Completely Overwhelmed! Help Please

[GFDahlia]

Hi all, I am soooooo overwhelmed. I keep reading about all the things that have gluten in them that you would not even think had it, like certain already prepared rice dishes...etc. And also beauty products that use gluten based products as fillers such as wheat husks or other grain husks.

Where in the world do you find a list of products out there to avoid???? Is there such a list? I am so afraid I don't know what to look for....products that don't say flour on them....but then I read the unsafe list and there is some strange long name and it's somehow gluten...and low and behold there it is on the label of the product I thought was safe!

Sorry to see so overboard about this...but with my health as bad it is....I want to completely go Gluten-free and am just having trouble finding the info.

Any help is appreciated......thanks in advance

Dahlia

[Lisa]

Just a quick not here... On this "site index" you will find a list of "forbidden and good list". That's a start.

Believe it or not, it will soon become second nature.

[Eriella]

Hello,

It is completely normal and understandable to be overwhelmed. The good news is that it gets a lot easier and you don't need a PhD in Biochemistry to know what is safe. Initially, cook only whole foods-- those are foods with one ingredient on the label (ie rice, potatoes, chicken, soybeans, apples, bananas, eggs, broccoli, steak...). This helps you learn what is safe and isn't AND gives your stomach time to heal. I would stick to whole foods for at least a month (and it really isn't hard-- you can have steak and potatoes, chicken and rice, salads... send me a message if you want more ideas). Also, cooking from scratch can be done in less than 30 minutes from the time that you walk into the kitchen to the time that you eat, so it really isn't that hard (the George Forman is your friend).

If you live near a wegmans or a wal-mart, they label their generic products gluten free, so when your body is ready to handle processed food, they are a good place to start. Also, NoGluGirl has a great list of gluten free products that I am sure that she would send you if you sent her a message.

As far as personal care products, Crest and Colgate are okay, Johnson and Johnson has some gluten free products, and a lot of other people on this board know which make-ups and shampoos are safe. Also, a lot of lotions contain alcohol to make your skin dry out so you will use more. Try to not use them for 2-3 weeks while drinking lots of water-- your skin with thank you for it.

Here is a great list of what isn't safe: Open Original Shared Link

And, most importantly, if you have any questions about anything, always ask.

[Yellow Rose]

Hello,

It is completely normal and understandable to be overwhelmed. The good news is that it gets a lot easier and you don't need a PhD in Biochemistry to know what is safe. Initially, cook only whole foods-- those are foods with one ingredient on the label (ie rice, potatoes, chicken, soybeans, apples, bananas, eggs, broccoli, steak...). This helps you learn what is safe and isn't AND gives your stomach time to heal. I would stick to whole foods for at least a month (and it really isn't hard-- you can have steak and potatoes, chicken and rice, salads... send me a message if you want more ideas). Also, cooking from scratch can be done in less than 30 minutes from the time that you walk into the kitchen to the time that you eat, so it really isn't that hard (the George Forman is your friend).

If you live near a wegmans or a wal-mart, they label their generic products gluten free, so when your body is ready to handle processed food, they are a good place to start. Also, NoGluGirl has a great list of gluten free products that I am sure that she would send you if you sent her a message.

As far as personal care products, Crest and Colgate are okay, Johnson and Johnson has some gluten free products, and a lot of other people on this board know which make-ups and shampoos are safe. Also, a lot of lotions contain alcohol to make your skin dry out so you will use more. Try to not use them for 2-3 weeks while drinking lots of water-- your skin with thank you for it.

Here is a great list of what isn't safe: Open Original Shared Link

And, most importantly, if you have any questions about anything, always ask.

Check again on Colgate. I called them on Monday about my toothpaste and was told they no longer can assure that the products don't come in contact with gluten. I switched to Crest.

Yellow Rose

[GFDahlia]

OMG thank you all for you great replies. I am feeling so much better and not so alone! I really appreciate all the nice people that I have had contact with on the message board here. Thanks *hugz*

Dahlia

[JNBunnie1]

I actually prefer Tom's of Maine toothpaste, they're ingredients are all pronouncable. It's super expensive, but I get it at my wholesale club. And, some flavors don't have flouride! (flouride is bad......)

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Dahlia,

Welcome to the forum! I have a present for you! I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself eleven months ago. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margarine*

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and *White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip*

Philadelphia Cream Cheese*

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*

Snack Foods:

Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam

[GFDahlia]

NoGluGirl!

You are such my hero right now!!! Thanks soooo much. And mad props on dealing so well!

