Intolerance(s)
About 15 years ago a trapped thought resulted in 13 years chasing an answer. The question “why is food making me ill?” began with researching food allergies and intolerances. It led to using myself as a guinea pig, just so that I could eliminate causes based on symptoms and progression. I needed a lot more information but the only way I could get it was making myself react countless times over years (as well as research). However each time I did an exposure test I had more information to consider. I eliminated all possible options until one remained. The only thing I couldn’t understand was why where some people are affected and not others.
Long story short I narrowed it down to traces of mould proteins potentially remaining in manufactured citric acid. I have read a lot of posts recently that mention first-hand accounts of autistic people feeling ill, having low energy etc so that’s why I’m mentioning it.
I thought at first it was affecting people that happened to have a genetic sensitivity to mould. However there seemed to be too many people in support groups for it to just be that. Now I am wondering if because we are simply more aware of our bodies because of our mental connection. We might be more susceptible to allergens in general and if so this could be an issue in our community.
The symptoms are (all or some of the following):
• Brain fog, memory problems, trouble focusing, headaches and migraines
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained muscle cramping, aches and pains in the joints, persistent nerve pain, restless leg syndrome and itching
• Numbness and tingling (usually arms legs, feet or hands)
• Eye problems like red eyes, twitching or light sensitivity
• Asthma and sinus problems like cough or shortness of breath
• Tremors and vertigo
• Digestive issues like change in appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, anal leakage (especially when that person is a smoker), stomach gurgling
• Metallic taste in the mouth, geographic tongue, burning lips/mouth/tongue
• Temperature regulation difficulties or night sweats
• Excessive thirst and increased urination
• Pins and needles or numbness in hands/feet or both
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive wind
• Heartburn
• Abscesses, boils
• Other food intolerances (dairy, gluten, eggs, natural citric acid etc)
Link worth reading:
Case study by Professors of surgery at the University of Illinois
Iliana E. Sweis and Bryan C. Cressey
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750018300362
Have you experienced these symptoms? If I get confirmation from anyone reading this post (even just a yes comment), I will comment on the main post with information on how I deal with it personally.
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All the best
Ross
www.mylifeautistic.com
Words – Ross A Fraser
Graphic Design App – @Canva
#mentalhealthadvocate #together #community #actuallyautistic #autismacceptance
P.S.
This is based on my own conclusions, however I made sure to check my findings with doctors and mycologists every step of the way.