Gluten Or Not Gluten?

[osc123]

I am hoping for some guidance what I should do next. I began observing problems approx. 3 years ago. 1 year ago, I was tested (negative), which led me to conclude that I am only affected by a gluten intolerance rather than celiac. I have adjusted my diet but noticed that issues continued. 2 things in particular cause me to think that I have either something other than a gluten intolerance, or something else in addition to a gluten intolerance:

1 - I experience a reaction to gluten-free crackers

2 - I experience a reaction to a cider product that is labeled gluten-free, and has been discussed in forum's as being gluten-free

Tentatively, I have started reading about histamine intolerance, since perhaps fermented foods cause a reaction that I thought is caused by gluten. So, my question: does anyone in this forum have a suggestion what to look for or test for? I have a plan how to narrow down on cause, but thought I see if someone around here as a godo idea....

Thanks.

[ang1e0251]

You must understand that any product labeled "gluten-free" doesn't mean it completely is. It's OK for those products to still have small amounts of gluten that sensitive people still react to. That said you could be reacting to something else in these foods.

Many flour based products have guar gum which can have a laxative affect. I can only tolerate a very small amount. You might be sensitive to one of the flours used in the crackers. It's good to keep a food journal when you're trying to narrow down a problem. Sometimes the act of writing it or seeing it written shows us a pattern that only becomes clear through writing it. Seems kind of simplistic but it has worked for me.

Just because a cider product seems gluten free and some can handle it, I've read a few posters who have problems with vinegar/cider. It might not be clear why. Sometimes I just have to accept the fact that certain foods are a problem for me and let go of always knowing why. That was hard at first because I always like to know why. But, as this disease proves over and over again, the why's can hard to come by.

[osc123]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have managed the acceptance part somewhat ok. It was not difficult to exclude other things. However, I am at a point where I doubt my conclusions re: Gluten intolerance. Given that my test was negative, and since I continue to experience reactions to foods, I think I have to keep looking. I am not convinced that trace amounts would explain it since I don't have Celiac. Yes, it might be something else altogether.

[ang1e0251]

I doubt your conclusions too. I mean your conclusion that you do not have celiac disease. You mention a test. May I ask what test did you have? Can you post the results here?

Know that blood tests are notorious for false negatives and if you are IgA deficient, your blood will never test positive even if you have full blown celiac disease. In other words, you may be operating on a false assumption and I very much hope you won't begin eating gluten because of it.

[osc123]

You make an interesting point, but I don't think I have full blown celiac. My mum has it and from her I know how that can be. My personal measurement are things like the fact that I can have soy sauce with Sushi. See where my confusion comes from? A cider product that is labeled Gluten-free and has been discussed in Forums as safe causes me a reaction!

The test was done by my physician and I was told it tested for celiac. Don't have a copy.

Your questions make me feel stronger that I should see a specialist to end the speculations in my mind.