dairy allergy

10 October 2015

chicopee purple cloth towel lactose intolerance dairy allergy coffee cafe
Whilst dairy allergy and lactose intolerance are caused by two different elements within cow’s milk, those of you who experience either condition probably have a common goal, the desire to avoid cross contamination. 

7 July 2015

Sugarpuffish Free From Blogger Visiting The Allergy & Free From Show, London 2015
I guess this is Part two to my weekend, with the Free From Skincare Awards winners announcement being the first installment. Every year the Allergy & Free From Show is top of my agenda. I pretty much empty out my bank account and hit up my favourite brands for show bargains and hopefully discover a few new ones along the way. 

Lets start with old favourites. I stocked up on Pudology's dairy free puds and coconut yoghurt, Nakd Bakewell Tart bars and Ms Cupcakes. Said hello to Cocoa Libre, Amy's Kitchen, Fry's Food, Everything But The Cow, Rebel Kitchen, Smooze, Violife and I caught up with skincare brands Bloom Remedies, Bathing Beauty, Mount Purious, Nom Nom, Saaf, Soothe-Me, Greenfrog, Speiza, Bria and Itha.

I did discover some new to me free from foods which is always exciting and what I enjoy most from the show. I finally managed to get my hands on the legendary Vegan Marshmallows & Round Ups (Wagon Wheels) from Ananda. I enjoyed sampling chocolate Nana Nice Cream, a dairy free frozen desert made from banana, avocados and dates (plus a few other healthy ingredients). Sensitive Souls has an impressive free from list (gluten, nut, dairy, egg, wheat, soya, sulphite & vegan) and when someone can sell me a tasty egg free brownie and vegan rocky road they have a customer for life. I also stocked up on Moral Fibre snack pots which are gluten and dairy free and more importantly delicious. A thank you to Marie of Bloom Remedies for recommending I sample Dee's Wholefoods Vegan sausages, yummy, I need to locate a stockist for those. Coconut chips seem to be the new trend in snacking and I am loving the ones from Inspiral and Coconut Merchant.

Now I am always positive about the show but I do feel there are areas which could be improved upon. Even though you can fill your belly on free samples it is nice to sit down and have a sandwich or meal. Sadly, the cafes at the venue seem to lack the ability to provide a decent feed which is ironic given that this is the Allergy Show. In the end Vegan Sweet Tooth London came to my rescue with a big slice of pizza bread. Browsing through the show booklet I now see "Free From Cafe" on the map.....um! Why did I not know this? Why is that not promoted better? Could it have made a difference in my experience? I shall know for next year.

I guess the other disappoint is seeing brands, which in my opinion are "greenwashed", sneak into the Love Natural Love Organic show. I guess organisers are looking to sell stands so they probably are not as fussy as I am. I do find it frustrating to see Arbonne and Forever Living alongside amazing natural brands that enter the Free From Skincare Awards.

The show is also a great opportunity to catch up with people I've come to know on Twitter or through my blog. I spent my day with Jen (Jen's Green Skincare), Rachael (Myroo) and Hephzibah (Good For Me, Good For You). Thank you to everyone who said hello to me. A big shout out to the amazing Hailey of Allergy Adventures who gives the best free from hugs and high five for her amazing work helping children understand allergies. 

Did you attend the show this year? Did you have fun and find some new brands?

Sarah x

26 June 2015

Living Nature Sensitive Skin Range Milk Allergy Lactose Intolerance
We all know as a Blogger I received Press Releases and offers of samples. I was intrigued to hear that Living Nature has launched a Sensitive Skin Range which includes a cleanser, toner and day & night moisturisers. However, I ended up declining samples so let me explain why I am hesitant about this range.

Firstly, I don't like the marketing message "Containing only the purest, certified natural ingredients and free of fragrance and allergens, this new face care range deeply hydrates, nourishes, protects, soothes and calms sensitive skin." 

Any skincare brand that claims to be "allergen free" is going to make me raise an eyebrow as surely any ingredient has the possibility to cause an allergic reaction in at least one person. However, on closer inspection I noticed these products contain Lactoperoxidase and this ingredient is an enzyme prepared from whey protein concentrate, derived from cows milk. When I declined samples based on the fact I have a milk allergy, I received an email in which Living Nature explains how this ingredient should not affect lactose intolerant customers. Let me state that I am always beyond frustrated that people are evidently confused between lactose intolerance and milk allergy. But moving on from this, below is an extract from the email I received.

Information provided to Living Nature by the suppliers of Lactoperoxidase Ingredient
  • The milk ingredient that causes most of the allergies is a component called casein and not whey or its extracts.
  • For this reason most individuals who are intolerant to whole lactose, will not suffer any intolerance to the whey derived enzymes, especially when applied topically.
  • In their studies, no adverse reactions have been reported following topical administration of the whey proteins, despite some minor gastrointestinal disturbances that were noted when the enzymes were consumed – but only from individuals who had a very high intolerance to lactose.
  • They quoted the reference study: Marshall, K., Therapeutic Application of Whey Protein. Alternative Medicine Review, Vol 9, No.2: 136-156, 2004.

I have previously given my opinions about food allergens in skincare - Debunking Skincare Myths - Does our skin absorb 60% of skincare? and Food Allergens in Skin Care. I'm not a scientist but when you have skin prick tests and see the reaction caused, in my case to milk, you do start to wonder about your skincare. It may be a minimal risk but it's one I chose not to take.

