Michi8

Have you tried Glaxal Base? It is the cream that prescriptions are made with. I've found it to be the best for use on sensitive skin. Very thick, not greasy...from what I have been able to find out, the only ingredient is petroleum jelly. Would be worth a call to confirm though.

Michelle

I just received this from the makers of Cetaphil this morning. As I was scanning through previous posts about lotions I came across one that stated Cetaphil is safe. Sadly is doesn't seem to be the case.

Only the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is gluten-free.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Drug Safety Officer

Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

1-866-735-4137

So I guess I am destined to have dry itchy skin forever. To top it off I just found out that the health food store that I frequent for most of my products and the one that happens to carry most of the items recommended by everyone here is CLOSED for 2 weeks while they relocate. Maybe I'll find a better place today while I'm out and about!

I am also forwarding these on to Dr. Saviano. The last time I asked her questions it took a good month for a response, just to give you a head's up.

srokie, please do ensure you get permission from the original author before forwarding/reposting any messages to another person/forum. To do so without permission could be considered a violation of copyright and privacy.

Michelle

I specifically asked her on January 2nd if that information applied to all celiacs and she said yes.

Because, as she said, they are "mostly fat." The more I eat the more my stomach rejects it, but if I do what she says and keep it to a minimum, I'm fine...

She said the casein thing isn't necessarily applicable to all celiacs, and said she suspects my casein intolerance is only temporary.

Are you sure she is talking about casein tolerance, and not lactose intolerance? The lactose levels in various dairy products can vary significantly and will definitely make a difference in how a lactose intolerant person reacts. Lactose levels are lower in higher fat milks, so cream should be better tolerated than skim milk. Lactose levels in butter are very low too. Finally, Lactose intolerance may cease once a celiac's gut heals.

I'm not so sure that there's much difference in the amount of casein though...a casein allergy or intolerance is another thing altogether.

Michelle

Hello! I am an overwrought newbie and am looking for some help. I was dx with celiac disease 3 weeks ago, confirmed w/biopsy last week. Thought I was doing a great job living la vida gluten-free, but I am still having lots of pains and upset stomach. I've spent the bulk of the day trying to find hidden sources of gluten and think they may be coming from my personal care products. Most companies have been really helpful in helping me figure out if their products are gluten-free or not, but I need some help on these:

TIGI Bed Head Spoil Me Defrizzer, Smoother & Instant Restyler

TIGI Catwalk Strong Mousse

TIGI Catwalk Work It hairspray

Pantene Volumous Shampoo

Pantene Volumous Conditioner (reading conflicting opinions on this forum)

Oil of Olay Total Effects moisturizer (company rep said gluten free, but reading online in this forum and others that it is not)

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

Jennifer

Tigi products have complete ingredients listings on the bottle...are you seeing anything that would be suspicious? I do know that some of their products are not safe. Brunette Goddess, for example, has oats in the shampoo and wheat in the conditioner. Same with the Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Shampoo & Conditioner.

Michelle

Just got a reply back from Astro (a Parmalat brand.) They said that the only yogurt product they can declare gluten free is Jeunesse. At this time they are still awaiting confirmation from their suppliers so they can make a declaration about other Astro yogurts.

Also, any vitamin B12 in their products is naturally occuring, rather than an added supplement...so that's good news...I know I can safely have Astro Jeunesse yogurt. I'll have to contact other yogurt manufacturers to confirm whether B12 listed in the Nutrition Facts is naturally occuring or not.

Michelle

(I am not trying to be pushy- but I was really woried about it so I looked it up and called them)

CarrieFaith and Psawyer-- It it the same recepie in Canada and USA and safe for Celiac

Acording to the L&P web site Fiddle Faddle is correct--

Open Original Shared Link

Is the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce sold in the US the same as the sauce sold in the rest of the world?

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce is made to the original recipe in two factories. The original factory in Worcester, and a sister factory in New Jersey USA. The New Jersey factory follows the same recipe as the Worcester factory, although some ingredients are sourced locally. Product sold in the rest of the world is manufactured and exported from our factory in Worcester, UK. (Worcester refers to the town itself, whilst Worcestershire indicates the 'shire' or county in which the town of Worcester is located).

