Oh the irony of it all…
Several weeks ago I went to the allergist to get tested for both environmental and food allergies. This is part of my self care, in my quest to live consciously. I decided that rather than ignoring the fact that I’m not feeling that good I would see if I could improve how I felt. Normally I ignore symptoms unless they literally stop me in my tracks. But the constant “a bit under the weather-ness” takes its toll on me. And when it lasted through the summer I decided to look into it.
The environmental tests showed that I am allergic to dust mites, pollens,trees, grasses… and my dog. The dog stays… I’ll work around him.
Some of my friends suspected that I might have a dairy allergy, because my symptoms are very similar to the reaction they get when they eat dairy. Clogged sinuses and sinus pain… it can vary from slight to “someone get the 800 pound gorilla off the bridge of my nose!” are apparently common symptoms of dairy reactions! So I started having my Starbucks Latte with Soy instead of nonfat milk. I felt a little better; maybe a bit less congested most of the time.
So imagine my surprise today when I found that the three most severe reactions I had were (in order): Milk, Brewer’s yeast, and coffee! Coffee! I took the milk out… but that was only half the problem! Many of the things I’m showing allergies to are things I eat all the time! Coffee, eggs, wheat, gluten, rye, yogurt…
If I really want to do myself in I could have a nice breakfast of eggs, coffee with milk, a blueberry bran muffin with some yogurt and some wheat or rye toast! This is not too far off the breakfast I usually order!
I am going to avoid these foods and see how I feel in a couple of weeks! I can’t wait to see what kind of a difference it makes!
Every one who knows me can tell you I am a major Starbucks junkie! This could very well cause a measurable dip in their profits! Ah well… there is always tea…I guess I can order an occasional Soy Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks… just so they don’t go out of business! But there will be no more coffee drinks!!
Hey there! Sounds like I am about in the same boat…allergic to everything I like – including my pup. I need to own stock in Claritin.
But something that helped me with the pet and dust mite stuff is Halo. I actually work for Halo – I just do marketing, etc…no commission here – but we make ultraviolet vacuums – that kill dust mites, mold, bacteria, etc in carpets. When I got to take one home, I was totally amazed. If you get a chance, check out our website at gethalo.com. Lots of great info. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at amchenry@halocompany.com. Thanks!
Ashleigh