naiiad

Thanks SkyLark

Yeah, Ive been tested for just about everything... multiple times over. Thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, other autoimmune diseases, all came back normal. I do drink fortified almond milk.

I'm going to see an allergist in the city as soon as I get the chance, as well as a specialist about my reassuring hair loss issue.

Before then, do you guys suggest I go totally dairy-free just in case? Or is drinking lactose-free milk and stuff okay?

Thank you so much wheat chef, it helped a lot. I too am discovering an issue with dairy. I've cut out lactose (which got rid of the stomach issues it was causing me), but after reading your post, do you suggest I should cut all dairy out? (Including lactose-free milk and cheese).

Unfortunately, I've been about 2 weeks on a "clean" diet, and my hair loss is only getting worse. My hair is so. friggn. thin. I feel so unnatractive and sickly. This hair loss is effecting every area in my life - I just want to lock myself up in my room and not face the world. As I've said before, the only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I have a bit of money saved up from my last job should I need a wig.

I guess I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor, yet again. Doubt it'l help.

I'm usually okay with a small amount of cheddar, but the minute I have a big bowl of ricotta I get a tummy ache.

The link isn't working for me, I'm really interested in reading it.

*edit* nvm it worked! Thanks for sharing.

I've been noticing lately that I'm experiencing a problem with milk, cream and ice-cream. It gives me bloating, and some of the same types of cramps that I get when I eat wheat. I wouldn't say that milk causes diarrhea, but it definitely "softens things up" when I do use the washroom. I also get migraines after ingesting a large amount of milk/cheese. None of the neurological symptoms, though.

So I'm assuming that this is a lactose sensitivity?

I know that its common for people with a wheat-intolerance to have other food intolerances, especially when they first start their wheat-free diet. So my question is, is this something I should be concerned about? Is it okay if I sneak in a coffee with cream every day, or should I cut out dairy all together until my gut heals?

Thank you so much for your advice!

Thank you Superfudge I'm glad that you're husbands hair loss corrected itself. I wish I could say the same for mine!

I've been to three different dermatologists within the past year (two before I went wheat-free, and one after). The first dermatologists suspected an auto-immune disease (specifically lupus) which was tested for, and nothing. The second barely looked at me and told me that it was probably stress, and that my hair would correct itself after a few months, which it did... for a few months. The third attributed my hair loss to wheat, and he just told me to stick to a clean diet. I'm not a particularity stressed out person, and when my hair falls out my scalp is red, inflamed and itchy (something that all three dermatologists noticed). So I'm not sure where to go from here. If my hair doesn't improve in a few weeks with my improved diet, I'm definitely going to find another dermatologist.

@DixieBell thank you for the article! It was very helpful. I just wish there were more effective treatments for my hair loss D:

Its definitely possible that your psychological symptoms may go away when you switch to a gluten-free diet.

Speaking from experience, wheat makes me so. friggn. nuts. I've had problems with anxiety, manic episodes, OCD and paranoia my entire life. Now I can't say for definite that there is a direct correlation between wheat and my anxiety, but I do know that since going gluten free, I haven't had any serious anxiety or manic episodes... except after accidental exposure to wheat. Grantid I've only been wheat free for a few months, so I'm hoping that my mental state will continue to improve.

As a few people above me have said, if it's the wheat that's causing your problems, then you should see an improvement within a few months.

And please remember, even if excluding wheat from your diet doesn't improve your mental condition, you do not have to accept yourself as "crazy." Its tough, but you can improve and change yourself and your mental condition if you have enough determination to do so. I'd suggest finding a good psychologist or therapist to help you cope.

Best of luck

I soo need to try these. Good thing I'm not a picky eater

Thank you Ravenwoodglass, that's exactly what I needed to hear. I'm still getting used to understanding what affects me and what doesn't. I assume that a few potato chips are harmless, but I pay for it afterwards.

I also just figured out that a new brand of "wheat-free" bread I've been trying that my dad got me (from an independent company... one that also bakes wheat-products) must be contaminated. For the past week I've only been having one slice a day. I was a bit suspicious about it because I felt like I might have been having mild symptoms... but today I had a total of four pieces and I really don't feel well. The bread, in combination with my cheating a few days ago, might explain my swollen scalp and hair problems.