Dahlia

Dear Dahlia,

Welcome to the forum! I have a present for you! I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself eleven months ago. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margarine*

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and *White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip*

Philadelphia Cream Cheese*

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*

Snack Foods:

Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam

[Guest Happynwgal2]

Hi all, I am soooooo overwhelmed. I keep reading about all the things that have gluten in them that you would not even think had it, like certain already prepared rice dishes...etc. And also beauty products that use gluten based products as fillers such as wheat husks or other grain husks.

Where in the world do you find a list of products out there to avoid???? Is there such a list? I am so afraid I don't know what to look for....products that don't say flour on them....but then I read the unsafe list and there is some strange long name and it's somehow gluten...and low and behold there it is on the label of the product I thought was safe!

Sorry to see so overboard about this...but with my health as bad it is....I want to completely go Gluten-free and am just having trouble finding the info.

Any help is appreciated......thanks in advance

Dahlia

Hi Dahlia,

Like so many others before me have said: it does get easier with time. I have been gluten free since November 2006, and am still learning - especially about drugs (for hypothyroidism) and supplements.

Here in Portland, Oregon, we have several stores that carry gluten free foods, and label them on their shelves, and perhaps you have some of these where you live, too: (I have not used a list, and perhaps that would be easier for you, but here is my ten cents worth anyway...)

Fred Meyer (a Kroger company store) has some gluten free foods in their health food section, clearly marked and a decent selection,

Wild Oats Market put clearly visible tags under their gluten free items, plus they have two racks full of specialty gluten free foods,

Whole Foods market has a lot of gluten free food, also clearly marked under each item. Thus if you need gluten free flour, you go to their baking isle and so forth...

A local chain that is also doing a decent job of marking their gluten free items, is New Seasons.

My frustration right now, is with supplements - in addition to being gluten free, I am also dairy free, egg free and yeast free, - all make my system really upset and I get sick if I eat any of the former items. So life is a long list of NO-NO's that I am slowly adjusting to...

Good luck and like you, I am going to use some of the tips of the other posters. There is SO much good info on this board!

[sickchick]

Dang! NoGluGirl is my new hero!

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Dahlia and sickchick,

Thank you so much for the compliments! I just want to make this as easy as possible. This is a huge adjustment. I do not want other people to have to spend an eternity on the phone every single day during the week talking to manufacturers, and the rest maniacally cleaning and cooking. I did that the first couple of months. I just celebrated my 1st anniversary the 20th of August!

Also, for cake mixes, I get mine from The Chocolate Emporium. They have three kinds. You get them for a reasonable price. There is a minimum order limit, but trust me, you will want all three! Just go to www.choclat.com to browse. They also have casein and gluten-free chocolates and other confections. In case you are also soy-free, they have some chocolate chips that are free of it and the other two.

I am going to be doing a gluten-free cooking show soon. One of the guys on here suggested it. I am going to have to borrow someone else's kitchen, however. Ours is a complete disaster. "Tastebud Adventures with NoGluGirl" will include chocolate chip cookies and some other fabulous comfort foods. YouTube will be the best, most accessible place for it. If you like, I can keep you guys in mind for when I get it done.

Dear Happynwgal2,

I too, have to avoid yeast. They sure stick it in everything. I have been really having issues due to an overgrowth of Candida that is quite severe. So, you can imagine the horrors. Watch out for the yeast extract, which I discovered they were sneaking into my favorite gluten-free lunchmeat, and numerous other things I cannot figure out why they would put it in there. It is not like these things need to rise.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[amberleigh]

Here is a great list of what isn't safe: Open Original Shared Link

This list has tons of dairy stuff on it...is that only if you have dairy issues as well? Or do they really have gluten in them??

[Guest Happynwgal2]

Since I have problems with a lot of medication - I cannot take most anti-biotic's, and many pain killers because I get a very upset stomach from them - I asked Kaiser pharmacy if there is any way for me to know which medications have gluten in them.

The pharmacist gave me this web site: Open Original Shared Link and I have discovered that my allergy nasal spray is NOT on the safe list. Soooo - I guess I really don't need it!

I will never again accept a medication unless it is on this list...

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Happynwgal2,

That is a good policy to have! I am very cautious about meds as well. I just never have tolerated them well. So, I figure I should avoid going on any that I do not absolutely need. You know, none of those allergy meds ever worked for me anyway.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[Guest Happynwgal2]

Dear Happynwgal2,

That is a good policy to have! I am very cautious about meds as well. I just never have tolerated them well. So, I figure I should avoid going on any that I do not absolutely need. You know, none of those allergy meds ever worked for me anyway.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

Hi NoGluGirl, My allergies just started in the past few years - probably because I went undiagnosed for so long. My immune system just took a beating.

