Sensitive To "gluten-free Foods"

[jvalentine89]

After I eat any processed food (glutino breakfast bars, puffed corn cereal, rice/corn tortillas, etc.) I get either a bad headache or a terrible stomach ache and diarrhea similar to what I used to have when I ate gluten (pre-diagnosis). Does anyone else get these symptoms? Do you eat a diet of just whole foods? I'm guessing i should probably avoid the processed foods, as it is healthier, but I do miss foods with gluten in it and the replacements are pretty tasty. Thanks in advance.

[Ursa Major]

Those gluten-free replacement foods are very hard to digest. For the first six months it is advisable to stay away from them, to allow your intestines to heal. And it is also a good idea to stay away from all dairy and soy for the first few months as well, as they can hinder healing.

Yes, naturally gluten-free foods are best at the beginning. I couldn't even handle raw vegetables and fruits for the first six months and had to cook everything until nearly mushy, or I would get diarrhea and terrible stomach cramps!

[jvalentine89]

thanks for the quick reply! I think i'm going to use the gluten-free rice cereal i bought and make my friends some rice cripsie treats so i don't have the temptation in my house.

[LuvMoosic4life]

what ursa said is true. when I first started gluten-free I went out and bought processed foods and was still reacting to them. I did elimination experiments and found I cannot have large amounts of soy or dairy ( I try to stay away altogether). I stay away from potatos as much as possible and take it easy on corn. potato flour which is used in many gluten-free products bothers me, same with soy flour.

I've been on whole foods for quite a while. I did feel a bit deprived at first and kept craving something more, but its normal. gradually, I started to introduce new things, and every now and then I will buy something gluten-free and processed as a treat, but I only buy one thing b/c I know I will binge if I buy multiple things... If I have a small amount I am o.k....in the begining, even a small amount bothered me, now I'm fine (dependng on the product. "enjoy life" products work well for me!)- it just takes time. I just keep thinking how good I feel compared to how I was and that it's not worth eating things that bother me, no matter how good they taste. This is what stops me, I will think this : The taste only lasts for the small time it's in my mouth, the symptoms after last much much longer, is it worth it?