Want to share a conversation I recently had................

Hello dear friends!  
I recently heard from a woman in North Carolina who had a question about potato starch in fat-free half and half. She had noticed I use this milk product in some of my recipes in Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen:  Arthritis Diet.  I wanted to share part of what I wrote to her in hopes that this may be helpful to you as well.

I'd love to hear from you too!

(This is part of that recent email.)

I checked my fat free half and half this morning to see if it contained potato starch.  It doesn't, but it does contain corn syrup solids, which may have potato starch.  Food products can be tricky and I'll keep searching.  FF half and half doesn't bother me, but if you're getting a reaction to it, please avoid that as well. I may have mentioned that even a few potato chips sets off a reaction for me, but potato starch in canned soup, for instance, does not. Odd crossover for sure.

Have a question for you though. Do you get a reaction "quickly" after eating certain foods, such as nightshades, or does it take a while. My reactions come quickly and with a vengeance, about 35-40 minutes after accidentally ingesting something.  But I know that's not the format for everyone. Unfortunately, the reactions can be different for many of us, including timing.

I've also found people who are sensitive to nightshades, are sometimes very sensitive to gluten, sugar, and lactose.  Then, I've talked with others who are sensitive to strawberries, spinach, and corn, as well.  I don't find a correlation to the nightshades family, other than causing inflammation (which can be a strong factor), with these particular foods, or with gluten, sugar, or lactose, however. But I know all of these can be destructive and and cause extreme pain. This problem we share is complex and difficult on several levels. Our bodies are very diverse.  

The most difficult situation I have to contend with is eating in restaurants. Even when the waiter assures me that there are no nightshades in the choices I make, and reports that the chef concurs, I often get stung with some seasoning in the sauce, salad dressing. or marinade for the meat or fish. It's frustrating and has a painful outcome. But at the same time, I've had some positive results in talking with the waiter and/or chef about nightshades and consider that my part in the big picture of spreading the word.  I encourage anyone with food allergies or associated problems to bring it to the attention of wait staff in restaurants and with your friends when  you're invited to their home for dinner. 

Well, dear friends.........that's it for now, but I would love to hear from you and talk about your individual situations and how you're doing.   Follow me on Facebook under "Caroline's No Nightshade Kitchen:  Arthritis Diet,"  or email at caroline.thompson101@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing more from you.

all my very best,....and be well!

Caroline