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

Good News!

mbland

Recommended Posts

mbland Rookie
mbland
Posted

Hi all. I am a first-time poster here. I have had stomach problems for about 10 years or more. As a child I had Pyloric Stenosis, and I now have Acid Reflux and Gastritis. I went to many doctors and everyone diagnosed me with "IBS." Finally, I changed Gastro's and he ran a Celiac test. They said I have positive bloodwork and that they can do a test to see. But, I decided I would try the gluten-free diet because I have already had a colonoscopy and endoscopy, and didn't want to have it again if it wasn't needed. Well, the first day I did the gluten-free diet I felt better. I would have a stomach ache after every meal and snack, and I had none. It was like a miracle! Of course, bread and pasta and cereal are my favorite foods, so it made me a little sad, but I would do anything to get rid of these stomach aches.

So, I decided not to do the test. My family and I just returned from Italy and found that they have so many gluten-free items to choose from! Even in some of the restaurants they serve rice pasta. In all the grocery stores they have shelves of gluten-free food. It was really exciting for me. Everything was great the whole trip (stomach-ache wise) except for one night at a restaurant. They didn't understand that I could have NO flour and they made a delicious cream sauce... that wasn't so delicious later. Heh.

Anyway, I just wanted to let some people know. I found some really good crackers and cookies by the brand Galbusera in Italy. But, I haven't been able to find a place to order them online. If anyone ran across them in their travels, please let me know!

It is great to know that you aren't alone, that is why I am excited about this board. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for a newbie Celiac, please let me know! Thanks!

Mari

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guest BellyTimber
Guest BellyTimber
Posted

:D

Glad you had a (mostly) good time in Italy. There is a Europe section in the forum, we could do with more posts there for reference of other readers.

Here in the UK it is patchy like the US in regard to both shops and restaurants. I've hardly dared eat out for years, and when travelling (day trips only) carry bags and bags of food.

Every now and again I want to revert to "stodge" but mostly I find my meat and veg stews both are easier to make and agree with me more.

Hoping you find your favourite crackers though, we mostly treasure "that special gluten-free item"!

Explore the whole forum, some of your questions will have been answered before.

Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted

Thanks for the info! If I ever do the Europe tour, I'll keep Italy in mind :)

celiac3270 Collaborator
celiac3270
Posted

Oh yeah! Never been, but heard that Europe is FABULOUS for celiacs. In Italy they often say on the menu whether something is gluten-free or not....same in Australia. And you know what kills me? If you live in Italy and you're diagnosed as celiac by a doctor there, you're given a card and with it, get free gluten-free food. (just what i heard)

astyanax Rookie
astyanax
Posted

i've found ireland and the UK are amazing as well! the best gluten-free bread i've ever had is in the UK (dietary specials breakfast rolls) the only gluten-free bread i've ever had that doesn't have to be toasted/warmed up to taste good. i believe ireland has the most celiacs per capita so a lot of people have heard of it there.

and for the drinkers out there, almost every pub i went to in ireland and the UK had cider on tap - strongbow or magners (called bulmers in ireland)!

Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted
In Italy they often say on the menu whether something is gluten-free or not....same in Australia

That sounds so great! :D If only more places were like that here...

HealthyDawn Newbie
HealthyDawn
Posted

I was just in Italy for two weeks and did not see a single menu with gluten-free labeling, was not offered rice pasta at restaurants, and did not find any cookies or crackers that were gluten-free, as mentioned previously in this line of posts. Perhaps this is true in other cities, but I was in Rome, Florence and Venice.

However, it was a fantastic trip and I stayed perfectly healthy, but if I were someone who had to also avoid dairy I would have had a much harder time. My diet was mostly:

Breakfast: protein bars I brought with and yogurt bought from the store there

Lunch/Dinner: some combination of roast beef, potatoes, green salad, risotto, caprisi salad with tomatoes and mozzarella, cheese, fruit salad (I tried to order chicken and steak a couple times but it was coated in flour and they didn't seem willing to make it without)

Snack: gelato--in a cup

In all, I ate a ton of cheese and sometimes counted a latte, apple and a protein bar for lunch on the go, on days when my husband was content with a ham-and-cheese sandwich from a deli. Having a mini refrigerator in each hotel was definitely a plus.

