Mold Elimination Diet

This is a list of items that contain mold... anything that sits any amount of time is suspect to mold. This includes frozen prepared foods such as frozen diners, pot pies etc. (Veggies and single frozen items are not included ) There is no proof these items have not sat for over an hour before freezing so they are suspect. Deli meats, any type of packaged lunch meat. I found this surprising too... deli meats are the worse as they sit there for days in the deli case.

The following is the list of things to be avoided if you suspect your allergic to mold.

1. Cheeses of all kinds, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt (including frozen yogurt), and buttermilk.
2. Mushrooms
   
3. Vinegar and vinegar containing foods, such as: Mayonnaise, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, chili sauce, pickles, olives, relishes, Worcestershire sauce and pickled foods.
   
4. Alcoholic liquors, especially beer and wine
5. Any food made with large amounts of yeast, such as: Sourdough breads, pumpernickel, coffee cake, yeast rolls, loaf breads, and doughnuts.
6. Sauerkraut
7. Cider and homemade root beer.
8. Pickled/smoked meats and fish, such as: Smoked salmon, pickled herring, deli foods, sausage, hot dogs, ham, corned beef, or any lunch meats.
9. All dried and dehydrated fruits, such as : Apricots, dates, prunes, figs, and raisins.
10. Eat only freshly opened home canned foods less than one year old.
    
11. Avoid commercially can/jar vegetables, sauces, juices and fruits. You are allowed any frozen or fresh foods.
    
12. No leftovers over 24 hours old.
    

This is just a list of things that contain mold that mold sensitive people should avoid. In no way should it be a replacement for a doctors care.

Allergists appointment

I went to the allergists Friday in order to try and help find what foods I am allergic too. I made it through the airborne allergens tests and the fruits. The Doctor stopped the test.. I started having a reaction. He didn't think I was that allergic to stuff... he assumed it was all asthma. Which it was not... the breathing tests showed i did not have asthma. The rest of the food testing has been put on hold until my reactions are more under control. It is suspected that other things, such as my severe mold allergies may be causing the others to be worse. So we are working on eliminating the mold from my diet and in 4 weeks I have to go back and see if the reactions are not as frequent or at least not as severe. I have been put on several different medications and they seem to be helping last nights reaction was no were near as bad as previous ones. No inhalers were used and no benedryl was used. I did take atarax, only 1. I only needed to lay still and rest, the next morning I had some congestion but that was it.

I am going to post some things I am allergic too and the Mold elimination diet in the hopes others may be able to follow it and seek some relief. There are things that contain mold that I had no idea.

My allergies.... just the first half of the test:
Molds
Dogs
Cockroach
All Trees
Plantain
Nettle (which is good to know as its used in many many herbal and homeopathic remedies, as well as plantain)
Grass - all of them
Dock - Marsh Elder
Dust mites
Raisins (mold content)
Cheese (mold content)
Grapefruit
Oranges
Lemon
Lime
Tangerine
Apple
Almond
Pear
Cherry

ok there is the first part ... I will create a new post for the mold elimination diet.

More information on cross contamination of food.

While it is not a large list it is something. I find it is very difficult to find food that has not been contaminated by latex in some way. Here are a few things that may help with purchasing food. It came from a group that I am in. One of the people there also reminded us that sometimes these can change and unless it is a plant policy the plant that manufacturers the products may revert back to latex gloves at any time. It was also stated that all seaweed is cultivated by workers that use latex gloves as well as harvesters of tea leaves for bagged teas. I will update this list as I learn more.

COFFEE:
Marque de Pavia Family (organic coffee beans).... latex gloves used.
Caribou coffee beans.... safe.
McGarvey Estate naturally decaf.... safe.

TEAS:
Lipton .....uses latex gloves
Bigelow.....uses latex gloves
Republic of Teas .....uses latex gloves.
Teavanna ..... uses latex gloves.

