solarglobe

Hi -- I feel your pain! I went through phases of being soooo hungry and sometimes at a loss for what I could eat that would not make me sick. Skippy p-nut butter (I think) has additives in it of hydrogenated oils, etc. I actually stopped eating p-nut butter and went to other nut butters -- sesame or almond. I go to the natural foods section and get the kind that has only the nuts in it -- nothing else added, except maybe salt. I seem to do so much better when I do foods that are in, or very close to, their natural, whole state. And reading labels helps...Ive had reactions to things now that never seemed to bother me before. Good luck.

Skippy. I know it uses something made from soybean as an ingredient, but I have this peanut butter very frequently and haven't had problems. I've had gluten-free cookies that use soy as an ingredient and not had problems with them, so I don't think it was soy. But I have to wonder how a spoon with seemingly no gluten on it (I looked for specks of anything), washed again and again in hot water, could possibly be what cross-contaminated me, if that was the case.

Or was I going to have the liquid D anyway? My diet wasn't any different than it was before, though I noticed when I use the bathroom, my stools aren't the same every time anyway. So it might be a possibility that there was no cross-contamination. On the other hand, my head started to feel warm, though that happens randomly anyways (and, as my overall hunger has been decreasing, has been happening less often). Just a flare-up?

Last time I had gluten by accident, and knew I had my symptoms were instead brain fog, head hurting and feeling very warm, and blood sugar drop. I took L-glutamine that time, and the symptoms eventually went away. (I also briefly experienced depression, another symptom, after having taken the L-glutamine, but it went away in a few minutes)

Hi everyone,

Just need a good vent here. I am coming up on my 18 month gluten-free anniversary! This is been one of the most difficult journeys for me, a bread-loving foodie -- but also so worth it for the drastic change in health. I still get glutened from time to time, and I went through the what can I eat I am so incredibly hungry phases too.

I was able to attend an Olympic speed-skating event. So awesome. I ate a healthy meal before going. But there was travel time to get there. Once inside the arena, I suffered food-wise. You could not bring any food or drink into the arena. They took away any food or drink at the security checkpoints. And they searched purses, patted you down etc. (in the nicest possible way).

So my vent is this...Every single food option to buy had gluten in it!! All around me people were eating hot dogs, pretzels, pizzas, greek salads wrapped in pitas. I even asked for an ingredients listing for their chili and salad, and they just all shook their heads!

There was a big delay between races -- so I was at the venue several hours. I finally gobbled up a bag of plain M&Ms and some water -- hoping for the best. (I was OK.)

But I am just overwhelmed going to any type of public activity -- baseball game, movies, sports events, etc. There are no choices! OK -- I get that. But I should be able to at least provide my own food and drink then!

How do you all handle this. Thanks and good luck to all.

Diarrhea within 30 minutes of eating, naseau, sometimes throwing up 1-2 hours after eating, extreme fatigue, crankiness, mental fog, and lately just really frustrated that it happened AGAIN! Symptoms used to go away within a few hours, now they come on faster and linger for a couple of days -- sometimes several days! Also, during all of this I can get really, really hungry -- but it's difficult because I'm afraid to eat anything.

Thank you for the great suggestions!

I just had in my mind that this would be so much easier -- just stop the wheat, and everything will be OK. And it seems I am getting more sensitive to foods as I go along. I definitely have an issue with too much corn or potatoes. And I think I'm headed to totally eliminating processed foods too.

I also think I'm still grieving over my previous lifestyle -- you know going out to eat whenever, wherever -- grabbing a sandwich for lunch, etc. I was at a hotel "free breakfast" buffet recently and there literally was not one single item I could eat. Boo hoo. It was a Larabar coconut bar too that got me.

So...I'll check out the CC issues, double check ingredient listings for cosmetics, and definitely try the elimination diet. That makes more sense to start from somewhere and slowly introduce foods again.

Thanks again everyone!

