Soy

[BrenLou]

I understand that most soy sauces have gluten, however I don't know if that means I have to totally cut all soy from my diet.  Forexample, some products have soy lecithin so is that okay or not okay.

Also, I have only very recently found out I have Celiac disease and although I think I've done fairly well so far, I admit I am somewhat afraid of whatever I eat! How do I do this without that fear?

 

Thank you!

[cyclinglady]

You can have soy!  Just make sure the soy sauce is marked gluten free!  

When newly diagnosed, besides reacting to gluten which sets off an autoimmune response, many celiacs have concurrent intolerances or allergies to other foods.  This has been attributed to a damaged, leaky gut.  Every celiac is unique.  But the most common intolerances often include the top 8 allergens (soy is on this list).  

How to know what additional intolerances you might have?    (Remember, those can cause discomfort but are not necessarily setting off an autoimmune response like gluten does.  Experiment. Keep a food and symptom journal.  

Personally, I can not consume Xanthan Gum, onions, garlic, mushroom and nuts.  Even after healing from celiac disease these foods do not like me!  

Your fear will reduce, once you have mastered the diet.  Know that it takes time.  Be patient.  

Congratulations on doing a good job.  I am happy for you!  

[mbrookes]

No one wants to have Celiac, but isn't it good to know what the problem is and what to so about it! La Choy soy sauce is gluten free, as is Tamari. I promise, it will get easier with time. You will find out what you can and can't tolerate and life will be wonderful again. You will always have to be careful what you eat, but no more surprise nausea and diarrhea. brain fog , wildly fluctuating moods. I have been happier since my diagnosis than I was for the 5-6 years that I was sick before diagnosis.

[BrenLou]

Thank you for taking time to answer me! 

[mbrookes]

You have come to the right place. Many of the people on this site are new to the Celiac life, but many of us have been at it for a while. I was diagnosed 15 years ago when there was about nothing gluten free available. Now there are cookies, snacks, frozen dinners, all sorts of things. Wheeeeeee. There will always be problems, eating out is a crap shoot, going to parties (especially dinner parties) will be tough, office get-togethers are a bit strained, conference banquets are awful, but......you don't have to know where a bathroom is everywhere you go. You are not totally wiped out as soon as you get up, You are not killing tourself with a fork. Good luck. You will do great.