Shortly after dinner last night, I enjoyed a small bowl of some new So Delicious frozen dessert that we picked up at the grocery store. I don’t usually buy frozen dessert unless I need it for a special dessert for a group (otherwise I just make Banana Soft Serve!). Normally, I buy Coconut Bliss frozen dessert, but the only problem is that it’s very expensive for a tiny container (around $7-8). Last night I opted for this new soy-based kind because it’s twice the size and a few dollars cheaper.
Not even 5 minutes after having a small bowl (maybe half a cup?), I immediately knew something was wrong. The centre of my face started to burn and I walked over to a mirror and my face was the deepest shade of red I’ve ever seen! I felt like I just got the worst sunburn of my life. The redness quickly spread down my neck, shoulders, chest, and arms, and I knew something I ate was not happy in my body!
Eric gave me a Benadryl pill and we headed for the hospital. I was burning up so I brought an ice pack with me in the car and held it on my red arms. My throat felt like it was a bit swollen and my voice sounded like I had a bit of a cold and I was worried that it would get worse. We waited for about an hour at the ER and then I was brought into see the nurse to get my vitals checked out. Everything was fine and a little while later my body just completely returned to normal, except for my throat which was still a bit sore and a lingering headache. The ER was absolutely packed (with over 5 hour wait time), so we decided to head home now that my reaction had subsided. This morning I woke up with a slight headache, but other than that I feel fine.
The only new food I can think that I had yesterday was this frozen dessert. Everything else I ate was stuff I normally eat every day.
When I got home, I checked out the ingredient list:
I looked up Chicory Root Extract and apparently it can cause reactions in some people. I wonder if it was that? I also had no idea that the product may contain traces amounts of tree nuts, dairy protein, and peanuts! I know my sister had a really bad reaction to pine nuts before, but I can’t imagine there would be much in that tiny bowl I had. I also had an allergy test a couple years ago and everything came back negative. Could it be the Chicory Root or maybe something else? Has anyone else ever experienced a reaction like that? I was just thankful I didn’t break out into hives!
On our way home, I picked up a few Canada Day flags for our get together tonight and also a Best Health magazine. Myself and three other bloggers who won the Best Health Blog Awards are featured in the magazine. This was possible because YOU voted for me, so thank you again for your support!
I have a big Canada Day/long weekend BBQ menu post planned, so stay tuned!
Happy Canada Day!!!!!!!!
{ 124 comments… read them below or add one }
yikes what a scare!! do you think since you have been vegan for awhile your body is more sensitive to certain ingredients?
congrats on the best heath win! :) Have a great Canada Day! :)
“do you think since you have been vegan for awhile your body is more sensitive to certain ingredients?”
that doesn’t make any sense, sorry.
hope you’re feeling better Angela…I try to stay away from the ‘ice creams’ as well, banana soft serve is just so much better and doesn’t make me feel gross either!
SweetKaroline,
I was just meaning since she hasn’t had consumed a lot of random ingredients like ‘soy, dairy protien or chicory root’ her body might be more sensitive to it now than it used to be. It wasn’t meant to be rude. I’m all for vegan and vegetarian diets.
I hope you have a great weekend.
When it comes to allergies I think anything is possible! I will get tested again soon. :)
Angela please go get tested super soon. The first time I ate star fruit this happened to me, same with seafood. The second time I went to hospital in an ambulance cause I had stopped breathing. I carry an epi pen with me at all times now. The point is that often allergies are mild the first time you notice them and they get worse with every exposure. In the meantime if you think you are getting a reaction again go straight to a hospital, dont wait to see what happens. We love you too much!
Hugs,
Sabs.
It actually makes complete sense.
WHY doesn’t it make any sense? That information doesn’t benefit anyone if you don’t explain it. :)
I’ve had a similar reaction to Niacin, aside from the sore throat. I didn’t see that in the ingredient list, but perhaps there is niacin in one of the listed ingredients. It opens up your capillaries and causes blood to rush to the surface of your skin. It feels like a sunburn and gave me stomach cramps.
