am intolerant of milk - I take it in very limited amounts. Probably best to not overdo dairy anyway. As mentioned before, when we buy milk is is no antibiotics or hormones - but you cannot guarantee that for cheeses and ice cream.

[sfharper]

My husband is allergic to eggs -- we found eggs are used in many dressings including mayonaise and most baked products. A big surprise was horseradish has eggs in it! Another surprise was most batters on deep fried foods contain eggs. Hurrah to Baskin & Robbins for listing their potentially allergic products on their menus!

[seeemilywrite]

If I drink a glass of milk I will be spending the remainder of the day: A) In the bathroom B) On the floor C) On the floor of the bathroom
I've found that I have a much easier time eating cheese and other milk products if I have otehr food in my system. I have evn very occasionally tried my hand with ice cream. If I drink a soda with it then my tummy usually reamins ok with a small scoop.