Detecting allergies

[dohertpk]

Hi so I'm pretty sure that I'm reacting to gluten and have gone GF, which has helped, but I am still getting symptoms. I'm just wondering how anyone has gone about detecting other allergies? Has anyone followed the IgG blood test route? Is an elimination diet the way forward?

Thanks for any help, Peter

[nancw]

Hi Peter, and welcome!
I ended up with multiple intols at 1 1/2 years GF. I started with a modified elimination diet based on a food and symptom journal. I then consulted with a CD/GI/food intol-wise gastro doc. I had IgG testing done for several foods as well as a combo endoscopy/colonoscopy. THis gave me some answers, but I feel, not all that I need. I am considering MRT or more intensive food allergy/intol testing but haven't gone there yet.
It is very frustrating to not know what is bugging you, but generally if you put the work in to the journal and/or elimination diet it should pay off in giving you some idea of what to avoid. Finding a doctor who understands and will order the testing for you may be the hardest part of the process, if you choose to go that direction.
Enterolab (stool) testing doesn't need a doctor's order, but only tests for certain foods (gluten, casein (milk protein), yeast - I believe).
You are not alone! It is common to have more intols than just gluten. Dairy is the one most people cut out after gluten.

How long have you been GF? Do you have a celiac diagnosis? Are you working with a doctor of any kind? Have you eliminated all potential sources of gluten and cross-contamination from your world? Do you eat out? Gluten could still be sneaking in and causing issues for you.

Keep reading, keep posting, keep asking questions!
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Nance

gluten, dairy, soy, rice, corn, yeast and 99% grain-free

[HadassahSukkot]

Yep, it's totally possible to start popping positive for other things now that your gut is repairing and actually processing food as it should (scary thought, eh?)..

We thought that I might be able to have onions again after going GF, and you know - I can't tolerate even the least little bit of onion in my food, I have a reaction to it just like I do with gluten!
I can't have peppers for the same reason, and as much as I love Jalapenos, I can only have them in very limited amounts.

I'm allergic to sulfa and penacillin, and can't have some cheeses for that very reason (I can have 'butter cheese' here in Germany, American cheese, parmesean, mozzerella and that's about it).

Milk, I had problems digesting until I went to whole organic un-homogenized milk. Once I did that, no issues!

Since my dad and I have the same blood type and a lot of the same intolerances, I'm taking things extra carefully with corn related products and other things he's shown to be intolerant of... if I go the way he has, I'm looking at a really plain diet. I've been completely GF for almost two years (in May) and partly GF since my mom, dad and sister went GF before that.

Just be careful and keep a food diary so if you do notice changes, you have a point of reference to talk with your doctors about.
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