Newbie Questions

[netwirth57]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed as having Celiac disease 4 days ago. I think I can cope with the new diet but I am overwhelmed about the restrictions on shampo, touthpaste, mouthwash, etc.. Is this really something to worry about or isn't only something that the most sensitive individuals need to be concerned with? My doctor never mentioned changing your shampo.

Alos what are the bast on line shopping sites? I would really like to find a site that I could trust that would have all the products I need.

Thanks for your help.

[Rusla]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed as having Celiac disease 4 days ago.  I think I can cope with the new diet but I am overwhelmed  about the restrictions on shampo, touthpaste, mouthwash, etc..  Is this really something to worry about or isn't only something that the most sensitive individuals need to be concerned with?  My doctor never mentioned changing your shampo. 

Alos what are the bast on line shopping sites?  I would really like to find a site that I could trust that would have all the products I need.

Thanks for your help.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have not found a site that contains everything one needs. Of course it depeneds on where you reside. In the US you seem to have much availability to good products than where I live. In Canada if I lived in Vancouver or Toronto or Montreal then my availability would increase to more things however, it would be a good idea to find your local Celiac Association Chapter, they have tons of good information. There is a lot of great information and recipes on this site also.

It can seem like a daunting chore going gluten-free but at least you have great support here and with the local Celiac Chapter.

Best of luck to you.

[Rachel--24]

Yes, you should be concerned about any product containing gluten that can possibly get into your mouth. Lotion, shampoo, cosmetics (if you're female)...these all can easily get into your mouth. Toothpaste, mouthwash and lipstick all should be gluten-free. The only toothpaste (that I know of) that *isn't* ok is Sensodyne. Also don't lick envelopes or stamps.

[KaitiUSA]

The reason why products matter is because they can easily get into your mouth.

Think about it..if you wash your hands with gluten containing soap and then prepare your food you cross contaminate.

With shampoos, it can easily slide down your face in the water and how often do you touch your hair throughout the day without even thinking about it...that gets gluten on your hands.

With makeups it is the same thing..you touch your face maybe subconsciously to rub your eye or something and then its now on your hands...makeup is obviously the most important because that's right on your mouth

With nail polish biting your nails or making food can make it chip off and get traces in there.

Hairsprays and perfumes can get into your digestive tract through airborne particles.

Every angle needs to be looked at because every little bit can and will damage you.

If you would like to email me I can send you some lists that would help with guidelines of products and all that kind of stuff.

[jma]

Hi! I was also just diagnosed too. My brother was diagnosed 2 months ago and wanted me to get tested because of my symptoms. Unfortunately I started the diet before I contacted the doctor and now he is reluctant to run the tests. he wants me to go gluten free. He feels I do have celiac disease since my Dad and my brother has it. It's overwhelming. My question is is there a list for gluten free products like toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, etc. or does it just involve research of the individual companies. Any help would be appreciated for us new ones!

[netwirth57]

Hi!  I was also just diagnosed too.  My brother was diagnosed 2 months ago and wanted me to get tested because of my symptoms.  Unfortunately I started the diet before I contacted the doctor and now he is  reluctant to run the tests.  he wants me to go gluten free.  He feels I do have celiac disease since my Dad and my brother has it.  It's overwhelming.  My question is is there a list for gluten free products like toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, etc.  or does it just involve research of the individual companies.  Any help would be appreciated for us new ones!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi, it's only been 1 week since i have been diagnosed so I don't know much but I have yet to find a site or materials listing non food products with Gluten. So I guess we are on our own and need to call the manufacturers. I did learn the hard way that cross contamination is for real. I was feeling better because I hadn't eaten gluten in a few days and while at work I had some soynuts. Within 20 minutes I had cramps and bloating. When I got home I looked on the label of the bag and saw that it is processed on the same equipment that processes wheat products. Before that I didn't believe that cross contamination was something that I need to worry about. lesson learned

Good luck on your new life style.

[lizzy]

hi all

i got my help from the gluten free bible and i also down loaded the food and drug list from this web site which as over 4000 food items on and it help me no end , i found things i could eat cheaper than just the ones that state they are gluten free. .like newmans pasta sauce and emerils also. hope this helps liz

[laurelfla]

lizzy, do you know if on those lists you downloaded the whole cross contamination issue is taken into account? i have thought about getting them but held off for a little bit to save some money. thanks!

[Rachel--24]

I'm pretty sure the Dephi list has non-food items on it. Its always best to call and verify though. Alot of people have posted on here about innacurracies in The Gluten Free Bible so I dont know if I would trust whats written in that book.

[Carriefaith]

Suncreen is something else that we have to watch out for. I got sick from suncreen that had oat extract in it.

My doctor never mentioned changing your shampo.

yeah... unfortunatley that is something that we usually have to learn on sites like this or the hard way (actually getting glutened)

[mndude]

things to keep in mind

glue on envelopes stamps

soaps shampoos

make up

house hold cleaners

medicine/vitamins

laundry soap etc

kissing others

sharing a phone or keyboard with others

we should make a list for new people of all the stuff (mistakes) that we went thru that isn't about gluten-free food