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Anyone Here Use Knitting To Help Cope With Celiac And Gluten Sensitivities?


Lynayah

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Lynayah Enthusiast

Do you knit to help cope with a gluten-free lifestyle?


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mommida Enthusiast

I just started knitting when I was having problems with the gall bladder that came out in February.

K8ling Enthusiast

I don't know how to but I want to learn.

sb2178 Enthusiast

Some, but I'm actually a spinner. So I make the pretty yarn...

AvatarOfChaos Newbie

I don't knit specifically to help me cope with gluten-free - I'm fairly at ease with gluten-free. But I am also an avid knitter :)

Lesx2 Newbie

Ditto to Avatars reply above for me

Lynayah Enthusiast

Some, but I'm actually a spinner. So I make the pretty yarn...

Oooooh, I'm envious! I want to learn to spin eventually. Do you use a wheel?

Has spinning helped you cope with living a gluten-free lifestyle?


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Lynayah Enthusiast

I don't knit specifically to help me cope with gluten-free - I'm fairly at ease with gluten-free. But I am also an avid knitter :)

Because I took up knitting after being diagnosed, I can definitely say it helped me cope with going gluten free.

Before being diagnosed, I could eat anything and everything (or so I thought). I had lost over 100 pounds (not easy, I'm not one of those skinny gluten free gals) and learned to keep it off.

I'm super, super sensitive and found I did best by sticking to meat, fruit, vegetables and certified gluten free whole grains.

I'm a foodie, and like so many others here, my family members are foodies, too. EVERYTHING revolved around food.

It was a real challenge for me to learn not to feel sorry for myself at first. I was cranky, too, with lots of negativity.

Knitting helped me so much. It relaxed me, and it also gave me something to do at family gatherings while everyone ate. Even though I could eat gluten free foods, I needed a diversion to keep food from being the most important thing in my life, especially since I'd gained 15 pounds during my gluten challenge. Augh!

I told myself that my knitting time also has to be my positive time -- that is, while I knit, I was allowed to think only positive thoughts. This was difficult at first, but I kept at it, and eventually the act of knitting became an almost immediate way for me to enter into positivity.

They say that the repetitive motion of it helps produce the same brainwaves as meditation does.

For me, it works . . . except for the times when I want to throw the project out the window because I've dropped a gazillion stitches that day!

kareng Grand Master

I told myself that my knitting time also has to be my positive time -- that is, while I knit, I was allowed to think only positive thoughts. This was difficult at first, but I kept at it, and eventually the act of knitting became an almost immediate way for me to enter into positivity.

They say that the repetitive motion of it helps produce the same brainwaves as meditation does.

I do that when I'm walking the dog. Only positive thoughts. If I can't think of happy stuff, I make up a story or count how many people have pink flowers or Halloween decorations, etc. After a few minutes, the bad stuff is gone.

SueQueBlue Newbie

I don't knit anymore (hurts my hands), but I cross-stitch. I have been an avid stitcher for several years now, and found even before I was diagnosed, it is very theraputic. The repeative motion allows my mind to wander, and it is sort of like meditating.

Lynayah Enthusiast

I do that when I'm walking the dog. Only positive thoughts. If I can't think of happy stuff, I make up a story or count how many people have pink flowers or Halloween decorations, etc. After a few minutes, the bad stuff is gone.

It's so cool how well it works. At first it was a challenge -- it is amazing how easily negative thoughts can become a habit.

BethJ Rookie

I never thought about it but it probably is good for relieving stress. I started crocheting after having broken my right wrist. I had a lot of pain and discomfort so the crochet "rehab" worked miracles. The wrist has long healed but I'm still crocheting.

I never had much anxiety with the gluten-free lifestyle other than tears of joy when I found a great new gluten-free product in the store. :)

sb2178 Enthusiast

No, I've been spinning since I was pretty small (mom's a weaver and branches out to other fiber jazz some). I have a double treadle Schacht and a handful of spindles. Which is use varies... travel is always a spindle, but I use them at home some too.

You should learn! Ghandhi was right that the world would be a better place if we all spun daily. AND, you can make really fun/weird/playful yarns just like you want for that _____ you're going to knit/crochet/etc.

Lynayah Enthusiast

Anyone here going to any of the Stitches conferences this year?

I am going to Chicago and Hartford, and I'm hoping it will be easy to find gluten free food.

Chicago will be okay. I live close to Chicago, will drive and can pack my own food.

Hartford, I'm flying and I've never been there.

Lynayah Enthusiast

No, I've been spinning since I was pretty small (mom's a weaver and branches out to other fiber jazz some). I have a double treadle Schacht and a handful of spindles. Which is use varies... travel is always a spindle, but I use them at home some too.

