Just Diagnosed...

[emorgan1985]

Hello everyone. I have just been diagnosed with Celiac disease and was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting started...grocery lists, recipes, or just plain advice is more than welcome! I am lost and I haven't even begun! Again...any help will be much appreciated. (Especially what to look for on ingredient labels!)

[CarlaB]

Welcome!

First of all, know what the ingredients are for anything you put into your mouth and do NOT trust anyone else to read the label for you.

I would start with meats, poultry, fish, veggies, fruit, brown rice, potatoes, eggs ... they are all naturally gluten-free. Eating a simple diet like this will also help you heal. You can cook them in butter, coconut oil, olive oil, which are all gluten-free. Single herbs or spices are gluten-free ... if they have more than one ingredient, it's iffy.

Then, figure out what you want to add to that diet. Research each item ... for instance, pasta ... Tinkyada is a good brand of gluten-free pasta. If you have some other specific food you would like, then post here and we'll guide you.

I would stay away from the gluten-free replacement products until you are feeling better.

[CarlaB]

On ingredient lists on foods, look at the allergen statement, if it lists wheat, no need to look further. If it doesn't list wheat, look for barley, malt, rye, oats.

On personal products, usually it's pretty easy to spot wheat, barley or oats on the label. Sometimes the names are listed in latin, but usually they have the translation in parenthesis next to it.

Be careful of charcoal ... it has wheat in it. Use natural charcoal or put your food on foil. Be careful of contamination from previously cooked items that were breaded or had a sauce with gluten.

Most soy sauce or Teriyaki has gluten. It will be listed on the label as wheat.

Get a new toaster. Kinnikinnick bread is good, sold in the freezer section of stores like Wild Oats. I also like Van's gluten-free frozen waffles.

Get rid of old wooden spoons or other kitchen gadgets made from porous materials (scratched Teflon, plastic colander, etc.).

It's hard in the beginning, but once you go through all the products you use regularly, it's easy and becomes second nature. I've literally replaced EVERYTHING with a gluten-free version.

[Lisa]

Carla gave you good advise. Start simple.

Mrs. Dash entire line is gluten free.

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce

Kraft Products will always list gluten

Con Agra Products will always list.

La Choy Soy Sauce is gluten free as is San J Wheat Free Tamari

New Toaster for you.

Check you Teflon pans for scratches (gluten can hide)

Shampoos - it can get into your mouth

Lipsticks or lip balms - mouth issues as well

Lotions - mouth issues again

The learning curve is a steep one, but it can be done.

If you need help, it is all here. Read, read, read...you will not find a better source for Celiac information.

There are a million recipies on this site. And you might like to check out the Product Information Thread.

AND...welcome to our Club!

[emorgan1985]

Thanks sooo much! I really appreciate it!

[emorgan1985]

Do you happen to know where I can find gluten free bread and pasta? I know it's out there but the grocery stores around here don't seem to know what it is!

[CarlaB]

Kroger usually has a nutrition section that carries some gluten-free stuff.

Wild Oats, Whole Foods, or health food stores also carry it. Be sure to look in the freezer for the bread. I like Kinnikinnick bread and Tinkyada Pasta.

[emorgan1985]

So how long in general does it take to start healing? When should I expect to start feeling better?

[nikki-uk]

So how long in general does it take to start healing? When should I expect to start feeling better?

This is really quite a tricky one to answer as it varies enormously from person to person.

Some people start to feel better in a few days - others take a bit longer.

My husband had alot of damage from celiac disease and it took him a good few months to feel any better (and it was a very slight thing - not something he noticed. It was only when he remembered how exhausted he felt at the beginning of going gluten-free that he realised he had made progress)

Hang in there!! - you will feel better

[Queen Serenity]

Hi and Welcome!

My suggestion for you is to stick to simple foods: meats, veggies and fruits. It will take you a while to become used to this experience. As for the healing time, it really does vary, depending on you and not getting yourself glutened. For me, it took a year for my body to feel a difference. Now, I can tell you, having lived with this for twelve years now, that you will become an expert at handling everything. Just give it some time! Back in the day, there wasn't as much food availability as there is today. There are so many companies on-line where you can order some of the best cakes, cookies, and even breads. Try the Gluten Free Cookir Jar. This women uses her own baking facility in back of her home, and makes things that taste like the real thing. Do you have a Shoprite store near you? They do carry gluten free foods. Have you ever approached the grocery manager at you local supermarket, and asked if they could order you gluten free foods? I had to do this years ago, and they can be very accomidating just to keep your business. How about health food stores? Are there any near you? They also carry gluten free foods. It's just a matter of patience and time. Besides, we're all here to help! Never be afraid to ask, no matter how stupid you think it is. Good Luck!

Vicki

[barbara123]

Hi and Welcome!

My suggestion for you is to stick to simple foods: meats, veggies and fruits. It will take you a while to become used to this experience. As for the healing time, it really does vary, depending on you and not getting yourself glutened. For me, it took a year for my body to feel a difference. Now, I can tell you, having lived with this for twelve years now, that you will become an expert at handling everything. Just give it some time! Back in the day, there wasn't as much food availability as there is today. There are so many companies on-line where you can order some of the best cakes, cookies, and even breads. Try the Gluten Free Cookir Jar. This women uses her own baking facility in back of her home, and makes things that taste like the real thing. Do you have a Shoprite store near you? They do carry gluten free foods. Have you ever approached the grocery manager at you local supermarket, and asked if they could order you gluten free foods? I had to do this years ago, and they can be very accomidating just to keep your business. How about health food stores? Are there any near you? They also carry gluten free foods. It's just a matter of patience and time. Besides, we're all here to help! Never be afraid to ask, no matter how stupid you think it is. Good Luck!

Vicki

been so tired, can't think and need to drop every chance i get. Been on the gluten-free diet now for 18 days now very happy that i am not vomiting anymore but cant do anything. Woke up this morning and have bliste on my lip

Dontl know if i am doing something wrong or what it's tiring just to take a breath. Feel dizzy went down and got some ensure would liquid vitamins help? Don't know what to do. This is getting frustrating. Thanks Barbara123

[emorgan816]

I've ordered bread and pasta from kinnikinnick foods online. They even have a gluten free version of the Oreo (chocolate and vanilla). The stores by me are very lacking in selection too. Kinnikinnick does charge $10 for shipping, so I usually stock up when I order. Their donuts are not bad either.

Elizabeth

[Queen Serenity]

Hi Barbara,

Don't despair! 18 days is just a short period of time. You are only at the beginning of that long road to recovery. If you can, try and get as much rest as you can. Your body has been through a lot. Are you doing anything that is causing stress? Do you work? If so, did you return yet? If you did, ask your boss for light duty. Recovery is essential to your feeling better. You should not feel guilty about resting. Unfortuately for me, I could not do this during my recovery. I had two small sons at the time, and I was a stay at home mother. As for you energy levels, don't worry about it, it's all part of the process. Remember, your body has been through the war, now it has to build itself back up again. Trust me, in time you will feel better. I understand your brain fog issue, but as I said rest is the key. I hope you feel better with each passing day. Let me, or anyone else know, if you have any more questions.

Vicki