The Fresh Loaf

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Sudden allergy to Sourdough? Help!

pamel_fm's picture
pamel_fm

Sudden allergy to Sourdough? Help!

Hi there

I've recently got more interested in looking after my microbiome so was really happy to find out that sourdough bread is really good for this. I've eaten sourdough for ages anyway.

However, the last few times I've eaten it, I've had an immediate reaction - bubbling tummy, griping pain, and then needing to go to the loo. I don't understand this at all as I've never had a problem with it before!

Does anyone know what this might be and what I can do about it? I'd be devastated if I can't eat sourdough anymore.

The first time it happened was with a Waitrose sliced sourdough loaf, and then I've had a similar thing with a San Francisco sourdough from the local bakery.

Any thoughts/advice much appreciated!

Many thanks

Pam

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

You are looking for medical advice on a bread site?  

pamel_fm's picture
pamel_fm

No, I am wondering if anybody who knows about sourdough has any experience of this happening.

I am assuming people on a bread site have experience of sourdough.

Lechem's picture
Lechem (not verified)

I'm assuming you eat plenty of things through the day. Never heard of a reaction to sourdough per se other than someone who is coeliac and can't have gluten. But that would be for any bread with gluten. Some people have gluten sensitivity that goes away when it's sourdough as it's more easily digested. 

Because it's shop bought it might have more in it than flour, water and salt. There might be some milk product in the ingredients and you could have some lactose intolerance. For example. 

clazar123's picture
clazar123

My family has had food allergies and intolerances for a long time and let me tell you that it is not always easy to figure out. Don't assume anything and you are far away from determining the cause.

I do suggest you do a lot of research on food allergies while you are waiting for your medical appointment with an allergist or medical doctor. Don't depend JUST on "Dr." Google. Those symptoms can be many things-from simple to serious. Your description of symptoms is not typical for anyone and homebakers/probakers will not be able to advise you. Please look for medical help with this issue.

 

https://www.foodallergy.org/

http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/

gerhard's picture
gerhard

A lot of these commercially produced breads contain a lot more ingredients than flour, water, sourdough culture, salt and maybe a little fat.

Gerhard

jimbtv's picture
jimbtv

I have a friend who has negative reactions to sourdough bread. Her reaction is more akin to mold and fungus allergy symptoms which are generally histamine related - runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. She has a tough time even going inside a bakery that has I focus on sourdough.

As we age some of us will become more sensitive to certain food-related triggers. Now that I am finding myself in my "senior years" I am having many more negative reactions to what I eat and when I eat it.

Best of luck to you.

drogon's picture
drogon

... your basic wheat intolerance. However without further tests, who knows.

Try any other wheat product and see if you get the same thing. Then try a 100% rye bread. (If you have a local bakery that makes proper sourdough, they might do a 100% rye too - ask)

That's essentially the same symptoms that I know a few people here (including my MiL) get when they have wheat bread, sourdough or otherwise. My MiL is - OK with 100% rye (mine is sourdough), can't touch wheat (or spelt) not a gluten issue, but a wheat issue.

-Gordon

Tandeka's picture
Tandeka

If you are sensitive to sourdough you might have a sensitivity to TYRAMINE. I had a blood test for food sensitivities and turns out I’m highly sensitive to foods with tyramine, such as aged foods, fermented foods, sourdough etc. Some foods have more than others and sometimes I can eat tyramine foods with little issues and other times not. I sense it has to due with if I am stressed or not getting enough sleep, which lowers my immune system. Hope this helps!