I'm cleaning up my diet for good now, and I'm being extra careful about cross-contamination (for example, having my own peanut butter jar), and no more eating out or buying products that I don't know for sure are safe. This is a lot harder then I thought it would be ...

@ToriMartin : sorry to hear that you've been having hair problems too. Hope you figure things out!

I finally went to an allergy specialist who recommended that I keep on a wheat-free diet. He also told me that my hair loss was probably related to the wheat/gluten intolerence, and that I need to "clean up my diet." I've stopped cheating, I've switched from store bought shampoos to pure glycerine, but my hair is still falling out.

The last few time I "cheated" was over a week ago when I had a handful of cheese flavored potato chips that gave me very small mouth sores, D, cramps, overall sick feeling... but it was a very mild reaction. A few days after that I made a toast in my family toaster (which was kind of dirty and filled with crumbs >.<), guess I got crumbs on my wheat-free bread, and I feel like poop all day, mouth sores, bloating, weakness... but again, this wasn't a very severe reaction.

I also used a baby shampoo two days ago, I don't think there's anything in that that could have given me a reaction...

My diet has been clean since then and I haven't had symptoms for the past few days, but my scalp is red and itchy and my hair continues to fall out... its getting worse and I'm so scared. I'm starting to suspect that maybe my hair loss isn't wheat-related... but then again small amounts of wheat keep on sneaking into my diet on a consistent basis... I don't want to go back to my family doctor for the 100th time with the same problem.... I just don't know what to do.. I have the money saved up for a good wig, so at least I'll have that as a last resort.

This sounds really good! I used to eat zuccine chocolate cake as a kid - cant wait to try this.

I love using rice paper for raw rolls, but this recipe sounds fantastic too! Thanks for sharing.

I live in Mississauga. There are a few in my area but I'm not sure about intersections.

I caved into today and ordered a gluten-free pizza from Pizza Nova (plain with tomato sauce and cheese). I asked the cook whether they took measures to make sure the pizza wasn't contaminated, and kind of seemed irritated that i was being so particular and told me that they used the same oven but put the pizza on a clean pan. It seemed safe enough.

I was super hungry and even more excited about being able to eat pizza, so I devoured 4-5 large delicious pieces. It tasted great. However, I did get a reaction The big D, cramps, piercing migraine, mouth sores starting to develop. I can say though it was almost worth it

I'm glad to hear that you haven't had a problem with them. I'm guessing that if I didn't eat so much maybe I wouldn't have gotten a reaction.

I think it really depends on the manager and his sensitivity to people with allergies and intolerances. Pizza Nova was really tasty, but I won't be going there again, or anywhere who doesn't have a strict policy when it comes to dealing with wheat-free foods.

Ugh and that pizza was so good too...

I can't use any shampoo or condition with wheat in it, because my scalp gets red and inflamed and itchy and my hair falls out. Never experienced any intestinal problems from shampoo though (that I know of).

I would switch to a wheat-free shampoo and conditioner to be safe. I make my own using pure glycerine and olive oil for condition. There are quite a few brands online that also sell wheat-free cosmetic products. Good luck!

I called two different Pizza Nova locations in my area. Both said (contrary to what was claimed on the website) that they didn't use separate ovens for the gluten-free pizza, and only did so when they had the time. I was assured that the gluten-free pizza "wouldn't touch" the wheat ones.

I worked in a pizza place for a short period of time when I was younger, and I know from experience that unless you scrub those ovens down, they're covered in dough and pizza droppings. I just think that if they advertise Gluten-free pizza, they should take the care to make sure its made in a safe environment.

I'm glad you didn't have any problems with Pizza Nova Cheryl.

I'm kind of scared to try them now, but might do so sometime in the future (maybe when they dont have a busy day!)

Thanks, I'll definitely look into Garnier.

As for my hair loss... its been getting worse. My scalp always feels inflamed and my hair keeps on falling out. I'm readjusting my diet, yet again, and resorting to making my own shampoo instead of using store bought products.

I really hope it gets better...

Before going wheat-free, I had bad hair loss, and like you, the quality of my hair had deteriorated as well. It was really important that I switched to wheat-free hair products.

