Who could imagine that allergies would drive a woman to leave America — the land of opportunities?
For three years, Bee has suffered from chronic hives, episodes of anaphylaxis, and digestive issues triggered by some of her favourite American foods, including cheese, wheat breads, and even fresh produce.
In an interaction with Newsweek, she said, “I didn’t want to leave behind my entire life in the US, but I didn’t feel like I had a choice. I break out in hives, or a red rash or flushing that covers my chest and face. The rash is also hot and itchy. I’d have difficulty breathing, stabbing pain in my abdomen, migraines, tinnitus, joint pain, brain fog, congestion, and hear my heartbeat in my head."
By 2024, she was only able to consume broccoli, coconut, and some chicken.
The interview further revealed how Bee had to carry around an EpiPen, an inhaler, and Benadryl (and oddly enough, baking soda) all the time, in case she had another episode. She couldn't bear it any longer, and in November 2024, she left the US and moved to Europe.
MCAS Diagnosis
As she started afresh in a new country, Bee took to her TikTok page, starting a series where she tried every food that would normally trigger an allergic reaction, but to her surprise, she didn’t experience the same in Europe.
Bee said, "I started with gluten and dairy, then moved onto fruits and vegetables. I was always safe about it—never doing it alone, knowing where the closest hospital was, and having my meds on hand. After dozens of trials, I just kept getting the same results.
"I almost didn't believe it at first and was pretty shocked. I knew that there was just something different about American food that I couldn't explain."
She revealed her diagnosis with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), an allergy-adjacent condition that can reportedly develop without any reason.
The Cleveland Clinic defines MCAS as a condition that causes intense episodes of swelling, shortness of breath, hives, diarrhoea, vomiting and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. "It’s caused by mast cells (mistakenly) alerting your immune system that there’s something harmful in your body," the health website shares.
Food Allergies In The US And How Foreign Diets Affect The Body
Food allergies are on the rise in the US. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, a branch of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the nine leading causes of food allergies identified in the US are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
While genetics and environment play a role, experts are increasingly pointing to industrialised food systems as a major contributor. The daily exposure to artificial additives, preservatives, and heavily processed ingredients may be overloading the body’s immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions.
One of the most significant differences between life in the US and many other countries lies in food quality. Traditional diets in countries like Italy, Japan, and parts of Central America are often centred on fresh, local, and minimally processed ingredients. Meals are home-cooked, and artificial additives are rare.
However, the typical American diet is filled with ultra-processed items that are high in refined sugars, synthetic flavourings, preservatives, and emulsifiers. These may still have subtle but significant effects on gut health and immune function over time.
Also Read: Can Childhood Allergies Be Prevented? Here’s What You Should Know About Early Exposure
Conclusion
Food allergies are one of the last lines of discussion we have when we talk about health. However, Bee's journey highlights how it can be life-threatening as well as life-altering. While not everyone has the resources to move countries, it is crucial to identify your triggers and understand the cause behind chronic food allergies. If you or a loved one is going through the same, it is best to speak to a medical professional.