Confusion Over Bread Crumbs!

[Cheryl-C]

Hi folks,

I've been doing gluten-free for a couple of months now, and had thought I'd figured out what my sensitivities were. I've noticed my stomach feels better, my ears feel better, everything has been great.

HOWEVER - last night I discovered my favourite souvlaki (from our local Greek butcher) has bread crumbs in it. I've been eating it about 3 times a week all summer, and haven't reacted to it once. However, I *have* reacted to something as weak as wheat starch in salad dressing.

So.... what gives? Thoroughly confused.

[cassP]

Hi folks,

I've been doing gluten-free for a couple of months now, and had thought I'd figured out what my sensitivities were. I've noticed my stomach feels better, my ears feel better, everything has been great.

HOWEVER - last night I discovered my favourite souvlaki (from our local Greek butcher) has bread crumbs in it. I've been eating it about 3 times a week all summer, and haven't reacted to it once. However, I *have* reacted to something as weak as wheat starch in salad dressing.

So.... what gives? Thoroughly confused.

its weird, i know- but i totally believe it. my reactions to gluten are NOT always the same- and NOT always noticeable. your experience is no surprise to me at all. when i used to eat gluten- reactions varied, digestive ailments varied, location of excema or psoraisis varied, it was always different. sometimes a tiny amount here and there wouldnt bother me- its just the way it is. there's so much complexity to our bodies-> and when we ingest this poison- our body may flare up differently each time

just make sure you're more vigilant.. even if you're not reacting to meatballs- or whatever that greek thing was-> it's still hurting you.

[RiceGuy]

Each individual reacts differently to gluten. I suppose it may be that even though your diet hasn't been 100% gluten-free, it's in considerable contrast to your previously gluten-filled diet such that you can feel the difference. You may also have a wheat allergy, and in that case the reduced amount of exposure would also provide some relief.

I think you may find that you feel even better once you've consistently maintained a 100% gluten-free diet.

[Cheryl-C]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking something along the sames lines of each of you. I have noticed the last couple of times I ate the (so awesome) souvlaki, my gut was fine but my breath was a little shallow. Because we've been undergoing some fluctuating weather in Toronto this last week or so, I had put it down to that.

My dr had said I may have a "grain allergy" so that might explain, as Riceguy pointed out, the difference in response. Unfortunately I can't get in to see the allergist until the beginning of November.

CassP, I too have noticed sometimes my responses vary. Sometimes GI, sometimes sinuses, sometimes ear pain, and possibly shortness of breath. I guess it will take a while to sort out. I've been keep a food diary for the last two months with the hope of getting a clearer picture, but I guess I still over looked something. It never occurred to me that there might be bread crumbs in the souvlaki It breaks my heart, because as a beef/lamb combo, they are SO RICH IN IRON (my iron is really low) and also .... so freaking tasty.

[cassP]

Cheryl- you can still get your iron in beef, lamb, dark turkey, eggs, and cultured soy, spinach. but i understand the frustration- i bet souvlaki (sp?) is delish.

i get the Shortness of Breath too!!!! ive seen it on the forum before- ive had it off and on for 27 years. ive only been gluten free 100% for over 2 months. i hope it goes away soon FOREVER!!!

[Cheryl-C]

Cheryl- you can still get your iron in beef, lamb, dark turkey, eggs, and cultured soy, spinach. but i understand the frustration- i bet souvlaki (sp?) is delish.

i get the Shortness of Breath too!!!! ive seen it on the forum before- ive had it off and on for 27 years. ive only been gluten free 100% for over 2 months. i hope it goes away soon FOREVER!!!

CassP - it's true, there are lots of good ways to get iron. I've never been someone who loved to eat meat, especially beef (yuck) so when we found this tasty combo of beef and lamb (with spices) it was heaven. Anyone who's had a Greek Gyro knows the taste I'm talking about. Ooooo. That said, it makes me wonder if I could find them somewhere else without the bread crumbs? Or if I ordered enough of them they'd make them without them.... hmmm.... I'd probably have to buy about 100 at a time, but heck, that's what a freezer's for.

The shortness of breath is something I've only recently noticed. It happened after the blue corn incident, and after the last time I ate the souvlaki. Both times I put down to asthma because of the weather, but now I'm really curious....

[cassP]

OH- if they could make them special for you- gluten-free- then that would be a great idea- and freeze some ... YUMMM

my dad made meatballs for my birthday with gluten free bread crumbs- they were DELISH.

but i LOVE my red meat.

[anabananakins]

Or if I ordered enough of them they'd make them without them.... hmmm.... I'd probably have to buy about 100 at a time, but heck, that's what a freezer's for.

I reckon they would and probably not even make you get too many at a time either. Butchers often do special orders, my mum always asks for a particular cut for when she makes roast beef. They'll probably be flattered that you love it so much and it's nice for them to get feedback on what the customers want, they could only tell otherwise based on sales and that's harder if they can't tell who is a repeat customer. Definitely worth asking! Besides, omitting an ingredient can only cost them less and if it doesn't affect the taste, maybe they'll do it permanently and make other people happy too?

[Cheryl-C]

I reckon they would and probably not even make you get too many at a time either. Butchers often do special orders, my mum always asks for a particular cut for when she makes roast beef. They'll probably be flattered that you love it so much and it's nice for them to get feedback on what the customers want, they could only tell otherwise based on sales and that's harder if they can't tell who is a repeat customer. Definitely worth asking! Besides, omitting an ingredient can only cost them less and if it doesn't affect the taste, maybe they'll do it permanently and make other people happy too?

I think it's definitely worth a try. We buy them a lot, they're used to seeing our faces there once a week or so. I guess if we went a time that wasn't busy, I'd be able to talk to someone about it and get some more information. I'd be willing to keep a standard order even, to guarantee them the business. I want my kabobs, darnit! lol I will keep you all posted on my progress.