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Worm and insect eating

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twentysix

Bluelighter
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I know... worms are considered insects... but I guess the label wasn't sticking well.

I have multiple allergies. I am now aware that I'm allergic even to meat- all meats, to varying degrees. Those of the ruminant family cause the scariest reactions. Chicken makes my stomach sting for up to five days... others, have other reactions.

It seems about all I can handle are nuts and seeds right now, and sweet potato (I think), and some other various vegetables.. not to name all of them.

But I had the thought: Earthworms. I can see them not being very allergenic... being easy to digest, and their diet is the decaying matter. As well, since they are "dirt-eaters", they would have some minerals and whatnot that other animals might not have, and should be a good source of b-vitamins I would think... and perhaps serve to function as a "probiotic" as well.

Anyone have any idea about their nutritional values? Anyone tried them? And for good measure, what are your experiences eating any other insects, and what information might you have to share there?
 
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Wow. I have heard of other cultures eating insects, but from what I've heard they are bred with that intended purpose so you can avoid contamination from various chemicals (pesticides being the main concern).

I would NOT eat earthworms or any kind of insect you have found yourself. You risk doing damage to your already sensitive digestion system.

I WOULD recommend seeing a medical professional about your food issues. The discomfort you feel after eating certain foods might not be allergies - they could be serious medical issues that have remained undiagnosed for a long time.
 
no definitely not what are found anywhere... i have already tried to find some organic suppliers, but i keep on finding organic feeding options, and that's it. maybe i could grow my own...

they are definitely allergies. it's been a long road. there's a lot involved with them, though, and I have other issues tied up there as well. I plan on getting treatment, called (abbreviated) N.A.E.T.
 
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Why would you want to eat insects and what not? Man oh man I was about to eat a salad one time and there was a dead beetle in it, I ended up flipping shit. Anyways, back on topic, have you've ever tried vegetarian food? Such as their fake meats and what not? Maybe you can handle those, they seem worth trying out. Ask your doctor first before you eat it though but I don't see why not unless you're also allergic to soy.
 
What other allergies do you have?

Honestly, you can survive perfectly fine on the foods you've mentioned and it's probably better for you in the long run.

I wouldn't try eating worms and other earth creatures until you try to find out exactly why you've got all of these sensitivities. Some people just can't eat foods that are harder on the stomach.
 
OP, are you sure you aren't celiac? An old co-worker of mine couldn't eat animal products (eggs, meat, dairy) depending upon what the said animal ate (if it ate wheat or anything else with gluten, she was not okay eating that food). She also couldn't eat anything that had come into contact with wheat or other gluten-containing products. This meant she had to either grow her own food or trust her source, or buy products that were made on dedicated equipment.

Also, OP, the foods some people have suggested (vegetarian "meats", seitan, etc), I would stay far away from until you get tested for a gluten allergy/intolerance. Seitan is "wheat meat" and would not be okay for celiacs. Also, vegetarian "meats" have a lot of funky additives and probably have a wheat ingredient or two in them.

Seriously though, if you have not been tested for celiacs (or a wheat allergic or a wheat intolerance) within the past six months or a year, do yourself a favor and go. get. tested.
 
yeah, seitan is vital wheat gluten, so IF you have celiac sprue it's probably not for you...However, I have encountered many people who I suspect do not have celiac's disease but simply a minor allergy to all the refined flour and other shit that is in just about everything you can buy at a supermarket these days. I don't think a piece of seitan flavored with ginger and teriyaki is likely to devastate your intestines, but what do i know. As always, trust your gut.
 
All I know is OP should be speaking with their doctor and finding out what their problem is... They also should talk about all these options with their doctor to find out whether or not they will be safe options. I would not risk finding out for yourself, go speak with your doctor.
 
I've eaten my share my grubs, bugs and worms.... It'd be fun they said! I was instructed during the Patrol Pathfinder course that the various creepy crawlies are a good source of food when else is not a viable option. Of course, that implies you're being hunted like an animal your self, so your optimal health may not be of prime concern.

You should consult your Dr and find why you can't eat 'regular' foods. Then perhaps they will be able help in a more appealing manner than crunching down on exoskeletons is.

But I had the thought: Earthworms. I can see them not being very allergenic

Why the hell NOT can you see an earthworm expressing a protein which acts as an antigen in your body causing a large histamine release? Really?
 
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