BROTHS:
Pacific Foods (organic chicken broth).... latex gloves used on production
line of ALL products.
Swanson organic chicken broth..... no gloves used in production. Requested
verification of whether any other products in same plant using gloves.

FISH:
Chicken of the Sea (canned/pkgd tuna, salmon, etc.).... "the packing line
people use the food grade latex gloves, which developed only for commercial
food industry and are proved by FDA" (does not always mean its safe, some are reactive to even low grade latex)

CHOCOLATE:
Equal Exchange... latex gloves not in production line, but are used in
cleaning machinery/equipment so don't consider their chocolate "latex-free".
Trader Joes... latex gloves used.
Ghiradelli... latex gloves worn by all workers (this "was" one i used
regularly!!).
Hersheys Chocolate... latex gloves used.
Nestle Beverage...safe! waiting verification whether includes chocolate
chips & bars.
Green & Black chocolate drink mix & bars... safe. but waiting verification
on overseas plants.
Chocolove organic chocolate bars (available online) are safe.

MISC:
reser's flour tortillas are latex-free
Ocean Spray "prohibits the use of latex gloves in ALL their facilities"
(juice & dried cranberries!! yahoo!!)

LATEX AND FOOD ALLERGIES: THE PROTEIN CONNECTION

I came across this information and it is important that anyone that has severe NRLA should also be aware of foods that have similar proteins. They can also bring on a severe reaction.

People with latex allergy/sensitivity often have cross-reactions to certain
foods. The immune system may react to these foods as if they contained latex
because of the similarity in their protein structure to the protein structure
of natural rubber latex.
These 'cross-reactive' foods and their degree of association include:
High Association
Moderate Association
Low or Undetermined
Banana
Apple
Pear - Peach
Avocado
Carrot
Cherry - Pineapple
Kiwi
Celery
Strawberry - Grape
Chestnut
Tomato
Hazelnut - Walnut
Papaya
Fig - Peanut
Potato
Rye - Wheat
Melon
Apricot - Nectarine
Fruit - Plum
Passion Soybean - Milk
Permission to use and adapt the material for this packet given to Cathy
Tallen, BMH by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 11/01
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
TECHNICAL BULLETIN #10
Courtesy of Latex Allergy Links

ALLERGENIC CROSS-REACTIVITY OF LATEX AND FOODS

A compilation from the literature
Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex comprise both delayed and
immediate (IgE-mediated) hypersensitivities, producing clinical symptoms
ranging
from contact urticaria and bronchial asthma to anaphylactic shock. Natural
rubber prepared from the milky sap (latex) of the tree Hevea brasiliensis is a
common component of numerous home products and medical supplies, including
surgical gloves and catheters. While delayed hypersensitivity reactions to
latex-containing products are often traced to additives and stabilizers
employed
for their production, immediate reactions are closely associated with
endogenous protein components of the natural rubber latex materials.
Recently, coincident IgE-mediated allergies to latex and multiple fruits or
vegetables have been documented. In vivo and in vitro investigations of
clinical specificity have produced complex patterns of allergenic
cross-reactivity (suggesting shared or common antigenic components) among
botanically-unrelated allergens such as latex and foods. While the details of
the clinical
association of latex and food allergies await further study, documentation of
food allergies known to coexist with latex sensitivities may be useful for
identifying the risks of latex exposure for some patients.
Listed below are the allergens reported to be associated (clinically or
immunochemically) with natural rubber latex.
Degree of Association or Prevalence:

High
(3)
Moderate
(8)
Low or undetermined
(21)
Banana
Apple
Pear
Mango
Avocado
Carrot
Peach
Rye
Chestnut
Celery
Plum
Wheat
Papaya
Cherry
Grasses
Kiwi
Pineapple
Ragweed
Potato
Strawberry
Mugwort
Tomato
Fig
Hazelnut
Melons
Grape
Walnut
Apricot
Soybean
Passion Fruit
Peanut
Nectarine


