I am allergic to salicylates for the last 25 yrs. The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney have an allergy unit. They have a recipe book for Australia called Friendly Food even with a shopping list. It totally explains about allergies and foods and the categories of low to high. It’s not just for salicylates. It can take up to five weeks to get everything out of your system and then start introducing again. They have what they call an elimination diet to start with and then build on that. If you have a look into it, about allergies and intolerances it is quite interesting how it all works. https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/RPA/allergy/resources/foodintol/friendlyfood.html.
Cheers
Cathy Tanzer

 

[Athena E.]

I love this, Cathy! Thank you so much for sending this And wow, 25 years! Has elimination diet made things easier for you over time?

It’s definitely been a challenge keeping track of everything I eat (something I’ve never had to do before!), but I’m learning a lot. So far, I’ve been doing my best to resist all my favourite foods, and it’s not easy!

 

[cathytanzer62]

Elimination diet seems hard, but it’s not really. Hard at first I suppose. I really only have to do it now maybe once a year or two. I eat most stuff now but only introduce a couple of things at a time. I can feel if I have a tip over coming on and I back off everything for a bit. Mine is not like eat a tomato and react. It’s a build up over time and next minute you tip over. Mostly an antihistamine or two settles me down. But once every year or two a trip to ED or take EpiPen and then ED if antihistamines not working. I try to avoid over the top curries or really spicy foods. I’ve had hives the size of saucers, swollen face itchy beyond itchy all over, swollen mouth. Fat lips and eyebrows like Herman Munster lol. Sometimes it even feels like your teeth and hair are itchy. It is manageable now for me. Just take in my stride.

 

[Athena E.]

Oh gosh, you described it perfectly! Antihistamines help a lot, but once I stop taking them, the itching just comes roaring back (even my teeth and the inside of my mouth get itchy). And the hives seem to come out of nowhere, too. I'm working on a plan with my doctor, but the process is such a long one of trial and error. Thank you for sharing your experience! It really helps to know I’m not alone in this.

 

[cathytanzer62]

Your most welcome.