This isn't about MCS, it's about food allergies but maybe it will help some. I'll see if I can find something on MCS.

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Previoulsy posted by Tincup.....

"Thanks to my chiropractor, I was recently tested for food allergies. I never
even considered this ``might'' be a problem because I have always had a ``rock
gut'' and could eat just about anything with no problems. Luckily, with his
help, I have discovered that I am actually allergic to many of the foods I am
eating on a regular basis.

I am so thrilled at the difference in how I feel that I am writing this paper, in
my own words, FOR YOU, to let you know that this may be something you
want to consider. I ``went along'' with the Chiropractor when he decided to
do the test because I already had other blood work to do that day.. and I
thought it was ``cute'' that he was concerned. I said, what the hey... I may
have an allergy or two and it wouldn't hurt to find out. I will go along with
the guy cause he has been so helpful in many other ways. NEVER did I
expect to get back the results that I received.

I have tried to explain this in terms I understand and it is my first attempt to
try and do this.. so excuse the roughness. I would ``polish'' it up.. but I want
you all to have this information as soon as possible. If you have any
questions... please let me know.

Here is what happens with us:

You take antibiotics. As you know, that kills the ``good bacteria'' in the gut,
as well as some of the bad germs. Over time, the lining of the gut gets so
much abuse that it starts to wear thin because it does not have the normal
flora there to protect it and aid in the daily digestion of foods. In addition,
the yeast takes over and affects your system from your area of first contact
with the food (mouth), through the entire system, and eventually down
through the elimination process. When this happens, food particles can't be
broken down as well and the weakened gut lining can't prevent food particles
from permeating the walls of the intestines and entering the blood stream.

With the ``leaky gut'' that develops, the body is introduced to these ``foreign
invaders'' (the foods you eat) which it MUST attack. Your body then starts
fighting the foods that you normally eat and your immune system is kicked
into gear each time you have a meal.

With Lyme and other illnesses, especially chronic ones, we often can't eat or
chew properly due to jaw pain, swallowing problems, upset stomach, acid
reflux, and indigestion. We are already at a disadvantage in that respect. We
need to add supplements to our every day routine because the nutrients from
our diets don't get absorbed properly and we become deficient in the
necessary vitamins and minerals.

We also have a more limited diet now because we are often too tired to fix
properly balanced meals and do much cooking. We also must take food at
odd times of the day due to our medication schedules. As a matter of fact,
many of us have come to look at food as something we ``must do'' in order to
coat the stomach before dumping in our drugs. Our diets are further
compromised and remain constantly ``abnormal'' due to sugar problems, yeast
problems, weight problems, money problems, etc. It becomes easier to get
the same foods.. the ``easy stuff''.. at the store when we shop. Trying new
foods and cooking methods are not high on our priority list when we are ill.

Food allergies can develop and often go undetected because the reaction
could take hours, or even days, to surface. Some allergies cause immediate
problems and leave the ``victim'' wondering if the food they just consumed is
bad. We normally try to avoid those foods if the problem happens on a
regular basis, but, we don't know what the other foods may be that are
causing problems because we don't have an immediate response.

I HIGHLY recommend all people with chronic illness (especially those on
antibiotics) have this test. I was shocked to learn of the 58 food allergies I
have. I am allergic to the foods I have come to like the most and actually
crave. They are NOT the typical food allergies like milk, peanuts, etc. They
are things I continued to eat because they are ``good for me''! It is still hard to
believe that lettuce, carrots, honey, garlic, blueberries, apples, wild rice,
spinach, wheat bran, oranges, etc. are now NOT good for me. Never in a
million years would I have even suspected those foods were causing me
problems.

But...Now I know. Now I can deal with it. Now I feel better.

Since I have eliminated the offending foods, I have seen a dramatic
improvement in a very short time in many symptoms. Less nasal sinus
congestion, much more energy, less fogginess, less ``flu-like'' symptoms, less
muscle pain, better digestion, less depression, less stomach problems, etc. It
still amazes me how much better I feel with some simple dietary changes.
And a bonus.. Once the tests are done... the cure is free!!!

You say... I can't think of giving up the foods I love? Not to worry. The Lab
has developed a plan that will eliminate the offending foods for a time and
they can be slowly reintroduced later. Many people who follow this plan can
return the foods to their regular diet and do just fine. The lab sends a color
coded, VERY easy to read print out of the individual tests and results. They
also include information on how to deal with the allergies and read the
reports.

I only wish I would have had this test MUCH sooner. I could have avoided
many sick days and would have been much happier for it.

I contacted the nice folks at the Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab where my
tests were done. The tests ARE covered by some insurance companies.
Medicare pays approximately half of the charges. They suggest you contact
your own insurance company for information and approval.

If you do not have insurance and/or want to pay ``up front'', the prices are
posted below for you. The Food Antibody Test and Vegetarian Add-on Test
included 88 different foods. In my opinion, if you are going to do the Food
Antibody test.. go ahead and do the vegetarian add on. If you are going to do
this.. do it right.