Hi everyone,

Just need to vent. I got glutened -- again! I am so tired of going through this. I have been so careful about everything, but I still find new things that just get my whole gluten reaction going again. I discovered some "organic" sweeteners are grain-based! And what used to be a favorite treat -- a coconut bar, labeled gluten-free, uses rice syrup that is processed with barley! It's so aggravating! I find out everything the hard way, and my reaction is always D and bloating, not to mention truly evil gas. (sorry)

I'm tired of the D, the crankiness, the overwhelming fatigue, the hunger, the glazed look in everyone's eyes when I say gluten-free. My family has been kind and supportive -- but I know they've really had enough, and would prefer to run and hide at the mention of gluten-free.

I'm wondering if my body has a bunch of hidden gluten stuck in it from years gone by -- does that happen? Could this on-off glutening just be part of the healing process? When does it end?! It's annoying to have had a glimpse of feeling better -- in fact almost normal -- and then unintentionally get slammed again with gluten.

10 months (doing my best to be) gluten free.

Just went through this myself -- 2 days of symptoms (D, brain fog, fatigue). It is so frustrating to be rolling along gluten-free, feeling OK and then -- yikes! What did I eat? How did this happen?

Anyway....aloe vera gel helps me. I use the Organic, Whole Leaf kind. I mix it with a glass of water -- about 1 part gel to 4 parts water -- stir it up and just swig it down. It really helps me.

Good luck.

PS -- I did figure out that I definitely have a problem if I eat too many corn products too.

What really got me was "Clinique" lipstick and lip gloss! I always loved their "bonus time" with all the free items, and it always included a lipstick or gloss. Turns out, wheat is an ingredient for their lipsticks!

So...I've switched to MAC -- they were very cool about going over their ingredients with me when I needed to change. They have a huge book with a detailed list of ingredients for everything that they sell.

Could have been the Pace Salsa! Definitely too many tortilla chips in one sitting gets me. Too much corn for me reacts just like being glutened. Small doses of corn seem OK.

I had a moment of enlightment today while grocery shopping. After my gluten diagnosis, I would wander around the grocery store, wanting to have a great big pity party as I'm reading labels. "I can't have this?", or "there's wheat in this?" Today, I looked in my grocery cart and realized everything I had was so healthy! Meats, fruits, veggies. Nothing processed! This is all great stuff! So, why have I been whining about it all?

I think I have been grieving over a lost way of life -- either that or breaking a serious wheat addiction. Maybe some of both. I miss eating out, I miss gobbling down treats without even thinking about it. I have to learn how to cook all over again. But I seriously do not miss the pain, the "D" issues, or the fatigue.

Have done better this week by being prepared, and using the ideas and support found here

The Ancestors... I come from 3/4 Irish and 1/4 Scottish... and, you guessed it, not one of the living ones got tested - even after I gave them a Christmas gift of my 'celiac' disclosure. - 3 years ago!

So... my personal theory... I think I know why the Scot's wore/wear kilts... It starts with 'D'. It's all about convenience and practicality... and folks want to know what they wear underneath??? Ha!

Cheers, Baillie

Absolutely lol about the kilts!! I am 3/4 Scottish! I've been listening to my mother's digestive horror stories for years! Just thought it was normal growing up and into adulthood. And it finally all clicked with me a few months ago -- after many doctors and many years of searching for answers! So...I've finally found relief. But will any of my Scottish relatives 'acknowledge' anything that could possibly be wrong -- or changed by their diet! No way! Even with me as living proof that a gluten-free diet can make such a huge difference! It's frustrating because I know my mother could be helped so much, if she would just give it a try.

In the meantime, I am very interested in the genetic history and "roots" of celiac and gluten intolerance. Am reading anything and everything I can find about it.

Thank you all! These are great ideas -- I will definitely try them. You've helped me face another day!

Hi everyone,

Now almost 6 months gluten-free and I think I have a problem with corn too! -- just recently I've had bad reactions from eating tortilla chips & salsa! Thought it might be CC, or hidden gluten -- but after checking & rechecking, and having it happen more than once, it seems to be the corn (or could be the quantity! of corn chips)

Anyway....I would really like to know what your favorite treats or snacks are to help you through the day.

I know this sounds so basic and common sense -- but I really need some ideas of things to eat -- simple things! I get very hungry now. I'm still in the "wandering around the grocery store in a daze" phase. Nothing seems very satisfying. (I did get a lovely gluten-free cookbook for Christmas and am learning how to cook more gluten-free things.) The processed gluten-free products I've found are pricey -- and don't always taste that great to me. And my family is slowly, but surely, coming over to my gluten-free way of life too.

