It has been one week since I have gotten my blood results back. One week of an utterly reduced diet. One week when my sense of humor has sky-rocketed because I have no choice.
Perhaps, I should explain: I found out that I have food allergies. This all stemmed from a violent reaction to wheat beer a couple of weekends ago, which in turn caused me to do some research. Research that led me to information on wheat allergies and celiac disease.
I had been at this same spot before last spring, when I was trying to figure out the source of my continuing fatigue. I had everything checked: thyroid, diabetes, hypo and hyperglycemia, infections, etc. All I found out then was that I had a B-vitamin deficiency. I upped my b-vitamin intake and didn't notice any changes.
I had another set of blood work done over a week ago and in the basic allergen profile found out that I had abnormal reactions to the following: wheat, corn, peanuts, soybean, and chocolate. I still have to seek an allergist to find out if I have more allergies or if I'm a celiac (can't digest gluten).
So, this past week has been an eye-opening experience, to say least, in researching what I CAN eat. Overall, I'm trying to stay positive on the whole ordeal and as I've cut out the suspecting foods, I've been feeling less lethargic and just plain better and happier.
I have found the following: I can have bubble tea still (!), pho (thank god), I found rice flour tortillas (actually quite yummy), and a large selection of gluten-free and allergen-sensitive products in most grocery stores.
In the end, I will have to become a more creative cook and basically cut out all the processed stuff. For example, I can't have regular sodas because most have corn syrup in them. Most products use soy fillers, so I have to avoid those. As for chocolate, I might have to sneak a piece now and then (you know, to make sure if it's ok).
I think the most shocking thing of all is that this entire time I've had these aversions to the foods above and never knew or at least never connected how I felt to what I ate. Not once did a doctor ever think to check food allergies. Granted, my abnormal reactions aren't as severe as some people, since I have eaten these foods for awhile now. Despite this, my doctor recommended cutting out as much as possible.
Come my birthday I just might be presenting some very interesting cupcakes :)