Food Antibody Assessment Test- $144.00

The Vegetarian Add-On- $31.50

They also have a test for ``spices'' that includes things like cinnamon, cloves,
bay leaves, etc. I didn't do this test but am considering doing it now. $72.00

There is another test for 36 inhalants, such as pollen, molds, flowers, weeds,
etc. That test is $126.00 up front.

They will send you or your doctor a ``kit'' and information. If you want to get
the kit yourself you must get a doctor to fax them a prescription first or you
can send it to them.

I do hope you all will consider this test. It has really helped me feel better...
or I wouldn't recommend it. You KNOW I wouldn't! "

Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab Food Antibody test: http://www.gsdl.com/assessments/allergy/

Misc. information

Interview concerning food allergies: http://www.life-enhancement.com/displayart.asp?ID=73

Food allergy articles: http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fa/FA_food_allergy.html

So weird- all this crap Lyme does isn't it?

BD- I never heard of that before, I always knew that you body releases memory cells (or similar) towards an 'allergen' that once they get to 'other cells' LOL(dont rem their names) the the cell will release histamine for the allergy- thus the antihistamines, but I never heard of bacteria playing a role w/ that- will haveto search that end more TY

TY!
-Rose

"Histamine is the chemical (neuro-transmitter) your body produces when you're having an allergic reaction. ... Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is the only chemical that can quickly eliminate histamine in a person....

...My histamine level was very high but not dangerous. My body tried in vain to reduce this high level of histamine to a normal level, by releasing abnormally large quantities (spikes) of adrenaline into my blood stream. This created nervous energy and sometimes even panic attacks...This would leave me feeling anywhere from moderately tired to frighteningly exhausted. ...My high histamine level also caused my Meniere's like symptoms, as well as difficulty thinking, focusing, and remembering things.

High histamine levels can be gradually reduced over time if the cause of the "allergic" (autoimmune) reaction can be found.... To reduce my histamine level, I had to eliminate these foods from my diet (see Histamine Diet). If I ate some pizza (which contains tomato (sauce), wheat (crust), and milk (cheese) ) I would usually have a panic attack two or three days later because it took that long for the whole sulfur, histadine, histamine, adrenaline reaction process to take place..."

I know there's a post somewhere on the bb on adrenal function. Now I'll have to read it. Aargh.

Loved the post to testing-testing

I , having lyme 30 yrs, and just in the past year being diagnosed have developed BAD allergic reactions to antibiotics. I've read with interest your de sens stories since I am most likely heading that way.

The hormonal system is the system responsible for "regulation".... so that proved it for me. Aside from the fact I've taken all these drugs before I am now experiencing "allergic type"reactions.

It seems that generally these reactions can be "treated"by bringing the hormone system closer to normal with oral drug therapy...

anyway... this is what "they"are telling me and some of it makes sense... as much as anything else with lyme...

I am on depoprovera birth control=shot/injection good for 3 months etc, so whatever that does to your body-ie similar to 'the pill' except after 1-2 injections you don't get a period- so I at least don't get the 'worsening' around period time-as I don't get one!! lol

the foods I can look into yet again, but have had SOO many skin and RAST tests-
I assume yet another food allergy can be in place (I am allergic to cottonseed)=in MOST foods/cooked desserts/pie crusts/crackers etc.

The Wilsons Syndrome- I DID have an enlarged Thyroid awhile back- before my IV and was put on Levoxyl, my thyroid was 3x's it's size, w/ 5 nodules on it about the size of small marbles...
Nothing evident w/ the TSH-still within normal limits now.

BUT after my IV, I returned to the endocrinologist, to find my thyroid had gone completely back to it's normal size, and the nodules weren't 'feelable' whatsoever, and I was told all was perfect, must have been part of the Lyme effecting me, I had no reason to return to him etc.

I have read the Thyroid can get some type of 'problem/syndrome' when a large amount of bacteria is in the body=something regarding toxins I THINK- or similar, creating it to enlarge etc, and when the infection is over, it goes back to normal-

I was told I COULD have Hashimoto's thyroid in later years as I did have antibodies against the thyroid -(2 diff tests to check on the AB levels to your thyroid) but they were not HUGE or WAY elevated, just some, and along w/ the nodules they put me on the Levoxyl.
Hmmmm......... I think that the Lyme is just a systemic horrid disease that creates additional problems, that most PCP's and other doctors insist is what's your problem, instead of existing Lyme....
Aye yi yieee.... will go and read some more today regarding what u 2 brought up
TY!
-Rose

When I went undiagnosed for 8 months, THE ONLY thing that helped my severe severe headaches and vertigo was allergy pills = ANTI histamines. I guess now I know why.

So thanks a ton for this post!

Jodie

a magnesium deficiency can cause an over-reactive system.

And guess what Lyme feeds on?

Thanks to Marnie.....