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

Why Is The Commercial gluten-free Food And Drug Listing So Expensive?

Guest thatchickali

By Guest thatchickali
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Guest thatchickali
Guest thatchickali
Posted

So I'm already in debt for all the useless medical testing before my diagnosis, now I'm a college student having to shop gluten-free and spending a lot of money doing that. So I got the email update and read that I could buy the commercial gluten-free food listing. I was expecting it to be around $20 because I realize making that is someone's job and they deserve to get paid for it, so I'm not expecting it for free, but ALMOST 80 dollars??? Why would someone want to profit so much off of a disease?

Everything else is expensive enough...

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

$80 is expensive, and that's certainly money you don't need to spend. This site has all the info you need on gluten-free brands. NoGluGirl posts a huge list of gluten-free brands a lot - try searching for her posts. Nini also has a link in her signature to download a Newbie Survivor Kit that has a list of gluten-free brands.

Why would someone want to profit off this? Because they can? Celiac is one of those rare diseases that doesn't require drugs or expensive medical treatments to deal with making it completely unprofitable for the medical industry. This is maybe the only way they can make money off this disease?

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Some of those products are advertised here to help support this forum. Lists such as these were a great help for me in the beginning when label reading was a daunting task.

I would recommend it once. After getting the hang of label reading, lists are no longer necessary.

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

I agree---learning to read labels is the most effective way to make educated decisions. Using the lists as a backup is helpful, but you can't rely on lists all the time because things can change.

Do you need help with labels?

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

I did find the lists helpful in mastering the whole label reading chore. Being new with celiac is was very overwhelming.

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular
Fiddle-Faddle
Posted

I never used lists, not even when I was first diagnosed. I just read labels like a maniac (and learned to pack a magnifying glass in my purse, even though I don't *yet* need reading glasses!).

There are so many things that can change overnight, and so many things that you wouldn't expect to have gluten that often do, like tuna salad ( :ph34r: ), that I think lists are almost useless.

I, too, resent the fact that people want to make money off of our problems. Like you said, 20 bucks would have been reasonable, but this is just pure greed.

Some of the nice people here have already compiled lists and posted them here FOR FREE. (See noglugirl, for example.)

Maybe the people who are trying to make $ out of this situation don't have problems with gluten themselves....

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

Noglugirls list is great and I think she did a wonderful job compiling it. I would use her list anyday before paying for one.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


tom Contributor
tom
Posted

I found it appalling when I started gluten-free that ppl were charging so much for basic info.

Maybe I spent more time researching but, to me, it was the principle.

Used some great lists found here:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Both are from this site:

Open Original Shared Link

tom Contributor
tom
Posted

Grrrrrrr double post

Guest j_mommy
Guest j_mommy
Posted

I never bought any of that! I have been gluten-free since may and do all my legwork on my own....I would also be concerned about how soon that 80 list went out of date!

Ridgewalker Contributor
Ridgewalker
Posted
I never bought any of that! I have been gluten-free since may and do all my legwork on my own....I would also be concerned about how soon that 80 list went out of date!

Yeah, it could be the day after you buy it.

If it were just required that food is labeled clearly, it wouldn't be such an issue!

-Sarah

Guest thatchickali
Guest thatchickali
Posted

Thanks everyone.

Tom, that list is great!

Ginsou Explorer
Ginsou
Posted

You don't have to pay for a list of gluten free foods.....or drugs.....there are many free lists out there on the internet. Google gluten free, and take the time to visit the various websites. I'm also upset about the price of the available foods, but had no choice at first. I now have many gluten free recipes, and am well on my way to living a fairly normal life. Did you know your special food is tax deductible? I haven't filed a long form tax return for years, but this year it will be to my advantage. I'm older, retired, and have a good retirement income, but I can't imagine how someone younger or with a family can possibly afford the expense of gluten free foods. Are you aware of the Angel Food Ministries food bank? Located in many areas. You pay $25.00 and receive approximately $50 worth of food once a month. It is a program for everyone...not just low income. Since I am lactose intolerant and gluten intolerant, this program will not work out for me...but there may be many food items that you can eat. The menu changes on a month to month basis. I think their website is: www.Angelfoodministries.com. Will check it after posting this.

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. ShariW
      - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

      In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, I had gastroesophageal reflux that was becoming intolerable despite treatment with PPIs and antacids. When I went gluten-free, the GERD lessened tremendously (as did the other symptoms).
    2. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      Thank you so very much Scott. Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful. If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to ...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • 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.