Sometimes I wonder if all of this food obsession is worth the trouble. I mean, the soy is the only one that he's ever had a "real" reaction to. Maybe it's all in our heads.
I decided to do a blind test. Remember when I made the pretzels? I melted some Olivio coconut spread and also some butter. I put butter on everything but let everyone think that I had put Olivio on a batch that were just for Mr. Intolerance. Things were a bit hairy that night, but nothing too out of the ordinary......the Mr. had been gone showing the rental house, and things always get a bit crazy when he gets home because the kids are so excited to see him.
The next day, I went out shopping with the girls and my mother and left the boys at home. By the time we got back, my son was already in bed and not much was said. Then came Monday. Oh what a day. A day straight from the days before we knew of the intolerances. I said something to the Mr., and he said "Oh yeah, he was like that while you were shopping, I just forgot to mention it."
It's like he has zero impulse control. He can't stay focused on anything to save his life- he can't stop himself long enough to consider whether something is a good or a bad idea. Fling a pair of underwear at sister's head? Sure! Push her down because she made me angry? It's only fair! Go outside without asking? Done!
If he were in school (he's homeschooled) and on a regular diet, I can guarantee that he would be referred to be tested for ADHD. I have no doubt that this ADHD that is just controlled by diet. Obviously it's possible to do, but most parents don't have time/resources/knowledge/whatever to do so and instead go the medication route.
Milk takes a week or two to leave the body, so we're hunkering down and praying that this is over sooner than later and I get my son back. The good news? We have reaffirmed that this is worth it. Totally and 100%.
Showing posts with label our story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label our story. Show all posts
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Why the blog?
I feel so alone in this. I get so frustrated when I go grocery shopping, having to scrutinize every label. By the end of the trip I'm usually exasperated, putting things back on the shelf a little harder than I normally would because the disappointment of seeing ingredients that he can't have or that I'm unsure of (citric acid is a biggie because it's in a TON of stuff and may-or-may-not-be corn derived) is exhausting.
My mother continually says "why don't you blog about it, so you can share what you've found is safe and different recipes that you use; before it becomes overwhelming and you forget stuff and what it was like for you in the beginning". Yes, she does always boss me around like that ;)
So, here I am. I hope I can be of some help. I'll tell you- corn is our worst enemy. It is in (it sometimes seems) everything. Even stuff you'd never dream of (did you know the wax they use on fruit and vegetables is often corn based? yeah, me neither). With soy and milk being part of the "big 8" allergens, they are listed as a warning if they're in a product. Since corn isn't part of the big 8, you're pretty much on your own as far as figuring out if it's hidden somewhere in your food.
One blog that I've found extremely useful is cornallergens.com. I love the list here, it is a great jumping off point. Like she states, not everything on the list is for sure from corn. One day, maybe another family will be linking here and saying how much I've been able to help them.
My mother continually says "why don't you blog about it, so you can share what you've found is safe and different recipes that you use; before it becomes overwhelming and you forget stuff and what it was like for you in the beginning". Yes, she does always boss me around like that ;)
So, here I am. I hope I can be of some help. I'll tell you- corn is our worst enemy. It is in (it sometimes seems) everything. Even stuff you'd never dream of (did you know the wax they use on fruit and vegetables is often corn based? yeah, me neither). With soy and milk being part of the "big 8" allergens, they are listed as a warning if they're in a product. Since corn isn't part of the big 8, you're pretty much on your own as far as figuring out if it's hidden somewhere in your food.
One blog that I've found extremely useful is cornallergens.com. I love the list here, it is a great jumping off point. Like she states, not everything on the list is for sure from corn. One day, maybe another family will be linking here and saying how much I've been able to help them.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
How we found out about the intolerances
We found out that our son was intolerant to corn and milk after having NAET testing done by an awesome chiropractor that specializes in pediatrics, Dr. Don Galovich. If you're anywhere within driving distance (he's in Michigan), I highly recommend him (no, I am not being compensated in any way for recommending him). He was recommended by another fantastic (or so I've heard, since I don't have personal experience) chiropractor on the other side of the country, in Nevada- Dr. Shadia Koury.