The allergy medication did help some, but not enough to keep taking it now that I know it is no good for me.

I have had many fights with doctors over the years because I refuse to use medications. Frustrating to be told that almost everything can be "fixed" by medications... at least according to many in the conventional medical community...

I really don't think we can be too careful with med's. I was just told that the only way to "fix" my two protruding disks in my lower back, was pain killers and muscle relaxers. WRONG!!!! My chiropractor does better than any drugs... I want to avoid med's and surgery at any cost...

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Happynwgal2,

I agree our society is a bunch of pill-poppers. My mother is on so many, she is lucky to know her own name. I am glad I switched doctors. He is a kind man, but he is also better than a drug dealer! He was always offering pills.

Due to misdiagnosis for years, I was doped up on every psychoactive drug known to man. They just tell you that your are nuts if they do not know what is wrong. It is all about the doctor and their pathetic little ego. I was forced to go to psychotherapy, counseling, and made to take pills. The side effects alone are horrifying. Even worse, I am stuck on Celexa because six years ago those idiots up at IU Med told me I was pretty much just insane. Doctors believe they are God in a labcoat. It is time they wake-up.

I and many others have been left dealing with the ramifications of their mistakes. This should not happen to anyone!

The dangers of modern medicine lie in those who practice it. Practice is an excellent description of this, too. Most of them have no idea what they are doing. We are all guinea pigs, destined to live or die depending on whether or not these people have a clue as to what they are doing.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[JNBunnie1]

Hi happynwgal, you might try the Solgar brand for any supplements they carry that you need, they're very good about labeling and tend to refrain from adding crap to pills that isn't needed.

[Guest Happynwgal2]

Dear Happynwgal2,

I agree our society is a bunch of pill-poppers. My mother is on so many, she is lucky to know her own name. I am glad I switched doctors. He is a kind man, but he is also better than a drug dealer! He was always offering pills.

Due to misdiagnosis for years, I was doped up on every psychoactive drug known to man. They just tell you that your are nuts if they do not know what is wrong. It is all about the doctor and their pathetic little ego. I was forced to go to psychotherapy, counseling, and made to take pills. The side effects alone are horrifying. Even worse, I am stuck on Celexa because six years ago those idiots up at IU Med told me I was pretty much just insane. Doctors believe they are God in a labcoat. It is time they wake-up.

I and many others have been left dealing with the ramifications of their mistakes. This should not happen to anyone!

The dangers of modern medicine lie in those who practice it. Practice is an excellent description of this, too. Most of them have no idea what they are doing. We are all guinea pigs, destined to live or die depending on whether or not these people have a clue as to what they are doing.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

Hi NoGluGirl (I like your "name"!)

I am sorry that your mom is on so many drugs that she is not quite herself. An old relative, years ago, was on 15 or so different drugs; my sister-in-law at the time (it was her grandfather, my "grandfather-in-law") did some research and got him off more than half of them. She was - still is - a nurse who is very skeptical of the doctors she is working for - she is a nurse, working in the pharmaceutically driven conventional medial world, and she can tell you stories that will make you never want to take another drug of any kind. It's all about money... sure, so of it does "help" and some of it does cure some illnesses, but most are just for money for the stock holders.

When I went to urgent care today because of a nasty sore throat, head ache and just being very weak, the nurse had a long list of medication that have been prescribed to me for my back pain in the past few years, and she was surprised when I told her I don't take any of them. Simply refuse. They can prescribe as much as they want, but I am not taking the drugs. I am NOT an easy patient... But, good for me!!! And for you, it sounds like.

I was treated for depression for years, and tried several anti-depressants, but none helped. Then I stopped eating gluten, and guess what??? My depression is gone! There is a book about how doctors think, that is not critical, but rather gives a matter-of-fact explanation of how doctors learn to think in medical school. My daughter has it, and I can't remember the name of it. When I do, I will send you the name - it is a book you will probably love. Written by a medical doctor, it gives good and interesting suggestions about how to deal with your doctor. Not rude, but just knowing how to ask the right questions in the right way. Very, very interesting.

I like my naturopath, even though I have to pay for all of her care myself. But even with her, I want to know what, why and how - and what's in the supplements she suggests my using. Naturopaths can sometimes be a bit "supplement happy"!

