Anyone have a cheese allergy – is there such a thing?

I quit cheese about 2 weeks ago and MAN do I feel better.  I was exhausted all the time – now not so much anymore.

Actually – I had no digestive indications – just felt exhausted all the time.  Is this common? Is there data on this?

Best Answer – Chosen by Voters

You most likely have an  dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant than allergic to the cheese itself.  Depending on the type of cheese you eat determines how much milk it contains.  For example; low fat would of course have less milk than high fat or highly processed cheeses. However, certain cheeses are also known to can contain histamines which can mimic an allergy.  The making of cheese is closely related to how mold grows and some people which have mold allergies may also react to certain cheeses.  It is always wise to seek out allergy testing to see what other dairy related foods might be bothering you.

Related Posts: Dairy Allergies, Milk Allergies and Food Allergies.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Cheese Allergy

Tomato allergies are not as common as other food allergies. Tomatoes are considered as part of the nightshade allergy family. However, those that do have a severe tomato allergy face the  possibility of anaphylactic shock and death.

Allergy or Intolerance

More persons actually have a food intolerance for tomatoes and not a full-blown tomato allergy.  An intolerance for tomatoes usually creates gastro-intestinal problems, such as diarrhea, cramps or vomiting.  A protein found in tomatoes is generally what creates the allergic reaction by the body’s immune system. A persons immune protection function see the tomato protein as a toxin and attempts to eliminate it by releasing histamines to kill it.  It is the histamines themselves which create swelling, hives, rashes, headaches, and other symptoms which may even include the constriction of the bronchial tubes. In very severe cases; too many histamines can cause respiratory distress, failure, and even death during an anaphylactic shock.  A tomato allergy can occur in 15-20 minutes and can subside just as quickly if the correct medication is administered.

Many people who have a known tomato allergy can actually tolerate well cokked tomatoes with little or no reaction. Other people reaport that they can consume low acid tomatoes. However, data shows that all tomatoes are equally acidic and what they are really referring to is the flavanoids that give the taste of acidity.

Note that in both of these cases, a food journal should be kept for a month or more (noting symptoms after meals) to share with the physician if you suspect you may have a tomato allergy. An allergy test done by a qualified allergy doctor is the only accurate way to detrmine if you truly have a tomato related allergy. Food allergy tests may include various blood tests, skin tests, possible nasal smears, and a full food journal review. They should also consider whether or not your parents have had food allergies.

Here are a few tips for tomato allergy sufferers:

• There are tomato-free sauces, ketchup, barbecue, and salsa available at certain retailers but are better found by researching online.
• Take supplements which are known to help allergies. These would include beta carotene,vitamin C, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, glucosamine, and quercitin which is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and block the release of histamines.
• Try making a no tomato ‘pasta sauce’ by adding a lot of olive oil  and add lots of veggies chopped up and spices which can make a great sauce!
• If ordering out, try a white or pesto base instead of a tomato base. Also, specify no catsup anytime when ordering out.

Related Posts: Related Post: Food Allergies, Citrus Allergies and Strawberry Allergies.

About the author: Jimmy Don Strongwell operates a organic farm which are known for their great tomatoes and other vegetables in the Canton area of East Texas.

Ferrari eats a tomato

Many people need a drink to get through the day, because they are addicted to the ingredients of an alcoholic drink. Therefore, it seems that alcoholism and food are closely related to addiction, if not identical.

Researchers at the Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, have recently conducted intensive research on alcoholism and its possible causes. There was evidence to justify the belief that alcoholism is, in fact, an allergy food. His research showed that alcoholics are twice as susceptible to allergies to foods that are non-drinkers. Alcoholics were found are addicted to different elements within the drink, rather than alcohol itself.

Alcoholic beverages are made by the fermentation of sugars derived of cereal starches and vegetables. For example, beer contains barley and hops, whiskey, barley malt, vodka, potatoes, barley or rye, wine, grapes, and so on. All alcoholic beverages contain yeast, another common allergen.

The presence of alcohol in the system acts as a catalyst for the absorption materials in the intestinal tract. As the alcohol is absorbed, it is required along with food particles from which the alcoholic beverage made in particular. Moreover, because the catalytic effect of alcohol, accelerated uptake of any drug or food eaten with alcohol, also occurs.

The ingredients that make an alcoholic drink can cause a form of addiction of food allergy, which, because of the influence of alcohol, is even more acute without alcohol food allergies. As a result, a person with this problem becomes a compulsive drinker, or grossly inaccurate use of that word – ‘alcoholic’.