If you've never heard of NAET testing, I suggest you do a bit of research on it. I can tell you- it isn't for everyone. Even I thought it was strange, and I'm a bit out there as far as alternative treatments and testing. But you know what? We kept an open mind, figuring if it didn't work then we'd go for further testing (blood tests).
And work it did. We went from having daily meltdowns, behavioral issues and him not being able to focus for more than 30 seconds at a time to having age appropriate meltdowns, behavioral issues and being able to sit and focus for a normal amount of 5.75year old boy time.
Now, I'm not saying that we removed corn/soy/milk from his diet and the clouds parted, the sun shone down and rabbits started pooping rainbows. He's still a 5.75 year old boy with a ton of energy and an "I know more than my parents because I'm almost 6" attitude that I would expect from a teenager rather than a kindergartner.
But the difference is like night and day, and I can tell when he's ingested something he shouldn't have.
You might be thinking "yeah, but how much of the difference is just that he's getting older/maturing?" To be honest, I'm sure that's part of it. However, he attended individualized play therapy for an hour a week for over a year with almost no progress. After a few days of removing the offending foods there was a noticeable difference, and after a few weeks he was like a completely different kid (in a good way!) I don't know how it works, and to be honest I really don't care because it has changed our lives for the better.
If you've never heard of NAET testing, I suggest you do a bit of research on it. I can tell you- it isn't for everyone. Even I thought it was strange, and I'm a bit out there as far as alternative treatments and testing. But you know what? We kept an open mind, figuring if it didn't work then we'd go for further testing (blood tests).
And work it did. We went from having daily meltdowns, behavioral issues and him not being able to focus for more than 30 seconds at a time to having age appropriate meltdowns, behavioral issues and being able to sit and focus for a normal amount of 5.75year old boy time.
Now, I'm not saying that we removed corn/soy/milk from his diet and the clouds parted, the sun shone down and rabbits started pooping rainbows. He's still a 5.75 year old boy with a ton of energy and an "I know more than my parents because I'm almost 6" attitude that I would expect from a teenager rather than a kindergartner.
But the difference is like night and day, and I can tell when he's ingested something he shouldn't have.
You might be thinking "yeah, but how much of the difference is just that he's getting older/maturing?" To be honest, I'm sure that's part of it. However, he attended individualized play therapy for an hour a week for over a year with almost no progress. After a few days of removing the offending foods there was a noticeable difference, and after a few weeks he was like a completely different kid (in a good way!) I don't know how it works, and to be honest I really don't care because it has changed our lives for the better.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The beginning
At the age of 4, my son was diagnosed with a soy allergy after he had a reaction to edamame. He woke up in the middle of the night crying, saying that his throat itched. I didn't think much of it until I saw the rash the next morning.
Due to the fact that his throat was involved, we now carry an Epipen Jr. in case he accidentally ingests some soy and has a severe reaction.
In July of 2011, we found out he is intolerant to corn and milk. Not cheese (I think the enzymes play a part in this, but to be honest I don't know all the ins and outs of this yet). I think casein/lactose may be the difference. Who knows.
When we found out, I was all "oh corn, no biggie. We just won't give him corn." WRONG! Corn is the devil. It's pretty much in everything, just under sneaky names. Needless to say, we've had to change the way we eat to cater to these issues.
This here is my first post about living corn, soy and milk free (as much as possible). I hope it can help someone, somewhere, who might be feeling as frustrated, beat down and alone as we are.
Due to the fact that his throat was involved, we now carry an Epipen Jr. in case he accidentally ingests some soy and has a severe reaction.
In July of 2011, we found out he is intolerant to corn and milk. Not cheese (I think the enzymes play a part in this, but to be honest I don't know all the ins and outs of this yet). I think casein/lactose may be the difference. Who knows.
When we found out, I was all "oh corn, no biggie. We just won't give him corn." WRONG! Corn is the devil. It's pretty much in everything, just under sneaky names. Needless to say, we've had to change the way we eat to cater to these issues.
This here is my first post about living corn, soy and milk free (as much as possible). I hope it can help someone, somewhere, who might be feeling as frustrated, beat down and alone as we are.
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