Is Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce gluten free?

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire is suitable for a coeliac diet, for further information on Nutritional and Allergy queries please contact us.

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce sold in Canada is from the UK. The UK follows the Codex Alimentarius for gluten free foods...which allows for gluten under a certain detectable level. So, there is gluten in their Worcestershire Sauce, but they can say it's "suitable for a coeliac diet." It's up to you to decide if the level is safe enough for you to consume. BTW, Rice Krispies are apparently safe to eat in the UK for this same reason, even though they have the same recipe as in North America.

Michelle

Just to clarify, I wasn't questioning the existence of the the trace allergies. I just don't fully understand how they work and am truely interested. After your post, it sounds like it truely is a 'level of tolerance' issue, but the level is very, very, VERY low (basically, nothing above what it necessary for basic metabolism). I'm still curious about the pharmokinetics, but that's just me.

I've known people with skin allergies (my MIL has a nickel allergy, and hence can't wear gold below a certain purity, for example) to metals, and it's a fascinating thing, especially when you traditionally hear/think about allergies as being reactions to proteins.

Yes, it is different in that it isn't a protein reaction...is it really an "allergy" as such, or a different type of immune response? It makes me wonder, too, if reactions to foods can also come about from trace minerals, metals, chemicals in our foods rather than an actual response to proteins...could this be why some people react to certain foods, but test negative for allergy on scratch tests?

In addition to my skin allergies, I have OAS (Oral Allergy Syndrome...which is a misnomer since the reaction is not limited to the mouth) related to my severe allergy to birch tree pollen. I have just discovered that the list of possible allergy foods is much longer than listed by my allergist...and includes wheat (whole wheat is also a suspect food for nickel allergy.) So, even if I am not celiac or gluten intolerant, I may still have issues with certain grains based on my known allergies...and will probably benefit from a gluten free diet.

Michelle

OK. It's obvious that you've done well in figuring out your sensitivities to such things. That is what I (and I think tarnalberry) where simply trying to verify. Sorry if our zealous wish to assist seemed like undue mistrust in your research. I guess it's because many folks seem to make mistakes regarding their health, and like the rest of the caring members here, we didn't want to see you having added difficulties. I extend to you my sincere apologies.

It has definitely been an eye-opening experience with regards to sorting out my health issues. Heck, I did the patch test to confirm if I had a latex allergy...latex (and related manufacturing chemicals) came back negative, but I got an strong positive on this other stuff. So one more piece of the puzzle falls into place.

If anything, my attempt at going gluten free is probably adding more difficulties than I need, but, in the absence of positive test results (including an incorrectly done DH biopsy) it seems like trying it can't hurt.

Michelle

Interesting. I have hyperextension of some joints, especially fingers/thumb, shoulders, arms, touching the floor, etc. but this has never been discussed with any doctor. I just figured it was one variation of "normal," along with being able to see veins so well through my skin. I never did think easy bruising was normal, but didn't connect it to hyperextension either. Now I'm beginning to wonder. The connection to prolapse is interesting too.

Whenever I do yoga or pilates, I only stretch to a comfortable level (and never bounce/pulse further into a stretch...unlike they encourage us to do in Synergize class (ouch!)) However, that comfortable level is beyond "normal" rotation of joints. Guess I'm lucky that I've not experienced dislocation because of it...perhaps all my years of dance provided the muscle strength to properly support my joints.

Michelle

Exactly. I suspect it is the "carrier", or form used in the supplements. I've read that methylcobalamin is what natural occurring dietary B12 is converted into within the body (I think it's the liver) before it is put to use. So if that's true, taking methylcobalamin should be safe. The amount you may be able to handle at one time is another matter.

If I'm not mistaken, cobalt would also be present in various degrees in plants, as it is in the soil. For trace elements, I might suggest natural, sun dried sea salt. This will not be pure white, as many trace elements are present in it, including iodine, so it need not be iodized either.

