Posted 3/23/2011 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!
I have posted on the forums before in regards to my GERD affecting my asthma. Recently I have noticed a correlation between my dairy intake, and my asthma attacks. Anytime I have a latte, a glass of milk, or anything else dairy, my airways close off and I get a rash on my neck and chest.
In the 6 years since I was diagnosed with moderate to severe asthma, I have never had a doctor refer me to an allergist or dietician. Mostly, when I come in with a bad flare up they will give me an antibiotic and a steroid injection, and send me on my way. Every single time, I feel great until the steroid wears off, and then I am unable to sleep at night (due to wheezing and coughing) and I have to use my rescue inhaler quite often.
Two days ago I Googled "Asthma and food allergies." The very first site I looked at said that dairy and wheat allergies were among the most prevalent for people with asthma, and that as opposed to being lactose intolerant (where you have a hard time digesting it), this is a true allergic reaction that narrows your airways and can even get into your bloodstream. I was astonished by this.
Years ago (when I was in high school) I saw a holistic practicioner, who diagnosed me with a wheat allergy. For 3 months, I cut wheat and refined sugars from my diet, and gave myself injections. Afterwards, I felt wonderful. But, of course, it was very hard to keep up (particularly because wheat is in virtually everything, plus, I was living at home with my family and they weren't as excited about cutting out those items as I was) so I gradually went back to my old eating habits.
Also, when I was a baby, my parents had to put me on Soy formula because I showed allergic symptoms to breast milk. As a child, I didn't drink very much of it, and as an adult, if I have "too much" (which, it's hard to tell how much is too much) I get a rash on my inner arms and legs.
All of these things combined tell me that a lot of my breathing problems are due to diet. I am someone who very rarely eats fast food, but I do enjoy my breads, pasta, etc. I also bake a fair amount, which most of those things have both dairy AND wheat.
I was wondering how many people have had this same issue (either with dairy, wheat, or both) and modified their diet as a result. 1) Did it work? How noticeable was the difference in your symptoms? 2) What foods did you incorporate and/or eliminate from your diet?
Even though it will mean giving up a LOT of foods I love, I am willing to do a diet overhaul if it means I will be able to sleep through the night and not be in the doctors office every other month.
Any feedback would be absolutely wonderful!