I Have Food Intolerances—Don't Pass the Peas!
The Pea Problem: When Food Feels Like the Enemy
Let me tell you a quick story. As a kid in the 1970s, I dreaded dinner when my mom opened a can of green peas.
Squishy. Slimy. That weird pop in your mouth.
I couldn’t stand the texture. I would hide the peas under my mashed potatoes, tuck them under my napkin, or secretly toss them to the floor one by one, hoping no one would notice.
Now, was I just a picky eater with an attitude? Maybe.
But what if there was more to it?
Fast forward to today, and I’m still a member of the “Peas Out” team (literally—I’m wearing the shirt). But now I understand something so many people are just starting to learn:
Some food reactions and food intolerances aren’t just about dislike—they’re about your body saying “no thanks” in a very real, physiological way.
What Are Food Intolerances?
Food intolerances are when your body has trouble digesting, breaking down, or reacting to certain foods, not because you’re allergic (that’s different), but because something in the food is triggering inflammation, histamine release, a protein, or an immune system flare.
It might be:
Bloating
Brain fog
Fatigue
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Anxiety
Sleep disruption
Or even emotional instability
For some, it’s obvious. Eat dairy and get bloated. Eat gluten and get brain fog. But for others? It’s sneaky—and it can change over time. One year, it is green peas, and later on in life, add wheat gluten and beef.
What's Mast Cell Activation Got to Do With It?
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a growing issue where specific cells in the body overreact and release histamine and inflammatory chemicals in response to triggers, often including food, stress, toxins, or infections.
And here’s the kicker:
These mast cells can cause changes in food intolerances, new sensitivities, and sudden symptoms that make no sense.
For example:
One day, you’re fine eating an avocado. The next day, it makes your face flush.
You used to love eggs. Now, they make your stomach hurt.
You were always a mushroom fan… but now even the smell makes you gag.
These “reactions” aren’t just “being picky.”
It’s an immune and nervous system that’s overwhelmed and in need of help.
Why Are So Many People Reacting to Foods Now?
You’re not imagining it. There has been a significant increase in food reactions among both children and adults. Here’s why:
1. Toxins Everywhere
From pesticides and plastics to preservatives, chemicals, and heavy metals—our bodies are exposed to far more than they were decades ago.
2. Gut Damage
Thanks to antibiotics, glyphosate (present in our food supply), and pesticides on our food, as well as excessive wheat consumption and high-stress lifestyles, gut lining damage is becoming increasingly common—leading to leaky gut and immune over-reactivity.
3. Early and Excessive Immune Triggers
Many kids are exposed to numerous immune stressors early in life (think vaccines, antibiotics, fast food, processed food, and high-stress environments) before their gut or detox systems are fully developed.
4. Nervous System Overload
We live in “fight or flight” all day long. When your nervous system is stressed, your immune system becomes more reactive as well. Think about rushing. We rush the kids out the door, then rush to work, rush to pick up the kids, rush to sports, rush home, rush to eat, and rush to sleep. When do we have time to breathe these days?
5. Genetic Weaknesses
Some of us are born with mutations (such as MTHFR, DAO, or HNMT) that make it harder to detoxify histamine or calm inflammation, exacerbating mast cell issues and food sensitivities. Others are born with autoimmunity, which gets triggered by a wide variety of things. (vaccines, sickness, stress)
Texture Issues or Immune Response?
So, was it just the texture of the peas that made me cringe as a child? Maybe.
However, I realize that it could also have been an early sign of gut inflammation or mast cell reactivity—something I often see in many of my clients today, especially in children who seem “picky” or overwhelmed by certain textures or smells.
What You Can Do If You're Reacting to Foods
If you find yourself (or your child) reacting to more and more foods, you’re not alone. Here’s what I recommend:
✅ Get proper testing – I offer functional food intolerance panels, mast cell assessments, and gut health testing to find your root cause.
✅ Support detox and calm the system – Histamine-friendly diets, DAO support, and gut repair nutrients can help.
✅ Address nervous system stress – Because you can’t heal in fight-or-flight mode.
✅ Avoid guessing – Guessing prolongs the problem. Testing gives you direction.
Let's Figure It Out Together
You deserve to feel good around food again—not nervous, inflamed, stressed, scared, or confused.
Whether you’re dealing with reactions yourself or you’re watching your child struggle with food, I’m here to help uncover what’s going on—and create a plan to bring calm back to your body.
👉 Book a consultation with me here
And hey… if you still don’t like peas, I get it. You’re safe here. 😉
Located in the Atlanta area | Telehealth available nationwide