thleensd

I didn't even make it very spicy... and ALL of the spices and ingredients (except the two I listed) I eat on a regular basis, often in higher quantities.

The only thing I've found so far is that cardamom can be a diuretic... but I didn't even eat any... just let a couple pods soak and removed them (like bay leaves). For the time being, I'll eliminate cardamom and hope it wasn't a gluten thing.

I'm still going to pout, though.

Edit: And my whole house still smells SO yummy. pfffft.

I did some reading.."Transglutaminase is a crosslinking enzyme that is being used more extensively in foods and has been widely accepted as a processing aid. We, and others, have reported the use of transglutaminase in the baking industry to improve the functional properties of bread, pastry and croissant dough. Early work suggested that transglutaminase may reduce the allergenicity of wheat flour. However, recent research into the molecular mechanism of coeliac disease suggests the disturbing possibility that transglutaminase in baked products may act upon gliadin proteins in dough to generate the epitope associated with the coeliac response. Further work is urgently required to assess this possibility. In the meantime, we do not recommend the use of transglutaminase in baked products."

Open Original Shared Link

Thanks for finding that. This seems to indicate that transglutaminase needs gliadin to elicit a response.

I hope the moderators/board editors think about pulling the article from the site or at least put up a new headline/disclaimer. Seems irresponsible to yell fire in a crowded theatre.

I still think meat glue is gross, though. =)

SO frustrated right now. I don't eat out, I try to buy trusted brands, I rarely buy gluten-free processed foods... and I don't know if it's gluten or something else, but I feel miserable right now. My dad ate all of the same things I did, so I know it's not food poisoning.

I was craving Indian Food today, so I looked up some recipes and we cooked chickpeas and rice. I've eaten (frequently!) everything that went into that meal except for cumin seed (I usually buy it already ground) and cardamom seed (which I didn't eat, just left the whole pods in to soak then removed them.

About 45 minutes after I ate, I had doubling-over cramps and an unpleasant session sitting atop the porcelain throne. I know it was lunch because upon examination of the evidence, the chickpeas were definitely a part. How the heck can my whole lunch get through my system THAT FAST!?

All of the spices I used were either McCormick single spices or from thespicehouse.com (they have a good gluten policy).

I soaked the chickpeas all night, then cooked them today. Could they get contaminated? They were arrowhead mills...the site lists them as gluten-free... but the little gluten free triangle is not on the package.

I hate the not-knowing part of this. And now I have to toss a GIANT YUMMY pot of chana masala and huge pan of AMAZING spiced rice because I don't know what caused the problem.

I don't think any of you can solve this (ooh, maybe we have a psychic on board, that would be awesome!), but I needed to rant to the understanding masses. Now I will go make some ginger tea and cry into it. Why is there no crying emoticon? *sigh*

Speaking of freaking out about the right thing, here's more about meat glue:

Open Original Shared Link

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><a rel="nofollow" target="external ugc nofollow" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFLauq5rfhwUEUPivZpydkB-qUdqw&url=https://www.celiac.com/blogs/278/Meat-Glue-Secret----Why-Celiacs-Need-to-Beware-of-this-Possibly-Non-Gluten-free-Ingredient.html"><img src="http://nt1.ggpht.com/news/tbn/xTinTrzYvzhhFM/6.webp" alt="" border="1" width="80" height="80"/>

<font size="-2">Celiac.com (blog)</font></a></font></td><td valign="top" class="j"><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial, sans-serif;">

<div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1"/></div><div class="lh"><a rel="nofollow" target="external ugc nofollow" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFLauq5rfhwUEUPivZpydkB-qUdqw&url=https://www.celiac.com/blogs/278/Meat-Glue-Secret----Why-Celiacs-Need-to-Beware-of-this-Possibly-Non-Gluten-free-Ingredient.html"><b>Meat Glue Secret - Why Celiacs Need to Beware of this Possibly Non-Gluten-free <b>...</b></b></a>

<font size="-1"><b><font color="#6f6f6f">Celiac.com (blog)</font></b></font>

<font size="-1">I recently saw a post on Face[taKuQpbYrmealfBBvhXHG] in the <b>Celiac</b> Global Guide group about "meat glue." It told celiacs to beware if you are eating meat because you are most likely, directly digesting transglutaminase (meat glue. <b>...</b></font>

