Sorry if this question gets posted twice. (Still learning how to use this site.) My question has to do with an unexpected reaction.
Thanks to this site I have been encouraged and have been sticking to a no gluten-soy-oats-dairy-egg diet for the last two months. Recently I have been feeling so smug and in control. Until this afternoon when I ate some fresh corn tortillas (no added wheat). I immediately got very sick....diarrhea, nausea. I hadn't detected any corn reactions in my daily regime. In fact, I have been eating corn tortilla chips nearly every day. Is it possible that a reactive food will cause problems in one form but not in another? Or should I more reasonably look to find the "hidden" contaminant in other things I ate today? What might typically cause such an immediate reaction when "hidden"? Soy?
Thank you for any leads, help.
Just when I thought my MC was under control....
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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virginianaughton
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Yes
it is definately possible for a reaction to involve multiple symptoms
a reaction can be;
-itchy tongue, throat as soon as you start eating the food item
-heart burn
-nausea / fatigue
-gas / gut discomfort
-diarrhea / constipation
- change in BM colour/smell/consistency
check the pack for ingredients of the tortilla's to see if there is a different ingredient (or ingredients) when compared to the tortilla chips
did you eat anything different today?
as to what ingredient would cause immediate reaction - it could be anything from soy, one of the flours used in the tortilla, or yeast
everyone is different... for me i have worse reactions to soy than gluten. where others have immediate reaction to dairy...
Another thought - if the ingredients of the tortilla is AOK, is serving size of corn - did you have more corn in the period before having to the tortilla compared to other days?
one thing that does happen in the healing journey... once we have removed major triggers like Gluten, Dairy, Soy, other ingredients can tend to become major triggers
Another thought - did you do anything or go anywhere different that day - ie any dust / pollen / mold / pollution / chemicals / did you get your hair dyed? clean the shower? change sheets on the bed/vacuum? the combo of histamine type irritants can make food reactions worse.
as the day progresses our bodies cope with x amount of various toxins/triggers. A reaction can happen when we go over the limit for that day.
it is definately possible for a reaction to involve multiple symptoms
a reaction can be;
-itchy tongue, throat as soon as you start eating the food item
-heart burn
-nausea / fatigue
-gas / gut discomfort
-diarrhea / constipation
- change in BM colour/smell/consistency
check the pack for ingredients of the tortilla's to see if there is a different ingredient (or ingredients) when compared to the tortilla chips
did you eat anything different today?
as to what ingredient would cause immediate reaction - it could be anything from soy, one of the flours used in the tortilla, or yeast
everyone is different... for me i have worse reactions to soy than gluten. where others have immediate reaction to dairy...
Another thought - if the ingredients of the tortilla is AOK, is serving size of corn - did you have more corn in the period before having to the tortilla compared to other days?
one thing that does happen in the healing journey... once we have removed major triggers like Gluten, Dairy, Soy, other ingredients can tend to become major triggers
Another thought - did you do anything or go anywhere different that day - ie any dust / pollen / mold / pollution / chemicals / did you get your hair dyed? clean the shower? change sheets on the bed/vacuum? the combo of histamine type irritants can make food reactions worse.
as the day progresses our bodies cope with x amount of various toxins/triggers. A reaction can happen when we go over the limit for that day.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Virginia,
Here's another possibility. In many areas of the country where grain elevators regularly handle both corn and wheat, corn can become cross-contaminated with wheat. It's relatively easy to clean wheat out of corn, but if the operator of the cleaning equipment adjusts the equipment improperly, or a chokeup occurs, the cleaning process may be compromised.
It's possible that you may have just been unlucky to get a contaminated batch, but always check the label on corn tortillas to make sure that they are certified as gluten-free, just to be on the safe side.
Tortilla chips are simply corn tortillas sliced into quarters and deep-fried in oil (or baked, in some cases). That suggests that you are not sensitive to corn — you just may have picked up a cross-contaminated batch of tortillas.
Tex
Here's another possibility. In many areas of the country where grain elevators regularly handle both corn and wheat, corn can become cross-contaminated with wheat. It's relatively easy to clean wheat out of corn, but if the operator of the cleaning equipment adjusts the equipment improperly, or a chokeup occurs, the cleaning process may be compromised.
It's possible that you may have just been unlucky to get a contaminated batch, but always check the label on corn tortillas to make sure that they are certified as gluten-free, just to be on the safe side.
Tortilla chips are simply corn tortillas sliced into quarters and deep-fried in oil (or baked, in some cases). That suggests that you are not sensitive to corn — you just may have picked up a cross-contaminated batch of tortillas.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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virginianaughton
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 11:41 am
Thank you Gabes. I hadn't realized that a reaction could be so complicated. You have given me a lot to think about. Considering an x amount of various toxins/triggers for the day is very helpful. I don't know much yet, but it makes sense. Yes, I did have more than the usual corn chips the day before. But the corn tortillas today were nothing more than delicious, fresh corn tortillas. Would I be smart to add corn to The List? Noooo! Just kidding, but also wondering when I might safely try corn products again. I can't imagine ever eating gluten and soy again, but have been tolerating salads, a little egg, dairy without problems. Corn has been a real staple. Have I jinxed myself?
