How My Healthy Diet Almost Killed Me!!
If you read last week’s blog, you know I spent several hours in the emergency ward because of a bad reaction to, what we think, is shrimp. That frightening experience led to a lot of thought….and WHY!!
Once I was settled in my bed with all my cozy pillows to rest from all the medication and craziness, I began to think….OMG… what can I eat? Why me? How does this happen? sh*t!! I could have died if the swelling settled in my vocal cords and tongue!
I thought… “I’ve been living a pretty healthy life” – daily work out’s, fresh-pressed juices a couple of times a day, salads, veggies, FISH, SHELLFISH, SUSHI, and other low-fat protein! I don’t eat dessert, however, enjoy a glass of wine…or 2!! I enjoy the outdoors – beach walks, golf, and tennis! What has happened?
Immediately, I thought of a friend, Teri Goetz!! We are both members of Savor the Success and have grown to admire and respect one another, professionally. She’s a doctor of Chinese medicine, integrative medicine, and a contributor to Psychology Today with two practices in NYC. Her specialty is helping individuals “get to the root” of medical problems. She’s healed herself with alternative, Eastern, and Western medicine by getting to the root of her own health issues.
She answered my call immediately after I texted her about my ER experience. Her “intake” process was seamless! She asked a lot of questions which guided me to reflect on the history of my relationship between food, mood, and physical reactions.
The conversation triggered something!! I have had the “welts/hives” before, however, never all over my body. In the past, they seemed to be mosquito bites. I thought because I moved to Florida for the winter months that I keep getting bit by mosquito’s because “I was so sweet”!!
I know I’m sweet, however, my body has been screaming to me to stay away from “whatever” for almost one year!!
Teri suggested I try an elimination diet which involves journaling and eliminating common food allergens for a period of 2 – 4 weeks. YIKES!! I’m not quite sure I can do this!! Or….really…. DO I WANT TO DO THIS!!
Her suggestion for me… NOT YOU!! involves eliminating: dairy, wheat, other gluten-containing grains, caffeine, corn, soy, sugar, alcohol…And SHELLFISH AND ALL SEAFOOD!
I am supposed to reintroduce these foods one at a time and watch out for any physical disturbances: hives, shortness of breath, tongue swelling, joint pain, stomach pain, gas, bloating, headaches, foggy brain, insomnia, itching, etc. It can take anywhere from hours to days for these to show up!!
For my peace of mind…I have scheduled an appointment with an allergist for the blood and skin tests Western medicine offers. Holistically, I’ll try journaling and the elimination diet to document my own food, mood, and reaction experience.
For now, I’ll carry Benedryl and an EPI pen in every bag and car!! When I order food at a restaurant I will ask for the manager or chef to explain my life-threatening allergies!!
Listen in as my guest, Teri Goetz talks about the 5 sneaky things that can sabotage your health & wellbeing!!
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE… THESE ARE SOLELY MY EXPERIENCES AND WHAT I AM GOING TO FOLLOW TO GET TO THE ROOT OF MY ISSUES. I WILL REPORT BACK!!