Simultaneous occurrence of allergies to certain pollens and foods described
above have also been documented in reports independent of those focusing on
natural rubber latex. Significant levels of allergenic cross-reactivity have
been demonstrated for the allergen groups listed below:

Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut and Kiwi
Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut
Grasses with Potato
Ragweed with Banana and Melons

January 5, 2000


Reproduced here with permission from _Greer Laboratories, Inc._
(http://www.greerlabs.com/)

FREE MEDICALERT ENROLLMENT FOR NEEDY INDIVIDUALS

I found the following link in a group i am in. While it is for people with food allergies, I know many people with NRLA are allergic to many types of food.

The following is from the web-site:

FREE MEDICALERT ENROLLMENT FOR NEEDY INDIVIDUALS

FAI is partnering with the MedicAlert Foundation to provide free enrollment for low-income children and adults who suffer from food allergies. Members select a MedicAlert jewelry product, which is engraved with their membership number and MedicAlert's 24-hour emergency response number. This information gives emergency medical personnel immediate access to the wearer's medical records. Benefits include:

� 24-hour emergency response
� Family notification
� Personal health record storage
� Wallet-sized membership card imprinted with personal health record information

It's easy to apply. To learn more, click here or call MedicAlert at 1-800-432-5378 and mention code 5000.

Food Allergy Initiative

Holiday items that contain latex or can cause a cross-reaction.

This list was put together by someone else that has severe NRLA allergies. She is from one of the latex allergy groups on yahoo.

Halloween:

Pumpkins are a possible cross reactive in the Squash family

Candles in Jack O’Lanterns may pose a problem.

Masks may be made of latex, or the elastic that stretches to hold masks on your face.

Face paints may cause reactions

Poinsettia Plants will be making an appearance soon. doctor's offices,
pharmacies, stores, and homes. The poinsettia plant is not suppose to cause a
reaction unless you touch it. But that's what most people believe about latex
gloves too.

>>> the poinsettia and Brazilian rubber tree belong to the Euphorbiaceae
family.


Artificial Trees and Real Pine Tree:
Artificial Trees may be constructed of glues made of latex, they may also
have latex in the fabrics used, or flocking. Lights used on these trees may
cause the vapor to omit. With some research some artificial trees can be found
that are latex free.
Pine Trees and Scents: Be careful if you are highly reactive.

Candles: It is my understanding that some candles have latex in the wicks,
and that scents can be a trigger for some allergic people.

Spiced Cider and Cooking odors:
Food odors become airborne when heated. Some businesses keep a pot of Spiced
cider heating in leiu of coffee. Cinnamon, Nutmeg or other spices may be an
issue. Mint is a big troublemaker for me, toothpaste, breath mints, teas, etc.

Potlucks: Taking your own food would assure you that it hasn’t been handled
with nrl gloves. In today's fast paced world it's very likely that dishes
have been prepared at a Deli, and then transferred into serving dishes, leaving you
in a quandry over how they were prepared. Reactions can occur
with GI Anaphylaxis after eating food handled with latex gloves.

Flower Deliveries: Poinsettia Plants or Miniature Christmas trees

Items that contain latex and alternative products

This is a list of items that contain latex and some alternative products that can be used. The items on the left contain latex, the items on the right are the alternatives and where to get them.