Of course I am pleased to see another sensitive skincare range on the market and Living Nature is a trusted New Zealand brand. Most of their customer base will not worry about Lactoperoxidase but I wanted to make my readers aware. I also have a large Vegan following and this ingredient will not be suitable for them.

For all my other readers, if you are interested in Living Nature’s new Sensitive Skin Range it is available from online retailers including Naturisimo

Sarah x

21 February 2015

skin prick tests for allergies

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

I thought I would share an update on my medical appointments as I have been back to see my Allergy Consultant. We chatted through the outcome of my visit to the Dermatologist and then discussed a rather unfortunate incident I experienced with M&S chocolates at Christmas. I took a risk on a product labelled along the lines of "not suitable for milk allergy because of manufacturing methods". I am in no hurry to repeat that any time soon. I was given another skin prick test for milk and egg. The results were a mild reaction to milk but nothing for egg. For point of reference there are two categories of allergy - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated and non-IgE-mediated. IgE mediated is the one associated with anaphylaxis and a skin prick test is likely to be positive whereas with non-IgE anaphylaxis is not a response but symptoms may include vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Skin prick or blood tests are negative.

Where do we go from here? Well I've been asked to food challenge at home for milk and go to the hospital for an egg challenge. I walked away from my appointment with a mix of emotions as food challenges kind of terrify me. I know my own body and even if a skin prick test is negative I cannot ignore my symptoms. I may never have had anaphylaxis but there is no denying my stomachs and skin reactions. I guess you might say I have developed anxiety towards some foods. I can smell an orange a mile off and the thought of being near one brings me out in a cold sweat because I have a childhood memory of drinking juice and gasping for air.

There is another hurdle to overcome I have spent 28 years on a free from diet and in that time I stopped eating meat and became aware of animal cruelty issues. After much contemplation I realised I have no real desire to incorporate animal milks and eggs back into my diet. I have strong opinions about techniques involved in modern farming. The problem with a food challenge is by "passing" the initial test (not having a reaction) you are expected to keep that ingredient in your diet. I believe the theory is that if you stop eating it you may develop a reaction again over time.

I have decided not to food challenge for the time being. The truth is I am perfectly happy living life with a diet that leans towards Vegan. It is not an easy diet to manage outside of the home as I can feel a little alienated by restaurants but things are slowly improving. My experience with chocolates at Christmas, my skin prick test and my viewpoints on animal cruelty put me off entertaining the thought of challenges.

For the time being I am finished with hospital appointments. It has been a worthwhile experience pursuing a long overdue follow up. I think from this point the rest is up to me, there is little more that the Doctors can do. The test results for milk have been interesting given the consultant was initially dismissive that I still have a problem because there is an expectation that children grow out of some allergies (it does happen). I am happy that my free from lifestyle is still the correct way to manage sensitivities. I am still challenging my OAS and I am now enjoying a few more fruits but I am still a long way off eating an orange.

In my other appointments I was diagnosed with OAS and Methylisothiazolinone allergy, to read about them simply follow the links.

Sarah x

14 November 2011

My Allergies and Eczema Triggers
I thought it might be of interest to my readers to share a list of my allergens, intolerances and eczema triggers.  Some of these are medically diagnosed using skin tests at hospital but others are self diagnosed.  My symptoms are varied - eczema, rash/hives, itchy throat, sinus problems (blocked nose & glue ear) vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, stomach pains, mild asthma, swollen joints.  I may suffer just one of these or a combination.  

Foods
Milk, Eggs, OAS to fruits (orange, strawberry, melon, kiwi, pineapple)

Medicines
Penicillin, Ibuprofen

General Living
Wool, Cats, Dogs, Feathers, Dust, Pollen (grass & birch tree), Laundry Detergents, Air Fresheners, Perfume, Washing Up liquid, Soaps, Bubble baths, Lanolin, sun creams, shaving gels - there are many personal care brands that I can't touch - Fairy Washing Up Liquid, Comfort, Lenor, Johnson & Johnson, Nivea, Dove, Balsam Tissues, Radox, Simple, Imperial Leather. I have hayfever and also can't let my skin come in contact with freshly cut grass as it brings me out in hives. If I peel a vegetable without wearing rubber gloves my hands flare up with a rash and I experience this with potatoes.

Difference between Allergy & Intolerance
As far as I understand the difference is an allergy is connected to how your immune system responds to a substance where as an intolerance is to do with digestion.  It is complex hence why the two are often confused.  Follow this link if you would like to learn more www.allergyuk.org

Handy Tips to reduce Allergens
  • When dusting use a damp cloth that way dust does not fly around the room making you sneeze. 
  • Invest in a good vacuum cleaner there are ones with specialist filters to reduce allergens. 
  • If you have eczema on your body wash your hair over the bath or sink so that the shampoo does not wash over your skin. Your body wash may not cause you irritations but a shampoo/conditioner could be the cause. 
  • When bathing try to keep the water temperature moderate otherwise if it is too hot it does you no favours and dries out your skin. 
  • Always use rubber gloves or disposable gloves (latex free) when washing up or cleaning your home. 
  • Regularly vacuum the mattress. You can also buy special allergy covers for pillows and mattress. 
  • Make sure you remove mould from bathrooms or curtains or anywhere else in your home.
Sarah x

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