Celiac Disease

[Klsword]

I was just diagnosed with celiac. It is overwhelming. I am waiting for an appointment with a nutritionist to help me figure everything out. Do I have to throw out all of my pots and pans, utensils, etc and buy all new? I’ve read labels of items that say gluten free only to find out they could’ve gotten cross contaminated because they were made at a factory that makes products containing gluten. I am so lost. I am scheduled for an iron infusion in a few days because it’s extremely low. I’m just ready to feel better!

[GFinDC]

Hi Klsword,

Welcome to the forum!

It can be confusing to start the gluten-free diet.  There is a lot to learn and a lot to think differently about.  For instance is all food really just poison in disguise !?!*$!

No, it's not,  But it can seem that way at first.  To make the learning/adjusting process simpler, try sticking to whole foods and avoid processed foods for a few months.  Eat foods like meats, veggies, eggs, nuts and fruit.  These are natural and gluten-free foods that are easy to find.  Sticking with a whole foods diet lets you skip reading and deciphering long ingredients label lists of tiny print on processed foods.  I suggest you also skip all dairy for a few months too.  Once you are feeling better try adding one new food to your diet every 3 days.

Recovery from celiac damage can take months to years for some.  But people tend to start feeling different/somewhat better in a few weeks.  The simpler your diet is the easier it is to control what possible contaminants enter your body.  Minor cross contamination can be a problem.  Like sharing a peanut butter jar with others who eat gluten.  Not a good idea.

Edited October 21, 2020 by GFinDC

[psawyer]

Hello.

Most kitchen items can continue to be used as long as they are thoroughly washed. An automatic dishwasher does this well.

Some things can trap gluten and thus can not be adequately cleaned. Wire mesh sieves can trap gluten. A toaster is impossible to clean of all crumbs. Plastic items which are scratched need to go, but if they are in good condition, just wash them.

Cast iron cookware is porous, but gluten in them can be destroyed by heat. If you have a self-cleaning oven, put them in and run a clean cycle. 600 degrees for 30 minutes will destroy gluten.

[trents]

No, you don't have to throw out your cookware and utensils. Just wash them well after use by those in your household who are not eating gluten free or keep them in a separate place. The biggest challenge in that regard may be things like shared toaster ovens and measuring scoops. Come up with a plan and make sure everyone is on the same page. You may also need to store your gluten free food items in a different area off limits to others in the household.

There is a difference between "gluten free" and "certified gluten free." The latter is a stricter designation. Depending on the manufacturer, "gluten free" may simply mean no gluten containing ingredients are intentionally included in the ingredients but it may not rule out cross contamination in production, storage, transport and processing. There are a couple of "Certified Gluten Free" groups and they have different standards for parts per million allowed. One group goes by the FDA standard of 20 ppm and the other 10 ppm I believe. We are discovering that 20 ppm may not be good enough for some celiacs. 

Your best course of action is to stay away from processed foods at first, even "gluten free" ones, and stick to eating basic, simple foods like fresh meat, fresh vegetables and fruit and to buy only "certified gluten free" products otherwise. You also need to research any supplements and meds you take for gluten content. Wheat starch can be used as a filler/binder in pills.

Be aware that gluten is frequently found in food items you would never expect, such as most all canned soups and even soy sauce. You will need to become a label reader and learn the ways terminology can hide gluten. Don't take anything for granted. And realize that companies can and do change their formulations for processed food items. What was once gluten-free may not be down the road.

Edited October 21, 2020 by trents