Decorative Supplies
Balloons		Mylar, vinyl, or plastic balloons Mister Balloon (866-512-5666)
School/Office Supplies *Note: All RoseArt products are latex free. †SEE CRAYOLA GUIDELINES BELOW
Adhesives		3M (800-494-3552) - Scotch Magic Tape, Post-Its, 3650 Storage Tape, Transparent Duct Tape (but regular duct tape is NOT latex free), Command Poster Strips, Command Interlocking Fasteners, Scotch Adhesive Putty
Calculator Buttons		Texas Instruments calculators are latex free.
Erasers		Sanford (800-323-0749) ­ All eraser products are latex-free EXCEPT Arrowhead Cap Erasers, Design Kneaded Rubber Eraser, Union Eraser, Pink Pearl Eraser, Pink Pet, Paper Mate Eraser Mate, Paper Mate Eraser Max RoseArt (800-272-9667) - All erasers are latex free Faber-Castell (800-642-2288) ­ White vinyl erasers Baumgarten's (800-247-5547) ­ Neon erasers Pental - Click Erasers Soap erasers
Glue/Paste		Elmer's (888-435-6377) ­ All glue EXCEPT rubber cement, Sno-Drift paste Crayola (800-272-9652) ­ All glue Avery (800-462-8379) ­ All glue sticks 3M (800-494-3552) ­ Scotch glue sticks Note: Envelope and stamp glue may contain natural rubber latex. Use a moist rag to wet glue rather than licking.
Modeling Clay		Polyform Products Co. (847-427-0020) ­ Granitex, Sculpey, Sculpey III, Super Elasticlay, Super Sculpey Crayola (800-272-9652) - Crayola Dough, Crayola Modeling Clay, Crayola Model Magic, Silly Putty Hasbro (800-327-8264) - Play-Doh RoseArt (800-272-9667) ­ Modeling Clay
Mouse Pads		3M (888-364-3577) ­ Precise Mousing Surface with or without Gel Wrist Rest Quill (800-982-3400) Vinyl sheeting can be cut into pad-sized squares Note: It is necessary to eliminate all natural rubber latex mouse pads from the home, as proteins from the pads can be "picked up" and transported throughout the home
Paint		Crayola (800-272-9652) - All Crayola Paints including Artista II, Watercolors, Washable Paint, Finger Paint, Powder Paint, and Liquid Tempera Paint RoseArt (800-272-9667) ­ All paints
Pen/Pencil Grips		Hoyle Products, Inc. (800-345-1950) ­ All Hoyle grips are made of vinyl and are latex-free
Pens		Sanford (800-323-0749) ­ All Pens RoseArt (800-272-9667) ­ All Pens PaperMate (630-481-2200) ­ ZeZe Ball Point Pens, Silhouette Ball Point Pens, Comfort Grip Pens, Dynagrip Pens, Flexgrip Pens
Rubber Bands		Baumgarten's (800-247-5547) ­ Plasti Bands Latex-free bands can be ordered through Home Depot Alliance Rubber Company (1-800-626-5940)
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Infants/Children
Diapers/Rubber Pants		Kimberly Clark (800-544-1847) - Huggies, Pull-Ups, GoodNites
Feeding Nipples		Gerber (800-4-GERBER) - Silicone (read label, some are latex) Evenflo (800-233-5921) - Silicone (read label, some are latex) MAM - Silicone (read label, some are latex)
Pacifiers		Use plastic, silicone, or vinyl Gerber (800-4-GERBER) Silicone (read label, some are latex) Evenflo (800-233-5921) - Silicone (read label, some are latex) Playtex (800-222-0453) - Binky
Tooth Massager		Most are synthetic - please check with the manufacturer Oral B (800-566-7252) Crest - Reach soft bristle Butler (888-777-3101) - GUM toothbrushes
Toys Especially: Rubber Ducky, Teething Toys, Stretch Armstrong, Old Barbies, Technics		Use plastic, cloth, or vinyl Many toys are latex free - please check with the manufacturer Mattel (800-524-8697) Fisher Price (800-432-5437) Little Tykes (800-321-0183) Ohio Art (800-641-6226) Hasbro (800-327-8264) Playskool (800-752-9755) Parker Bros. (888-836-7025) Milton Bradley (888-836-7025) Discovery Toys (800-341-8697) The First Years (800-225-0382) Safety First/Cosco (800-544-1108) Lego (800-422-5346) Evenflo/Gerry (800-233-5921) Gerber (800-4-GERBER) Graco/Century (800-345-4109) Power Wheels (800-348-0751)
