The "No-No" Food List!

Most of us take what we eat for granted... without thought of risk or consequence until the unthinkable happens. We go to the store, list or no list, and begin plucking crap from the shelves and fill our carts with a horrific plethora of substances that poison our body. Crackers, breads, sodas, candy, cereals... all processed with lethal dosages of high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, dyes and God only knows what else. Whose idea was it any to add "corn" bi-products to just about every process food we eat? As much as 80% of all foods processed contain corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup. And that's not a good thing!

For years, I was no different than most of you. With five daughters in tow, I seldom made the choices about what was going on the breakfast, lunch and dinner table. They made the choices... otherwise it probably wasn't going to be eaten. And to this day, my youngest daughter is doing the same, but to a much lesser degree. We've become the victims of strategic marketing, product placement and colorful packaging, and as parents we can't compete.

"If they won't eat it... no sense in buying it," was my unspoken shopping mantra. If I knew then what I know now...

These days I read every label of every food item on the shelf. What do I look for? It's probably easier to list the foods I CAN'T eat... to give you an idea of the drastic measures I've taken as a result of suspected, or real triggers of my angioedema-urticaria curse. It has taken years to discover what foods need to be avoided. After reading the list, you might be shocked... and wondering... what does this guy eat?

The "No-No" Food List

corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, most sweeteners, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, shellfish, enriched white rice, fat and fatty foods, additives and preservatives (especially foods with nitrates), gluten (which includes most grains), dairy products, eggs, cereals, soy, processed foods, foods in tin cans.

Have you stopped laughing... or crying.

The Ultimate Frustration

... my worst episode occurred one evening after going out to dinner with a friend. Lobster and a variety of other fine foods triggered multiple swellings all over my body. The worst part was the sensation of a rope around my neck. My airway was constricting, which sent me into a panic mode. Rather than call an ambulance, I rushed myself to the hospital where I received an IV that included prednisone and Benadryl. I recovered in the emergency room for about four hours before they let me depart. That morning I was in Dr. B's office listening to his every word about life style changes, increases of medication, epipens and "triggers". My Zyrtec dosage was increased to 20 mg daily, just before bedtime. Lobster was out... as well as "any" shellfish I was inclined to eat. My new diet would include "gluten free" foods. You have no idea how that impacted my life... a complete loss of a major food group.

It's extremely rare that such outbreaks result in death, however my whole attitude about food changed in ways that even I wouldn't have imaged. I read every label... and continue to to this day... of every food item I'm considering purchasing. That list would grow exponentially over time.

The breaking out and swelling continued off and on for several days, which prompted me to contact an allergist. Dr. A. ran the typical allergy tests... foods, dust mites (yes), etc... and discovered that I was allergic to those nasty mites and corn. She decided to put me on a pear, lamb and rice diet... perhaps the same diet your DOG was on when suffering from skin irritations. I had to log my meals for 30 days to see if we could detect any additional triggers.

The random outbreaks continued. There was no consistent pattern that would help us identify triggers, and after 90 days on my "doggie diet" the only thing apparent was the 30 pounds I had lost after dumping all of my favorite foods and gnawing on lamb bones and white rice. Next, the doctor added plain yogurt (yuck) to my diet in hopes that some "good" bacteria (probiotics) might bring some balance to my immune system (talk more about that later). She prescribed 5mg of Zrytec, daily, which she would bump up to 10 mg after six months. The angioedema and the uticaria seemed to vanish after the dosage upgrade... for the time being anyway.

I returned to eating "people" food and proceeded to gain most of weight I had lost within a few months. AND THEN...

INTRODUCTION

Up to 25% of the population will encounter the Angioedema & Urticaria Curse at some point in time in their life.  Urticaria is a common allergic reaction that results in hives.  Raised skin welts and itching can be caused by an allergenic substance, an immune response to food, or even stress.  

 

Angioedema, often associated with Urticaria, causes deep swelling in the skin's tissue.  The lips, eyes, tongue, hands, and feet are areas where the swelling may occur.  Urticaria (hives) and angioedema are usually not life threatening.  If the problem is idiopathic (causes unknown), and you are unable to find those triggers, you may find yourself banging your head against a wall.

 

I have dealt with angioedema and urticaria for the past 10 years.  I am not a medical expert, but my background in dealing with the problem and my extensive research may shorten the path between diagnosis and treatment for others trying to cope with the physical, mental and social challenges.  I truly believe that "sharing is the gift that helps us endure the challenges in life".  This is my story...

The Angioedema & Urticaria Curse

The "curse", as I refer to it, appeared nearly 10 years ago. I awoke with a fat lip that looked like someone just punched me in the mouth. It was swollen. It itched. It was ugly! Somewhat anxious, and knowing that I would have to face 25 10 year-olds within the hour, I showered, got dressed and headed out the door.

That 15 minute drive was spent thinking of an excuse to tell my students... who don't miss a thing... especially if their teacher shows up at school with a new "facial".

"I bumped into a wall."
"My dog jumped on my lap and pawed me on the lip."
Or, "I woke up this morning with a fat lip, and I have no idea what this is. Why don't you write a journal entry and tell me what you think happened boys and girls."

Always looking for that teaching moment.

I pulled into the parking lot about 20 minutes before the bell. J.B., his two siblings and mom pulled up right next to me. I gathered my previous night's homework from the back seat, and as I turned toward mom to greet her, J.B. got a quick glance. His eyes widened, and with mouth agape, he ran across the parking lot yelling, "Hey Chuck, check out Mr. L's lip. He got punched or something."

To be continued...
Next: The Shocking News from the Doctor!