Ugh..Celiacs GTFIH!

[Titanwolf]

I've recently discovered that I'm a celiac. Combine that with my intolerance to dairy (though I still have Ben and Jerrys every night ) and I'm pulling my hair out. I train 6 times a week and since the overhaul of my diet, I'm wondering what I can eat. There's a lot of deception out there when it comes to "healthy" products (The chicken I always buy has gluten and dairy, WTF!). I'm not sure what to replace the foods I've lost with. That being; Milk (Goats), Pasta, spaghetti, my protein powder, oatmeal (cross-contamination). Ugh...how does one cope?

[IcedEarth]

I wonder if I am too, I was diagnosed with "Eocilliphillicgastroenteritis"(spelling may be way off) when I was about 10.

 

I had years of horrible illness that has turned into frequent diarrhea, gas, bloating, etc. I've tried taking lactaid stuff before dairy but it doesn't change it.

 

It's infrequent too. I could go eat bread with gluten and no have an issue so I'm not sure it's the problem. The symptoms seem to line up though.

[Titanwolf]

I wonder if I am too, I was diagnosed with "Eocilliphillicgastroenteritis"(spelling may be way off) when I was about 10.

 

I had years of horrible illness that has turned into frequent diarrhea, gas, bloating, etc. I've tried taking lactaid stuff before dairy but it doesn't change it.

 

It's infrequent too. I could go eat bread with gluten and no have an issue so I'm not sure it's the problem. The symptoms seem to line up though.

 

Wow, that illness is a mouthful lol. It could be dairy, wheat, soy, corn, there's varying levels of intolerence, but those seem to be the main culprits. If you are in fact a celiac, the gluten apparently destroys the villi in your stomach. When the number of villi in your stomach is low, you begin to experience (of course) digestive issues and when it develops further, you begin to experience auto-immune diseases. They regenerate, but it takes a LONG time :/. I'm basically having to go gluten/dairy free for the next 4 years. My symptoms were bloating and gas and my auto-immune diseases (which have since ceased) is exfoliative cheilitis and acne.

[Anela]

I've recently discovered that I'm a celiac. Combine that with my intolerance to dairy (though I still have Ben and Jerrys every night ) and I'm pulling my hair out. I train 6 times a week and since the overhaul of my diet, I'm wondering what I can eat. There's a lot of deception out there when it comes to "healthy" products (The chicken I always buy has gluten and dairy, WTF!). I'm not sure what to replace the foods I've lost with. That being; Milk (Goats), Pasta, spaghetti, my protein powder, oatmeal (cross-contamination). Ugh...how does one cope?

 

 

Look for Gluten-free girl's cookbooks? She and her husband have a new one coming out. Her first book, and the cookbook, were making me hungry.

 

I'm not sure what else is out there.

[IcedEarth]

Wow, that illness is a mouthful lol. It could be dairy, wheat, soy, corn, there's varying levels of intolerence, but those seem to be the main culprits. If you are in fact a celiac, the gluten apparently destroys the villi in your stomach. When the number of villi in your stomach is low, you begin to experience (of course) digestive issues and when it develops further, you begin to experience auto-immune diseases. They regenerate, but it takes a LONG time :/. I'm basically having to go gluten/dairy free for the next 4 years. My symptoms were bloating and gas and my auto-immune diseases (which have since ceased) is exfoliative cheilitis and acne.

 

How do they test for it? I recently found out I am not diabetic but my triglyceride level is sky high over 500, so my cholesterol needs work.

[EasyHeart]

Welcome to the club! I've had celiac for about 12 years and I'm allergic to eggs and dairy. FWIW, being gluten-free has never been easier.

 

First thing is to educate yourself. This is a great message board: Celiac.com Celiac Disease & Gluten-Free Diet Forum The people there are really nice and you'll find millions of great ideas about what to eat. They'll tell you what brands are safe and review GF products and share stories with you. (I even know for a fact that there are many, many threads on GF protein powders). A great general book on gf eating is "The G-Free Diet". It came out long after I went GF, but I think it has the best overview and advice on how to go GF.

 

My main advice to celiacs is to stick with real food. My diet is basically meat, vegetable, fruit and rice. If you try to substitute GF versions of gluten foods you'll (a) be disappointed because they don't taste as good and (b) be broke because they're really expensive. My life revolves around stir-fries! (Just watch out for soy sauce -- it's full of gluten!!)

 

And you've got great timing. Did you know that tomorrow (September 13) is National Celiac Awareness Day? It's true!!!

[Titanwolf]

How do they test for it? I recently found out I am not diabetic but my triglyceride level is sky high over 500, so my cholesterol needs work.

 

speak to your doctor and see if he can recommend you to someone who can test you for celiac disease. It seems to go beyond just an intolerance, like milk, in my case.

[Titanwolf]

Welcome to the club! I've had celiac for about 12 years and I'm allergic to eggs and dairy. FWIW, being gluten-free has never been easier.

