Hi, Tash. Sorry you're not feeling well. I empathize with being scared to eat anything. I remember what that's like. You're not the only one going through this.
Posterboy is on the right track with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and this link is very helpful. Lots of good reading.
http://www.thepatientceliac.com/2014/01/04/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-madness/
I picture Mast Cell as tanker trucks that drive around spraying for mosquitoes. These Mast Cell tanker trucks are sitting around idling until they are told to start spraying their toxin (histamine) on intruders, the allergens, and unfortunately, every thing nearby. Sometimes, these Mast Cell tanker trucks go overboard and spray way too much of their toxin. And they get all their tanker truck friends to join in and they spray too much toxin and they all make a big mess....
What tells the Mast Cells to start spraying their toxins? The article says:
"Common triggers for mast cell degranulation in those of us with MCAS include the following:
insect stings
pain medications such as NSAIDs and narcotics
foods and drinks that are high in histamine or are known to trigger histamine release
extreme temperatures, both hot and cold
exercise
strong scents including perfumes and chemicals
friction, pressure, or vibration on the skin
emotional and physical stress"
So maybe that cold popsicle triggered your Mast Cells. (Just out of curiosity, what flavor popsicle was it? ? Ice cream or flavored ice?)
Sulfites can also trigger Mast Cells. Here's an article about sulfite intolerance or hypersensitivity by the same author.
http://www.thepatientceliac.com/tag/celiac-disease-and-sulfite-intolerance/
Here's a study about how sulfites trigger mast cells...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16680925
I have a Sulfite Hypersensitivity (type IV). I have to avoid foods high in sulfites or I get terribly ill and can't breathe. Sulfite Hypersensitivity CAN cause anaphylaxis. Here's an article that explains more about sulfite reactions and foods to avoid.
https://www.verywell.com/sulfite-allergy-82911
Tomatoes, fish, and chocolate are high histamine foods or foods that trigger histamine release. So are yogurt, cheese, and strawberries!!!
Epipens contain sulfite preservatives. Here's an article about one women's reaction to sulfite in her medication. Good sulfite hypersensitivity information.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1783707/#!po=42.5926
And one more for curiosity's sake about those cashews that seemed to start the (yarn?) ball rolling... Wonder if they were treated this way...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24926808
Soaps and shampoos often contain sodium laurel sulfate which can trigger that sulfite hypersensitivity reaction...
https://www.livestrong.com/article/538086-sodium-laureth-sulfate-allergy/
Watch out for sodium laurel sulfate in your toothpaste! I couldn't figure out why I'd have a reaction right before bed when I hadn't eaten anything that could have been a trigger, until I read the toothpaste ingredients. Avoid heavily scented things. Many scents and perfumes have sulfur components or sulfite preservatives to make the scent last longer. And avoid artificially colored foods. Those chemical food dyes have sulfur components in them, too.
So, no high histamine foods, no nightshades (potatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes), no processed foods, no legumes, gluten free and dairy free..... try the Autoimmune Protocol Paleo diet with low histamine foods. It's hard at first, but it does help and as you heal, you can try adding foods back. Keep a food journal!
I read somewhere, sorry I can't find the reference, that mast cells live about eighteen months to two years. So, theoretically this hypothesis said, if you can get your system calm, the old mast cells won't be triggering and "teaching" the new mast cells to react and the old mast cells will die off and the new ones won't be so reactive. Wouldn't that be lovely!
Do discuss with your doctor about taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Your plasma levels may be fine, but vitamins are used mostly inside cells and are more accurately measured by tissue sample analysis which doctors don't usually do. The B complex vitamins are water soluble and need to be replenished every day. Some vitamin requirements may be set too low for optimal health. Celiac Disease causes malabsorption and getting enough nutrients may be difficult without supplementation at least at first. As you heal, you'll absorb nutrients better and may not need to continue supplementing. I found molybdenum supplements did help me.
Hope this helps.
