Food Allergies, You Can Live with It

Several years ago I gained over fifty pounds. It made no sense, because I wasn't able to swallow much besides water. Everything I ate made me sick.

At the time my husband was going through radiation for prostate cancer, so we had a pretty full plate. His treatments were five days a week, for five weeks. Everyday, we got up and headed to the clinic.

After his treatments were over, I decided I had to find out what was causing all my weight gain.
When I look at pictures of myself now, I can't believe how swollen I looked. I suppose because I saw me everyday, I didn't notice the change.

One doctor recommended an antacid. He was convinced my problem was too much acid in my stomach. He recommended I see a gastroenterologist. I had the procedure, and he suggested my problem might be a wheat allergy. That was strange, because I had never heard that before.

During the previous months, because I couldn't keep anything down I started drinking a soy protein shake in the morning. During the day however, I was not able to swallow anything.

A friend called one day and asked if I would be willing to see her doctor. I remember her words, "he's not an M.D. but a chiropractor and a nutritionist. At that point I was willing to see anyone who could help.

Because I was skeptical I decided not to "help him" at all. There were several pages to complete on his intake form. I basically gave him my "name, rank and serial number". I did inform him of my reason for being there, unable to swallow.

I met him face to face, still reluctant and hesitated to tell him about the results of any tests I had already had. He did his own, non-conventional testing and said. "I think you have an allergy to wheat, soy and rice."

I couldn't believe my ears? Wheat, soy and rice? I've been drinking soy shakes for months.

He recommended some supplements and suggested I change my diet to nothing but protein and green vegetables.

Still skeptical, I agreed to try his suggestions, really knowing I still wouldn't be able to swallow.

Within twenty-four hours I was able to eat a pork-chop and green-beans. I also had to eat an "over-easy" egg for breakfast, with bacon, sausage or ham. Within two months I lost fifty pounds.

While I followed that diet I lost a half pound a day.

My weight eventually stabilized and I may lose a pound or a gain one in a month, but for the most part it stays the same.

It has been a challenge to find foods without wheat, soy or rice. But over the years I've learned to adjust my diet.
I'm eating healthier now. And have more energy than I know what to do with.

Eating out is still a challenge because of all the soy. I'm so happy to know, now what the problem was.