It's not the carrier. It's the cobalt. I can't take any form of supplement containing cobalt. In addition to vitamin B12 supplements, I also have to avoid prolonged contact with:

jewelry

snaps, zippers, buttons and buckles

tools, utensils and instruments

machinery parts

hair dyes & cosmetics

pigments in pottery, glass and crayons

joint replacements and dental appliances

shell splinters

cement, paint and resins

printing inks

tattoos

welding rods

electroplating

animal feed

tires

That's in addition to the long lists for nickel and chromium.

I'm surprised and frustrated by being questioned on this. Allergies to minerals and metals is no different that being allergic/intolerant/sensitive to a food. Do you question others who are avoiding minute amounts of food allergens? Is it really implausible to think that too much of these allergens in my system may cause health issues?

Michelle

PS: Sorry, Ronnie, that this thread got hijacked. It wasn't my intention. I was just interested in finding a yogurt that was both gluten and supplement free!

That one is my question.

I know that it's possible to have allergic reactions to these trace elements when they are presented in relatively large (for trace elements) dosages. But does the same occur from, for instance, eating lettuce, which may have picked up trace amounts of those trace elements from the soil it was grown in?

It can. If eliminating obvious sources of contact with the allergen (for example, nickel) does not clear up reactions (eczema/contact dermatitis) then you want to eliminate food sources for 3-4 weeks (ie an elimination diet). In the case of nickel, there is a very long list of possible offending foods. It does not require large quanitites to have reactions, though...prolonged contact to even very small amounts can cause a reaction.

Additionally, as those trace minerals are necessary for human metabolism, it would seem that there needs to be *some* in the body, so is it just the the allergy manifests if the amount in the body is over a (very very low) limit? Or only if it is presented to the body via a specifical chemical route? Or only if it's not tightly bound (or, alternatively, not free)?

Yes, you still need some in the body for proper metabolism. That's where I would continue to try to get those trace minerals and metals through a healthy diet, but avoid additional supplementation, unless absolutely necessary (as with my low iron levels.) I will continue to eat animal products to maintain a healthy level of B12, but will avoid additional supplementation, because of my known allergy. Too high of levels of any trace minerals and/or metals in the body can lead to problems...and this is especially true of those who have known allergy. Even though my visible reaction is through the skin, it is entirely possible that I am reacting internally as well...and this could very well be the source of the health issues I'm trying to solve.

I suppose it comes down to: "I believe you, but how do you not die if it's a true anaphylactic allergy?", if you know what I mean.

Luckily, anaphylaxis is not, at this point, an issue with any of my food or contact allergies (let's hope it stays that way.) Those with cobalt allergies are advised not to take B12 supplements, and, as I mentioned, studies have shown possible anaphylactic response to injections. I'll continue to eat animal products, and hope that that is enough to keep my own B12 levels normal...though if I ever develop pernicious anemia, I'm in trouble. Even if I didn't have an anaphylactic reaction, I wouldn't want to experience the resulting skin issues either...and if my skin is reacting, who knows what it's doing inside my body.

Michelle

There are of course soy yogurts, rice yogurts, etc. You can also make your own. If you want it cultured, look in your health stores for the starter cultures. I suppose many things with a high fat content could be made into a yogurt-like food, such as almond or other nut milks. Making your own would also help control ingredients, like B12, dairy, and so forth.

As for being allergic to B12, I highly doubt that, as it is an essential nutrient.

Naturally occuring B12 is not the issue. I am allergic to cobalt. Vitamin B12 supplements are always made from cobalt. There actually have been some studies done showing a possibility of anaphylactic reaction to B12 injections in a person whom is allergic to cobalt. My cobalt allergy is in conjunction with my nickel and chromium allergies...I have always been allergic to nickel...I suspect my chromium senstitivity came from working with photo development chemicals.

Being allergic to cobalt was a surprise to me, and has made a big difference in how I shop for foods...I have to be careful about supplements containing any of those allergens...and it could very well make a difference in my health, just as avoiding gluten could.

BTW, nickel, chromium and other traces minerals/metals are essential nutrients as well. Do you doubt that people can have allergies to them?

Michelle

I don't understand how a person could be allergic to a vitamin. Is it what the vitamin is derived from that you react to?