<font size="-1" class="p"></font>

<font class="p" size="-1"><a rel="nofollow" class="p" target="external ugc nofollow" href="Open Original Shared Link

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Ok, so I agree that meat glue sounds gross, but can someone tell me the actual danger specifically to Celiacs? This is an enzyme that is related to what we have... in that we produce antibodies to . From wikipedia, "Antibodies to tissue transglutaminase are found in celiac disease and may play a role in the small bowel damage in response to dietary gliadin that characterises this condition"

Biologists? Anyone? Will we produce antibodies if we ingest cow/pig transglutaminase? The video says this enzyme is the coagulant, which makes me wonder if it's even related. Isn't it "just" made from animal blood plasma? (Maybe factor XIII?) If so, the title of this is very misleading. I'd like to see some science behind the connection before I freak out. (Other than the obvious OMG they're putting stuff in my meat that isn't meat!!)

This seems to indicate there may be maltodextrin (corn) and casein in it: Open Original Shared Link

And one time I dreamed I was being chased by cupcakes on little legs.

Ha! This is great! I have gluten filled nightmares from time to time (like, $#!*!! I just accidentally ate a twix!), but my food has never animated.

I know that some of us here (like myself) went through horrendous experiences and will therefore never knowingly touch gluten again. However, I know some people were diagnosed and didn't have many symptoms to speak of and don't get a physical reminder if some gluten slips in.

I'd like to be able to offer something concrete to someone I know that cheats once in a while since they don't get a reaction. Are there stories here or elsewhere I can point her to? She's smart, but young, away from home, and invincible. I can't just say, "you might get cancer" (like trying to tell a smoker to quit...). I don't think she'll come on here and browse on her own.

Thoughts?

Hey there. I'm also trying to gain weight and have learned some things. Some of them anecdotal, some can be backed up by science (although you can find plenty of differing opinions).

-I've run across some research that says loading up on protein doesn't really build muscle the way many think it does. This isn't the article I was looking for, but it touches on it: Open Original Shared Link

-Building muscle mass is indeed the most certain way to gain. But be careful that your exercise doesn't turn aerobic.

-I also suffer from some malabsorption issues, but I'm starting to figure out what foods are better assimilated for me. Just because I eat something doesn't mean I'm absorbing it.

-When I first tried to gain and heal, I found that I was eating meat 4-5 times a day and not feeling any better. Meat is tough for your body to break down. Not to mention, it makes you feel full for quite a while. When I diversified, I started to feel better, liked food more, and could eat more often. But, empty food (like iceberg lettuce salad) are kind of a waste to me. That being said, nutrients are at least as important as calories.

-I'm a big fan of smoothies. Each day I try to drink one fruit smoothie (with things like berries, yogurt, juice) and one veggie and/or green smoothie (carrot, celery, greens, and a banana for some sweet).

-Good fats are important. Avocados and nuts are good. Beans are good. Anything that your body handles well is good.

My two cents.

Good luck!

I can't stop thinking about what I want to eat next today, so I'll come play!

(trying to gain)

B: Eggs, fruit/yogurt smoothie, banana

Brunch: Hamburger patty and brown rice

Lunch: Burrito bowl (chipotle style w/left over roast beef, beans, brown rice, rice chips and the fixin's)

Dinner: Chicken and veggie stir-fry with white rice

Late night snack: baked potato slices with sour cream and cheese.

Wow, that was a rice-filled day. Must diversify tomorrow!

Vitamins, check; exercise, check; nap, CHECK! =)

I think this is a good honest discussion to be having. For me, Celiac may have decided for me whether or not I will have children (through birth or adoption).

I've grown up with the thought that I would have kids one day, but sometimes life throws surprises. I still hope to have them, but I'm getting to a place where I need to consider that I may not.

I'm about to turn 35, and was diagnosed with Celiac two years ago. I'm very strictly gluten-free, but still sick. My particular case was very dire, and my body is still fighting to recover. I'm also underweight and have a very small frame. One of my Celiac issues has left me with severe back/hip issues and muscle/nerve issues. Because of this, I am not sure if I could put my health on the line for a pregnancy, even if I felt better in a couple of years.

