Is Gluten Free Really Possible

[swilliams]

I have been diagnosed for two years and have been on a "gluten free" diet. But my issue is really cross contamination.

I have a family and my job requires me to purchase catering I don't live in a cave and even though I eat gluten free I am having issues with bloating, diarrhea, joint pains, and weight gain.

I have been to specialists, doctors and dieticians. It is my understanding even if you get a little gluten then you can still have the side effects.

So I am just in a quandary of what to do. I just want to give up!

[leadmeastray88]

I have been diagnosed for two years and have been on a "gluten free" diet. But my issue is really cross contamination.

I have a family and my job requires me to purchase catering I don't live in a cave and even though I eat gluten free I am having issues with bloating, diarrhea, joint pains, and weight gain.

I have been to specialists, doctors and dieticians. It is my understanding even if you get a little gluten then you can still have the side effects.

So I am just in a quandary of what to do. I just want to give up!

Don't give up!

I, like you, am still living with my family and have recently started a gluten free diet. I am the only one in my house who is eating gluten free and although I have an extremely supportive mother who has been nothing short of extraordinary through this whole thing, the fact is, food that contains gluten is still being prepared in the same pots/pans/colanders with spoons/spatulas etc. I realize how important it is to avoid cc but when you're a university student like me and the spending cash is low, the last thing you want to do is ask your mother to replace everything she has in the kitchen. I know she's trying and she's been doing an awesome job but its a learning process for all of us, not just me. Just know you're not alone!

Also make sure you're not getting hidden gluten from any products other than food - toothpaste, shampoo, cosmetics (wasn't sure if you're female or not) They have an amazing line of cosmetics at afterglow.com that are all gluten free!

I know this was probably not much help, but maybe try and talk to your family about the importance of cc and the effects it has on you. I hope you feel better soon. Take care, and good luck!

-Kim

[jayhawkmom]

It is possible. It's not easy... but it is possible.

My daughter and I are gluten free. My husband and two sons are not.

Here's a few things I've learned.

When making dinners... always prepare the gluten free foods first. I'm thinking specifically of pasta since I made both regular and gluten-free for my kids the other night. If I don't happen to have two pans available, I always make ours first, that minimizes the chances of cc.

When making sandwiches or anything like that... I always put wax paper down under our bread. That way, if anyone else made a sandwich or had crackers on the counter... or anything like that, (assuming the counter appears to be clean, LOL!) I won't have to worry about CC.

I have separate containers to store leftovers. All the containers for our food are marked with sharpies... with a simple "gluten-free" on the bottom of the container, and the lid.

Gosh, my mind is going blank now. I know there are a million other "hints" out there. Hopefully others will jump in with theirs. =)

[cmom]

I don't believe it is possible to be 100% gluten-free. 96%, maybe. It is impossible to prevent coming into contact with gluten all of the time. We do the best we can to avoid obvious gluten situations, but we can never know who has touched things before us and what was on their hands. Nor, what may have happened at the manufacturer of a product, even if it is supposed to be gluten free. Don't give up...stay vigilant. We continue to fight the good fight!