[NoGluGirl]

Hi NoGluGirl (I like your "name"!)

I am sorry that your mom is on so many drugs that she is not quite herself. An old relative, years ago, was on 15 or so different drugs; my sister-in-law at the time (it was her grandfather, my "grandfather-in-law") did some research and got him off more than half of them. She was - still is - a nurse who is very skeptical of the doctors she is working for - she is a nurse, working in the pharmaceutically driven conventional medial world, and she can tell you stories that will make you never want to take another drug of any kind. It's all about money... sure, so of it does "help" and some of it does cure some illnesses, but most are just for money for the stock holders.

When I went to urgent care today because of a nasty sore throat, head ache and just being very weak, the nurse had a long list of medication that have been prescribed to me for my back pain in the past few years, and she was surprised when I told her I don't take any of them. Simply refuse. They can prescribe as much as they want, but I am not taking the drugs. I am NOT an easy patient... But, good for me!!! And for you, it sounds like.

I was treated for depression for years, and tried several anti-depressants, but none helped. Then I stopped eating gluten, and guess what??? My depression is gone! There is a book about how doctors think, that is not critical, but rather gives a matter-of-fact explanation of how doctors learn to think in medical school. My daughter has it, and I can't remember the name of it. When I do, I will send you the name - it is a book you will probably love. Written by a medical doctor, it gives good and interesting suggestions about how to deal with your doctor. Not rude, but just knowing how to ask the right questions in the right way. Very, very interesting.

I like my naturopath, even though I have to pay for all of her care myself. But even with her, I want to know what, why and how - and what's in the supplements she suggests my using. Naturopaths can sometimes be a bit "supplement happy"!

Dear Happynwgal2,

Thank you for the compliments on my name! I was very surprised it was not already taken. When I joined the forum last year, I was sure someone would have it. I could not believe no one had it! It is a good thing I tried it!

It truly is sad that so many people are hooked on drugs they have no business taking. I hate that my mother is on so many. Some of her health and stomach issues might be relieved if she would accept the fact she could be a celiac. She will not, though. God forbid she never get to eat out again (she does five days a week quite often), and takes so many pills I cannot even keep track. Like Kevin Trudeau said, it is all about money. These corporations knew when they put Vioxx out on the market it would kill people, but by the time that was realized, they would already make hundreds of millions on the drug.

I am like you. I am nervous about pills of any kind. My system just does not like them. I make a conscious effort not to go on any when I can avoid it. I did not take pain pills after my gallbladder surgery. I just toughed it out. The worst of it was the first three days following the surgery because of all of the gas. I do not blame you one bit for not taking those pills. Those sore throats can be pure misery. I hope you get better soon!

I know the book you are talking about! It is called "How Doctors Think". I would love to get a hold of a copy. They have a story about a woman with Celiac in there! I know that doctors hate informed patients. They treat you like a hypochondriac when you want to know something, or mention any research you have done. Doctors often have the idea that they are God. I have bad news for them, there is only one, and none of them are it!

Depression is something I still am dealing with. The medication can not bring me money, no matter how many pills I pop. Problems do not go away with drugs. My grandmother's Alzheimer's is not going to disappear each time I take a dose of Celexa. These other health issues cannot be taken care of without money. I know Celiac has caused many people depression that lifted after going gluten-free. It has even caused Schizophrenic and Bipolar Disorders in some individuals whose system actually processes it into an opiate.

So far, my holistic physician has not pushed any supplements on me. I am ecstatic to go to her office and not leave with a trillion new pills! The last doctor I had was a kind man, but he was pill happy. He could not help me. Naturopaths are worth the cost when you can afford them. I definitely trust them more than other MDs.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[emcmaster]

Hi Dahlia! Welcome!

The above posters are correct: it gets so much easier that it becomes second nature. I rarely think about it anymore because I have what I can and cannot eat "down". Scanning labels and ordering at restaurants is easy now.

One of the things I started out doing and still do: I go to google.com, type in a food I'm wondering is gluten free. So for example, Heinz ketchup (which we know IS gluten free):

Heinz ketchup gluten free

This pulls up tons of pages on the subject. Usually it pulls up a discussion on this board, and most of the time it pulls up one of the gluten-free product lists or the manufacturer's website. Sometimes it takes a while to sift through the stuff and get the general consensus on its gluten-free status. Other times it is obvious from reading one page.

Anyway, this is something that has really helped me. I used it just a few minutes ago.