I’m always intrigued by So Delicious when I see it at the store but haven’t picked up a pint since it’s a little $$$. Maybe I’ll give it a try and splurge…
yikes! I’m glad you are ok and your reaction subsided relatively quickly!
Whew so glad your reaction went away! Happy Canada Day! :)
Happy Canada Day! :) The allergic reaction sounds scary, especially not knowing what caused it. Glad you are better now though. Have a great BBQ!
Yikes!!!! I hate allergic reactions– so scary!!
Oh no! That’s so scary- I’m glad you’re ok and it doesn’t happen again!!
Our native Canadian intern is off today celebrating. I was hitting her up for Canada facts yesterday. History lesson at work!
I’m so happy to hear that you are a-okay after that reaction! I myself am not familiar with Chicory Root but I def. think that could be the culprit.
A story for you (because this week, apparently, I’m all about leaving super long comments on blogs.)
One summer, years ago, I was bit by a spider that caused a serious allergic reaction. I was at my parents house alone, waiting for them to arrive, and I had to walk through the forresty side yard to get to the back door to get in. The little bugger [hardy har har] bit my pinky toe, and not 5 minutes after I sat down inside I had a smiliar reaction to you. My skin was bright red, and oh so feverish. It was the most terrifying experience, mostly because I was there alone. I called my parents who were on their way, and informed them of what was going on. I took a Benadryl and changed into loose fitting clothing, and tried to relax, but it started getting worse and my throat started to close. I called them again, in a panic, and my mom instructed me I needed to call 911. I was so scared, it was ridiculous. I tried to convince my mom that she should call from the car, and she told me to stop being so silly and “put my big girl panties on.” ha.
My parents arrived just 2 minutes before the ambulance. [did I mention it was my little brother's birthday party, and they were returning with two cars filled with children? ha.] The EMT stuck me with my brothers epi-pen just as I stopped breathing and needed to be jumped back to life and given oxygen. [yeah. awesome side show for the children.] I was taken to the hospital, and stayed there for a while as they tested my bite and made sure I wasn’t going to die. I was then given steriods to take for four weeks [hello weight gain].
In case you were wondering, because I sure was, I have tried several times over the years that followed to spit web out of my wrists a la Spiderman, but no dice. So much for my budding romance with Peter Parker. Or James Franco. I did recently climb up onto a roof in heels and dress, though – so maybe I do still have a chance at becoming SpiderGirl, after all.
This was an epic comment!
Wow so glad you are ok! That is scary stuff. Its not a fun feeling when you feel like you have no control over your body’s response.
I had an allergic reaction last week to the gastroenteritis virus! I had no idea THAT could happen. We thought for days about if it was something I ate, or the medicine I was taking. I’m set up for an allergy test soon, just to be safe. I had to get an Epi Pen and everything because I broke out in such terrible hives and rashes and my throat also swelled and was getting worse. I was going blue by the time I got into emerg… needless to say, I skipped the wait. I’m peachy now though, absolutely fine! What an unexpected reaction though. I hope you figure out what it was that caused your reaction!
glad you are ok!
Hi, this is my first post… I have been a ‘lurker’ for like a month and this is my go to blog now for recipes, inspiration, everything :) I have been scared to post up to now because I didn’t want to put anything stupid :/ But when I read about the allergic reaction I thought I would leave and comment. Firstly, I am glad you were alright and nothing serious has come of it. Secondly, last August I just finished a 10k run and as I head to get a shower my throat closed up quite tightly and I did unfortunately have Hives everywhere (some the size of golf balls) I got rushed to the hospital and they gave me some strong anti-histamines and kept me there for a few hours to check me out. They couldn’t decide what caused it and examined my diet, washing powder, soap and shampoo use and all the other things that could have triggered it.
Long story short, after loads of test it turned out I had urticaria and angiodema. I am 18 years old and have no known allergies, but apparently it is not uncommon to just develop urticaria in a very short space of time. Maybe you could look into that.
