What Is It Like To Be Allergic To All Food? 1 Unlucky Teen Offers A Glimpse Into His Life

Since their son was young, Alex Visker's parents knew something was wrong with him. Almost every time he sat down to dinner with his family, he would get a severe stomach ache, nausea, and muscle and bone pain.

For years, doctors were mystified by Alex's seemingly complex gastrointestinal issues, finally prescribing him medications for severe allergies and Mast Cell Activation Disorder, a genetic condition that makes people prone to severe allergic reactions. Right now, there is no name for Alex's disorder, but he is essentially allergic to all food, and has not tasted solid food in the past four years.

Now 19, Alex told People Magazine that he still remembers the taste of food, even though over the past four years he has been "feeding" through a tube inserted into his stomach, which provides him with essential nutrients and vitamins. He says he especially misses his mom's lasagna. Although Alex's health has stabilized, he has missed 300 days of high school. The young man even cooks for his friends because he doesn't want them to feel sorry for him.

"He's an inspiration," Madison Abbott, 21, a guitarist from Lehi who organized a benefit concert for Alex, told People Magazine. "He hasn't lost hope that there's a way for him to feel better. His doesn't let his illness bring him down, which is a lesson we could all learn."

Alex's parents have set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical costs.