The exercise-food allergy comments were too cursory. This is a serious allergy. The solution to the problem is not simply to not eat before exercising. Also, the definition of exercise is very vague. Things such as dancing, climbing stairs count as exercise. From: tb
This info was totally useless. It might work for a person who only sits on the couch OR exercises. There is no room for normal activity, much less that of a child who is playing at an exercise level. From: Arizelda
I suffer from this exercise induced allergy. Additional information would be wonderful. I personally know that "certain foods"
alone might not cause an allergic reaction but coupled with exercise that suddenly raises body temperature can be a catalyst for an allergic reaction. Also, once overheated, do not take a hot shower, period! Also, do not sit in a hot tub or jacuzzi to relax after a meal orat the end of a rough day. This may trigger a reaction. Anti-inflamatory medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofin may be a contributor. Exercise alone does not usually trigger the attack, but exercise right after a big meal or activity that causes you to overheat or even stress (red-faced rage) can trigger this. Some information exists about hystines attacking blood serum leaking through the wall of blood vessels due to expansion from internal heat/temperature rise triggers the exercise related reactions. Exercise in moderation, eat in moderation, cooler showers and get your blood pressure checked regularly! Hope this helps! From: Brett
I have suffered from exercise-induced alergic reactions and I have yet to find out exactly what food is causing it. My first two experiences were brought on by walking in hot conditions after eating a light snack. It started with pins and needles, leading onto severe hives all over the body, heavey sweating and then an overwhelming feeling of light headiness. My third experience was encountered in the gym - All-in-all, it is very frightening, considering it has only just started to happen to me after keeping fit for years. From: Stuart
i understand the concern here, as i have suffered from these 'episodes' several times. and most important to not here is that the term 'exercise' can refer to something as simple and non-exertive as walking! my worse episode forced me to be taken by ambulance to the local hospital. was caused by eating bread (wheat) and then walking a mile shortly thereafter. other possible food allergans have also caused the problem once i exercised shortly thereafter. these included peanut butter and spaghetti (again wheat). so be careful what you eat! From:larryk
I can get this from walking to sitting outside on a chilly or warm day. I need advice other than Benedryl and other antihistamines. I need a preventative medicine. From: Anon.
This article didn't say anything that I didn't already know. I do know that certain foods, such as spaghetti and pizza (wheat) do trigger episodes but not always. Excercise is a trigger, although I have had episodes just sitting, I guess my body temp was higher than I thought. I've kind of learned to work around it, no walking or heat extremes after eating, avoiding Italian food, but it has become a nuisance. I can tell I am breaking out by itching beginning in either my armpits, waist or neck. Then the hives break out followed by light headedness and swelling (in bad instances). The one upside is that I don't seem to be the only one suffering from this. From: RonS
I agree that this article was too quick to present a "simple solution". I have suffered from exercise-induced allergy recently and KNOW how terrible it can be. I also know that I don't typically eat before exercising, so this simple solution isn't quite good enough. I have read several other articles about it and have found there's a strong relationship between certain foods, usually: aspirin, celery, peaches, oranges, pineapple, bananas, and shellfish and having a reaction. But the "don't eat for a couple hours before you exercise" suggestion doesn't work. I had shrimp one night for dinner and worked out the NEXT day, and had one of the most terrible reactions ever! A doctor suggested taking 25 to 50 mg of Benadryl before I work out to prevent the reactions. This worked great, but as soon as I relaxed, I'd fall asleep. From: Tracie
I have had food related alergic reactions for years but have been able to control it with claritin. I just started a new work out, lifting weights after a year layoff. I know have the worst alergic reaction ever. I am covered from the chest down in red blotches that are hot and itchy. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. From: Scared
I have this exercise induced allergy as well. I have always been active in sports my whole life with no problem until i turned around 16/17. All of a sudden while working out i felt the back of my head and neck begin to feel hot and prickly and all of a sudden im covered in hives. I am now 21 and have had these episodes from time to time but have learned how to avoid them. For me it only occurs after eating certain foods. I used to believe it was wheat because i cannot eat bread or anything similar and then go work out. I can eat bread just fine if i dont exercise or raise my body temp afterwards. However i recently began doing my own little tests and found out its not wheat. I can eat whole wheat products such as triscuit crackers or organic whole wheat bread, work out and not break out in hives. Im almost 100% sure its some kind of chemical/preservative that is causing the reactions. I have seen an allergist who was no help. This sh_t also kept me out of the marines which sucked. For anyone else who believes their allergy is wheat try eating triscuit crackers and working out. They have no chemicals or preservatives, if you dont break out then you can cross wheat off your list. From: DC
