Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • 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

Frustrated


Breezy

Recommended Posts

Breezy Newbie

I wanted to say hello to all.  I am new to this forum.  

 

My subject is not one of 'how to' it is more about money.  I am curious if everyone is struggling like I am with the money situation involved with celiacs. 

 

Here is my or should I say my granddaughter's story.  After returning from a foreign country I learned that my granddaughter was adopted without notification to me.  I won custody after a long court case and soon after she was diagnosed with Celiacs.  We have struggled with cross contamination to dangerous temper tantrums and after a long process I believe our 'system' is working for the better good of her.  However, most of my finances go toward her food costs.  I make all of her food at home and DO NOT use the frozen processed gluten free items in the grocery store.  So my question is does anyone on this forum have resources or sites that will reduce the amount of money I am spending.  

 

I would appreciate any suggestions also.

 

Thank you


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



nvsmom Community Regular

Unfortunately eating gluten-free costs a bit more, even if you do use whole foods and do your own cooking. If you had chosen to use processed or boxed foods, it would cost even more.  About all you can do is buy the gluten-free flours and ingredients in bulk. Don't use mixes. Try to find inexpensive sources of fruits, veggies and meats - maybe a farmer's market?

 

Stick with staples that are naturally gluten-free like rice. Mashed potatoes are cheap. I buy generic frenc fries for my boys - probably one of their favourite junk foods.

 

I do most of my baking with coconut flour, which calls for ridiculous amounts of eggs ($$) so I substitute in applesauce or bananas or cream. It's still more expensive than regular muffins but waaaay cheaper than what you would buy in the store.

 

Best wishes.

beth01 Enthusiast

I was told that you could deduct the cost of your gluten free food on your taxes.  Keep your receipts, it all adds up.  This is coming from my GI I haven't checked into it yet but I am saving my receipts.

 

I have been buying stuff in bulk when it's on sale if I can freeze it, dehydrate it, or can it.  I also bought a food sealer, that has helped a lot.

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,248
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Stephen of the West
    Newest Member
    Stephen of the West
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Zuma888
    • knitty kitty
      You have one gene for Celiac.  You have a second autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is frequently found at a higher rate with Celiac.  HLA genes carry autoimmune disease genes like Celiac and Hashimoto's and diabetes and others.   You have Celiac symptoms of reacting after gluten.  You said "I am however still suffering from the effects of the gluten challenge (food sensitivities, slight brain fog, weird stool, fatigue, swollen thyroid, bodyaches)."  And your anti-thyroid antibodies increase after gluten exposure.  While tTg IgA does not directly attack the thyroid, gluten exposure does trigger the  immune system to produce antibodies against the thyroid in genetically predisposed individuals.  You did not eat sufficient gluten (10 grams of gluten per day for two weeks minimum) to raise the autoimmune antibodies to the point they can be measured in the blood, so your blood tests may well be inaccurate.  You could choose to continue the gluten challenge of 10 grams a day for at least two weeks and get retested.   At the very least, you know that gluten is harmful to your thyroid, and because you are genetically predisposed to Celiac disease, a strict gluten free diet would be beneficial for your overall health.  
    • Zuma888
      Thanks @Scott Adams! I guess my question now is: do the celiacs who can get away with regular contamination without villi damage as you mentioned have to be strict about cross-contamination ? 
    • Zuma888
      Thank you very much @knitty kitty! I'm glad you brought up the point about histamine. I have been taking an antihistamine after meals where I don't feel so good and never knew why it helped so much. At first I thought I might have a food allergy, but I recently did a food allergy test and I actually have ZERO food allergies. Regarding your last point about the stages of grief, are you saying it's likely that I have celiac? I have Hashimoto's BTW and I know for sure that gluten causes an autoimmune response to my thyroid as my anti-TPO and anti-Tg go up and my throat feels swollen. Could the symptoms be due to that autoimmune response?
    • knitty kitty
      @Zuma888, The antibodies produced in response to gluten are made in the intestines.  When the body is provoked sufficiently, the antibodies overflow out of the intestines and into the blood stream.  Once in the blood stream, the antibodies can be measured with tTg IgA tests.  Three grams of gluten per day for two weeks minimum is enough gluten to make you feel the symptoms of having been glutened, but the antibodies are not in sufficient quantity to be measured in the blood. Ten grams of gluten per day for a minimum of two weeks is required to get the anti gluten antibodies at a high enough level in the blood stream to be measured by tTg IgA tests. So, no, occasional cross contamination or (heaven forbid) intentional cheat days will not be sufficient for tTg IgA testing.  You will still be making antibodies which will still be causing inflammation and damage to the intestines and body.  Histamine is released as part of the immune response to gluten.  High histamine levels lead to food sensitivities, brain fog, and body aches.   The damage done to the gastrointestinal tract affects the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.  Malabsorption of fats can cause changes in stools.  Insufficient absorption of vitamins and minerals can cause damage to other organs like the thyroid if it can't get enough Selenium, iodine, iron, zinc, and Thiamine.  Brain fog and fatigue can be caused by low Thiamine and other B Complex vitamins.  Vitamin D is needed to regulate the immune system.  One gene is all that's needed to develop Celiac disease.  I know a Celiac diagnosis is a change that can be difficult to get your head around.  Many people go through the five stages of grief.  One stage is "bargaining".  Sounds like you're stuck there.  Every little cheat counts to your detriment.  But sticking to a gluten free diet, makes every meal a success.   Read the comments below the article... Best wishes!  Keep us posted on your progress!
×
×
  • Create New...