I'm Confused

[DinaB]

Hello,

I am hoping maybe someone out there can help me. I keep reading post after post how IBS symptoms disappear after going "totally gluten free." I also recently just read another article that Gluten Intolerance is inherited, same as Celiac disease. Is this true? The reason I ask is because my mother, who is completely overweight, was dx wih a carbohydrate intolerance many years ago. I am starting to wonder if it was that or really a gluten intolerance.

Also, I use a shared microwave at work to heat up my lunch. I bring my food from home so that I know what i am putting into my body. Am I not supposed to be using the microwave for fear of CC??? Sorry for all of the dumb questions, it's just that sometimes I think I may be in denial with this whole thing and wonder why my IBS symptoms aren't clearing up. It's been 10 monhs and I really, REALLY miss eating a lot veggies...among other things.

[ShayFL]

Yes, you can use the microwave, but I would but a paper towel under your bowl and one on top to avoid any CC.

I looked at your "FREE" from list and it is pretty extensive. I would say that the other known baddies are "soy" and "corn".

[Lisa]

Hello,

I am hoping maybe someone out there can help me. I keep reading post after post how IBS symptoms disappear after going "totally gluten free." I also recently just read another article that Gluten Intolerance is inherited, same as Celiac disease. Is this true? The reason I ask is because my mother, who is completely overweight, was dx wih a carbohydrate intolerance many years ago. I am starting to wonder if it was that or really a gluten intolerance.

Also, I use a shared microwave at work to heat up my lunch. I bring my food from home so that I know what i am putting into my body. Am I not supposed to be using the microwave for fear of CC??? Sorry for all of the dumb questions, it's just that sometimes I think I may be in denial with this whole thing and wonder why my IBS symptoms aren't clearing up. It's been 10 monhs and I really, REALLY miss eating a lot veggies...among other things.

First off, there are no dumb answers here!

With Celiac there is a inhereted disposition, with no guarantee that an offspring would have Celiac. Many people, including mine, passed the "tummy issues" down the genetic line. Only testing would tell you if it's Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance, or resolved by positive dietary response.

Using a mico in a shared office, should be an issue as long as you use something on the bottom and the top to prevent contact or splatter.

If you eliminate several things from your diet, you need to be careful to balance diet. And gluten is not always the answer to everything. Perhaps a food diary will help identify your issues.

[DinaB]

Thanks. Only a food diary isn't the issue as I know what I am allergic to. Since being dx with IBS and Gastritis I've had to cut most vegetables (string beans, broccolli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, corn, etc). Anything that can cause gas and will cause gas will set me off with bloating and gas. That leaves me eating he same vegetables and food day and day out. It is extremely frustrating to say the least. But yet I keep reading that symptoms virtually disappear after going gluten free, so I am wondering why mine haven't. As long as I stick to the certain foods I can have I am okay. There are days I am fine and days I am not. the problem is that the medication taken 1/2 hour before every meal really makes me sleepy. I would love to get off of it completely, but if I cut one more thing out of my diet I will literally starve to death! I just thought that maybe, somehow all gluten was not removed from my diet, but I've read where people use brand new pots/pans/utensils, etc. Would that be enough to make me sick?

[Lisa]

Sure! Have you check you scratched pots and pans, shared toaster, cutting board, soaps, shampoos, lotions, meds, vitamins, lipsticks... ANTYHING that can get in or near your mouth should be examined.

Handing gluten foods for others can make you sick if you are not careful. What kind of meds are you taking?

[DinaB]

You bring up a very good point. Yes, my Allegra, Belladonna and Zantac are all gluten free. If I were using shampoo/conditioner that had wheat in it I would know it because I would itch like crazy. However, I didn't realize that cutting boards, lipsticks, scratched pots and pans could get me sick. Is there anything I should be looking for?

[kbtoyssni]

Most pet food contains gluten. What about the personal care products of other people in your household? Lotions? Do you share areas at work?

[missy'smom]

If you use cast iron or teflon coated pans that were previously used for gluten foods they can be a problem. Teflon is often best replace, scratched or not. Cast iron can be put in the oven on the cleaning cycle and thoroughly scrubbed and re-seasoned, or buy new. Other types of plain metal pans should be fine as long as they are well scrubbed. You'll need new strainers and colanders dedicated to gluten-free only as it is impossible to get all the pasta starch out of the little holes.

[DinaB]

Thank you all for the information!