I have had a known wheat allergy for many years. In the past, I have also responded very well to an anti-inflammatory diet (no wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, pork, citrus and nightshade vegetables and anything processed with limited sugar unless maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar) however as most of you can attest, it can be a challenging diet to adhere to long-term if you are not in fact sensitive to all of those items.
Before the Christmas holidays, I myself had not been feeling my best self, and attributed it to a busy schedule and a nasty cold. However, I developed a nasty case of hives over the break similar to Will Smith’s experience in Hitch… and decided perhaps it was time to re-test myself to see if my immune system had changed.
Lo and behold, I discovered that my body has started some new revolutions against some of the common foods to which I hold dear. Severe antibody reactions I not only have to wheat but to egg and dairy proteins, as well as soy, pork, almonds, carrots, celery, sunflower, and citric acid (a preservative made with Aspergillus spp (yeast) used in preparations of vegetables and fruits often in cans or jars, even if organic). A bit of a shock. Not a huge shock, but a shock nonetheless.
What to do next?
On reflection, I realized my new diet is actually Vegan, but with meat (organic chicken, fish, and turkey with moderate amounts of organic red meat) instead of soy. Vegan diets (without meat of course in the truest of definitions), if done properly with the right proportions of protein coming from vegetable sources, are high in essential nutrients, good fats and oils, and just make good common sense for the body. I have always enjoyed vegan cuisine and would often choose vegan meals when possible just for the health benefits.
My take home learning points
Just when you think you have it figured out, someone will change the rules.
An old dog can learn new tricks.
The body continues to awe and amaze. Getting out the bad and in the good is an exercise of self-control, but with will is always possible to do. The question of course is as always, are you ready for the changes your body is screaming at you to make?
you’re amazing because you practise what you preach! i know a few people at work who also have known food allergies like you, but just eat what they want anyway, then complain about their skin/digestion/hives!!!
Since I live a similar diet to you, I wanted to re-read this article and happened upon the link that you attached to the “Hitch” reference. Besides this being an informative, natural and endearing article; it also gave me a great laugh being able to re-watch that scene of the movie to which I feel I’ve experienced time and time again! Although, I have not had a reaction like that since becoming a Vegan –with a side of meat! :) Success!