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Household Products
Adhesives		3M (800-494-3552) - Scotch Magic Tape, Post-Its, 3650 Storage Tape, Transparent Duct Tape (but regular duct tape is NOT latex free), Command Poster Strips, Command Interlocking Fasteners, Scotch Adhesive Putty
Auto Mats/Steering Wheel		Use vinyl, clear, fabric, or leather floor mats Cover steering wheel with latex-free cover
Bath Mats/Rugs		Safety.com - Vinyl bath mat Cotton rugs without rubber backing Foam Products (800-526-3626) - Synthetic non-skid pads
Buttons on Phone/Remotes/Calculators		Most are silicone rubber. Check with manufacturer Texas Instruments calculators are latex free
Drain Stoppers		W2 Products - Silicone Magic Plug
Earphones		Plantronics (800-544-4660, Ext.5538) - H series (H31, H41, H51, H61, H81) and Polaris models (P31, P41, P51, P61, P81) are latex free Avid Products (888-575-2843)
Foam Rubber		Synthetic foam
Food Storage/ Zippered Bags		Ziploc (800-494-4855 Kerr (800-240-3340) - canning jar lid seal is latex free Yoplait yogurt - Glue sealing lid onto container is latex free Use wax paper, HandiWrap, or Saran wrap
Garden Hoses		Vinyl
Gaskets		Neoprene, silicone
Gloves (Kitchen/Household)		Use vinyl, neoprene, nitrile, polymer gloves Allerderm (800-365-6868) ­ Nitrile, vinyl Kimberly Clark (800-544-1847) - Safeskin Maxxim (800-346-8849) - Sensicare, Tru-Touch, Aloetouch, Accutouch, MediGuard Regent (800-843-8497) ­ Neotech, Skinsense
Glue (Envelopes/Stamps)		Moisten with a wet cloth instead of licking
Phone Receiver/Shoulder Rest		Avoid direct contact with skin See above entry for latex-free earphones
Plants (Fiscus/Poinsettia)		Don't let sap touch skin
Silk Flowers (Latex Stem)		Avoid contact with skin
Spatulas		Use wooden, plastic, or synthetic Pampered Chef
Tools with Rubber Handles		Use vinyl or leather handles Cover with latex-free tape
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Clothing
Undergarments/Elastic		Hygeia - Latex-free underwear Decent Exposures (800-524-4949) - Latex-free elastic for bras, underwear, swim suits Blue Canoe (888-923-1373) - Latex-free clothing Vermont Country Store (802-362-8460) - Latex-free socks Dr. Leonard's Healthcare Catalog (800-785-0880) - Non-binding, latex-free cotton socks TechSpun (800-392-8500) - Latex-free socks Kathy Ireland cotton/lycra/nylon (Kmart) Cotton socks without elastic Cottonique (617-544-3929) - Latex-free bras, underwear, t-shirts & boxers. (for both men and women)
Pantyhose		Lycra-Spandex L'eggs (800-925-3447) Tuck clothing under elastic waistband
Raincoats		Neoprene-coated nylon
Shoes/Rubber Boots		P.W. Minor (585-343-1500) - Rubber-free sport shoe Gempler's PVC waterproof boots (800-382-8473) Minnetonka (718-365-7033) - Moccasins Superfeet (800-634-6618) Crocs (877-238-4404) Latex-free clogs, boots, and flip-flops
Stretch Fabrics (Some)		DuPont (800-441-7515) - Lycra/Spandex
Swimsuits		Suits Me Swimwear (352-666-1485) Decent Exposures (800-524-4949)
T-Shirts with Appliqués		Avoid contact of appliqué with skin
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Personal Products
Contraception		Durex (770-582-2222) - Avanti Trojan - Supra The Female Health Company (312-595-9123) - FC Female Condom Milex (800-621-1278) - Silicone diaphragm FemCap - FDA-approved, latex-free contraceptive device
Cosmetics/Applicators		All Natural Cosmetics (888-586-9719) Clinique (800-419-4041) Luminescence Revlon (800-473-8566) - All products are latex free, including applicator foam wands and puffs, and pads on eyelash curlers Qosmedix (631-242-3270) - Latex-free applicator sponges Use cotton balls or brushes Note: Cosmetics may contain papain, a papya derivative that can cross react with latex.
