I’ve always considered myself fortunate—though I only realized this recently—because I could eat nearly anything without experiencing so much as a hint of discomfort. Sure, if I indulged in a mountain of chocolate after 7:00 p.m., I’d have some bizarre dreams, but that was a trade-off I could handle. After all, a rich chocolate lava cake was worth a few strange moments, even if I felt like I was chewing on dried leaves afterward.
However, my carefree eating came to an abrupt halt when I found out I developed an allergy to eggs. One week, I enjoyed eggs three times without any issues. The following week, I ordered my usual three-egg omelette with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and veggie sausage from our favorite breakfast spot with my partner. Within forty-five minutes of eating, I went from feeling slightly off to struggling to swallow, with blurriness in my vision and excruciating pain that made it hard to stand.
The experience escalated quickly, and let’s just say, I learned that throwing up could be a profoundly intense experience. I hadn’t realized how sore I could feel for a week afterward. Initially, I dismissed it as food poisoning, but after a week, I tried an egg sandwich, only to find myself in the same predicament. Afterward, I felt fine—except for the lingering pain as if I had nearly cracked a rib.
A week later, I baked some cookies, and although I suspected eggs were the culprit, I thought, “Just one cookie won’t hurt.” Oh, how wrong I was! The aftermath was painful and ongoing. Now, I can’t just grab any baked goods or ice cream at the store; I must scrutinize every ingredient. Gone are the carefree breakfast outings with my partner. Unless I want to nibble on soggy veggies, I have to pass.
With the pandemic adding more stress, saying goodbye to comforting meals like french toast and pancakes has been tough. I was definitely in denial at first—how could I suddenly develop a food allergy at 45 after a lifetime of eating without problems? But the reality is, food allergies can emerge later in life, much like those fine lines and occasional aches.
According to Harvard Health, about 4% of adults have food allergies, and studies have shown that nearly half of the adults with food allergies developed them in adulthood. Unfortunately, once you develop an allergy in adulthood, it often sticks around. Your body can react unpredictably too: you may have mild symptoms one time and face anaphylaxis the next.
So, what causes these allergies to appear later in life? Carolina Hormone and Health suggests that for women, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can exacerbate allergy symptoms. As your estrogen levels fluctuate, so does the histamine production in your body, which triggers allergic reactions.
Even if you don’t develop allergies, you might still face intolerances as you age. It’s frustrating, and nobody wants to lose more favorite foods just because they’re hitting their middle years. However, being mindful of what you consume and how it affects you is essential. If you’re experiencing severe reactions, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
I’m living proof that you can enjoy something for years and suddenly find yourself reacting violently to it. While giving up certain foods is a hassle, it’s crucial for your wellbeing. The sooner you identify the problem foods, the sooner you can find alternatives. But boy, I will truly miss those eggs.
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Summary:
Adult-onset food allergies can emerge unexpectedly, as I learned firsthand after developing an allergy to eggs in my mid-40s. Despite a lifetime of enjoying various foods without issues, I suddenly found myself in severe distress after eating eggs. This experience made me realize that food allergies can develop later in life, often linked to hormonal changes, particularly in women. It’s essential to stay vigilant about what you eat and seek medical advice if you experience severe reactions.
Keyphrase: Adult-onset food allergies
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