I live in the UK but HAPPY CANADA DAY!!! :) I hope you have a great time celebrating it :D
Thanks for the blog :)
Congrats on getting the award!!!
I have strange reactions to chicory root — but not like you did. I get extreme stomach cramping and gas like you wouldn’t believe! I won’t eat anything with that in it. It isn’t worth it!
I get the same reactions as Holly. Stupid companies and their fiber-fortifying antics!
YAAAAAAAAY! Happy Canada day – it looks like you’re are going to enjoy it to the fullest :)
Happy Canada Day! I’m kind of new to your blog and just wanted to say I love it. I made your cookie dough balls (without the chocolate) about a week ago after you posted on eatliverun, and am just about to make some more! The husband liked them too!
thank you Ruth!
Oh my gosh — I’m glad it wasn’t more serious! Eep! Hope you can have a relaxing Canada Day to make up for that craziness :)
wow, so glad you’re ok, angela! very scary. not how you want to spend your evening, for sure.
happy canada day! i love seeing all the flags around town…canadians are so reserved, but we do show some colour and patriotism on july 1st!
enjoy your celebrations – bbq + fireworks viewing here, tonight!
I bought this exact stuff last week and have been slowly, cautiously, making my way though it.
For me, with chicory root extract, it makes my stomach feel like it’s doing summersaults and it makes crazy digestive noises – haha, not pretty, I know.
Chicory root is sketchy to me. It’s primarily used as a fiber additive. Here’s something I found on reactons: http://www.livestrong.com/article/375915-side-effects-of-chicory-root-extract/
Glad you’re feeling better, though. :)
That is so strange! I’m glad it didn’t turn out too serious and you are okay. :-)
Wow! I would have been so frightened in your position! Kudos for being so logical and grounded (or maybe it was a bit edited? ;) ) Congrats on the mag mention, and I’m glad you’re all right!
First, Happy Canada Day and congrats on the Best Health magazine piece.
And second, I’m sorry about your scare with the soy ice cream. I have really bad allergies too, and once was whisked away by ambulance after drinking a carrot-celery juice. [Strange, I know.] I also have a soy allergy, which is sometimes worse and sometimes better…could it have been the soy?
At any rate, it’s so scary to have an allergic reaction to something and not know what it was from. Glad you’re feeling better.
I have soy products now and then so I dont think its that, but I guess an allergy can always develop later on in life. I will have to get tested again!
That is so scary Angela! I had an allergic reaction once to a lotion that I had used all over my arms, chest, back, etc. Within ten minutes of putting it on, I was bright red, splotchy and had hives all over the places that I had put the lotion on (so basically my entire torso and arms). I never did figure out exactly what it was that caused the reaction and certainly never used that lotion again. I’m so glad your reaction was short lived.
Enjoy your celebrations!!!
I have a friend who had a similar reaction to a protein shake from Starbucks; she visited an allergist and it turned out Chickory Root was the culprit. It shows up in a lot of protein bars and shakes.
oh, wow scary stuff. Glad you’re ok. I have a ton of allergies and have tested positive for peanuts and soy multiple times yet I’ve never had a reaction to them (i eat both frequently). It’s really weird and I’m freaked out that one day my body is just going to react and I’ll be somewhere remote!
Oh my goodness–how random. I’m so glad you’re okay!
My goodness, what a horrible experience! Nothing like that has ever happened to me. I hope that it is the chicory root so that you know what to avoid from now on.
Gah that’s so scary! I’m glad you’re okay though! Thankfully I’ve never had any sort of reaction like that – I wouldn’t know what to do!
Yikes! So glad you are okay and didn’t have anything more pressing because that ER sounds like you would’ve had to pass out to get seen! Congrats on the magazine mention and Happy Canada Day!
Oh no, I’m glad you are doing better though, how scary!
Also- Happy Canada Day from your southern neighbors!
So scary!! Glad you’re doing better. For my body, Chicory Root is the devil. But for me, it results in doubled over stomach cramps, like can’t stand upright kind of cramping. So yeah, it’s on my “list of things to avoid”. I hope you figure out what caused it.