The chemical effect of alcohol causes compulsive drinkers experience withdrawal symptoms that are even more intense than other food allergies. The drinker addicts, in despair, reaches another drink to seek relief and thus perpetuates an endless cycle of ingestion and withdrawal. Dr. Mandell writes about addiction alcohol as a food allergy.

“Alcoholics may feel they are taking to combat a state of anxiety or depression of mind due to some emotional problems – and no doubt a drink makes them feel better fast – but in reality, are suffering from addiction form of food allergy, and anxiety and depression nervous system are allergic reactions to food residues of raw materials, of the alcoholic beverage.

As in most related with food allergies, there is an addictive process that requires more frequent large doses to control withdrawal symptoms and briefly to regain a sense welfare. This is particularly true with the compulsive drinker, which is locked in a cycle of relief and withdrawal symptoms, followed by recurrent symptoms, which is only relieved with more alcohol. It is only when this endless cycle is permanently broken the victim could regain good health. After that, abstinence is usually the only answer, even if the allergy is to grains and the person who has been a beer drinker, then a change to a non-grain based on wine, as wine, can solve the problem. However, this should only occur after a period of total abstinence for at least six months to allow the immune system overloaded system to regain full function.

People who are dependent on alcohol often have a serious problem of childhood masked allergy. Along his childhood and teens in the afternoon, which were never well – suffering from various diseases recurring fatigue and terrible attacks of depression that go with insidious condition. Then, with his first sip of beer or spirits, they feel much better. Others may have an initial negative reaction, followed by a sensation beneficial. The result in both cases is that the individual forms a firm bond with the alcoholic beverage and subsequently incorporated into their daily lives. Start a spiral downward, which can last many years before the person reaches a stage where the alcohol is no longer relieve the symptoms no matter how much is consumed.

Most alcoholic beverages other than wine is cereal based, with wheat being an important ingredient. Therefore, a close relationship appears to exist between a person the taste for foods such as bread, cakes and cookies, and the need to drink beer in excessive quantities.

About the Author:
Daniel Struinburg is an volunteer counselor for a Alcoholics Anonymous in St. Louis, Missouri.

allergies vs. addiction

Your sinuses are lined with a membrane that manufactures the sitcky substance known as mucus. When the membrane swells – most likely because of an infection or an allergy, mucuc production kicks into overdrive. The combination of inflamed membrane and excess mucous blocks those tiny passages between your sinuses and nose. That’s when you feel the pressure build behind your forehead and eyes.

Breathe a Sign of Relief

For most people decongestants are the treatment of choice for sinus pain. “If a blocked nose is your only symptom, an over-the-counter oral decongestant can help,” says Salah D. Salmon, MD, director of the Sinus Center at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston.  Dr. Salmon also stated “Be sure to choose a product with an antihistimine if your sinus pain is associated with allergy.”

What about localized decongestants such as sprays and drops? “They can be extremely effective, too.” Dr. Salmon says. “But you shouldn’t use them for more than threee days in a row. They can be habit forming if you use them for too long. And once their medicinal effects wear off, they can produce rebound congestion.”

But decongestants are not your only option for dealing with sinus pain. The following strategies can help ease the pressure and keep you breathing easy.

Just add water. “Dryness often sets the stage for a sinus infection,” Dr. Salmon says. You can keep your sinuses moist by drinking plently of water every day. A saltwater solution, administered as either a nasal spray or nose drops, can also help, he notes. You can make your own solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of salt into a glass filled with 8 ounces of warm water. Use this preparation three to four times a day.

Hold your head high. Elevating your head while you sleep promotes sinus drainage, experts say. Prop up your bedposts ath the head of your bed on books or bricks and see if it helps.

Clear the air. Anything that irritates the nasal passages is an ally of sinus pain. “Pay close attention to air quality,” says Dr. Guillermo Mendoza, MD, chief of allergy for Kaiser-Permanente. “Avoid smoggy environments, cigarette smoke and any other pollutants that you’re sensitive to.” You may also need to stay away from seemingly harmless items such as scented laundry detergents and scented tissues.

“C” your way clear. Dr. Mendoza recommends a daily dose of vitamin C as a preventative against sinus pain. “If you are prone to sinus infection or you have a chronic sinus problem, take 1,000 milligrams of times-release vitamin C a day,” he advises.

Don’t catch a cold. If you have a chronic sinus problem, a cold will only intensify your sinus symptoms, Dr. Mendoza says. So do what you can to steer clear of cold-causing viruses: Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, practice good hygiene (as in lots of hand washing), and stay away from people who have colds.