My dermatologists suggested against using any kind of hair coloring on my hair, because the harsh chemicals in hair dye products will only add to the hair's damage.

That said, I don't know about any brand name products, but I personally use an all natural henna product and I've never had a problem with it. I get it from a local Indian grocery store. It works really well at coloring my hair too, and doesn't wash out after a few weeks like some of the name brands do.

Hope that helped, and best of luck!

I'm in the GTA, and I'm totally ecstatic to hear that Pizza Nova sells gluten free pizza! I'm sooo getting some the first chance I get. It's been so long since I've had pizza!!

The only place I've been to that's a 100% gluten-free restaurant is Raw Aura in Port Credit Mississauga. As the name suggests, its a totally raw organic vegan restaurant, and the food is actually better then you'd expect. Theres also no fear of cross-contamination, and even the delicious desserts and smoothies are 100% wheat-free.

Heres also a fantastic list of wheat-free dining options in Toronto: Open Original Shared Link

I read this yesterday and got really excited about Chex cereal. I went shopping to three different grocery stores and none sold the brand D:

I remember eating them as a kid... does anyone know where to get Chex in Canada?

I've had cyst problems for a year or so (got them ultrasounded and everything). They've gone away since I went gluten-free. I had no idea it could be related!

I get fortified soy milk whenever I can afford it (its a great way to get my vitamins!) and I've never had a problem with it.

Firm soy on the other hand...

I had really bad mouth sores before going wheat-free. I'd have 5-7 at a time, usually on the roof of my mouth, or on the same side of my tongue. When it got really bad, I'd even find a painful few in my nostrils, and even more painful ones, well, on (okay inside) my butt (hole). D:

Two days after going wheat free, I stopped getting new sores, and within a week all the sores healed completely.

I think its pretty common to get sores in the same area. Not sure why. I'd suggest tea tree oil or salt water to treat them ^^

@Ravenwoodglass Thanks for the advice! I know that for a diagnosis I need to be on a wheat diet for a good 2 months, but I simply can't go back to eating wheat because it makes me so sick. Waiting 6 months to see a specialist is just nuts. My family doctor recommended I stick on the wheat-free diet. I think that's the best thing I can do for now.

@Bluebonnet Thanks!! I'm so scared every time I use a shampoo/conditioner. I'll definitely check out surface! Do you know of any wheat-free soaps and lotions?

@Wheatchef I have the exact same problem. When my hair falls out, my scalp is so itchy, dry and inflamed. A dermatologist I visited a while ago noticed the inflammation and gave me a special hair conditioner. It was a little bit soothing, but didn't really solve the issue. I take omega-3 supplements and condition my hair with olive oil every few nights. That seems to help ^^

A year ago (and for the 19 years of my life before that) I had very long, very thick healthy hair. Around this time last summer it started falling out - in chunks. It was really dry and brittle and my roots where thin and white. Within a few months more then half had fallen out and I had to wear hats and different hair styles to cover the thinning patch at the top. I switched to washing my hair with 1 part baby shampoo and 1 part sage tea. After 6 months my hair stopped falling out and it grew back, but not to its original thickness and health.

Anyway, it was at this time that other symptoms started popping up, and doctors had no idea what was going on, but I eventually discovered celiacs. (*Note that I haven't been tested... cant see a specialist for 6 months, I'm also not sure that the hair loss is wheat-related, even though it seems highly likely).

Recently I've been noticing that my hair is thinning again. My roots are dry and brittle and I'm loosing way more hairs then I should be. I first noticed this when I switched to a Revlon shampoo for two weeks and my hair was falling out excessively. When I realized that wheat was a listed ingredient, I immediately threw out the bottle and started using baby shampoo. My hair seemed to improve a little bit, but since then it's been getting progressively worse. I'm so terrified, I don't want to go through the anxiety of losing my hair again.

I'm aware that I've been sneaking small amounts of wheat into my diet - a handful of non-gluten-free rice crackers here, a few potato chips there - foods that I know give me a small reaction but don't contain significant amounts of wheat gluten. Currently ive stopped "cheating" on my wheat-free diet. I hope that helps.

Does anyone have any experience with celiac related hair loss? Any suggestions as to what else I should be doing to preserve my hair?