OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Food Intolerance and Unexplained Weight Loss

**Note:** Please feel free to ask any questions; I’m open to sharing everything I know about my condition. I’m feeling anxious and desperate for assistance. If my situation worsens, I'll seek private medical support, but right now, I just need to grasp what might be wrong with me. **Background:** Since the moment I was born, I've had extreme food allergies that led to anaphylactic reactions, especially to dairy. My body rejected virtually all foods — no eggs, yeast, or most fruits. This resulted in an Allergy Cascade, where any new food introduced would cause allergic reactions. Around the age of 10 or 11, I unexpectedly outgrew these allergies seemingly overnight. I could consume dairy products like milk without any adverse effects, a state that lasted until I was about 16 or 17 years old. At that point, I had to remove dairy from my diet again due to severe responses, including unbearable cramps and pain that made it impossible to sit or stand comfortably. Once dairy was eliminated, I felt relief. I soon had to do the same with other foods like pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Each time I faced a severe reaction, I simply removed the culprit from my diet and adapted. **Recent Events:** In February, I decided to embark on a weight loss journey. Weighing approximately 70 kg at a height of 5'4”, I revamped my diet. I focused on healthy portions, lean proteins, and plenty of salmon and fish, alongside vegetables and hummus, all while maintaining a low carb intake. Initially, I felt great. However, I soon developed constipation, followed by bloating and gas issues. I eliminated tofu, which alleviated some discomfort temporarily, but soon after I began to experience similar issues again even without it. Ultimately, around early April, things worsened. To alleviate constipation, I began taking magnesium citrate and occasionally alternating with Senna for relief; I want to emphasize that I didn't rely heavily on Senna. I eventually removed all high-FODMAP foods from my diet, which certainly helped at first. However, even the most basic meals, like plain steamed chicken or fish, caused bloating, in addition to alternating episodes of severe diarrhea or constipation, leading to frustrating cycles of feeling either unbearably heavy or having to rush to the bathroom. **Current State:** I now find myself at 62.5 kg, continuing to lose weight steadily. While my current weight is within a safe range, I’m concerned about where this trend might lead — to 60 kg, then 55 kg, and so forth. I have undergone screenings for bowel cancer and Crohn's disease, both of which returned negative results. A blood test is also scheduled to check for potential allergies, but the wait for a Gastroenterologist is lengthy—over a year unless I opt for private treatment, which is costly within the NHS framework in the UK. My last round of blood tests showed normal results, but I was not privy to specific test outcomes. At present, my diet seems restricted to jasmine rice, a bit of tuna mixed with plain yoghurt and seasonings, steamed chicken, and ginger-lemon tea to soothe any digestive issues. I occasionally attempt to eat salmon, though it often doesn’t sit well with me. I rarely feel the natural urge to have a bowel movement—this issue has persisted for most of my life due to chronic constipation. If I consume a trigger food, it can take days to feel normal again. The only times I experience relief are when I’ve ingested laxatives and have not eaten. I typically don’t feel hungry until noon and usually have a small dinner. My meals vary; sometimes lunch serves as my main meal, other times dinner does. I’ve started drinking apple cider vinegar in hopes it aids in digestion, which has provided slight improvements. We are even pondering whether low stomach acid could be a factor. Daily, I struggle to consume enough calories to maintain basic bodily functions, averaging between 1100 to 1400 calories, often on the lower side. My energy levels are plummeting, and while I’ve been told that stress or sudden dietary changes could contribute to my situation, I’m not experiencing stress. My body initially responded favorably to these dietary changes, so it’s frustrating to be suggested to reintroduce foods that definitely derailed my progress. This doesn’t feel normal; I was managing fine before all of this. I’m genuinely afraid that without intervention, I could slip into starvation mode. I’m striving to stay active and maintain a balanced diet, but it’s challenging to find the energy to support any rigorous exercise. I long for the ability to eat without the fear of adverse reactions, to enjoy family meals without the constant worry of having to abstain while others dine. Could these symptoms stem from an autoimmune disorder, a resurgence of my allergies, SIBO, or perhaps leaky gut? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Answers (1)

7/31/2025, 4:31:15 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your situation with food intolerance and unexplained weight loss sounds incredibly challenging and distressing. From your detailed history, it's clear that you've faced significant dietary issues, and your concerns about ongoing weight loss and digestive problems are entirely valid.

Key Points

1. Persistent Food Intolerance: Your previous, and current, reactions to various foods suggest you may have developed a heightened sensitivity or intolerance that needs further exploration.
2. Weight Loss and Low Caloric Intake: Rapid weight loss and low calorie consumption (1100-1400 calories) can lead to malnutrition and energy deficits, which require urgent attention.
3. Digestive Symptoms: Your cycle of constipation, bloating, and alternating diarrhea is concerning and shouldn't be ignored, especially if it leads to significant discomfort.

Explanation

Given your history of severe food allergies, it’s plausible that your digestive issues could stem from a few different underlying factors, including:

• Food Intolerances: You may have developed new intolerances or a condition like non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption, potentially exacerbating your reactions to foods.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): This can lead to bloating and discomfort, often triggered by dietary changes.
• Functional digestive disorders: Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may cause the symptoms you describe.

Next Steps

1. Document Everything: Keep a detailed food diary, noting what you eat along with any symptoms experienced afterward. This can help identify potential trigger foods or patterns.
2. Caloric Intake: Aim to gradually increase your caloric intake. Consider consuming small amounts of high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods that are easier on your digestion, like nut butters (if tolerated), avocados, and smoothies with safe ingredients.
3. Stay Hydrated: Maintain good hydration, especially since diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Consider electrolyte-replenishing solutions if you experience significant fluid loss.
4. Gentle Fiber Sources: Gradually experiment with soluble fiber sources, like oats or bananas, as they may help improve bowel movements without causing bloating.
5. Monitor Digestive Aid Usage: It's good that you're using magnesium citrate for constipation, but be cautious with laxatives, as overuse can worsen bowel function over time. Apple cider vinegar may help some, but be mindful of acidity affecting your stomach.
6. Stress Management: While you feel you're not under stress, consider gentle stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga, as they may aid digestion indirectly.
7. Follow Up on Medical Tests: Continue to pursue testing with your healthcare provider, especially for allergies, SIBO, or autoimmune profiles. Your upcoming blood tests will be crucial in guiding further investigation.

Your goal of enjoying family meals and eating without fear is important, and it’s valid to seek relief and clarity on your health. While your situation may feel overwhelming, pursuing these actions may help bring you closer to managing your symptoms effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out for further support or clarification. Take care!