Miso can be gluten-free, but it depends on the ingredients and how it's made. Miso is a fermented paste made primarily from soybeans, salt, and koji (a mold used for fermentation). Some varieties also include grains such as rice, barley, or wheat. Rice-based miso is typically gluten-free. Barley or wheat-based miso contains gluten and is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Even if miso doesn’t list gluten-containing grains, cross-contamination is possible during processing. Look for a certified gluten-free label to ensure safety. Check the ingredient list and packaging for terms like: "Barley" or "wheat" (contains gluten) or "Certified gluten-free" (safe for celiacs). Brands like Miso Master Organic offer certified gluten-free miso varieties, making it easier to find a safe option. If you’re unsure, opt for miso labeled as gluten-free and confirm with the manufacturer if needed. Always double-check ingredients to avoid any accidental gluten exposure. We have it on our forbidden list because in many cases it can be difficult to know for sure whether it's gluten-free. The following two lists are very helpful for anyone who is gluten sensitive and needs to avoid gluten when shopping.      

It sounds like you’re navigating a lot of testing and trying to make sense of your results. While I’m not a medical professional, I can share some insights that might help. A calprotectin level of 2500 is quite high and typically indicates significant inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This could be due to a variety of conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or other causes of gut inflammation. The celiac testing results will be important to help rule in or out celiac disease as a cause. Your kidney-related results (stage 3a CKD and GFR readings) are worth discussing further with your doctor. While these levels indicate reduced kidney function, they don’t necessarily mean immediate issues, but they should be monitored closely, especially if there’s ongoing inflammation or another underlying condition contributing to it. As for the milk allergy testing, it’s good to have that information, as dairy can sometimes contribute to symptoms in people with celiac or other gut issues. While waiting for the celiac test results, it might be helpful to keep track of any symptoms you’re experiencing, especially related to diet, and share those with your healthcare team. It’s also worth asking your doctor about follow-ups for the kidney results to ensure you're addressing any potential contributors to inflammation or kidney function. I hope you get clarity soon from your test results. It’s great that you’re being proactive about your health, and you’re definitely not alone in this journey. Take care and keep us posted on how things go!

There is no way to know for sure when an autoimmune disease might be triggered in someone, and this is just a theory that you might want to bring up with your doctor if your dry eye issues are prolonged. Of course you may not have Sjogren's, but it might be worth checking into if your issues are ongoing.

Would Sjogren’s only show up 1-2months after going gluten free? 😭😭😭😭

Great advice, as having one autoimmune disease makes you more vulnerable to getting others.