My GI doctor, primary doc, acupuncturist all agree that I probably couldn't survive a pregnancy right now... but let's say I'm healthy in 3 years and able to get pregnant, I'll need to think about it again then. But, my guy is quite a few years older, already has two grown kids, and I'm concerned that I may have missed my prime time.

I have considered foster parenting or adoption - maybe even an older child. Who knows, there may be a child waiting for parents that has a wheat allergy, gluten intolerance or Celiac! The age of my guy plays into that, too - by the time I'm healthy he may be ready for retirement!

That being said, one of my Celiac friends has a 1yr old and has elected to include gluten in the baby's diet. She is now feeling Celiac symptoms and is frustrated about that because... well, you can imagine life with a little one with drooly-teething crackers everywhere.

Good luck with your thought process. Only you can decide what's right for you!

My thoughts - either you have a wheat allergy in addition to Celiac OR something kind of like what I went through... they deemed it "chronic idiopathic urticaria and angioedima" ... which is also an autoimmune issue. I have no allergies. I had crazy/terrible hives and swelling of seeming random body parts (eye, lip, ball of foot...). Benedryl, claritin, zyrtec never worked. I had a strong antihistimine (hydroxyzine) that kept me hive-free, but in a sleepy stupor for about a year. Eventually I stopped taking them and it went away.

I wasn't diagnosed with Celiac until years later, but I'm not convinced that they're completely unrelated. I don't think it's a Celiac symptom, but like many autoimmune illnesses, they may tend to coexist.

There are a few bits and pieces of info connecting the condition with other autoimmunes: Open Original Shared Link

and I read in a medical journal at one point in time that there was enough information that the condition may have a connection to Celiac enough to warrant more research... but that research to my knowledge has not been done.

I posted here about it a couple years ago. May or may not be interesting to you. =)

Edit: PS. I'd definitely recommend the hydroxyzine. It worked. And I'm sure I'd have the support of the folks here: a strict gluten free diet is THE way to go!

Just don't let him clean your china that way. :D :D

HAHA!

When my man moved in with me, we decided to use only my gluten-free cookware, and if we needed something else we'd buy it. Until now. He cleaned out his garage and really wants to use this old cast iron pan. I know cast iron is porous and really hard to clean, but he had an idea.... he read you could sandblast and resurface the pan. So, he took it to his shop and took off a nice thick layer of pan. The pan is now a dull silvery color, the usual black cast-iron look is gone. He'd like to re-season it now and use it.

My concern is that the porous nature of the plan will render it unsafe. It is my understanding that the pores open when it's warm and close when it's cold. When I look at the pan, it looks fairly clean, but it seems to me that the holes in it may have been there before. He swears that they weren't and that it's a new layer with a new set of holes that has never seen wheat flour. But, I really have no way of knowing....I didn't see it before, and I don't have any idea what cast iron looks like under a microscope or if this could be an issue.

I do realize I may be over-reacting to not want to use it, but I'm still very sick and don't want to take chances. I'm two years very, very strictly gluten-free (including all non-food products), but am still very much in recovery with terrible fatigue.

He's usually very cool about not using things I'm wary about even if I'm over-cautious, but he's very insistent on keeping this pan.

What are your thoughts? Has anyone done this?

I also don't know if it's safe in general to sandblast and resurface a cast iron pan without having it professionally done. Will I be eating shards of metal or something? Do I need to make it turn black before use?

By the way, I went to the Lodge Cast Iron website to see what the pans come oiled with. FYI, it's soy based. I'm sure the severely soy allergic would want to know that!

In your tests, make sure to separately test tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), as it is fermented. Some people can handle fermented soy but not fresh.

I know that my hormones are still adjusting, and my periods suck... but I just figured out after using them for two years that:

Seventh Generation Pads contain wheat!

Here is the link to the ingredients: Open Original Shared Link

It says, "Chlorine-Free Ultra-thin Pads with Wings (and Maxi): The absorbent materials consist of chlorine free wood pulp, chlorine free airlaid fabric, and Lysorb, an absorbent gel. Lysorb, also known as SNAP (super absorbent natural polymer), is a polysaccharide derived from wheat."

Please let's not argue about whether or not you can get glutened from that. I'm not putting wheat next to any mucous membrane.

