Gluten Free Food

[Steph1]

I am wondering if most people on here are fine with gluten free treats, cereals, etc. I get some symptoms from them, I think, though not as bad as gluten. It just makes me concerned that perhaps gluten isn't my problem if gluten-free foods make me feel unwell also.

[mamaw]

I  think  it  depends  on  how  strict  the place  is  when  being  made/processed.... there are  many gluten-free  foods  I don't  eat  because I  react  do to  CC.... for  instance  the  new  law  stating  20ppm  is  safe for  celiac---- if  one  is  super  sensitive  then  that  is  not  safe  for  that  person....  but  may be  fine  for  another celiac... Many  after  being  gluten-free  notice  they  also  don't  feel  well  after eating  a naturally gluten-free  product    such  as  corn  or  soy  ... We  all are  unique  in  how  we  react  to  anything...

So  to  answer  your  question  yes, many of us  have a  negative  response  to  gluten-free   items... even the  ones  made  in a dedicated facility....

[sunny2012]

I can't eat any of the cereals that are labeled "gluten free". There are many steps in the processioning plant to market shelf for cross contamination can happen.

A friend of mine was constantly sick from eating corn. They researched and found that corn in their area is shipped via trucks that also ship wheat, rye, and barely without ever being cleaned between the loads. 

Product shelved surrounded by gluten contaminated items will frequently become contaminated.

Storage in the where house under gluten containing items can cross contaminate.

In my store, I observed the stock being brought to the shelf with the gluten free items under the regular flour. Flour sacks frequently leak flour all over.

 

Personally, I don't tend to trust my life to symptoms. There are nutrients deficiencies that only show up after months of damage. And it takes a long time to recover. And there is the fear that the intestines will eventually stop healing as well from constant destruction. It just seems easier to me to avoid anything that I am not certain is 100% gluten-free.

[cyclinglady]

You are self-diagnosed, right? If you are still not feeling well on a gluten free diet and you are strictly adhering to it, look for other intolerances. Keep a journal. I hope you find your answers!

I can tell you from my experience, that most gluten-free processed cereals and goodies are not good food choices. They seem to be packed with sugar!

[etbtbfs]

A lot of gluten-free processed, high-glycemic foods aren't much better than their gluten equivalents.

[Steph1]

I am feeling better, for the most part. My vitamin levels are all good now, my thyroid is better. But if I have like 10 gluten-free crackers it hurts my belly. I will be bloated and it hurts my lower abdomen. I know that it is not just the fact that it's junk because I can eat a lot of sugar candy and it is fine.

[ravenwoodglass]

It isn't uncommon for us to have additional intolerances that rear their heads after we have been gluten free. I thought for a long time that a brand of gluten free crackers was getting me even though I later found they were made in a dedicated facility.  It turned out that I was also having problems with soy. Soy is in a lot of gluten-free products so it is likely that many times early on when I thought I was being glutened I was actually being soyed. Try keeping a food and symptom diary for a while.  It may help you pinpoint if something else is causing the issues. 

[nvsmom]

Corn and rice are in almost every cracker.  I would keep a journal like Ravenwoodglass suggested and keep a close eye on how you feel 30 minutes to 3 days after eating corn and rice .  Don't forget that symptoms can take a few days to show up.

 

Best wishes.

[cyclinglady]

Ah, one of my intolerances at the beginning turned out to be Xanthan Gum which never bothered my husband who had long since healed. I gave up some commercial crackers and bread containing xanthan gum. I made my own using guar gum and have done well. I can eat a little xanthan gum now and have not had an issues. One of the blessings of a healed gut!

[cap6]

Most corn and soy is a GMO'd food item and can cause digestive problems. I would work on cutting out as much corn as possible and all soy.

[sunny2012]

How long have you been gluten-free? It took me several years to be able to digest some natural carbs in veggies. I wish I remember which. But really it depends on the damaged areas and how quickly they heal. It is very individual.

 

I just put those aside for another few months and tried again later.

 

We can end up with other stomach issues. I still can't digest fresh fruit and all veggies have to be at least partially cooked or I am in trouble. I never eat processed starches at all.

BUT my duodenum was completely smooth when the doctor looked. He told me while in the procedure room that he knew what was wrong with me,and  put me on a clear liquid diet for the days for the STAT pathology testing cause he was not "allowed" to diagnose based on his view. And all that damage caused some other very serious long term stomach issues that really don't heal well at all after many decades of poisoning with gluten.

 

My point is to take lots of time and be patient while you heal. It is worth it to stop having those stomach troubles. 

[Steph1]

Thanks everyone! I am a little bit teary because this site is such a blessing. When I first went gluten-free 3 years ago I found that dairy, peanut, soy, msg, and tree nuts made me sick. That is all pretty much better, though. I never eat actual corn, though. Maybe those crackers and cookies are made with corn, and I have difficulty digesting it. I will look for that and possibly xanthum gum. Thanks again!