The MOST helpful thing was writing out on a card, in Italian, that I was allergic to wheat, barley, rye, etc. Having this to read in their own language, the restaurant servers always took it seriously.

Best travels,

Dawn

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


seamaiden399 Newbie
seamaiden399
Posted

I have to second this- I went on practically the same trip- Florence, Venice, Rome and it was a bit challenging. I did have some very fishy risotto in Venice... their pub snacks worked out fairly well also. But, I also do not speak Italian. I have heard rave reviews from people who spoke Italian and/or lived there... It's just hard knowing where to go when you're visiting a place.

That being said- it was WAY easier eating in Italy than in France! Mashed potatoes and deli food was my salvation in France, but it was a real challenge.

Even though it was challenging- I had a great time and didn't get glutened the entire trip, so it was a success and I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

stef-the-kicking-cuty Enthusiast
stef-the-kicking-cuty
Posted

Not everywhere in Europe. Germany sucks with glutenfree food...lol. But in Sweden you can even get glutenfree Burgers at McDonalds.

celiac3270 Collaborator
celiac3270
Posted

lol...yes! I've read about getting a gluten-free bun in McDonalds in some European countries

Guest gliX
Guest gliX
Posted

hmm, one of us should call Mcds and tell them to start making those gluten-free buns in the US :o

Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted

Mari,

Where exactly in Italy did you go? I am interested in going there and would love to know where some of those restaurants and stores are!

  • 2 weeks later...
scotia Newbie
scotia
Posted

Hey guys, anyone going to the UK should do what I did beforehand.

I contacted Sainsbury's (huge foodstore) and they mailed me out a book(yes, a book!!!) of their gluten-free products, it was amazing...cookies, cakes, sauces, and my most favourite...ready to heat in the microwave curries...bbef, chicken, what a God'send that was when i was trying to grab something to eat and then go out for the evening...I thought I'd died and gone to gluten-free Hevaen.

The book they sent even had all the bar codes for the products just so I was sure to get the right stuff once I got there.

I'd recommend Siansbury's store as one to check out and the staff were very helpful too!!!

Bon Voyage and Bon Appetit!!!

:D

Scotia

** Boy does my splng go for a Burton when I'm exciteldly tring to pass on some good info eh...???**

hehe

stef-the-kicking-cuty Enthusiast
stef-the-kicking-cuty
Posted
** Boy does my splng go for a Burton when I'm exciteldly tring to pass on some good info eh...???**

Haha...

Do you know, if Sainsbury's have a website?

scotia Newbie
scotia
Posted

Stef: Your wish is my command...check this out:

Open Original Shared Link

I did a search for Sainsbury uk and then went through their pages.

I eventually found this link and it's 69 pages about gluten-free foodstuffs and information.

I bet if you contacted them they'd be really cool and send you any info you wanted.

Good Luck and Happy eating if you get over there sometime.

I'm originally from Glasgow, and was amazed at what, and how much, I could eat there.

By the way,to anyone who thinks life is a big hassle when you have celiac disease...

I have asthma, a VSD (hole in the heart) and about 8-9 years ago I had a TIA ( a mini stroke) I still kayak, play and coach soccer, and bike ride, so don't let anyone tell you to stop doing what you like doing, as you're sick...if you feel you can handle it...go for it.

We're her to make the best with what we've got...in my humble opinion.

I always try to look on the bright side of life, not always successful mind you, but it is what it is...so chin up guys.

Ciao'

Scotia

scotia Newbie
scotia
Posted

MAN!!! I just read through the list...for old times sake.

Boy am I craving some of their stuff now!!!

By the way hit the allergies on the drop down menu on the link and it says Gluten Free and go from there.

Enjoy.

Scotia.

Carriefaith Enthusiast
Carriefaith
Posted

Thanks Scotia for the info!

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. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,329
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    klkarius
    Newest Member
    klkarius
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • 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.