Incontinence Supplies		Kimberly Clark (800-544-1847) - Depend, Poise First Quality (516-829-3030) Tranquility (800-467-3224) Health Pursuit - Adult protective disposable underwear
Sanitary Pads		Kimberly Clark (800-335-6839) - Kotex NatraCare (303-617-3476) Gladrags (800-799-4523) Diva Cup (866-444-3482) - Reusable silicone cup Mooncup - Reusable silicone cup
Toothbrush Handles		Most are synthetic - please check with the manufacturer Oral B (800-566-7252) Crest - Reach soft bristle Butler (888-777-3101) - GUM toothbrushes
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Home Medical Supplies
Bandages		Sterile dressing with paper, silk, or cloth tape (See below for more medical tape options) Johnson & Johnson (866-565-2873) - Advanced Healing and Activ Flex Band-Aids are latex free Kendall (800-962-9888) ­ Curity bandages are latex free 3M (800-328-6276) NexCare Active Foam bandages are latex free Latex in packaging only: Readi-Bandages, Active Strip (3M), CURAD Neon, Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid Brand
Braces/Splints		Use cloth or felt to cover foam lining
Crutches		Cover pads/grips with cloth or tape Crutchtips.com (800-227-8498) - latex-free crutch pads and grips
Medical Tape		Cloth, paper, or silk tape Johnson & Johnson (866-565-2873) ­ Hurt Free 3M ­ Transpore, Durapore, Micropore
Wheelchair Seat/Tire/Brake		Cover seat with fabric or neoprene cushion Wear leather gloves to turn wheels ROHO (800-851-3449) - cushions
Water Bottles (Hot/Cold)		Wrap cloth around water bottle, or use cloth-covered heating pad
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Restaurants and Grocery Stores
Latex Gloves		Synthetic, vinyl (inquire before eating) Arby's and Subway have a "no latex" policy, but it's recommended to check with individual restaurants, as some may not follow the franchise protocol Restaurant Chains and Glove Use (PDF)
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Sports Equipment
Bike/Ski Helmets		Boeri Sport
Bungee Cords		Avoid direct contact with skin
Handles Ping Pong Paddles, Golf Clubs, Baseball Bats, Rackets, Ski Poles, Bikes		Use vinyl or leather handles, or cover with tape or cloth
Mouthguards		Shock Doctor - Silicone
Rubber Balls		ALL Koosh products contain natural rubber latex. Do not use Koosh products of any kind Do not use Balzac Balloon Balls or Omnikin, as these contain natural rubber latex balloon bladders Do not use Gator Skin Balls, as the outer coating contains natural rubber latex Some allergic individuals can use tennis balls that are new and completely covered. Bladders of tennis balls are natural rubber latex
Other Balls Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer Balls, Baseballs		Please check with manufacturer BSN MacGregor (800-527-7510) Spalding (800-772-5346) Rawlings (866-660-4151) Wilson (773-714-6400)
Protective Eyewear		Liberty Optical (800-444-5010) - Rec Specs are latex free Scott (800-292-5874) - Ski goggles: Foam around eyes is latex free, but head strap DOES CONTAIN natural rubber latex
Swim Cap/Goggles		Use silicone swim caps Use silicone or vinyl goggles Speedo (888-477-3336) - Hydrospex goggles are latex free. Latex-free replacement strap can be bought separately for other Speedo goggles Note: Some latex-allergic individuals may react to chlorine and/or latex proteins released from swimsuits and pool items due to chlorine
Water Toys		Use PVC or plastic toys
Wet Suits, Scuba/Snorkel Masks		No known alternatives

American Latex Allergy Association