Food & Drink Intolerances & Allergies

​College Days, Beer Days
It’s mostly coffee for drinks, for me, these days.
But a long time ago, beer caused me a lot of of distress.
When I was going to THE Ohio State University, I loved my share of suds.  I admit, I drank too much, too often.  
In my late 20s, I would develop an allergy to it.  
This was so weird. It was the first “food” with which I’d ever had an intolerance. The physical symptoms would unfold exactly the same & right on schedule, every single time.
In fact, I could set my watch to it:
1st beer=My ears would get hot—hot to the touch even & turn visibly, bright red
2nd beer=Loud, stomach gurgling & churning
3rd beer=Well, I’ll spare you the details but let’s just say I’d need a bathroom ‘toot’ sweet & the night would be over—for me, anyway!
God said “No more”
I never found exactly what ingredient in beer caused my issues. But eventually, I gave up trying to drink something that made me sick. Duh!!  My body was saying “no more!”  I’m a believer and know that God was also guiding my steps.
I would switch to wine---drinking it only once or twice a week. Today, I might have a glass of wine or a margarita once in a while.
I remember, I had a doctor who once told me something that made so much sense, it’s the reason I drink less today: “Alcohol is poison”, he said. “Why do you think they set it on fire in restaurants in fancy drinks and desserts?” That has stuck with me all these years later.  So, I know I’m better off “eating” my calories rather than “drinking” them.
Good Foods, Bad Reactions
These days, it’s food that has me checking my body and waiting for stomach discombobulation.
Typically, my ears aren’t affected but I do get the old familiar stomach issues and occasionally get hives on my neck, stomach, back and my arms and hands.
Through the process of elimination, I’m working to find the exact culprit.
But here’s something annoying: I eat clean—really, I do! Most of my diet consists of whole foods—honest-to-goodness, God-given & grown veggies & fruits from the earth.
See!? Frustrating!

---

​Seeking Solutions
I’ve got a few ideas of what might be causing this round of allergic reactions, dairy, protein powders, chia seeds, bananas and/or something else.
I’m working now to find the exact cause or causes.
In the meantime, I’m seeking the help of a doctor.  I’m heading to a gastroenterologist this week to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
I will keep you posted.
Do you have food intolerances? What are your tell-tale signs & symptoms? I’ve never heard of anyone else’s ears turning red. Has that happened to you, too?
Blogging note
I hope you like my blog. I’m a former TV news anchor who now stays at home to write. Getting things down on paper is my life’s work and passion—it’s something I have to do!
But I need your help. The only way that I can continue to do this, is if YOU like my blog and my topics resonate with you.
So, please don’t hesitate to contact me to continue the discussion, suggest topics or tell me what you’re struggling with. We will find the answers. There is power in working together to overcome issues. Together we can do it!
I write about the following topics: Diet, Fitness, Mental Strength & Health in general as well as the occasional funny observation or a beauty topic—I love taking care of my skin.
So, please respond below. This is where you will find me all the time now. Writing about topics that are important to me and learning the ropes on blogging. Thank you for reading this. It means the world to me.
 

---