hez

I know when I was new to the diet I would have reactions to food I knew was gluten-free. It took me about six months before I could really tell when I was glutened. Then I really found out the hard way! Depending on how much damage you have in your intestines, you may be getting sick not because of gluten. But because you have not healed. Just a thought! Plus alot of people have reactions to msg.

Hez

Well, I thought I would let everyone know how my experiment is working. I ordered gluten-free oats from the company in Wyoming. I have had oatmel for breakfast and oatmeal cookies. I have been eating them for almost a month. No reaction.

I am NOT recommending you eat oats. Eating oats is a personal decision that each of us makes after doing the proper research. I only wanted to share my experience. Please keep in mind that others have tried gluten-free oats (I think they were from Canada) and did NOT have a good experience.

Hez

I used to buy the Whole Foods brand (I believe it is 365) of frosted flakes. The other day I went in and read the ingredients (out of habit). I noticed that the label had changed and it now had malt flavor or malt something. I looked on their website and it looks like this cereal is no longer gluten-free Not happy

Just a warning to check labels if you buy this cereal.

Hez

A word of caution when using books as a reference. Like everything in life things can change over time (think vinegar, used to be considered unsafe, now we know it is safe). So things that were correctly written at the time may no longer hold true now. I find I depend on Gluten Free Living magazine's back cover to look for safe and unsafe ingredients. I only write this because I have run into books that are somewhat outdated and do not reflect the latest infomation.

With the new labeling laws if the modified food starch is from wheat it must state wheat as an ingredient.

Hez

I no longer have a throid due to cancer (no big deal, very curable). I take synthroid once a day and have no issues. I remember looking up the medication shortly after my celiac dx, it was gluten-free.

Hez

Most commercial soy sauce is not gluten-free because it is fermented with wheat? Is that correct? You can easily find gluten-free soy sauce, I use San J. Another great find is for gluten-free pasta try Tinkyada. You will not be able to tell the difference! It is that good and worth the extra cost.

Hez

Most vinegar is safe because of the distilation process. EXCEPT Malt vinegar, this has gluten. I use Heinz ketchup, it is gluten-free. I also use French's and Gulden mustard (I do not know for sure it is gluten-free, however I do not react to it and I am sensitve).

Hez

If I paint my nails (which I haven't yet) I will use a gluten-free nail polish. I cook and eat with my hands. There seems to be a chance that the nail polish could then get ingested. Not worth the risk. I remember some of Opi's colors are gluten-free.

As far as toes go I use my old nail polish (painted them yesterday). I am sure it has wheat in it. I figure my toes do not go in my mouth nor do I cook with them So the chances of cc are slim.

Hez

I was like megzmc3611. I was told to go on the gluten-free diet about two weeks before the endo. The doctor was hopeful that she would see some villi. Unfortunatly, not a one was found. So my "last supper" (I even called it that) was some crappy leftovers I was too tired to make dinner. Had I known then what I know now I would have gone out to dinner at least! The reality was that I was so sick food was not enjoyable. If I could do the day over I would eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner with oreos and krispy kremes for a snack.

Hez

Corn gluten is safe.

Hez

We use Johnsville brats. I know there are alot of gluten-free sausages, just cannot for the life of me remember them.

Hez

I do get very frustrated and depressed at times. I feel like the disease has taken away my freedom to eat where I want, when I want, and to not read a label EVERY time I buy something. Having said that I have never cheated (I have been accidently glutened). Not because I am perfect or live in a bubble, more because I found a will to stay gluten-free. For me it was my kids. If they someday get this disease I want them to see me as a positive example. I want to be healthy for them and my dh. I am not saying that you should do the same, only what I have done to deal with it.

Hez

There seem to be alot of steps but it is really quite easy! Enjoy

Angel Food Cake

7 egg whites

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup potato starch flour

1/4 cup corn starch

1/3 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring

Bring egg whites to room temperature. Sift together powdered sugar, flour and cornstarch (the sifting is essential in this recipe). In large glass or metal (not plastic) mixing bowl place egg whites, cream of tartar, salt and almond flavoring. With mixer on high beat until well blended. Continue to beat adding the sugar slowly. Beat until sugar is dissolved and whites form stiff peaks. With rubber spatula gently fold in the flour and powdered sugar mixture (about 1/4 at a time). Folding just enough so the flour disappears. Pour batter into ungreased 9" tube pan and cut through with spatula to break any air bubbles (have no idea why you do this step). Bake in 375 degree oven for 35 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and cool in the inverted pan. Remove cake when completely cool.

I will post the recipe later I am off to pick up my son from school.

Hez

I have an angel food cake recipe that I love! It is not as airy as a traditional angel food but the taste is out of this world!

Hez

PS- I can post the recipe if someone wants it.

Several months ago I went to the Hidden Valley website and they stated that the dressing is not gluten-free. I am not sure why this is so but it is Welcome to the board

Hez

Sorry, I can't remember which "brand" my dentist uses. I did contact the company and I had the ingredient list in front of me (dentist provided). They also informed me that it was gluten-free. I have had my teeth cleaned several times and have not had a issue.

Hez

I ordered one bag of oats from the gluten free oats people in Wyoming. I should be getting it in a couple of weeks. I am not sure if I will try it! I have visions of me just staring at the bag of oats. If I do try them I will post.

I know there is debate among those that are experts. From what I understand a certain percent will react to the protein in oats because it is very similar to the wheat protein.

Hez

ChelsE,

I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Just said a prayer.

I am sorry that you are feeling bad as well. For me I did not feel better for about 6 months! Felt like an eternity. It might be that your body is still healing. The stress, fatigue and depression can make you feel horrible as well. Hang in there!

Hez

It is amazing how I can be alone at home on my computer and feel surrounded by people who know what I am going through. The emotional aspect of this disease has been hard for me. But having this board has been a life saver. I am truly thankful.

Hez

Welcome Jody! I am sure you will find this website helpful. I am the one who is gluten-free, the kids so far have tested negative. Do you have a support group for yourself with the kids? Wyoming is a big state so depending on where you are you may feel a bit isolated. Hopefully you will find the support you need. I am not in Wyoming but in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Hez

It certainly sounds like you could have been glutened. After gettting glutened I try to get some rest (easier said than done), drink lots of water and take Immodium AD for the D. Hope you feel better soon.

Hez

We also eat Oscar Mayer (I had to sing the song to remember the spelling ). I am always in the store when it is busy so I buy prepackaged. Just not worth the risk to me.

hez

I tried the flour that Jenvan used and it worked! I used my old sugar cookie cut out recipie and just substituted the gluten-free flour! The cookies were a little puffy but they held there shape! Can you tell I am excited!!!!! This is the first time the cookies actually looked like the shape they were cut into Thank you Jenvan!

Hez

For me it was part of the mourning aspect of this disease. I would cry when I would realize I couldn't have something. Keep in mind it really wasn't the food I was crying over but the emotional connection to the food (I cried when I realized I would never be able to eat the girl scout cookies my dd will eventually sell). I would be lying if I told you that after a year of being gluten-free I have the emotional side under control. I still get sad and angry at this disease. Yet at the same time eating gluten-free has become a part of my life and is easier. Hopefully, someone else can write in about eating out. I still find it risky and limit how often I go out. Remember to take a deep breath and approach this one step at a time.

Hez