Back in March I went to an allergy specialist. The verdict was that I have a chlorine allergy. I was sensitive enough the trace amounts of chlorine in tap water had been causing my flu/cold-like symptoms. After having filters on the shower so that I don't breathe steam and a filter on the sink in the kitchen so I don't drink it, I have been "cold" free for two months. It's the longest I've ever been without those symptoms. Doctors used to tell me it was all viral. After the whole thing in my sinuses getting worse and worse despite having no tonsils or adenoids, I was sent to a specialist.
It has been difficult to avoid everything the specialist told me to and I've now given up some of my favorite things. The only artificial sweeteners that I can have are xylitol, stevia, and saccharin. No sucralose, aka Splenda ®, aspartame, or other common sweeteners. This has meant no more gum, a lot of "light" or "no sugar added" foods have these in them. Between the white sugar and artificial sweeteners, there's a lot of "no-no" foods at the store. I also found out that I need to stay away from Red 40. It's in everything it seems. So I make a lot from scratch!
Life is beautiful. Springtime without the illness is like being handed a second life. It is so beautiful and I love filling my lungs that used to be plagued by asthma with fresh air. Some challenges, such as avoiding chlorine, are definitely worth it.
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