 

First thing is to educate yourself. This is a great message board: Celiac.com Celiac Disease & Gluten-Free Diet Forum The people there are really nice and you'll find millions of great ideas about what to eat. They'll tell you what brands are safe and review GF products and share stories with you. (I even know for a fact that there are many, many threads on GF protein powders). A great general book on gf eating is "The G-Free Diet". It came out long after I went GF, but I think it has the best overview and advice on how to go GF.

 

My main advice to celiacs is to stick with real food. My diet is basically meat, vegetable, fruit and rice. If you try to substitute GF versions of gluten foods you'll (a) be disappointed because they don't taste as good and (b) be broke because they're really expensive. My life revolves around stir-fries! (Just watch out for soy sauce -- it's full of gluten!!)

 

And you've got great timing. Did you know that tomorrow (September 13) is National Celiac Awareness Day? It's true!!!

 

Thank you for that link. The change is so sudden, having to go from tinned and pre-packaged food, to almost raw upon purchase type foods. I know what you're talking about regarding GF alternatives. I bought some GF bread and GF quinoa flakes and it set me back almost £7 O_O for two items!!!. Anyway, thank you, I'll check out that link.

 

Haha great timing indeed! perhaps it was fate! (not sure whether I should laugh or cry )

[EasyHeart]

It gets easier. One of the good things about the GF forum is that you'll find lots of people going through the same thing. It's a great support group.

 

And be patient with yourself. It will take at least 6 months to make the transition and get all the gluten out of your diet. I remember that I used to eat tons of chili when I first went gluten free. I didn't notice for many months that the sour cream I topped my chili with had gluten in it!

 

I'm guessing you're in the UK? I'm in the US, and over here GF had gotten "trendy" in the past few years. It's good because GF food is much more common. There are 4 or 5 brands of GF bread in all the supermarkets now. Back when I started, the only bread we could get was this rice bread from Taiwan that tasted (no exaggeration) like styrofoam. So for me, a lot of it wasn't choice: I couldn't eat sandwiches because there was no bread!!!

 

Good luck and feel free to hit me up if you have any questions.

[EasyHeart]

Oh, just one more thing you might not have thought of yet: One of the most common places you'll find gluten is in. . . . women's cosmetics! Your girlfriend may need to make some changes, too, so you don't get sick every time you kiss her!

[Titanwolf]

It gets easier. One of the good things about the GF forum is that you'll find lots of people going through the same thing. It's a great support group.

 

And be patient with yourself. It will take at least 6 months to make the transition and get all the gluten out of your diet. I remember that I used to eat tons of chili when I first went gluten free. I didn't notice for many months that the sour cream I topped my chili with had gluten in it!

 

I'm guessing you're in the UK? I'm in the US, and over here GF had gotten "trendy" in the past few years. It's good because GF food is much more common. There are 4 or 5 brands of GF bread in all the supermarkets now. Back when I started, the only bread we could get was this rice bread from Taiwan that tasted (no exaggeration) like styrofoam. So for me, a lot of it wasn't choice: I couldn't eat sandwiches because there was no bread!!!

 

Good luck and feel free to hit me up if you have any questions.

 

Oh, just one more thing you might not have thought of yet: One of the most common places you'll find gluten is in. . . . women's cosmetics! Your girlfriend may need to make some changes, too, so you don't get sick every time you kiss her!

 

Whoa 6 months? >_O I'm in for the long haul it seems, but I'm ready for it. Just have to break past the initial barriers and find myself a routine. Haha (I shouldn't laugh) but that must have been annoying. Kicking your feet in delight and grinning from ear to ear as you enjoy your delicious GF meals, only to find out that you have been eating it all along .

 

Yeah I'm in the UK. It must have been a pain in the ass, for a celiac in the past :/. Luckily, we have plenty of health shops around now, so it's easier than ever before, to find foods to fit our specific needs. sorry about your Styrofoam bread .

 

I shall do that. I think the only thing she applies is, vaseline and eye-liner. Other than that, her face is a blank canvas

[january2011]

Here's the link to Coeliac UK:

 

Coeliac UK

 

Many of the major supermarkets like Sainsbury's have gluten-free sections (usually along the back wall or where the niche products shelves are). But yes, they can be pricey and sometimes a bit tasteless. If you can, head to the Allergy Show in the summer in London - lots of freebies and gluten-free food manufacturers promoting their wares.

Edited September 12, 2012 by january2011

[Titanwolf]

Here's the link to Coeliac UK:

 

Coeliac UK

 

Many of the major supermarkets like Sainsbury's have gluten-free sections (usually along the back wall or where the niche products shelves are). But yes, they can be pricey and sometimes a bit tasteless. If you can, head to the Allergy Show in the summer in London - lots of freebies and gluten-free food manufacturers promoting their wares.

 

Thank you for sharing that. That's very helpful

[Stillgrowing]

It's daunting at first but it's really not too bad. I started out last year as celiac and just to detox recently (felt I had been glutened a whole bunch) my dh and I went raw for a week. I then discovered coming off it I hadn't been glutened, I had a dairy intolerance. I freaked a little, I'm practically a vegetarian, no gluten, no dairy....F me. Then I watched Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. and it all clicked. I'm about 75% plant based and it has de-stressed me so much. I don't worry that much about getting glutened anymore. I still do eat some crap...drink soda, chocolate, plain potato chips . And I do eat eggs.