The naturally occuring vitamin is okay (ie from animal sources). However, I am allergic to cobalt, and vitamin B12 supplements are made from cobalt (cobalamin.) Because of this, I would be unable to take injections if I ever develop pernicious anemia, and am trying to avoid foods fortified with it.

I am also allergic to nickel and chromium (cobalt is often found in combination with one or both minerals)...and are found in multivitamins as well. Nickel is also found naturally in a wide variety of foods.

Michelle

Michelle,

Astro is gluten-free but not corn free, except for the very plain one (with no sugar or flavourings) with medium fact content (I think 2.5%?). . .not sure about the B12 as I've not bought yogurt in N. America for a while.

Thanks. I'm okay with corn, so it should be fine (I can find varieties that don't have added B12.) I do have a question in to them though. On their website, they only state that their Jeunesse yogurt is gluten free (the others have no statements either way) but I think it has added B12. So I'm waiting to hear what they have to say. Also on their website, they say that "natural flavours" are flavours derived from real fruit...but it doesn't that say that those flavours are gluten free either.

Michelle

Unilever's policy of clearly labelling gluten ingredients applies in Canada as well as in the US. Just read the label on the product, looking for wheat, barley, rye or oats. If none of those words appear, then the product is safe.

Good to know. Thanks!

Michelle

I didn't have ANY food in my cooler that I expected anybody to prepare...it was ALREADY prepared, I just needed them to let me in with my cooler!!! Which they would not do for me but apparently that rule was not for everyone, because as I said, I saw several people IN the park with coolers the same size as mine.

I wonder if the reason your cooler wasn't allowed in was because it was on wheels? When we went to Disneyland in March 2006, we brought in a soft-sided, collapsible cooler (with a shoulder strap) everyday. It was full of regular (not gluten-free) food, snacks and drinks for our family of 5. The cooler was checked over by security each time we went into the park(s), and we were never refused entry nor had anything confiscated.

Michelle

most pregos are safe (not the meat flavored, I believe) I seem to recall Ragu IS NOT. I like the muir glen organic cabernet marinara.

Salsas: I like the muir glen, also Pace is safe and readily available.

I went onto the Ragu website, and found no FAQ that addresses gluten, so I tried to ask a question through their email form. Apparently I'm not allowed to ask any questions if I don't live in the US. I can't find info easily on Ragu through Unilever Canada (they don't list Ragu on their website.)

I'll have to spend more time digging into this later...I'm off to make homemade ice cream with the kids.

Michelle

If there is nothing that indicates hidden gluten in the ingredient listing, I have tried the sauce before. This may be risky. I'm not sure about the brands you listed. I started making my own sauces out of canned tomatoes, fresh veggies and spices. But, I have a lot of time on my hands since I haven't been able to find a job in my field.

I checked Classico's website and they state that all of their red and white sauces are gluten-free.

Thanks for the Classico info. I'll check into Ragu too.

I'm just starting back onto a gluten-free diet now. I had tried before Xmas, but abandoned it due to stress of a funeral of an immediate family member and then Xmas. It will be much easier to follow the diet now, when I don't have to worry so much about meals prepared by others. Now I need to get serious again about avoiding gluten. Got a good cookbook for preparing gluten-free meals for Xmas too.

Michelle

I'm having a hard time finding a Yoplait yogurt that isn't fortified with vitamin B12 (I'm allergic.) I've heard that Danone has a risk of CC. Does anyone know if Astro is gluten-free?

Michelle

Any tips on which brands are actually safe? I heard Prego is, but what about Ragu? We prefer the taste of Ragu over Prego... Also, what about Classico? I see nothing on the label (Sun-Dried Tomato sauce) that indicates a source of gluten (there are no natural or artificial flavours listed either.)

Michelle

Ya we are in Canada too I should have noted that. I have all my recipts so I am hopeful that the Dr will give me a letter. I know that I also only get the difference.

I'm getting my taxes done at H&R this year lol I'm not attempting that myselfLOL.

Thanks everyone for your advice, you guys ar ethe best!!!!