Thanks.

Hi,

As a relatively new kid to this (5 months) I understand the frustration of reading labels, changing shampoo brands, trying to de-gluten kitchens and all that. For me, just a crumb of gluten can set off my immune reaction.

The best explanation I heard about "how much is too much" is to compare gluten to dog poo (kinda gross I know but it works!) How much dog poo would you want in your food? Just a little doesn't hurt right? No way! You wouldn't want any -- not even a speck!

I go to church, and have had to request rice crackers for me (I supply them) instead of the usual white bread that is used for the weekly sacrament. This has caused a bit of clucking and head-shaking -- and I just ignore it. However, recently, one of the church members, who is a medical doctor!, said loudly, within earshot to a large group "a little bit of bread once a week isn't going to hurt a celiac!" Right. I wanted to invite him into the bathroom with me about an hour after I eat that "little piece of bread."

Good luck -- hang in there. It does get easier with practice.

What brand of liquid calcium/magnesium do you use?

I have been using LifeTime -- it's a calcium magnesium citrate (and it has a pleasant taste).

Hi,

I've been gluten-free for 5 months now, and have been glutened a few times along the way. When that happens I just get knocked flat, no energy, and spend a day or two in the bathroom with the big D (sorry). Here's what helps me:

-- Probiotic -- super strength, 2 hours after eating

-- Straight iced green tea eliminates my gassy problems after glutening

My daily supplement routine:

-- Liquid B-12 (had to search to find a gluten-free liquid form)

-- Liquid Calcium/Magnesium

-- Liquid Iron

-- Flaxseed Oil

-- Aloe Vera Gel -- pure form, mixed with cold water or juice -- swig it quickly

I go liquid form on everything because it seems to absorb so much better for me.

I have to pretty much hold my nose to take all these things. There can be an evil aftertaste -- especially with the iron (think rusty nails). But the supplements definitely help with energy levels, and overall healing.

Hi all,

Still gluten free for 2months -- but reality is sinking in big time. After my initial euphoria at finally feeling better! -- now I realize it's such a constant vigil. Gluten is everywhere -- in everything! Have been glutened 3 times now -- yuck! Latest one was today -- at the dentist's office. I told them about my gluten situation, and was assured there would be no problem. Had a 2+ hour appointment and sure enough -- sitting in the chair an hour & 1/2 after I arrived I felt that awful gurgling, bubbling, bloating -- get me to a bathroom NOW! reaction. That's exactly how I react to glutenings -- it comes on pretty fast for me.

I've been so very, very careful -- it really felt like something was going on in the Dentist's office -- but what? Anyone else ever have this reaction at the Dentist's?

Oh well....there's always tomorrow.

I'm a newbie too -- I totally understand what you're saying! For laundry, I finally discovered BORAX -- 20 Mule Team -- it comes in a box -- use it as a laundry additive along with detergent. It takes that smell right out.

If I'm doing whites, I throw in some bleach too.

I use straightforward natural cleaning ingredients around the house now too -- white vinegar & warm water is pretty good. And burning a few candles that are naturally scented (essential oils type of thing) has helped me.

Good luck.

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to jump in and finally share. I am 6 weeks gluten free! My life has changed. I spent so many years trying to figure out the whys of achy joints, muscle pain, blurred vision, overwhelming fatigue, anemia! and of course digestive issues! Doctors were no help. My first cousin was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, and in checking out her blog I was directed here. Started reading, doing research and the light bulbs started going off. Could my health problems really be caused by gluten?

Blood tests with the Dr. came up negative for celiac, but a gluten-free diet has so convinced me. Digestive problems stopped -- I can actually go on a day trip now without packing a change of clothes! Brain fog clearing up, aches & pains are dissolving away, eyesight & sense of smell improved. Had to find new brands of shampoo, toothpaste and body lotion too!

Family is supportive...extended family is glad I'm feeling better, but doesn't see how "just eating wheat could really cause all these symptoms."

I know that healing will take time -- but I'm convinced that gluten is at the root of so many health issues.

Thanks for the forum -- I know I'll need the ongoing support.

Best wishes to all.