 

Sample menu is:

 

-2 scrambled eggs for bfast with some sautéed asparagus

-Banana for snack and a soda

-Corn tortilla with soy cheese and some corn and black bean salsa with tomatoes and lettuce for lunch

-chips for a snack and some fruit

-rice, beans, a salad, some sautéed veggies for dinner

-boom chicka pop popcorn at night

-a larabar or two during the day

And about 2 more sodas ) I gotta kick that habit but that and wine are my only true vices!

 

I tried and failed at being gf about 10 times and finally realized that I can't have any gf substitutes: no fake buns, pasta, etc... When I have those I crave real things, when I don't, I don't.

 

ETA: I was being mysteriously glutened and discovered it was my lip balm, Alba. Now I use eos and no issues. Check everything!

 

Good luck!!!!!!!

 

sg

Edited September 13, 2012 by Stillgrowing

[Titanwolf]

It's daunting at first but it's really not too bad. I started out last year as celiac and just to detox recently (felt I had been glutened a whole bunch) my dh and I went raw for a week. I then discovered coming off it I hadn't been glutened, I had a dairy intolerance. I freaked a little, I'm practically a vegetarian, no gluten, no dairy....F me. Then I watched Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. and it all clicked. I'm about 75% plant based and it has de-stressed me so much. I don't worry that much about getting glutened anymore. I still do eat some crap...drink soda, chocolate, plain potato chips . And I do eat eggs.

 

Sample menu is:

 

-2 scrambled eggs for bfast with some sautéed asparagus

-Banana for snack and a soda

-Corn tortilla with soy cheese and some corn and black bean salsa with tomatoes and lettuce for lunch

-chips for a snack and some fruit

-rice, beans, a salad, some sautéed veggies for dinner

-boom chicka pop popcorn at night

-a larabar or two during the day

And about 2 more sodas ) I gotta kick that habit but that and wine are my only true vices!

 

I tried and failed at being gf about 10 times and finally realized that I can't have any gf substitutes: no fake buns, pasta, etc... When I have those I crave real things, when I don't, I don't.

 

ETA: I was being mysteriously glutened and discovered it was my lip balm, Alba. Now I use eos and no issues. Check everything!

 

Good luck!!!!!!!

 

sg

 

Lol thanks for that advice. The transition is difficult, but I'll get used to it eventually.

[FitChick]

What is the name of the blood test to find out if you have celiac disease?

[Emilia]

OP can you cook from scratch completely fresh? That's your best friend. There is lactose free milk in most supermarkets therefore you don't need to give up your main source of calcium!

[Titanwolf]

What is the name of the blood test to find out if you have celiac disease?

Anti-tissue Transglutaminase was the one I went for.

[Titanwolf]

OP can you cook from scratch completely fresh? That's your best friend. There is lactose free milk in most supermarkets therefore you don't need to give up your main source of calcium!

 

Yeah I can and I do whenever possible (I've grown to love fish lately). As for calcium, I'm just going to buy a gluten-free fish oil with calcium supplement, as sadly, it's not only the lactose I'm intolerant to, but the whey protein as well. Lol FML.

[Emilia]

That truly sucks.

[Titanwolf]

That truly sucks.

 

I know right?. It's one of those things that I have to laugh at, because it's almost too bad to be true

[EasyHeart]

It's obviously better to not have any diseases, but if you have to have one celiac isn't too bad. It's 100% treatable with zero side-effects. What more can you ask for?

[Titanwolf]

It's obviously better to not have any diseases, but if you have to have one celiac isn't too bad. It's 100% treatable with zero side-effects. What more can you ask for?

 

Yeah that's true. I've heard that celiac disease, can cause a lot of other internal problems too, so I'm essentially killing multiple birds with 1 stone. Celiac can be curd though?. I've read about people restoring their villi in the stomach and thus, are able to moderately consume gluten and other things they were intolerant to before, once again.

[Anela]

Yeah that's true. I've heard that celiac disease, can cause a lot of other internal problems too, so I'm essentially killing multiple birds with 1 stone. Celiac can be curd though?. I've read about people restoring their villi in the stomach and thus, are able to moderately consume gluten and other things they were intolerant to before, once again.

 

I read that just recently on a blog, only I don't remember where.

 

My cousin and her children are on the GAPS diet. I was going to try it with my mother, but I wasn't sure I could stand it. She and her kids are doing well on it, though, so I need to find the book.

[Titanwolf]

I read that just recently on a blog, only I don't remember where.

 

My cousin and her children are on the GAPS diet. I was going to try it with my mother, but I wasn't sure I could stand it. She and her kids are doing well on it, though, so I need to find the book.

 

Thank you for that. I'll have a look into that. What makes you say that you won't be able to stand it? (though that may be made clear, once I look into it). Is it intended to be a permanent diet? I miss my macaroni and cheese >:'(