I'm at my wit's end and I'm looking for support... Maybe someone else is going through what I am. I have severe broad-spectrum environmental allergies (pollen, dust, grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites, dander, etc.) and have massive food allergies. The only things I can eat reliably without consequences are most vegetables, popcorn, almonds, seeds and water. Lately if I eat something "bad" then I get extreme acne and slight rashes on both sides of my neck from behind my ear down to my shoulders. I'm getting worse, not better, and Allegra-D only somewhat alleviates my environmental allergies. Does anyone know of something that helps relieve food allergies besides complete avoidance? I'm not getting enough nutrition with the foods that I'm permitted to consume. I can't live happily like this, I'm frustrated, and even my allergist gave up (I'm too sensitive for allergy shots - tried them already). I'd really love to hear some feedback and any support/suggestions. Thank you so much.

Usually the diet is stripped all but one safe food and then later only one other food introduced. If no reaction in about 2 weeks then another food introduced. This is a way to weed out food allergies without having tests done. Wheat takes 6 weeks to get out of the system. Each time you react to a food, wait a few weeks until after all signs of reaction are gone before trying another food.

My dermatologist told me recently that if I wanted to test for allergy, tape a small piece of what I wanted to test to my inner upper arm and do not get wet. Leave there 48 hours. If the area turns red then I am allergic if not then it is safe. I just tested an antibiotic for face applying every morning and night for 1 week before using on face.

This may help you.

As far as inhalent allergies, it is difficult. I use Beconase Spray and take Chlortrimeton which is a plain anahistamine. I also use salt water solution to irrigate sinuses. 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup boiling water. Dissolve, drain thru paper coffee filter, cool, put into clean nasal spray bottles. Replace every week since there is no preservatives. I add 1 or 2 drops of plain glycerin to each bottle to keep it from being too drying to nasal passages. To use, lie on back with head hanging off bed, put few squirts in each nostril, massage cheeks, turn head slowly from side to side few times, say "KKKK" while getting up so solution does not run down throat. Use morning and night.

I also use plain Robitussin before bed to keep throat from getting sore from sinus drainage. Pedetrician had me to use this on our children and I decided if it was good for them it would be good for me. It works, because it thins mucous in throat during the night.

Marie

If you have not seen a nutritionist, then I suggest that you should do this. They will be able to help you manage to eat more of the foods that you don't have problems with and become adequately nourished.

I would also advise you to see a Naturopathic Doctor who can help you naturally. They practice naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal medicine and acupuncture and these are all very good for the type of problems that you have. They will be able to treat the cause of your problems rather than just trying to manage symptoms with a lot of drugs that cause suppression.

Thanks for the tips. :-) I did an elimination diet for 6 months or more and discovered my allergic foods this way. So I'm pretty sure about the varieties that effect me. There are just SO MANY, it's unbelievable. My allergist said that I'm the most sensitive person he's seen in 14 years. That arm test sounds like a good idea though, to verify new foods, so thanks.

I have seen two Naturopaths over the course of three years, and two regular doctors, a WHNCP, and an allergist. The most helpful was the WHNCP, believe it or not. She's the one who nailed my problem as allergies in the first place. I do need to see a nutritionist, though. That's on my list this week. This nutritionist is also a naturopath, so that works. Thanks again for all the advice. I appreciate it.

Another thought is to check the ingredients on your shampoo/conditioner. Many shampoos and conditioners contain milk, soy or wheat products. If you have an allergy to any of these things, you will react to your haircare products. Cosmetics can also have these ingredients, but the locatiobn of your rash suggests the haircare things.

Good luck!

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Angel, et al

How can you do an elimation diet and NOT lose weight???? I am trying to gain weight actualy.....the many food allergies makes this very hard..