itchyface

I’m lethargic, red with some itch, and a pile of colorful foil is mocking me at my desk. Yes, its the post-Easter-chocolate blues. I always know the outcome, but every now and then I just can’t help avoiding those delicious little sugary chocolate morsels. The sugar is completely addictive, and I know how bad it is for me— but oh the pleasure. 

I’m making sure that I drink plenty of water to flush, and am planning on getting kombucha later. Celestial Seasonings Kombucha has just hit shelves at the Whole Foods here in Boulder. I have to say, its better than I though it would be— the fizz is very fine and the flavors are pretty neat. I did notice a pretty strange aftertaste that I wasn’t too sure about though. Ginger tea also helps. 

A Double-Chocolate gf cake for Passover, does it get any better? Living Without Magazine knows where it’s at. 

If you have serious allergies that can disable you or your child - I highly recommend a medical ID bracelet. Or necklace, or anklet… 

Creative Medical ID has some really wonderful ways to ensure that extra personal protection for you and/or your kids! Food allergies, asthma, and other severe allergies are all good reasons to get one. They even have allergy-free wear and plenty of style choices. Men - don’t pass this over, (I know, the site is pink), because they also have options for you as well.

When you order, as I have for my nut allergies, you also receive a medical card for your wallet. 

So I went out to lunch with my mom today - our choice was Daphne’s Cafe in Boulder (yum). In the past, I’ve been able to eat here with no incident, I stick the meal components I know. So I ordered this combo plate with gyro, falafel, a Greek salad and some rice. 

I’m safe with the falafels here because they don’t have tahini in them. Which is fantastic because I love falafel! Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds - I’m definitely mildly allergic to sesame seeds, but tolerate them on sushi, buns and in general as a lightly sprinkled on garnish. However, there is just something about tahini, this sesame seed concentrate, that really will cause a pretty solid, allergic reaction. 

Anyway, I was surprised to find that midway through the meal I started to sense some discomfort. I knew it wasn’t a nut allergy, but my lips got a little sore and my left ear got clogged. We couldn’t figure out what it was, and I wasn’t really worried about it because my symptoms were recognizable and not that of a nut allergy, sesame seeds never entered my mind because  I was used to “knowing” that no sesame seeds were involved with my meal. This was more like a, “raw egg yolk-ripe avocado-melon” food allergy in my mind (none of those ingredients were involved here, just an example). Later I looked up some ingredients and found that tahini sauce was over the falafel with the particular combo I ordered, which I assumed was tzatziki sauce included with the meal. This was totally my fault! Just because the menu didn’t cite that tzatziki was used in the combo I ordered, doesn’t mean I can assume anything about the safety of my meal - I needed to ask about the presence of my allergens before I ordered, even if I thought it was an easy answer. Sometimes I underestimate my, (lesser than nut), food allergies - especially if I haven’t had one in a while or I tolerate the food in question in smaller/controlled quantities.

My esophagus and eustachian tubes got a “puffy” feeling, and I showed a little eczema on my face and some swollen bits on my lips. In general it felt like I had a big lump in my throat for a few hours. I took a benadryl which helped, but 3 hours later I can still sense the swelling as it goes down. 

For tahini-allergy sufferers everywhere, hummus is always off the menu for us as well. At least for me. Luckily its really easy to make and just as delicious without the tahini!

Tahini-Free Hummus Recipe:

The Delicious Life

pet allergy: 

Pet allergies can be some of the most frustrating allergies to deal with. Whether its cats, dogs, horses, birds or rabbits - many find that these beloved critters can pack quite a punch to the system. 

So who gets them? Anyone can. As with any allergy, you can develop a sensitivity at any point in life. People who have other allergies/sensitivities are more prone to pet allergies.  Even if its to a pet you’ve had for a long time. For example, Its not entirely unusual for college students to return home after having moved out - only to find their family pet is suddenly causing itchy eyes and sneezing upon contact. I myself grew up with birds. I was never allergic to our peach-faced love bird until I moved out for college and discovered that he triggered new eczema flare ups and itchy eyes whenever I visit! My symptoms to our bird are thankfully not severe.

Also, its absolutely possible to be allergic to some animals and not others of the same species. For example, if you have dog allergies, (like me!), you can be allergic to one person’s dog and not another. This is all subjective - symptoms can vary and the environment plays a part too. 

Dealing with allergies to your pets doesn’t have to be all bad…(depending on the severity of you symptoms of course). Some things to keep in mind when you consider your furry little friend:

The cause?

A protein present on the dander, hair, saliva and urine of animals. This protein is theallergen. 

This protein is sticky - and it will stick to furniture, clothing, upholstery and more. Just vacuuming doesn’t clear out the allergens, and without aggressive cleaning, it can and will remain present for months. 

What can you do?

I found this great site: AchooAllergy, that lists more information about pet allergies and what you can do to try and keep them in control. Of course, its always best to talk to your doctor first. 

I personally always make sure I wash my face and hands after handling our bird. Since he is little, he doesn’t really have a presence all over the house and the furniture. I also have to make sure that I don’t handle him, right after he’s eaten seed- since I’m allergic to seeds! But I love him unconditionally, and a little bit of eczema on my face is totally worth it.

AAFA.org

Humane Society

those of us with nut allergies all have experienced the fear associated with traveling and nuts on board. what a lot of people don’t, or refuse to understand- is that trace amounts of nuts can cause a serious reaction! its great to discover that this issue is getting recognition and seeing some action. read about the new Air Canada policy regarding “nut-free” zones on planes here

i need to remember to get a new EpiPen this week - its amazing how quickly a year passes! check the date on yours today, and makes sure the fluid is clear and not yellowing.

more about the epi: http://www.epipen.com/