I have "FIEIA" caused by wheat related foods. I have found many contributors and some effective helps - that can stave off my use of my epi-pen. First - I try not to exerscise after ingesting any wheat products for a minimum of 4 hours. Secondly - I feel acidic foods can exacerbate a reaction - like tomato sauce on pizza, lemonade, etc. I have found certain antacid products can "save" and neutralize a severe reaction if taken immediately - if a reaction is beginning. These antacids are better that even taking liquid benedryl when a reaction / hives become apparent - in my experience. I have nearly died from reactions that have come on in my mid fourties and now that I am in my mid-fifties - it has affected me psychologically - so I avoid breads, wheat, acidic and "hots" IE hot peppers with a passion - if I am planning on golf, tennis hiking etc. If I have eaten any of the above - I will not exerscise at all. I plan all exerscise in relation to food. Breakfast is very difficult - finding foods without wheat. It is workable if you are planful... I carry antacid pills, benedryl, an epi-pen in my car at all times and on my person on a long hike. From: Chuck Pretti
I also have EIA. I have been taken to A&E 3 times with severe reactions. The first while playing netball, which I had been doing for many months previously with no problem. The 2nd at my brother in laws wedding while dancing and the 3rd (and the worse)just strolling with the dog.I had severe hives within minutes i was covered fron head to toe, then my whole face and mouth swelled up then as the amulance arrived i lost consciousness. After this episode my Gp finally gave me an epipen. I find no one in the medical world seems to know much about it. From experience mine has been due to eating bread, pizza or sausage roll type food, also i have been on my period during all 3 episodes. I really am in a state over this as it affects everything i do in life. I have to plan what i eat around what kind of day i am going to have. And dont know exactly if it is the food above which causes it. Also i have high blood pressure and my cardiologist advised the tablets to treat Bp can make the allergy worse, so my BP is left untreated. From: Sam (41) confused
: I found the article to be only minimally accurate. I've learned and had more confirmed for me by reading others comments. My EIA does appear to be food related. I started an intense exercise program 3-4 times/wk in January and the hives would happen before I could get home. Most of the time one or two 25mg Benadryls would calm the situation over several hours, but four times even though I took benadryl and the exercise had occurred the day before, my face, and throat swoll up so fast the benadryl got stuck in my throat and I ended up in the ER. I knew enough to ask for an Epi pen, but did not get one until I was able to see an allergist. I found out that I was eating just before exercising or just after pretty much everything that I'm allergic to. So now, if I don't eat wheat, dairy, soy, spinach, apples or nuts, I can exercise and not have the IEA symptoms (with just one benadryl before and one just in case at bedtime.) I knew about the nuts and suspected the soy, but its very difficult trying to avoid these foods when they are in almost everything. But not exercising is not an option at this point so I'm eating a lot of rice. Most fast or processed food is out, but on the bright side- I'm losing weight and feel good.
From: Okiebaby
Facing Up to Food Allergies: One Familys Story
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One family's story - brief but interesting.
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Your comments
Facts about Food Allergies
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We've all heard scary stories about children who have life-threatening allergies to peanuts. Thankfully, not all food allergies are that serious. But experts say they are on the rise, which is why it's crucial for all parents -- especially those with babies -- to educate themselves now.
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FDA Warns Asthmatics, Other Sulfite-Sensitive Consumers On Tuna
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FDA warns sulfite-sensitive asthmatics and other
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Food Addiction, Food Allergy and being Overweight
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Have you ever eaten something and felt hungrier than before? Do you have urges for a particular food and find it hard to satisfy your craving unless you eat that particular food?
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Food you can eat.
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I would like very much to learn more about using calcium, magnesium and potassium to control the symptoms of food allergies. I have interstitial cystitis and the allergies affect my urinary tract. From: Sharon
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Your comments
Food Additives, Part I
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Here's your lunch...would you like some MSG with that? Get the facts about what's in your food.
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Food Allergies
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What is a food allergy?
What are the most common food allergens?
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How is a food allergy diagnosed?
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Your comments
Food Allergies
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What is a food allergy
Energency treatment for food allergies
Conventional Treatment
Dietary Guidelines
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General Recommendations
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HealthWorld Online USA
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Food Allergies
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Food Allergy?
Which Foods Most Often Cause Allergic Reactions
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