Food Allergies

Well it is official... Andrew has food allergies. He is allergic to wheat, gluten, garlic, eggs, lemon, orange, grapefruit, almond, pinto beans, soy, string beans, and spelt. Dairy did not come up on his allergy list, but on another test we had done, we know that he has casein peptides in his system. The casein peptides tell us that he has a "leaky gut" and the partially digested milk proteins are making it into his blood stream which causes ADHD symptoms when it reaches the brain. So we will continue our gluten-free, casein-free (dairy protein) diet and now will avoid the other foods he is also allergic to until we can heal his gut. There is a good possibility that he will be able to eat dairy every once in awhile after things get back to normal. We are working on getting stuff corrected this month so that he will have an easier time in school this year.

Of the latest list of food allergies, the two that will be the hardest are eggs and garlic. They are both in EVERYTHING! I had no idea how often they are used in products - just like when we went gluten-free, casein-free - it can be overwhelming. I cook with garlic on a regular basis - it is good for you and adds wonderful flavor to any dish. I think I am going to have to use some other fresh herbs to help flavor our food. I bought my first egg replacer and will attempt to do some baking with it. I was lucky to find a bread that is gfcfef that the boys like so that will help with toast and sandwiches.

My son also had a high level of mercury in his blood, which suggests a recent exposure... and as I talked with the dr, it became evident that it was probably the sushi he had been eating. We go about once a week because it is one of very few restaurants where we can get a gluten-free, casein-free meal without having to worry about cross contamination. Tuna is probably the main culprit and we are not sure of the source of their salmon which could also contain mercury. So, we won't be eating sushi again for quite awhile - at least at a restaurant. We have already tried making home-made sushi at home and should be able to make some rolls with acceptable fish so that we can have a treat every once in awhile.

The other test results show he is deficient in Vitamin D and some other key minerals and vitamins, so we will be adding some supplements to his daily regime to help balance those out.

It is definitely a relief to know all of his food allergies!