Anxiety about getting a food allergy?

shello · Post by **shello** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 4:16 pm

I am having a hard time eating. I am freaking out that all of the sudden I am going to have an allergic reaction to food I eat. Any advice or anyone with similar fear?

newrunner · Post by **newrunner** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:12 pm

I did eat strawberries one day and my mouth felt funny. I did freak out. And I went in to an allergist and got tested and I DO have an allergy now. Oh well. No strawberries. I was very nervous about it when it was new and then I visualized how silly it was to be afraid of it. I can ask about ingredients in things. I can avoid certain dishes. No one is going to come and shove strawberries down my throat against my will. It just made me laugh.

Allergies can happen at any time and you just roll with it.

Gigi123 · Post by **Gigi123** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 1:49 am

Shello,

I have had this fear from time to time. But you know what?, I face it head on and eat the thing I'm scared to eat and so far, have not had any reactions. From time to time I'll have minor anxiety about eating seafood, as it's not something I eat very often and I start thinking "what if I have a reaction," so I take a small bite, and slowly realize that nothing is happening,hehe I just tell myself that that's an irrational thought and if I show any signs of an allergy, then I will get it checked out.

shello · Post by **shello** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:39 am

I just really feel like I am boxing myself into a food prison. I am afraid to eat anything. I guess I need to go see an allergist and get tested for everything. I am not sure they will test me just because I have severe anxiety about dying from eating food. Its just ridiculous and I know it. Some days I am just like to heck with it and eat whatever I want with no problem. Other days I totally freak out and won't eat hardly anything. Today I had an english muffin for breakfast and 3 bites of a cheeseburger for lunch. I am afraid to eat dinner.

newrunner · Post by **newrunner** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 11:58 am

If you don't eat, your blood sugars will get too low and then you'll really have anxiety. Low blood sugar triggers your body to release adrenaline so that glycogen(stored energy in muscles) is then released so that your blood sugar will rise. Your brain only runs on sugar in your blood so you will feel CRAPPY if you don't eat.

This food box is not worth it. If you do feel yucky like I did with strawberries, then feel yucky first, then avoid the offender and get checked out. Don't avoid everything just in case.

How about eating at least things that have only 1 ingredient. Like eat chicken, rice and green beans. If you have a problem, eliminate one item and see if you still have the issue. If you are good, add another item in. Kind of like an elimination diet for lactose intolerance.

P&P · Post by **P&P** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 1:54 am

Shello,

This sounds like a control issue. About a year ago I was going through a very rough time and had noticed one day that I had a few hives on my arm, so I of course obsessed about them and started thinking "maybe I'm allergic to something," so I narrowed it down to possible being wheat or tomatoes (when in reality I think it was just a heat rash) So for a couple of months, I was avoiding anything containing wheat. One day I got the courage to start eating tomatoes and wheat again and NOTHING happened. I realized that at that time in my life I was feeling SO out of control because a lot of things were happening in my life that I simply didn't have any control over and this was my was of controlling something. So examine what's going on in your life, are you feeling a loss of control?

shello · Post by **shello** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:15 am

Well It could be that. My husband lost his job and I was a stay at home mom and now I am the one working and he is the one at home. Wow- just you bringing that up is causing me all kinds of anxiety and fear and frankly I feel totally overwhelmed. Maybe that is what is going on. I don't know. Its so crazy. I have never been allergic to food in my life. Today I had a serious panic attack after eating grilled chicken and steamed rice. I am still a little crazy about it. I ate it at 1230. If I was gonna die from it I would have by now. Its like I have changed my anxiety from one thing to another. What is going on with me. Maybe it is control- the more I sit here and think about it the more clouded and foggy my brain gets. UGH.

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 3:27 pm

This is very interesting...I am getting very picky over food too...as I don't want anything that is going to stimulate anxiety or "jitteriness" or like it. I've been sick, so I'm making sure that I at least eat my protein and omega 3's type of food. These types of foods keep me "calm", but I did eat a little tomato soup w/ milk in it and 1/4 toasted cheese sandwich DH made me.

Just now I had some more soup and reading your posting I started to worry and now I'm drinking my cup of milk. I feel a bit better...but still need to rest. CYA...

Paislee

P&P · Post by **P&P** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:54 am

Shello,

It does sound like the work situation is causing you a lot of anxiety and stress. The worrying about being allergic to different foods is just a huge distraction from the day to day stresses you're currently feeling. The distraction puts us in a position where we don't really have to "deal" with the real situation. And of course, it seems like a living hell when you're focused on the "fake" situation but it really is fake.

Have you spoken to a therapist? I've gone several times and have always found it beneficial. I think you would be able to talk to them about you feeling overwhelmed in your new role outside the home. I know you'll get through this. With time, things always get better.

Hope77 · Post by **Hope77** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:40 pm

Glad to hear that I am not the only one that has had panic attacks after eating grilled chicken. I started keeping a food diary and noticed wheat bread and grilled chicken brought on panic attacks for me. I have been sticking with oatmeal, tuna, soup, and total cereal lately. I feel that you should stick with healthy foods and maybe keep a food diary for a little while to document if there are any changes in the way you feel after eating certain foods.