Lentils, Almonds --oh my!

[sraplayas]

DS had the IGg panel run two months ago. We have been free of the following for two months: lentils, green peas, almonds, wheat, corn, & hazelnuts.

However, DS's symptoms really haven't improved (excema, diaper rash, open sores on scrotum, acidic urine, etc.).

I am still finding things that we use that have corn in them--that seems to be the sneakiest one. (i.e. I've been hit-and-miss with sea salt (eating out). I know iodized salt contains corn.) But I am wondering what I am missing!

Since we are still nursing, I am on DS's diet. I am wondering, should I go through all of my cosmetics and lotions, etc. and analyze them for the allergens?

The interesting thing is that lentils were the biggest reactor. (The foods are in order of reaction.) Corn and wheat are pretty well covered in terms of awareness and information online. Does anyone know if there are some good lists out there for: lentils, green peas, almonds and hazelnuts? I.e.: "these foods (can) contain X"

Are lentils and grains often mixed? Can their "dust" carry the allergen?

My heart breaks when I open DS's diaper and see bleeding, open sores on his scrotum. I know there are moms out there who understand!

Thanks!
sraplayas

[mamafish9]

If you haven't seen any improvement, I'd guess you're still missing at least one food that you eat often. Are you off only wheat, or all gluten?

The next things I'd pull are dairy and soy (other two top intolerances), all treenuts and peanuts (because there is so often cross contamination, and because he may well react to more than he tested positive to) do a week off those and see if things are getting any better. If you don't see improvement in a week, you're still missing something (it takes longer than a week for dairy and gluten to totally clear your system, but you should see improvements).

Have you looked at all your supps really closely? If you post a link to what you're taking, we can help you identify possible problems.

[rhesp1212]

As far as lentils go....chickpeas are in the lentil family and are considered a lentil in some countries. So, if you're eating anything like hummus or chickpeas I would take that out for sure. Also, I agree with PP, I would eliminate all tree nuts since your little one is already reacting to 2 of them for sure.

Are you using any of the Bob's Red mill grains?? If so, they are ALWAYS cross contaminated with tree nuts! Pull those out too and see if you notice a difference.

Corn is sneaky and is in just about everything prepackaged that you buy in the store. I carry a little baggie of sea salt with me to restraunts. Restraunts are also notorious for dousing things in butter for flavor. So, if you're eliminating dairy, watch out for that.

[sraplayas]

Oh, good to know about Bob's Red Mill products. We are using BRM GF Oats on occasion. Also we are using a TJ's brand Oat Bran (DH makes for DS every AM) that is supposed to be GF (I should know better!--a TJ employee told DH it was but it doesn't say GF anywhere on the packaging). Also, I need to remember that GF doesn't mean tree-nut free!

What other products are often contaminated with tree nuts (or lentils/peas)?

I am avoiding garbanzo beans too since they are so close to lentils.

As far as supplements, I'll post them in a bit. I know that a few capsulized ones I take may contain corn....

Thanks for the help!