Jane — Food Allergies

I love food! One of the best things in life is a chewy peanut butter cookie with the fork imprints on top. You know what I mean? I’m also one of those foodies that loves breakfast for dinner. Omelets, blueberry buttermilk pancakes,eggs benedict florentine, French toast, Dutch Baby, Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries (I’ve never been a whipped cream lover). During our courtship and BC (before child), my husband and I travelled and ate at the most amazing hole in the walls as well as gourmet restaurants in Europe. Italy spoiled me. It was there that I first tasted real pasta. And, the bread, oh so yummy with a fine aged cheese or pesto or hummus. No comparison! Naturally, I never even gave it a thought that any child of mine wouldn’t embrace and love food as much as I do.

All that changed in 2008 when my then 12 month old son was diagnosed with “off the charts” food allergies. The standard childhood food allergy test usually tests for the Top 8 most common allergens – peanut, egg, milk, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, shell fish. My son came back positive in all 8 cateogries ranging from low level in one category to very high to the highest levels in the remaining 7, essentially making every dish named a potential threat to his life.  Since then he’s tested positive to a very long list of foods.  In fact, it’s easier for me to list the foods that he isn’t clinically allergic to. His pediatrician at the time was visibly concerned and at a loss for words. I was then told that my baby would probably have to have allergy shots and sit by himself to eat at school. My response – Bullshit! And so, this is where my story began…

Rewinding a bit, I must admit that growing up, I would consider my diet to be a “little cleaner” than the average American.  Soda and juices were kept to a bare minimum and fish and veggies were always present. After I graduated college, I was a semi vegetarian for a while.  My focus was primarily on fish, veggies, fruits, switching from cow’s milk to soy milk.  I haven’t had a soda or boxed type drink/ juice since. I did still retain eggs and I absolutely had to have real cream in my coffee.  Now, this didn’t mean I never fell prey to one of my favortie comfort foods of all time – chili cheese fries!  Over the years, I’ve kept a pretty healthy way of eating with two major differences… I buy organic 90% of the time now and I’ve cut out all refined sugars.  With the rise in childhood 4-A disorders of Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies, there is a serious problem.  I believe in the body’s ability to heal itself.  I believe that there is not a one size fits all formula. Each individual has a unique genetic makeup, we’re all wired differently.  I believe that food is a key contributor to the healing process.  As I navigate this journey, I hope that above all else, my passion to heal comes through.