It says their tampons are 100% cotton.

By the way... I've been on a VERY strict gluten-free diet for 2 years, and I'm still too weak to work. Just changed these out last month, so we'll see if it makes a difference. Interestingly enough I've made more progress with better energy over the last month or so. Coincidence?

I had many similar issues... tingly fingers, dizzy... the only two items I tested low for was iron and D. Doc put me on a D prescription for 6 weeks and it helped... it's very possible for your body to be low in some vit/minerals but not test low.

You'll see it's very common for us to be low in iron, b-12, d, calcium/magnesium.

If your body is malnourished, lots of things can go wrong.

My iron shot WAY up when I went gluten-free. Doc didn't believe it. It's still low, but it's low in normal range.

I miss walking out the door for the day/weekend with only my license and debit card!

I miss beer battered fish tacos and pot stickers. =)

And, I very much miss the social aspect of food, too... sharing a bunch of appetizers, passing around plates and sampling it all.

Ahhh... must learn to cook more exciting foods

No. Don't share! It's just asking for trouble.

Well, it's been 2 years gluten-free. Still can't work, can't drive much, need caretakers.... BUT!!!!....

I'm making these really exciting baby steps and getting better. A small sampling:

-It's been over a year since I've had to go to the ER.

-I made it through a long weekend rehearsal (singing) without a giant meltdown (think reverting to 5 year old when tired and hungry + fatigue). I did have to sit out some, but never had to lie down or leave.

-I can sit up with my legs straight out in front of me. I've had this terrible neural tension preventing me from doing that. =)

-My physical therapist has said I've turned a corner and am now strong enough to do some of the exercises that will make me stronger.

-When I walked in to acupuncture yesterday, my acu said that I looked good and I definitely had better energy.

I know it's a long way to go, and I get SO frustrated sometimes, but I have to keep reminding myself where I was two years ago and couldn't walk without help.

It's kind of like watching a snail race though.

Here's to moving forward and finding reasons to celebrate. =)

Welcome! Lot's and lots of strange ones for me, too:

Nerve pain, back pain, muscle twitches, canker sores, dizziness, fuzzy thinking. I could go on, but I won't. There's a big, bright, gluten-free light at the end of the tunnel!.

My blood test wasn't positive, BTW... "equivocal". Biopsy was positive though.

Happy eating.

Holy poop, batman... I've found the answer for me. I seriously didn't know it was possible to poop 2 or 3 times per day. I've apparently been constipated my whole life, but right now whoooooeeee! I'm changed! I've seen the light! We're talking textbook consistency.

It could be a gradual healing of my body that has improved me, but green smoothies (and I think nuts) are changing the way I move, and quickly.

Every day for the last week or two, some variation of green leafies (kale, chard, collards, dandelion greens no iceberg crap), banana (1/2), some frozen grapes, water, and a splash of apple juice or whole apple thrown in my Blendtech blender. This is NOT the same as eating a salad! It tastes a bit like lawn, but I like it. Maybe an acquired taste?

I've also been eating a couple handfuls of nuts (nutsonline.com has gluten-free certified stock!). I've turned into a bit of a purist, so mine are all organic and raw (though I like to oven roast...omg SO much better than store bought!).

Pears are good, too. I try to stay away from pills and such because darn it, digestive system should learn to do it's job!

I did the nightshade free thing for 6 weeks, but I (fortunately) don't think it's my issue. HOWEVER, if I eat too much white rice or potatoes every day, things don't go so well (so to speak). Brown rice, veggies, fruit, beans (the magical fruit)... seems to be working out.

Of course, now I'm in crazy detox mode, but I think it's all good!

Good luck!

CAUTION: Dangerous pears!

If you get a doctor's note, and declare everything to the screening agent, you have a much higher chance of not having things thrown away. TSA does keep changing their rules, and not all of the individuals are caught up on a daily basis. There are a lot of things to keep track of. I keep a doctors note AND a copy of the latest TSA regulations regarding special diets found here:

Open Original Shared Link

EDIT: This is specifically what I print and carry: Open Original Shared Link

Then I highlight the words, "Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;"

Expect that all of your food will be x-rayed

(Since I am still digestively delicate, I travel with juices, yogurt and smoothies. I've never had to toss anything)

Some tips:

-Get a doctors note and put it on top of the bin with all of your food/questionables (like yogurt).