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
I think the processing process of the corn in the tortillas is more likely to be the issue - rather than corn
and tolerance of level of x amount of triggers has been a key factor for me - along with how much physical, emotional and mental stress is occurring.
I should have added into this list - hormone changes (if that applies)
On days where there are multiple triggers/toxins and a bit of stress going on, drinking a different water supply can be the thing to 'tip' me over the limit and cause issues. Each day I take my own filtered water with me.
it can all sound 'full on' at first, but once you know your individual limits/triggers, with time and routine things get easier - it flows.
and tolerance of level of x amount of triggers has been a key factor for me - along with how much physical, emotional and mental stress is occurring.
I should have added into this list - hormone changes (if that applies)
On days where there are multiple triggers/toxins and a bit of stress going on, drinking a different water supply can be the thing to 'tip' me over the limit and cause issues. Each day I take my own filtered water with me.
it can all sound 'full on' at first, but once you know your individual limits/triggers, with time and routine things get easier - it flows.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
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virginianaughton
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 11:41 am
Thank you Tex. Very helpful. Nice to know that corn is corn whether fried, baked, or whatever unless cross-contaminated. The reason I asked about different forms of a food reactant is that I seem to tolerate a small amount of dairy products in the form of hard cheese, cream, whole milk kefir, etc. but not low-fat milk. Gluten seems to be in another league. Does gluten sensitivity generally mean even the smallest speck? I used to be a baker and was amazed when I learned that a tablespoon of the stuff could be so dangerous. Then I read that some people can't even lick the glue on envelopes. Is soy the same? I know soy really causes me problems. Does this also mean the smallest speck? It seems to be part of so many ingredients...especially dairy substitutes.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
when I was 'inflammed' and reacting alot, I could not do small amount of soy ie cooking utensils that touched items cooked in vegetable oil, then touching my items caused issues.
can not do any soy in lip balm, or moisturisers on my skin that i use daily.
the only soy I have contact with is makeup i use maybe once a fortnight - soy is the 15th ingredient - I have not been able to find a soy free under make up in Australia
If you have contact with soy on the same day you are having some dairy (which is inflammatory to the gut) and a few external triggers then yes a small amount is a high risk to cause issues.
there is no such thing as 'just a little bit' in MC world. a reaction is a reaction...
can not do any soy in lip balm, or moisturisers on my skin that i use daily.
the only soy I have contact with is makeup i use maybe once a fortnight - soy is the 15th ingredient - I have not been able to find a soy free under make up in Australia
If you have contact with soy on the same day you are having some dairy (which is inflammatory to the gut) and a few external triggers then yes a small amount is a high risk to cause issues.
there is no such thing as 'just a little bit' in MC world. a reaction is a reaction...
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Yes, most of us seem to be at least as sensitive to gluten as the average celiac. A tiny crumb that falls from a slice of wheat bread onto our food is enough to make many of us react. And that level of sensitivity also applies to dairy and soy for many of us. There is a possibility of tolerating the other foods after enough healing takes place though, in many cases.
Earth Balance makes a soy-free, dairy-free margarine. Many of us can also tolerate ghee (clarified butter) if it is made properly.
Tex
Earth Balance makes a soy-free, dairy-free margarine. Many of us can also tolerate ghee (clarified butter) if it is made properly.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Check your corn tortillas for other ingredients. I have noticed that most of the corn tortilla brands are now being made with lots of extra additives, most typically gums like guar gum, carageenan and other types, to make them more pliable. The classic corn tortillas tend to crack and dry out easily, and are not as user friendly. Those additives can cause me serious problems. I live in Arizona and the stores have big selections of tortillas. The last time I looked for plain corn tortillas, I couldn't find any! 
Rosie
Rosie
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time………Thomas Edison
Rosie,
Thanks for pointing that out. I use a couple of brands and when I look at the label on the one I bought last time I see that they have indeed expanded the list of ingredients. The label previously showed guar gum (which I can tolerate, fortunately), but now it shows "gum blend" (so there's no way to know which gums are used), and there are added preservatives. I noticed the previous time I bought this brand that they stayed fresh longer, so that's why I picked them up again this time.
I apparently forgot that there are no free lunches. 
I reckon I'll check the other brand the next time I get to the store.
Tex
Thanks for pointing that out. I use a couple of brands and when I look at the label on the one I bought last time I see that they have indeed expanded the list of ingredients. The label previously showed guar gum (which I can tolerate, fortunately), but now it shows "gum blend" (so there's no way to know which gums are used), and there are added preservatives. I noticed the previous time I bought this brand that they stayed fresh longer, so that's why I picked them up again this time.
I apparently forgot that there are no free lunches. I reckon I'll check the other brand the next time I get to the store.Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.