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

Introduction And Question

pedsarnp

By pedsarnp
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

pedsarnp Newbie
pedsarnp
Posted

Hello to everyone. I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 3 months ago. My bloodwork was negative but biopsy positive. Now on a gluten-free diet I am free of the horrible abdominal pain and other symptoms I was experiencing.

I am a mother of five kids. I work in healthcare as a pediatric nurse practitioner. I lost a baby in a second trimester miscarriage about 8 months ago. After that miscarriage I started having symptoms which ultimately led to my diagnosis. I don't know if the celiac disease caused the miscarriage or if perhaps the pregnancy and miscarriage triggered the celiac disease. Never will know for sure.

I am somewhat used to a restricted diet as my son has anaphylaxis to dairy and nuts. We have also been vegetarian for 20 + years. Now with the celiac disease our grocery shopping just gets harder and harder. LOL

As a mom of 5 young kids in a busy household I am struggling with how to keep my kitchen and food prep space safe for me. What have others done to prevent cross contamination? Any good tips for food storage and handling would really be appreciated.

Also, any vegetarian celiacs out there? When I was busy I loved just grabbing a veggie burger and popping it in the microwave. I cannot find a gluten free brand of veggie burgers. Any ideas or recipes that freeze well?

TIA. I'm looking forward to hanging around and learning from all you gluten-free experts!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

Since gluten intolerance is inherited, I would not be surprized if more of your children have this problem, but are yet to show symptoms, It might be worth going gluten-free for everyone, simplifying your kitchen and grocery shopping.

Also, any vegetarian celiacs out there? When I was busy I loved just grabbing a veggie burger and popping it in the microwave. I cannot find a gluten free brand of veggie burgers. Any ideas or recipes that freeze well?

Yep, that's me for one anyway. For a quick gluten-free on-the-go solution, I'll have instant mashed potatoes. Three mins in the microwave. I did happen to locate gluten-free veggie burgers recently though. I've not tried them as of yet: Open Original Shared Link

kevsmom Contributor
kevsmom
Posted
Hello to everyone. I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 3 months ago. My bloodwork was negative but biopsy positive. Now on a gluten-free diet I am free of the horrible abdominal pain and other symptoms I was experiencing.

I am a mother of five kids. I work in healthcare as a pediatric nurse practitioner. I lost a baby in a second trimester miscarriage about 8 months ago. After that miscarriage I started having symptoms which ultimately led to my diagnosis. I don't know if the celiac disease caused the miscarriage or if perhaps the pregnancy and miscarriage triggered the celiac disease. Never will know for sure.

I am somewhat used to a restricted diet as my son has anaphylaxis to dairy and nuts. We have also been vegetarian for 20 + years. Now with the celiac disease our grocery shopping just gets harder and harder. LOL

As a mom of 5 young kids in a busy household I am struggling with how to keep my kitchen and food prep space safe for me. What have others done to prevent cross contamination? Any good tips for food storage and handling would really be appreciated.

Also, any vegetarian celiacs out there? When I was busy I loved just grabbing a veggie burger and popping it in the microwave. I cannot find a gluten free brand of veggie burgers. Any ideas or recipes that freeze well?

TIA. I'm looking forward to hanging around and learning from all you gluten-free experts!

I use a lot of paper towels to prepare my food, rather than risk laying in on the counter.

I agree with Rice Guy. As a nurse practioner you probably know that celiac disease is hereditary. It would probably be a good idea to have your kids checked...Yeah, look at me suggesting what you should do. I was diagnosed with celiac disease 6 months ago, and have put off having my 17 year old son tested because I was afraid of what would be found. I finally made an appointment, and he does have a doctor's appointment in a few weeks.

pedsarnp Newbie
pedsarnp
Posted
  • Author
Since gluten intolerance is inherited, I would not be surprized if more of your children have this problem, but are yet to show symptoms, It might be worth going gluten-free for everyone, simplifying your kitchen and grocery shopping

I wish that were a realistic option. I'm not sure we could afford to feed all 7 of us on a dairy, nut and gluten free diet. Ugh. Even if we could afford it, I struggle with the idea of imposing such a restricted lifestyle on my kids when they are all totally symptom free. It's hard enough on them to be vegetarian in a meat eating world. Then my son also has to live meat, dairy and nut free. I don't know how much more they would take from me without a total mutiny. :D

Tangent: What is the ideal age to have an asymptomatic child of a celiac patient tested?

Guest nini
Guest nini
Posted

I would seriously consider making the whole family gluten free to avoid any cross contamination issues. If that is not possible then buy lots of ziplock baggies, tupperware type containers, paper towels... store your food in ziplock baggies, prepare food on paper towels, store leftovers of your food in plastic containers and freeze for quick meals...

you would need your own set of condiments labeled with a big ol gluten-free for gluten free and a big red X on anything that is not safe... you would need your own toaster, separate cookware (unless you have stainless steel)

I've tried those Sunshine burgers before... ugh, nasty...

Felidae Enthusiast
Felidae
Posted

It is tough financially to eat unlike the mainstream. Especially since I am a student. The only meals that my husband has that contain gluten are breakfast (cereal) and lunch (bread and deli meat). Everything else that is in my house is gluten-free. I find it is just easier to create one gluten-free supper. But I don't have kids, so I can't help you on that one.

I prepare my food on my own separate cutting board or a plate.

traveljunkie Rookie
traveljunkie
Posted

Hi, it's nice to talk to another gluten free vegetarian. I can relate to the difficulties in meal options! It's very frustrating at times. My oldest son and I are gluten intolerant after taking antibiotics. My husband and younger son are not and they also eat meat. My oldest is a vegan but I still eat eggs and occasionally cheese (which usually bothers me). So I struggle with pleasing everyone...I don't cook meat though...so if they want some my hubby has to cook it. As far as keeping the kitchen clean of gluten, we have a seperate toaster(I'm sure you do) and really watch the crumbs from "their" bread! That is the only gluten product that is our home at the moment. So it's pretty easy to contain.

I'm curious what are some of your families favorite veg. dinner recipes? I'm always searching for new recipes.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted
Tangent: What is the ideal age to have an asymptomatic child of a celiac patient tested?

I don't think there is an "ideal" age however, I believe testing under the age of two is less accurate. I agree with the other posters...having everyone eating gluten-free would make things alot easier.

stef-the-kicking-cuty Enthusiast
stef-the-kicking-cuty
Posted
my son has anaphylaxis to dairy and nuts.

Hi there,

welcome on our message board :) . If you're a nurse practitioner you probably already know this. A sensitivity against milk and other food allergies are often caused by celiac. That means the other posters already said this. It might not hurt to get the kids (or only your son with the anaphylaxis against dairy and nuts) checked.

Hugs, Stef

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. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,331
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Kristy2026
    Newest Member
    Kristy2026
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

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

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • 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.