Happy Canada Day to you!
Yikes! Glad you’re doing okay! I have a reaction to Chicory Root Extract as well but mine is more gastronomical. My stomach swells and gets really uncomfortable. A lot better than potential airway being cut off though!
Looking forward to your BBQ menu!
Congratulations on the magazine feature!
I can’t imagine why SOY Delicious would allow themselves to be exposed to non-vegan dairy, which may be your problem, although other vegans I know trying animal products just get problems in their digestive cycles.
I don’t buy vegan ice creams for the smae reason-them being two expensive.
Happy (and apparently) healthy Canada Day Angela! My brother’s girlfriend is Canadian and is celebrating it in the Northern Territory (Australia) – where ironically enough today is ‘territory day’ and they have fireworks, so she got to celebrate in the traditional way even on the other side of the world :)
Hope you’re feeling better today. Give yourself an hour of nothingness if you need it.
that sounds fun!
My gosh, what a scary reaction! But glad to hear you’re doing alright today.
Congrats on making it into the magazine…what an honor!
Happy Canada Day to you, Angela! :)
Oh no that sounds really scary! Glad you’re okay. Congrats on the magazine feature!
I’ve seen chicory root extract on so many lists of ingredients. I never knew it was a common problem for people. Although, you might want to double-think everything you ate yesterday (I’m sure you’re probably still doing this) because it seems like most people just get stomach problems when they react to it. Your reaction was so extreme, that it makes me think it might be from something else. But I’m not a doctor, so who am I to say? Maybe you’re just extremely sensitive to it. Anyway, I’m glad you’re better, and at least now you know to beware! I don’t like soy ice creams anyway. Coconut Bliss might be more expensive, but if you’re going to buy a vegan ice cream, it’s worth the splurge in my opinion!
I agree…it didnt even taste that good ;)
I am so sorry about your ER visit!
A five-hour wait???? I thought that only happened in America! :)
Glad you had that Benadryl on hand…feel better!!
And…Happy Canada Day!
I’m almost completely sure that you’re having a reaction to processed food, as such a large proportion of your diet (if not all???) is natural and whole-foods based. I recently posted about having the exact same symptoms as you (plus hives!) after eating tofutti vegan cheese, and indeed I’ve experienced the same thing whenever I’ve eaten any ‘fake’ food, from vegan soy ice-cream to ‘cheeses’ to seitan. I also eat more tofu than you do, and you could well be reacting to the soy as well as the uber-processed, sugary food. My diet is nowhere near as clean as yours and I still can’t tolerate vegan replacements for dairy foods (other than rice/hemp/coconut milk), so I think that might well be the reason why you can’t too.
Hope you’re feeling better now and have a lovely day!
xxx
Glad you had a speedy recovery after a disturbing experience. Congratulations on your success with your excellent blog. I am sure you are helping a lot of people.
Glad you are ok! I have heard that about chicory root before… have you looked to see if it’s in anything else you eat? If not, I bet it’s the culprit!
Happy Canada Day!
As far as I can see, I haven’t had it in many things before, if at all. Hopefully I can get it tested in an allergy test!
Allergic reactions are scary! Glad you’re okay!
I have been a “lurker” until now but I love your blog have been reading it every day for a couple months. You have taught me so much and are a positive inspiration! I just had to respond to this one because it reinforces what you say all the time about eating REAL WHOLE food without all these crazy ingredients which no one really knows what they are and what effects they have on the body. Xantham gum and soy lecithin are on my questionable list too, and they are found in so many things! Do you know anything about these?
Now that I have been cooking a whole lot more (thanks to you!), I find that I don’t want to eat pre-made or processed foods that much anymore, and when I eat out, I think to myself, “I could make something that tastes soooo much better at home!!” :-)
Thanks again for your wonderful blog and recipes!
Thank you Laura!
And yes I couldnt agree more about real food. It’s funny b/c when I picked up the ice cream I was like…geeze the ingredients arent great, but I got it anyways against my gut feeling. Should have known!