Food Allergies
Food allergies are funny things. I learned all about them when I was struck by food allergies which developed in my 20s. Turns out I’m allergic to eggs, broccoli, and commercially prepared ribs. The main symptom was stomach cramps that felt like a Charley horse in my stomach, except for the time when this progressed to all-over-the-body hives which then went into my throat, which started to close. My blood pressure dropped to about 70 over 50.
Food allergies can be very dangerous. Later, in my 30s, I began experiencing the same food allergy symptoms. They were so distinct that I knew immediately it was a food allergy. After a trip to the allergist and several skin tests (known allergens, up to several hundred, are loaded on to tiny needles and your arms are pricked with these, then the doctors wait about 15 minutes to see if your skin reacts to any of the substances), the doctor was unable to find the source of my discomfort. Long story short, I had to keep a food journal of every ingredient in everything I ate to isolate the offending substance.
I learned that I am allergic to “monocalcium phosphate,” a “natural” anti-caking agent present in hundreds of foods. I also learned that I am “dose-sensitive,” which means that my body can tolerate some amount of this substance over a given period of time. What is that amount? Impossible to tell. So now I am careful about what I eat, and carry anti-allergy medicine, in case I feel an attack coming on. Thank goodness I don’t have a serious allergy, like to nuts. Those folks have to carry an Epi-pen (epinephrine) because attacks can be fatal. Other dangerous allergies include shellfish, bee stings, penicillin, and other medicines. In general, pay attention to your body, and when it reacts in an unusual way, get medical attention immediately. Better to be safe than sorry!