Excerpted from: Pain Remedies by Philip Goldberg.  Rodale Press

Balloon Sinuplasty Provides Quick and Easy Relief to Chronic Sinusitis Sufferers

Sulfite Allergies Are Serious

Add sulfites to the long list of substances a person with allergies or asthma may want to avoid. Sulfites are salts used for preserving processed foods.

Sulfite sensitivity occurs in about 5 percent of adult asthmatics or approxi­mately 500,000 people. The symptoms include hives, itching, flushing, tingling, nausea, and asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. In rare cases, shock, heavy sweating, and loss of consciousness may occur. Sulfite sensitivity is more common in people who take steroids for their asthma.

If you have a sulfite sensitivity, some foods to avoid include:

• Pickled products
• Dried fruit (except dark raisins and prunes)
• Lemon juice and lime juice (nonfrozen)
• Wine
• Molasses
• Sauerkraut juice
• Wine vinegar
• Maraschino cherries
• Processed meats

Related Post: Wine Allergies and Sulphur Allergy.

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition (14,3:229)

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Food Allergies

What is Black Mold?

While all molds can appear black, it is normally the dreaded Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) to which the term “black mold” is referring to. One primary reason is the fact that Stachybotrys can appear as extremely dark black and shiny when compared to other molds growing on the same surface.

Black Mold Grows Everywhere

It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or flooding. Stachybotrys is a slow growing mold and needs constant moisture source for its continued colonization.

Black Mold is Toxic

Stachybotrys is considered a toxigenic mold and may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments once released into the air. It is these mycotoxins which can cause what many have referred to as “black mold poisoning”. Black mold or Stachybotrys have received much attention in recent years mostly due to some high profile legal cases in the U.S. and around the world.

Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure

Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins from Stachybotrys and other toxigenic molds include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash and diarrhea. Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, influenza or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxins from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause these symptoms and is believed to vary according to environmental conditions.
Is Black Mold really Different?

While Stachybotrys can occur as an indoor air pollutant, it is actually found much less than other toxigenic molds. However, it is paramount to test for mold when there has been events which could promote any toxic mold in the indoor environment. If any toxigenic mold is found in the indoor environment, extra steps to eliminate the live (viable) and dead (non-viable) mold spores must be taken. It is important to understand that live or dead spores in sufficient quantities can cause serious respiratory illnesses in certain humans depending on many factors.

About the author:

The Sick House Center is a resource and information about indoor air pollution to include mold related issues. View Mold Pictures at the Sick House Center.

Black Mold Exposure Film Trailer

Across the world, people are rush to food restaurants, thinking about what to have for dinner or eat a quick snack at the office. Most of them probably are not thinking about the food-borne illnesses or food allergies from a piece of chicken.

Nevertheless, some of them get sick from food they consumed, while at home or away from home. While it is not something you want to dwell on, it is important to know the facts so you can protect your health and prevent serious complications.

Chicken or Egg?

Some people who are known to have egg allergies do also have an allergy to other chicken products. However, it is rare to find allergy sufferers who are allergic to both.  Allergic reactions to food occur when a person eats a food to which he or she is allergic. Unless the person is not aware of his allergy, consumption is usually unintentional.

The Chicken-Foodborne Connection

Ill effects that occur after eating improperly cooked chicken may be the result of foodborne illnesses. Foodborne diseases more commonly known as intoxicated food and are the result of eating contaminated food. Everyone is susceptible to them to some degree. There are four major classes of pollutants that can cause foodborne illness and they are:

1. Bacteria
2. Virus
3. Parasites
4. Bacterial toxins

Symptoms of the above pollutants can include fever, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue. Renal failure and paralysis of a couple of effects most serious associated with certain types of bacteria, including E. coli and Clostridium botulinum.

However, it is important to note that allergic food reactions produce many of the same symptoms as foodborne diseases, such as stomach pain, abdominal cramps, fatigue and vomiting. Allergic reactions, however, have the potential to be much more serious. A person who has a severe allergy to a food can go into anaphylactic shock if consumed, which can lead to respiratory failure and even death. The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid contact with problem foods. That means carefully reading labels and provided information about restaurant food ingredients.

If you feel you may have a chicken related allergy, then it becomes important to inquire as to the unlisted ingredients which may be in poultry dishes. If a restaurant does not fully disclose their ingredients, then you should choose to eat elsewhere.

However, in cases where a restaurant, company or person is responsible for your food poisoning or severe allergic reaction, then you may wish to seek out the advice of a personal injury attorney.

Related Post: Food Allergies.

Provided by: Bernard Law Group today at 1-800-418-8282

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