20 replies to this topic

[PennyH]

Kissing can gluten us?! I'n a newbie and just learning new things. My niece had been very sick after years of gluten-free relief. After much research, and then self testing, she figured out that when she kissed her boyfriend after he ate gluten the cross contamination would make her sick. I've also read this on the internet. This is scary news. I'm dating - how do I protect myself and communicate this without sounding like a crazy person? Bring my date a tooth brush with gluten free toothpaste??? Anyone else dealing with this? This gets overwhelming, I keep finding out more dangers. I'm new to this and I find I can only research a little bit each night without getting anxious.... friendly support out there?

[eatmeat4good]

Welcome!
It's overwhelming at first to read and try to absorb all the intricacies of cross contamination and to know where traces of gluten can be found. But yes, kissing is a source of gluten. But the solution is simple. Brushing well. If you are dating it does take the spontaneity out of the first kiss. But I call it the Kiss of Death to kiss someone who ate gluten. In the beginning I wasn't sure that would be true? Could be true? Is it true for me? Well, yes, it is true. So now I have to have the "celiac talk" before the first kiss. But it's way better than being sick for a week.

Don't worry. There are people who are married to gluten eater's who manage quite well. Their spouses know not to kiss until they brush. It's probably a little harder when you are single and on a new date. But gluten is a word most people have at least heard of. So yeah, bring an extra toothbrush for them...why not?

It's kind of hard to wrap your brain around all the changes you have to make. But even kissing can be managed.

[dilettantesteph]

It's possible that it won't be a problem for you. Our individual levels of sensitivity vary.

[Adalaide]

This is just my opinion, but if you start carrying around a toothbrush with you to first dates, you'll never have a second date. That seems just a little overboard to me. What are you supposed to do? Hand someone a toothbrush after the meal and be like "hey, just in case you decide to kiss me..." At the same time though, you do have to protect yourself and celiac isn't some sort of deep dark secret you should be hiding. You'll probably end up discussing it at some point early on with the choosing of a restaurant or some such. If a first date has gone well and he is leaning in you can always mention the bread, offer a cheek and ask for a raincheck. Heck, if you find yourself a true sweetie maybe you'll find him eating gluten free for the evening and he can plant one right one you.

[PennyH]

This is just my opinion, but if you start carrying around a toothbrush with you to first dates, you'll never have a second date. That seems just a little overboard to me. What are you supposed to do? Hand someone a toothbrush after the meal and be like "hey, just in case you decide to kiss me..." At the same time though, you do have to protect yourself and celiac isn't some sort of deep dark secret you should be hiding. You'll probably end up discussing it at some point early on with the choosing of a restaurant or some such. If a first date has gone well and he is leaning in you can always mention the bread, offer a cheek and ask for a raincheck. Heck, if you find yourself a true sweetie maybe you'll find him eating gluten free for the evening and he can plant one right one you.

Thank you for the support. This is tricky. I'm a mature woman finding myself back out in the dating world so there is a lot to discuss on first dates!

[IrishHeart]

In my humble opinion, discussing the fact that you have celiac should be approached almost right away with a new person in your life and with a sense of humor. (It's not like you have leprosy or a communicable disease that may turn him off.)

But, flat out, a kiss from someone who has consumed gluten? well, let's get real here---if it involves swapping spit--well, yes, it is a problem. Without getting too "icky"--there is mucosa in your mouth lining and swallowing ...etc, etc.

So yeah, you WILL have to address it at some point.

(BTW, it is one of the MANY reasons why my hubs --voluntarily--went gluten-free with me. thank heavens. )

[dilettantesteph]

The president of our local celiac support group is the only celiac in her family. She cooks with flour, kisses her kids and husband, and all her tests are negative.

I seem to have problems with my husbands kisses even when he eats gluten free processed foods. I need to stick to unprocessed foods only.

This isn't a one size fits all disease, as Irishheart has said. She may know your sensitivity from other posts.

I just thought that it would be a good idea to mention that not every celiac has problems with this.

[dani nero]

There is nothing difficult about explaining Celiac if the guy you are dating is smart, caring and open-minded

[IrishHeart]

This isn't a one size fits all disease, as Irishheart has said.

True, true!

And since I do not undulge in heavy petting with anyone but my gluten-free hubs, I cannot say whether it would affect me or not.

( I, personally, would never bake with wheat flour for someone else in my kitchen ever again. (not after what I've been through) With all we know about CC, I am surprised any celiac would, but to each his/her own.)

All I know is ....several well-respected veterans on here report glutenings from kissing spouses who had just consumed a beer or gluteny foods, so I think it is worth considering when being careful about CC.

http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/faqs/f/Kissing.htm

[IrishHeart]

.... if the guy you are dating is smart, caring and open-minded

If you find one of those, you have hit the jackpot.

[icm]

I don' think the term 'celiac' needs emphasis. There are lots of food intolerances and allergies out there. Just tell your partner that you can't eat gluten.

[icm]

Is it just me or are girls generally more understanding than guys?

[dani nero]

Is it just me or are girls generally more understanding than guys?

Nah... gals can be as equally stubborn

[IrishHeart]

I don' think the term 'celiac' needs emphasis. There are lots of food intolerances and allergies out there. Just tell your partner that you can't eat gluten.

It's not about eating gluten. It's the issue of CC from a kiss.

Celiac is nothing to be ashamed of.

Why not be up front about it?

[dani nero]

It is hard to explain to people who never heard of Celiac the concept it cc.. it is always far fetched that an atom of gluten has an effect.