Food Allergies Are Not a Joke

I normally keep my personal business off from here and this is not for sympathy but hopefully to bring understanding concerning food allergies.  It's lengthy but it's from my heart. 

While some think the first picture is funny, to those who have food allergies to some or all those things, it is hurtful (especially if it's been brought to their attention and they choose to delete and ignore in order to gain the laughs).  It is not a diet fad, contrary to what some may think.  It is a food allergy which is causing damage to the body. These foods have to be avoided in order for the body to heal. 

There are some who are connected to me who also have gluten intolerance.  Others may have Celiac (extremely serious condition).  Some of us also have the allergy to dairy and eggs.  

You may think, "just stick with meats, veggies, and fruits." Some can and are.  Some cannot. I just saw a post this morning from a woman who has numerous food allergies and her doctor said she's malnourished yet she is restricted by what she can actually eat.  She is struggling.  

You may think (as i once did), " God made these foods.  How can they be bad?" Yes, God made them but man has genetically modified, changed, coated with chemicals,  and processed this food which has caused allergic reactions in some.  

Some may have a more serious and fatal reaction than others to these allergies, but all are serious medical conditions. 

It was literally causing my body to become deficient in vitamins. My hair was falling out.  I was in constant pain.  I had other symptoms but what caught my attention the most was when my white blood cell count was getting lower.  The doctor said the inflammation it was causing in my body could eventually lead to cancer.  Since I have cut out gluten, all this is improving.  

But it's a struggle and can be stressful.

Eating out:

It is not as easy as it used to be. 

So many Fast food places are not safe. 

Cross-contamination is a very present danger, especially if someone has celiac.  

Even a few bread crumbs from regular bread in a jar of mayo can adversely affect those who have to avoid Gluten. Not an exaggeration but is a reality.

Going to the store: 

We have to read labels carefully.  

If a person has any of the other added food restrictions,  it becomes even more stressful. 

Then, the price to avoid Gluten is ridiculously high. 

(Scroll in and look at those prices) 

That adds a lot of stress to someone who may already have a limited budget. 

Then you buy a product (Example: bread) and it may or may not taste good. It may or may not have huge holes  throughout so your food falls through.   

Again,  this is not posted for sympathy but rather to hopefully bring a little more understanding (and this is just a tip off the iceburg). 

Food allergies are not a joke.