Diet.
No, I’m not on one.
About 4-5 years ago my battle with my allergies started. Every year they get worse. This year, I’m on 4 different medications to manage them and my asthma. In fact, they were the reason why I started Plexus in the first place. Unfortunately at this point I am still battling with them. I’ve seen some difference (don’t need allergy pill EVERY day, don’t need daily inhaler 2x a day EVERY day) but wanted to see if there might be a way to jump start a faster recovery, if possible). I still love Plexus products, and I’m going to continue to be an ambassador. I no longer fight sugar cravings or crashes and really like the athletic benefit especially when I’m working out 2 times a day training for the Olympic Distance Triathlon. I don’t know why, but I just feel like this is the path I’m supposed to be taking, and I’ve seen so many others share their benefits that I’m still going to share. The almost 6 pack abs help too.
Still, I added another avenue. Bryan works with a teacher whose wife is an herbalist, so I went to see her to see if she had any additional suggestions. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t entirely surprised to hear that she suggested a gluten and wheat free diet. Oh, and dairy free.
Wheat and dairy are staples of my diet. I’m definitely more an eater of convenience. I don’t like to cook, and I’m often home just in time for dinner so I like things quick, which means a lot of carbs. It turns out, to my dismay, that wheat can cause allergies, and dairy increases the production of mucous. And actually, I’ve started to notice, for example, that if I eat cereal for dinner or lots of carbs that day, I’m bloated (not as much as before, but still some) by the end of the day.
Great.
This kind of change is a whole new ballgame for me, and I feel like I’m going in totally unprepared. I don’t think I’m going to be able to do this all at once, so I’m going for the larger items first: almond milk, rye or ezekiel bread, rice crackers (because I love crackers), hummus instead of ranch dressing, more veggies, etc. I don’t know if it’ll help, but its worth a shot. I don’t honestly know if I’m going to be able to go FREE, but I can at least greatly reduce. (I mean, chick fil a, and cereal)
Any suggestions are welcomed. (HELP)
Journey To the Finish Line 
August 6, 2015 at 10:01 am
First off, I’m not on any sort of diet. I like to say I’m on a try-it. Meaning I see food, I wanna try it ;). I also haven’t had allergies. But I digress.
I don’t think it’s bad to TRY some dietary changes to help the allergies, give it some time and see if it helps. If it doesn’t help, at least then you know ;). A lot of foods are naturally gluten or dairy free because they are things like fruits and veggies or seafood or meat. Then, you have processed foods like Fruity Pebbles that exclaim “GLUTEN FREE” on the box but we all know those aren’t really good for us (but boy do they nourish your soul when you just want to feel like a kid 😉 ). Those products are using it as marketing.
Ezekial bread, while not gluten-free, is really good. I think you’d like it- it is less processed than other breads and has a higher fiber and protein count. I feel like it’s a healthier bread and it’s what I prefer to eat- it seems to keep me full longer than regular bread. I use almond milk in smoothies but I don’t drink it because it doesn’t really have a taste to me. Hummus is super delicious too- probably one of my favorite snacks (esp. with carrots/veggies).
August 7, 2015 at 7:27 am
Truthfully I’ll probably pick up a box of those fruity pebbles because, like you said, sometimes the soul needs it. I think the idea though is to greatly reduce wheat/dairy and allow a treat sometimes. Even the herbalist has cookies in her house – they just don’t eat them often.
August 7, 2015 at 9:13 am
They aren’t gluten free, but if you want a GOOD dairy-free cookie, the Vegan Everything cookie at Earth Fare is the best. Clay loves the cookie and he’s a big meat eater.
August 7, 2015 at 10:23 am
I’m actually looking forward to the earth fare they are building in Summerville! Thanks for the suggestion.
August 6, 2015 at 2:12 pm
How timely as I’m trying to do the same. Actually, I tried, failed big time, and now trying again. Today is day 1 of 30. We can do it together 🙂
I’ve been told that wheat and dairy are likely contributing to my chronic allergy/sinus problems.
August 7, 2015 at 7:25 am
Interesting. Too bad what tastes so good :/. Glad to know I have a buddy! That helps!
August 6, 2015 at 4:37 pm
No help here as I also love dairy and wheat, but I keep hearing benefits about dropping those food groups so I’ll be interested to hear your experience. Good luck!
August 7, 2015 at 7:24 am
The free part I have trouble with. I’m shooting (at least at first) for “greatly reduced”. Though even the herbalist says everything in moderation – so at least I can still allow myself cake on my birthday 🙂
August 6, 2015 at 8:47 pm
I have been gluten free for a good five years now and also almost- dairy free (and sugar free too). You can do this – diet changes really do help. I’ve been meaning to write a post on this, but going gluten, sugar and dairy free has completely changed my health. I can offer you tons of tips when youre ready!
August 7, 2015 at 7:23 am
Tip away! My goal to start is to substitute the big items like I listed, and I also think this means I’ll have to cook more, so please throw easy recipes my way! Looking forward to your blog post!
August 7, 2015 at 6:58 am
SB has a strong skin reaction to dairy touching her, though she fortunately seems to be okay eating it. Nevertheless it was suggested that I leave out dairy for a month to see if her skin improves… I gave in after 24h 😮 However, now that she’s mostly eating what we eat I do try to strongly limit it. Still looking for good replacements in many cases… so I’d love to hear any recipes or tricks that work for you!
August 7, 2015 at 7:22 am
My experience is limited at this point other than what I’ve heard – coconut milk, dairy free yogurt, goat cheese (I think). Trying them will be interesting 🙂
August 8, 2015 at 11:55 am
Check out the blog nom nom paleo, she has a ton of quick, wheat free recipies that are just YUM. Also, I’m addicted to Rice Thins crackers, gluten free and delish! I’m not gluten or dairy free, just a lover of yummy food.
August 8, 2015 at 12:44 pm
cool will look into that thanks!
August 9, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Yes those Nut Thins crackers are pretty delish.
August 9, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Tomorrow is go day. This weekend I’ve started the dairy cut. Tomorrow is the wheat/gluten.