The KInd Life Community Forum

Hello All! I have been following TKD for a few weeks now and have had some mixed results. While I love that I have finally taken the plunge and done what my conscience has always wanted me to do in following a vegan lifestyle, it seems like I am not having the positive body reaction in the way that I was hoping. Specifically, I have hives all over my forehead, and am breaking out in other places on my face and chest. My skin is sensitive and I have had allergies in the past but can usually knock a reaction out with some benadryl, but not these suckers! I've been worried that it is one of the milk substitutes that I've been using in my coffee (I know, coffee bad - baby steps though - I've cut down significantly!) or if it's tofu...I just don't know.

Some background on me - I was addicted to dairy (heck, I was addicted to meat up until recently!) and I don't know if it's an allergic reaction or if it is my body's way of detoxing from all of the junk of a SAD. I'd been eating organic, growing my own veggies and such, but now following a vegan diet and incorporating whole grains and veggies into every meal, I'm wondering if my body is just in shock. I feel great about the way that I'm approaching food and what I'm putting into my body and my energy has been good in spite of the decreased caffeine; but there have been a couple of times when I just have to crash. And there is nothing anyone can do to keep me awake (even the dogs jumping all over me doesn't move me!). Come to think of it, I was awfully congested those first couple of weeks when I was so tired as well.

Hm. Maybe I'm answering my own question - is it possible that at first my body was ridding itself of all of the nasty dairy causing me to be tired and congested and now my face is suffering the consequences of the other toxins being released? Any ideas or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I agree with Justin. Soy and gluten are both very common allergies, often gone undetected my most. Try eliminating them and see if the condition improves. You can also check out a really amazing treatment called NAET. It's completely non-invasive, natural, and holistic. I used to be seriously allergic to cocoa, tomatoes, and cilantro. I was cured in one treatment each. It seems weird, but trust me, it's the best, most amazing thing! www.naet.com has a listing for practitioners all over the world. I have a great guy I go to in the Los Angeles/Thousand Oaks area. If you live in the area I can refer you. :)

Thank you everyone for your responses! I think Justin is right that it's got to be one of the new foods. I cut out all milk substitutes for the past week or so and most of my hives have subsided. I will try and do more of the superhero recipes and then add things back one at a time. It may even be the vanilla flavoring in the soy milk...who knows.

Celena, I checked out NAET and it actually looks pretty interesting. I've been to many allergists and had all of the testing around, but ended up coming out of it being told I was basically allergic to everything! I found a couple of docs in the Chicago area, so thank you for the suggestion!

Thanks again everyone for the responses.

I'm hoping it's just the vanilla. I'm going to start adding stuff back in next week and see what happens. I'll report back. Hope everyone has a kind thanksgiving!