Hello, People Who Read My Blog! I'm posting a request for you to participate in Eat Like Us for a Day Challenge 2010. The two people who still read my blog I also communicate with in other ways, so you've probably already heard about this, but just in case someone else happens to stop here for a moment, I'm posting some information about the event.
Here's how the Atlanta/North Georgia American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders Support Group describes it:
Can you imagine life without food? Could you cope?
Could you help your child to cope?
Eosinophils (eos) are white blood cells and are a component of your immune system which normally play a role in fighting parasitic infections. They can also play a role in allergic diseases as well. In patients with eosinophilic diseases, eosinophils are inappropriately called to areas which normally do not contain eosinophils or present in areas that do contain eosinophils, but do so significantly exaggerated numbers. It is thought that these eosinophils then cause damage by releasing inflammatory chemicals, normally intended for infectious organisms, on normal body tissues. Eosinophilic diseases are an emerging and quickly expanding field of study...Treatments may include dietary modification, formulas, systemic steroids, oral topical steroids, or leukotriene/mast cell agents. New therapies are emerging as well.
Many people with Eosinophilic disorders must maintain strict diets. Sometimes only one or two kinds of foods are able to be safely consumed. Many patients survive without any food at all, by drinking elemental formulas or by consuming them through a tube inserted directly into the stomach.
I'm blessed that my condition is nothing like what is described above; that said, however, I do have a restricted diet. I have to avoid corn, wheat, barley, rye, and soy. My allergist says I may have wheat, barley, rye, and soy in limited quantities, but after having dysphagia in inconvenient places a couple of times, I've chosen to avoid them entirely. If eating those foods means there will be one more time when I have to excuse myself from the table (whether eating with family or attending a networking lunch in a restaurant) to go stick my finger down my throat and cough up what I've just eaten, I'd rather do without. And many, many thanks to the one family member who has patiently helped me deal with this (ahem, *JLR*) and who reminds me that, oh, I don't know, maybe I should see my doctor every now and again.
If you decide to join me, read the labels at the grocery store very carefully. Here's a list of corn-derived ingredients: http://www.cornallergens.com/list/corn-allergen-list.php.
If you take the challenge, be prepared also to avoid almost every restaurant and all fast food.
Here's a facebook page for the event: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=313283326802.
I will greatly appreciate anyone out there who participates with me.
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5 comments:
Do I get points for having a dog with food allergies? Her kibble costs almost $100 a bag. She is allergic to chicken and beef protein and has issues processing corn. So, yeah...her diet is kibble made with salmon and rice. Which makes her breath awful and gives her gas. You haven't lived until she's walked up to you (all stealth like) while you are lying on the couch and burped in your face.
[mental gag just thinking about it]
Somehow this is all your fault...
;P
Hmm, good question. Let's say you get half a point, since Gypsy will be eating like us for a day.
And I think I'll pass on the burping in face thing.
It is awful. Almost like she farted with her mouth. Sorry...that was overly graphic. Her burps really smell bad, though.
Deals: Eeeewwwwww!
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