Allergic Reaction Suddenly

[Steffalo]

I'm on day 24, and have had a rather normal, by the book go of this as to phases, reactions, etc.  Have paid attention to signals, such as I now believe I have an almond flour intolerance due to rather immediate abdominal bloating.  But today, I had a food allergy that I cannot pinpoint.  The infuriating thing is that historically I have this same type of allergic reaction at odd times, which is part of the reason for the W30.

Today, I started out my routine as normal.  Hot green tea, half a banana.  Hot mint tea at work.  My business lunch plans changed, so I had a standby whole banana and a cup of homemade curry chicken salad I made last night.  (I bring my own "salad topping" to business lunches, order a plain salad with no dressing and then plop my compliant goodies on top).

Well, 3/4 of the way through my curry chicken and I'm in full itch mode.  It always starts in the palms of my hands as they grow redder and swell and itch, then the intense itching goes to the soles of my feet, mouth/tongue, then my "lower areas" and finally my ears and eyes.  I usually need to take a half a benedryl to calm it all down.  Today I also had noticeable belly bloat along with the itching.  NO idea what caused this, as I've had this exact recipe before with no issues, and all items within different recipes.  Any thoughts?

Curry Chicken salad has all organic items chopped:  celery,  empire apple, red onion, chicken breast, avocado oil compliant mayo, and organic spices: curry, sea salt, celery seed, garlic powder.  My only oddity is that I forgot my 3 liter water bottle and have not been as hydrated as I usually am.

[ShannonM816]

I think you definitely should talk to a doctor about this. At least speak to your regular doctor, maybe consult an allergy specialist. Right now you may just have itching, but food allergies can turn really bad, really fast.

I know with some food sensitivities, small amounts of a food may not cause a noticeable reaction, but there's a limit where if you have too much in a period of time, then you have a reaction. So maybe you don't normally react to your curry chicken salad, but maybe you put more seasoning in this time, or you've had more of the salad in the last couple of days than you normally would have. The only way I know of to figure this out would be to keep a food diary where you list everything you eat each day, and any symptoms you notice, and then over time you may be able to see a pattern.

[SugarcubeOD]

Was the banana and a half more than you usually eat?  Could you be allergic?  People who have latex allergies or sensitivies often find they have problems with banana and avocado as they're in the latex family.

As Shannon said, if you're concerned, see a doctor as allergies can be really unpredictable and no one here is able to offer medical advice or counselling.

[Steffalo]

Thank you SugarCube and Shannon.  I plan to discuss this with my Dr.  I'm also doing a planned blood work up since being on Whole30 to see if there are any changes in my blood chemistry.  A food diary is a good idea. Appreciate this feedback.

And yes to the banana... I normally only have about half a banana every other to every three days, not usually a whole plus a half in one day.  I'll take that into consideration.  I've never had an issue with Avocado however.  Thanks for that tip.

[Steffalo]

Update:  made it thru my 30. Started reintroduction of dairy and all has been ok. Went out to a restaurant for the first time in 35 days.  Split a salad that had white balsamic vinegarette and olives... withing 10 minutes was itching, then covered in hives, red swelling face.  I had to rush to a pharmacy to get benadryl. Am going to allergist, but the salad was basic greens, fresh basil, olives, cucumbers, and gorganzola crumbles.  There must have been sulfites or msg in the salad or dressing is all I can think of. Next day my whole body is swollen and achy, and I just want to eat clean. I miss restaurant socialization so much... what is the key to that balance?

[laura_juggles]

Honestly, I found I much prefer socializing now with things that don't involve food. Bowling, axe throwing, arcades, etc. Or hosting dinners where I can eat what makes me feel good. But if you go through the slow roll re-intros and are really able to identify what affects you, it's easier to avoid them. Lots of dressings have soy.