Barley is one thing I do test allergic to, although I’m not sure why as it was never really a part of my diet. But I tried a small bit anyway.
Never again. Not worth the consequences.
For our audience Australian researchers determined there are just 3 small peptides on the gluten protein molecule that cause all the trouble. 1 of them is present in all three of the named grains. 1 is present on just two. Another 1 is present in just one.
That demonstrates the cause of the different reactions by different people to each of these grains or combinations of grains.
They're working on a vaccine that reprograms your T-Cells to NOT attack your intestines simply because they detect those peptides. It's undergoing human trials!
There is hope.
I have Celiac disease (an inability to digest wheat, barley, rye, and a few other grains. Before I was diagnosed in 2008, I would have told you that barley was never really part of my diet, either. I'd have been very wrong, though.
Unfortunately, it's in so many different foods, it's hard to avoid. Barley malt is a flavoring used in an unbelievable number of foods, and barley (not to mention wheat) sometimes shows up as "dietary fiber", "malt", or "malt flavoring". Until very recently, Rice & Corn Chex had barley malt (they've since switched and are now gluten-free). Many, many other cereals still have barley malt, as do some chocolate candies. Its found in salad dressing, soups, etc. Some teas have barley (especially herbal teas, including some from Celestial Seasonings).
If you show a reaction to Barley, you might want to consider looking into a gluten-free diet and/or being tested for Celiac. I wasn't diagnosed until early 2008, even though I'd had symptoms for many years.
People with long-term, untreated Celiac and other dietary intolerances often develop more symptoms and more intolerances/allergies as time goes by. They begin to react to other substances (for Celiacs, common ones are corn and milk).
If you have been previously tested, it might be worth looking up which test you have had. Some tests are more accurate than others.
I had over a decade of accelerating food sensitivity, pain, rashes, digestive problems, and even easily broken bones (from being unable to process calcium) before a doctor took one look at me and told me what everyone else had missed for years.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.