According to CRA, you must have a diagnosis of celiac to be able to claim gluten free food. I understand that this does not include non-celiac gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. It may be worth contacting CRA for further clarification.

Michelle

I'm still very new to the gluten-free thing...and the rest of my family isn't gluten-free, so I haven't pitched anything yet.

I did want to point out though, that it may be worth it to let the manufacturer know if you react to a product. Some guarantee their products, and will give you your money back. You can also try returning products to the store...including food products. My hair salon, for example, doesn't hesitate to refund my money if I react to a product I buy there. The stuff is so expensive...I'd hate to have to throw it out after one try!

Michelle

[

]There is one 'little' thing that may get to be a problem with not having another place but your own bed for baby to sleep in. And that is that certain activities between husband and wife require privacy, and don't allow for a baby to be in the middle of your bed. So, unless you are actually planning on not having any sex for a year, you might want to reconsider not having a crib.

Never was an issue for us--we just sneaked off to the guest room or the living room couch!

As for no sex for a year, it was literally 6 months after the birth before I could sit down without any pain (HORRIBLE hemmorhoids after the birth), so I wasn't the least bit interested until after that, anyway.

Not an issue for us either. We had lots of other rooms in the house.

Besides, there are many cultures where cribs aren't used...and families share sleeping quarters. This hasn't stopped people from procreating in the least! Even my own relatives shared beds when they came to farm on the prairies...they built a one bedroom house. Everyone slept together for warmth...you certainly didn't want to waste fuel heating many rooms at night when one was enough. There were other opportunities for privacy between partners...the family bed was not the place.

It really is mainly in western society where we want to quickly push children into sleeping independently. I think it is a shame to insist a baby be alone at night and use inanimate objects for comfort rather than human touch. That said, you need to do what works for your family. In my family, it doesn't matter where you sleep as long as everyone sleeps.

Michelle

In September of this year (2006) I was tested postive for Celiac. I went right away on the diet (cheating from time to time). For about 2 months now I have been really strict, not cheating (at least not to my knowledge). I found out 4 days ago that I am pregnant. We were not planning for this just yet, but here we are. We are THRILLED!!! Yet, I'm reading that there are many complications with being both a celiac and pregnant and it's recommended that you are on the diet for a year at least before getting preg. I'm worried about birth defects and miscarriage.

I just turned 30 in October and was having symptoms for about 8 months before I found out. I would love to hear stories from you if I should be truly worried or if there are more healthy babies out there from Celiac moms than not.

I have not seen my doctor yet (calling tomorrow) since the weekend and the holiday made it tough to get ahold of her.

Should I be more worried than happy?

-Jessica

Congratulations! You should definitely be happy! You don't want to spend your pregnancy worried...it's not worth it to spend this amazing time that way.

There are plenty of stories out there about celiac women who have had healthy pregnancies, even before diagnosis. It is very unlikely that you will have complications, especially since you already have your diagnosis. You now know that you need to be on a gluten free diet...which is the healthiest thing you can do for this pregnancy. Take care of yourself, so that your body can take care of your baby...and enjoy being pregnant.

Michelle

A crib mobile that plays a gentle melody is nice, my one granddaughter loves hers (my older daughter has never bothered with things like that). Also, something soft (like a blankie, or a very soft, washable doll or animal) is a good idea, that the child can get attached to. It will help with bedtime once the baby gets older. Mind you, it is impossible to know what the kid will chose for the 'favourite thing' in the end.

I just wanted to point out that having an attachment can be an issue at times...especially if that attachment item gets misplaced. Personally, I appreciated the fact that my kids were attached to me, rather than an inanimate object. Since my babies slept with me, they needed no other object to fall asleep with. They did have soothers, because they all were constantly wanting to suck, but they stopped using them by 13 months...and my daughter stopped hers at about 9 months. They all breastfed until around 2 years old (my middle child until 2.5.)

Once they were weaned, they actually transitioned to sleeping on their own quite well. None of my three have any particular stuffed animal or blankie that they need with them for sercurity. None of them were ever clingy or fussy either...they transitioned to playing with others and going to school without me very nicely.

Michelle