-Say, "I have a medical condition that requires these items. Here is my doctors note"

-Have all "borderline" items in one place and declare them. I've had some screeners care less about canned pears and some test them for explosives.

-Be prepared to take longer and be pulled aside so they can screen your questionables.

-A screener with touch all of your stuff. Make sure it's packaged/wrapped in a way that it can be handled safely.

-Smile and expect that not everyone will "get it". Some will. =) Be patient.

Happy travels!

I haven't looked into books. That sounds interesting. Thanks =)

I can relate to your situation a bit. Mostly I have lived off my husband's income for the past 4 years and when I was really bad and he was working two jobs to make ends meet, we racked up quite a bit of debt due to the hospital bills. I am better now and always looking for little ways to bring in more money or save money. Some ideas for you I haven't seen mentioned yet:

Mystery shopping--hard to break into and really make money, but at least you can choose which jobs to take and you get free goodies out of it sometimes.

Selling used books on Amazon or Half dot com--good if you have access to a lot of thrift shops and can take the time to go there for the good condition books. I used to go in to the thrift store, pick out the books that were in great condition, write down the ISBN number, then go to the nearest library and see if I could make anything on the book (you can look it up on half dot com by ISBN #). Then I went back and purchased the books that were worth more and .75. This was years ago before smart phones were big and we were too poor to have internet at home. If you have a phone with internet the process would be much faster/cheaper.

Coupons--using them and/or having a "clipping service". I save quite a bit by using coupons despite all my food sensitivities/allergies. Most coupons are for non-food items anyway. If you are willing to take some time looking around coupon websites you can save BIG on your non-food items (and a few food item staples that are gluten free naturally like canned tomatoes or corn tortillas). Some things I have gotten free with coupons include: deodorant, shampoo, Tooth Paste, Tooth brushes, Toilet paper...These are things everyone (or most everyone) needs so you might as well get them as cheaply as possible, especially when you have very little income. Another idea if you get into coupons and find that you can get the inserts free in your area you may be able to start a coupon clipping business. It's technically not legal to sell coupons, but you can sell your time to cut them out for other people. I don't really know about the in's and outs of that kind of business and it would take a lot of work, however, you could at least sit most of the time while clipping the coupons.

I teach ESL/tutor/homework help from my home. Have a friend who teaches piano and other types of music lessons from her home. Those I know in the Korean and Japanese communities are always looking for English and music lessons. How to connect with these communities-advertize in the asian markets. No need to speak their language. Parents are usually able to read and speak at a basic/intermediate level-just keep chit chat to a minimum, simple direct instructions and a good smile and patience.

I like that idea =) It's nice to talk to people and all, but chatty parents can drive you insane. Language barrier might help there. lol

Something like online sales would be perfect... just need to find a niche. My friend makes a living on ebay that way (records), but I just don't know much about any one thing.

There's no way I could get through a whole day subbing. I'd be walking dead. The money is pretty bad, too. I also need to eat a meal every two hours, and I'm trying not to burn too many calories (trust me, it's not as fun as it sounds!)

Lessons are certainly a possibility, but hooking up with a store is generally minimum wage. Can't live on that. I can make a good hourly wage as a clinician, but there are only so many bands and choirs in town (that can afford to bring someone in). I'm exploring that route, certainly. Teaching from home might be ok... that's a lot of kids that will know my address though.

I'd love to do something like teach group *something* ... ten of them could come in for an hour and pay ten bucks each... bam, $100/hr. I could handle teaching for an hour. I can't play, though. My back is wrecked from malnutrition (in weekly therapy) and last time I picked up an instrument I was on my back for a week+.

I've considered creating something to sell... but once again it seems like such little return for a lot of work. Need to think smarter than that. =) Even something like composing/arranging music just isn't that lucrative unless you're John Williams. If I had a nice camera, I could do photography... but I don't. The thought of losing my home over this is eating me up.

Maybe the gentleman from Africa with the 1,000,000 dollars that promised me an inheritance (if I only provide him with all of my personal contact and bank info) will come through. That sounds like easy money. You think??