Dealing with effects of cross contamination

[Petroguy]

My wife was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with celiac disease. We are new to this as we don't know anyone personally with it. We are buying everything we eat gluten free. I told her i will eat same as she, but somehow it appears she has had contact with it. We wondering how to deal with effects from it.                            Thx

 

[SaraE]

  On 3/3/2019 at 3:57 PM, Petroguy said:

My wife was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with celiac disease. We are new to this as we don't know anyone personally with it. We are buying everything we eat gluten free. I told her i will eat same as she, but somehow it appears she has had contact with it. We wondering how to deal with effects from it.                            Thx

 

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Hello! It can be hard and overwhelming at the beginning, it just takes a little bit of time and lots of reading. I would suggest giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning, and buying new appliances that might be contaminated (toaster, blender, oven). Also, check lipticks for gluten ingredients. It's awesome that you both will adhere to a gluten-free diet, otherwise you might get her sick. Make sure you check the ingredients list on everything you buy, also check for disclaimers like: "made in a facility that also processes wheat". Cooking at home with meats, fruits and vegetables is the best. I found a Paleo-like diet to be the best. Avoid eating out at the moment while you get the hang of it, unless it's at 100% gluten-free places. Cross-contamination is probably the biggest and hardest issue to handle. 

How to feel better? Drink lots of water, activated charcoal helps me as well. Lots of sleep, exercise if you can. Meditation and breathing exercises have been life-savers for me. Just take it easy and be kind to yourself, it will get better! ?

[Petroguy]

  On 3/3/2019 at 4:50 PM, SaraE said:

Hello! It can be hard and overwhelming at the beginning, it just takes a little bit of time and lots of reading. I would suggest giving your kitchen a thorough cleaning, and buying new appliances that might be contaminated (toaster, blender, oven). Also, check lipticks for gluten ingredients. It's awesome that you both will adhere to a gluten-free diet, otherwise you might get her sick. Make sure you check the ingredients list on everything you buy, also check for disclaimers like: "made in a facility that also processes wheat". Cooking at home with meats, fruits and vegetables is the best. I found a Paleo-like diet to be the best. Avoid eating out at the moment while you get the hang of it, unless it's at 100% gluten-free places. Cross-contamination is probably the biggest and hardest issue to handle. 

How to feel better? Drink lots of water, activated charcoal helps me as well. Lots of sleep, exercise if you can. Meditation and breathing exercises have been life-savers for me. Just take it easy and be kind to yourself, it will get better! ?

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Thx, guess i need to get larger cleaning brush. 

[cyclinglady]

So nice that you are supporting your wife!  Hubby and I are both gluten free (he was 12 years before me and yes, it was a shock that I had gluten issues too), but our teen is not.  She gets her gluten fix outside of the house (at friends, restaurants and school).  She does make it a habit to wash her hands when she gets home.  I would advising brushing your teeth as well if you consume  beer or anything with gluten.  

Listen.  This is going to take time.  The learning curve for the diet is steep.  You and your wife will go through all the stages of grieving.  That is normal!  But I can report that feeling good is going to trump eating wheat bread.  Soon, you will be able to make all your favorite foods but they will be gluten free.  But first focus on non-processed simple foods to help her heal.  Let’s face it the Standard American Diet does not seem to be working for anyone based on our obesity rates.  Avoid eating out!  Carry food with you (e.g. snack bar in her purse). Read the Newbie 101 thread located at the top of the “Coping” section.  

SaraE has given you excellent advice.  Well, maybe not a new oven, unless it is a toaster oven.  A good cleaning (self-cleaning cycle or old fashioned “Easy Off” cleaner will do the trick).  Consider replacement grilles if you have an outdoor BBQ or use that “Easy Off” and scrub, scrub!  Rinse and repeat.  In the meantime use foil because in the beginning this can take some time and it is a lot to take in. Of course, I am assuming you cook on a grille or will if Spring ever arrives.   If not, disregard this advice!  

Have her keep a journal.  Sometimes celiacs develop other food intolerances that can be temporary.  I was lactose intolerant but eventually after healing, I found I could consume dairy.   All bets are off if she has the genes to be lactose intolerant which affects like 40% of the world’s population. 

So nice that you are loving and supportive to reach out on her behalf.  Ask questions.  This is what this forum is about!  Research.  Because unfortunately most doctors are not really sure about celiac disease.  I know more than my two GIs when it comes to the gluten-free diet and how to avoid cross contamination.  

Hang in there!  

Edited March 3, 2019 by cyclinglady

[GFinDC]

Hi Brian,

She can try some Pepto Bismol.  It may help with gut irritation.  Also peppermint tea is good for gas.  Pepto also has aspirin in it so that can help with pain.

Staying off dairy for a few months is a good idea and also oats.  Some people with celiac react to oats just like they do to wheat, rye and barley.

Eating simple whole foods is best for starting the gluten-free diet.  Try and avoid the processed foods.

[Petroguy]

We thank all of you for the advice, nice to get feedback to try.?