You should learn! Ghandhi was right that the world would be a better place if we all spun daily. AND, you can make really fun/weird/playful yarns just like you want for that _____ you're going to knit/crochet/etc.

Thank you for your post. I definitely want to learn someday. I love your reference to Ghandhi. Thank you -- your reference is a new piece of information for me. I agree, and I also think the world would be a better place if we all knit each day.

There's a real connection between knitting and inner peace. It's been shown that knitting produces the same brain waves as meditation. For me, it has made me a MUCH better person. Knitting has been a heaven-sent blessing.

Mack the Knife Explorer

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

quincy Contributor

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

this is amazing. when I first was diagnosed and my anxiety was sky high, I just came up with the idea that I should learn to knit to keep my mind in a certain state. someone at my work says she will teach me. I have the needles and yarn sittin in my car for several months now.... haha. maybe its time to put them to use... Thanks!!

Lynayah Enthusiast

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

You rock! I hope you'll post here how the group goes. Please let me know. I have a great interest in those wonderful S&B groups. It sounds great!

Lynayah Enthusiast

this is amazing. when I first was diagnosed and my anxiety was sky high, I just came up with the idea that I should learn to knit to keep my mind in a certain state. someone at my work says she will teach me. I have the needles and yarn sittin in my car for several months now.... haha. maybe its time to put them to use... Thanks!!

Knitting will help you, I promise, promise, promise!

There are also some outstanding DVDs out there about how to knit -- if you want more info, let me know, but if I were you, I'd go with the person I know and then expand from there.

Everythihg happens for a reason. You are being drawn to knitting for a reason.

Do it! It will change your mind and change your life. If you want more information on the outstanding knitting community out there, let me know this as well.

Knitters are an exceptionally caring group of people. It's "a whole new world" out there for people who knit -- as corny as it sounds, it really IS a magic carpet ride.

Lynayah Enthusiast

I've been getting brave and knitting at casual parties -- the ones where there's tons of food everywhere, all glutened. It really helps keep me from feeling sorry for myself.

Lynayah Enthusiast

If you suffer from arthritis yet want to knit, I found an interesting video on youtube.com today. Search under

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But there’s safety and governing regs in the UK for this sort of thing. Assuming it would be very similar over the pond in fairness). “5. Do I need certified gluten-free toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, or moisturizer? (For example: Vaseline and Colgate don’t contain gluten ingredients but say they can’t guarantee it’s gluten-free.)” This comes down to personal threshold of gluten tolerance. People that are highly sensitive may need certified products. Especially those with dermatitis herpetiformis - the skin manifestation of gluten sensitivity. Listen to your body on this one. “6. Is spices like pepper with “may contain traces of gluten” safe if no gluten ingredients are listed? Or does everything need to be labeled gluten-free?” This one is easy - when following a strict gluten free diet, avoid products that say May contain traces of gluten. But it does not have to be labelled gluten free. There are many foods naturally gluten free. 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I had bought supplements in the past, some of them say glutenfree and some of them dont(like the brand „NOW“ from iherb). I bought them and used them when i wasnt washing my hands so often, are they still safe? As I touched and opened them after touching door knobs, water taps etc. It was like a year ago when i bought those and even though i was eating gluten-free, I never worried about what i touch etc.” Still safe if do not explicitly contain gluten grains / derivatives AND if within the use by and use within dates. “I know this post is long. I’m just extremely overwhelmed. I’m trying to protect myself from long-term health damage, but the OCD is destroying my quality of life, and I honestly don’t know what’s a reasonable level of caution anymore.” Really hope these replies to your questions help. Just remember, in the midst of overwhelming thoughts and darkness under OCD clouded vision, the light and sunshine is always shining above. Take a moment or two when you are able in each day - even if it’s last thing at night - to meditate. Focus on something that you enjoy and appreciate. Or sit in a quiet space and try to relax and tune in to your higher self. Ask for guidance and soothing from your guardian angel. Over time it works but don’t worry if your brain is anxious. Eventually it will quieten down some. Try to focus on a real food, nutrient dense and naturally gluten free diet, this will help your anxiety and future health in the long run. Please eat real food - not cornflakes and sandwiches. Eat a steak, eggs or fish for example. Gluten exposures may happen, but don’t sweat it, dust yourself off so to speak, and carry on with a natural gluten free diet as best you can. Own your OCD don’t let it own you! Similarly, when it comes to a gluten free diet for celiac disease, own the process, don’t let it own you! You’re 18. That’s great. I’ve been managing OCD since childhood (in my 40s now. 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