Respecting your food intolerances

I don’t have food allergies.  As a mom to a kid with an allergy to peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, I know the difference. “Food allergies are “IgE mediated.” This means that your immune system produces abnormally large amounts of an antibody called immunoglobulin E — IgE for short. IgE antibodies fight the “enemy” food allergens by releasing histamine and other chemicals, which trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction. ” Source  Most people with food allergies must practice complete avoidance, usually carry an epipen and benadryl at all times, and have to be wary every time they eat something.

Food intolerances are different.  Generally speaking, with a food intolerance, your body does not have a global immune response.  Instead, your body responds in some negative way to the food.  It could be a digestive response, a headache, hyperactivity, etc.  The response may not even be consistent each time or may be related to the amount you eat.

When I did Laura’s 21 day reset diet this fall, I had no expectation that I’d find foods that bothered me.  I was surprised to realize that I felt better without dairy and wheat in my diet.  I decided to try to limit them and replaced my milk in my coffee with almond milk and have been avoiding bread completely.  (I seem to be able to have some wheat as an ingredient, but I do try to minimize those amounts by not eating a lot of processed foods.)

No longer my friend…

This weekend I completely went overboard on both.  Friday night we had Jones’ 13th birthday party and bought pizza to celebrate.  I couldn’t resist having a piece, which of course led to another piece, which led to one more piece and a desire to eat.all.the.things.  Yep, wheat (especially in the form of bread) is a trigger for me.  It’s almost addictive.  I woke up Saturday morning feeling a bit stuffy and bloaty.

Saturday night, we went to the wedding of a close friend.

I allowed myself to try the appetizers and to eat rolls from the bread basket.  As per usual, once I had one roll, I wanted the whole basket.

This morning?  Totally bloaty and super stuffed up.  Yep, I feel better when I’m not eating dairy and wheat.

Will I never eat dairy or wheat again?  No.  I will still enjoy special occasions, knowing that I will pay for it later.

Will I continue to avoid dairy and wheat in my daily life.  Yes.  Absolutely.

Do you have foods you react to?  Do you avoid them completely or only have them on special occasions?