Attempting to go Gluten Free... Help!

clewpage

There is no such thing as "gluten-sensitivity". You either have celiac disease or you don't.

Actually this is incorrect.
While it is true that there is no such thing as a gluten allergy, gluten sensitivity is real, especially to those of us who experince symptoms when we consume something that has gluten in it.
A person may have a wheat allergy, but that is not the same as a gluten sensitivity.
The confusion often comes from distinguishing between an allergy and a sensitivity or intolerance. The words often get interchanged incorrectly.
From the Mayo Clinic:
"A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In some cases, an allergic food reaction can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, food intolerance" or sensitivity "symptoms are generally less serious and are limited to digestive problems."

"If you have a food allergy, even a tiny amount of the offending food can cause an immediate, severe reaction. Digestive signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. Other signs and symptoms can include a tingling mouth, hives, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. A life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can cause breathing trouble and dangerously low blood pressure. If you have a food allergy, you'll need to avoid the offending food entirely.

Food intolerance symptoms generally come on gradually and don't involve an immune system reaction. If you have a food intolerance, you may be able to eat small amounts of the offending food without trouble. You may also be able to take steps that help prevent a reaction. For example, if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to drink lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme pills that aid digestion (such as Lactaid). "

kinggrace78

Try the LOWFOD Map diet. I was also having lots of stomach issues and the doctor said I have IBS. I had almost all of the symptoms of having Celiac disease but not a few key factors so he determined it to be IBS. He said the LOWFOD Map diet has helped people with all sorts of digestive/stomach issues. Basically, you follow the chart and eliminate foods that have high FOD Maps for 4-6 weeks. Then you slowly reintroduce each group of FOD Maps back into your diet. You may find out that you are sensitive to foods containing gluten but not everything. There is a lot of information out there about Low FOD Map and it has helped a lot of people and it's doctor recommended. Here is one link to help you get started http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/

Navtendon

First, expect that a lot of people are going to tell you that you're being silly and that you shouldn't self-diagnose. Ignore them. The blood test can only be done if your body is currently experiencing a reaction to gluten (so, before you do a GF diet) and is not terribly accurate. You know your body, and if you are experiencing the symptoms, there's no harm in going GF for a while to see if they subside. More gluten for all the haters!

Second, try to avoid pre-packaged gluten-free things. They tend to be similar or even higher in calories than their non GF counterparts. People think that just because it's GF, it automatically means it's healthy. Not always true.

Third, educate yourself on what gluten is and what contains it. It's hiding everywhere (salad dressings, soy sauce, etc). Gluten does not only come from wheat.

You will get a lot of pushback on here because unfortunately going GF has become a fad diet for a lot of people. Bottom line is if you try it and you feel better, you have your answer.

Good luck!

Good post and good points.

I would further add, that just because you feel no improvement while going gluten free (and of course all the while not substituting with all that "gluten free" junk") does not mean that there is no benefit. Benefit by omission when it comes to chronic disease would not be in the realm of modern medical testing.

So why do it if you can't be absolutely certain that it won't benefit you in the long term but you have a strong suspicion that it will?

Because you have absolutely NOTHING to lose health-wise by sticking to one-ingredient whole foods. (Of course, keeping glycemic index in mind at all times).