Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Almost Gluten-free?

JenM

Recommended Posts

JenM Apprentice
JenM
Posted

Just wondering, is there such a thing as almost gluten-free? Would being on a 80% gluten-free diet be of any benefit? Thanks.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


skoki-mom Explorer
skoki-mom
Posted
Just wondering, is there such a thing as almost gluten-free?  Would being on a 80% gluten-free diet be of any benefit?  Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not if you have Celiac Disease. If you have celiac disease, you must be 100% gluten-free. People with intolerances may have different thresholds, but the pathology is not the same as celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, you body will react to even the smallest amount of gluten. This is why you can't have cake on your birthday, for instance. So, for someone with celiac disease, if you don't give it 100%, I don't really know what the point would be. Trust me, it's hard enough to be gluten-free when you are really trying, and most of us with celiac disease wind up inadvertently ingesting it anyhow, which is why it is so hard for some people to control symptoms.

Hope that helps.

MySuicidalTurtle Enthusiast
MySuicidalTurtle
Posted

No, 80% gluten-free would not be helpful to someone with Celiac Disease.

nettiebeads Apprentice
nettiebeads
Posted
Just wondering, is there such a thing as almost gluten-free?  Would being on a 80% gluten-free diet be of any benefit?  Thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry, no. It's almost like saying 80% pregnant or something like that. The body will react to a minute amount - someone in another post said to take one slice of bread, divide it into 48 pieces, and that 1/48 of a slice is enough to trigger a reaction. And remember, if you have celiac disease, when the body reacts to the offending protein, it also attacks itself, which is not a good thing.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

Nope. It's a chemical reaction, so any gluten will cause the reaction in the intestines.

Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted

Any amount of gluten can cause intestinal damage in celiacs, a crumb, a slice a bread, medication with gluten in it, ect. In order to feel better and heal the intestines you must be 100% gluten free.

If you are gluten free for other reasons, then you would also have to be 100% gluten free to notice improvment and get better.

KaitiUSA Enthusiast
KaitiUSA
Posted

Yep backing up what the others have said here....you have to be 100% gluten free to prevent damage.

Anything and everything needs to be checked...gluten can be in makeups, hair products, soaps, household products, medications,foods, etc... and the gluten containing ones all must be eliminated.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


JenM Apprentice
JenM
Posted
  • Author
:huh: Your'e all making this very hard! :( What it all boils down to is that I need to go 100% gluten-free, assuming I have a gluten sensitivity. Is that correct?
aikiducky Apprentice
aikiducky
Posted

That's correct. Otherwise you might just as well not bother. It's an all or nothing thing.

It's worth it though, when you finally start to feel well. :)

Pauliina

skoki-mom Explorer
skoki-mom
Posted

Jen, I was where you are less than 2 months ago. Well, the exception being that I have a conclusive diagnosis of celiac disease. The limitations of the diet are overwhelming. But, it's one of those things you just have to do. It gets a little easier every day. Is there stuff I wish I could have?? Oh yeah, but then I think of the risk factors, and remind myself it's just not worth it. I'm one of those freaks that has absoloutely no GI symptoms, so it's not like I'd even "get sick". Fact is, my gut is sick, so I need to take care of it. There are a lot of pretty good substitutes out there. I just had my first gluten-free Thanksgiving, complete with stuffing and gravy (it was great!), and today is my first gluten-free birthday. I just got home from a fab dinner at Tony Roma's and my kids and I had brownies that I made with gluten-free graham wafer crumbs. I am (was?) the hamburger queen, and if I can do it, so can you! About the only unforged territory left for me is gluten-free bread....as in to eat it like regular bread/toast. I find it a little intimidating looking and I'm scared to blow that much $$ on it, lol!!!

Keep coming here, it's a great place for info and you will also find that people can relate to what you are going through.

((hugs))

JenM Apprentice
JenM
Posted
  • Author
Jen, I was where you are less than 2 months ago.  Well, the exception being that I have a conclusive diagnosis of celiac disease.  The limitations of the diet are overwhelming.  But, it's one of those things you just have to do.  It gets a little easier every day.  Is there stuff I wish I could have??  Oh yeah, but then I think of the risk factors, and remind myself it's just not worth it.  I'm one of those freaks that has absoloutely no GI symptoms, so it's not like I'd even "get sick".  Fact is, my gut is sick, so I need to take care of it.  There are a lot of pretty good substitutes out there.  I just had my first gluten-free Thanksgiving, complete with stuffing and gravy (it was great!), and today is my first gluten-free birthday.  I just got home from a fab dinner at Tony Roma's and my kids and I had brownies that I made with gluten-free graham wafer crumbs.  I am (was?) the hamburger queen, and if I can do it, so can you!  About the only unforged territory left for me is gluten-free bread....as in to eat it like regular bread/toast.  I find it a little intimidating looking and I'm scared to blow that much $$ on it, lol!!! 

Keep coming here, it's a great place for info and you will also find that people can relate to what you are going through.

((hugs))

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have no GI symptoms either, just an autoimmune disease and a recommendation to go gluten-free. I'm glad to hear you can eat out. My husband and I do often (I hate to cook and am horrible at it.) Good luck with the bread. I just went to the store and bought some today. I've tried it before. I don't want to discourage you, so I'll say it wasn't bad. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm on my way to Outback now. :):)

ILOVEOMC Enthusiast
ILOVEOMC
Posted
:D You can do it!! Just make the initial adjustment and you will feel better and that will be incentive enough. Good luck!
Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted

You will feel overwhelmed at first, but you should quickly adjust. Once you know what you can and can't have, it gets a lot easier. Please ask us if you need gluten-free product lists, recipes, or meal ideas. That's what we are here for B)

Claire Collaborator
Claire
Posted

Plenty of reaction to this thread!

What can I say? Grrrrrrr! The question disturbs me that much! I am one of a few people on the forum who have the neurlogical damage done by gluten - see posts by tiredofdoctors. Gluten attacks your cells - any cells and promotes the development of autoimmune diseases - meaning that the body's immune system is attacking your body. If it attacks your brain cells - then you, like me, would be in big trouble.

Don't even consider a little bit of gluten. It's true that you might as well do nothing as do a little. It is an all or nothing situation. No compromises, no cheating. Because you may not feel the damage being done does not mean damage isn't being done. It sneaks up on you - and then it is too late. Claire

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    2. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result. I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned? Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Aretaeus Cappadocia's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especia...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      nothing has changed

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can t...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,190
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Atl222
    Newest Member
    Atl222
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
    • Scott Adams
      nothing has changed

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can take 12–24 months (sometimes longer) for antibodies and the intestinal lining to fully heal, particularly in teens and young adults. Eating gluten again to “test” things isn’t recommended and won’t give you clear answers—it’s far more likely to cause harm than clarity. Weight not changing is also very common in celiac and doesn’t rule anything out. Please know that your frustration and sadness matter; this adjustment is hard, and feeling stuck can really affect mental health. You deserve support, and if you can, reaching out to a GI dietitian or mental health professional familiar with chronic illness could really help you through this phase. This study indicates that a majority of celiacs don't recover until 5 years after diagnosis and starting a gluten-free diet: Mucosal recovery and mortality in adults with celiac disease after treatment with a gluten-free diet However, it's also possible that what the study really shows is the difficulty in maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet. I suspect that if you looked closely at the diets of those who did not recover within 2 years might be that their diets were not 100% gluten-free. Perhaps they ate out more often, or didn't understand all of the hidden ingredients where gluten can hide. Either way, it shows how difficult recovery from celiac disease can be for most people. According to this study: This article explores other causes of flattened villi:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.