Hello!!!!! I'm Jessie, um im new to this whole gluten free thing. I might have problems with it and my digestive system. not 100% sure yet, i've been to the doctor for it and im going to see a GI doctor soon. But in the mean time to try and make my life easier so i wont feel so sick all the time, im going to try and limit myself on the gluten things. any advice would be more than helpful! Feel free to message me or add me.

Hi,
I'm Tracey. I went back to school in my 30's and was shocked to find I was having terrible issues with focus, concentration, memory, and processing speed. Extensive testing resulted in my being diagnosed as having a learning disability. I relied heavily on tutors, extra credit, and ridiculous hours of struggling with homework to get through my science/math classes (as a geophysics major, I had a lot of those!). I had never had these troubles when I was in high school. Not long after (I'm guessing about 2003 or 2004), I was noticing that I often felt totally sedated for no reason, so I started monitoring/recording everything I ate. As it happened, I worked with autistic children, and when I mentioned to the aunt of one of my girls what I was doing and why, she suggested Celiac's as a possible issue. I Googled it, and was shocked. The list of symptoms and secondary disease processes related to gluten intolerance looked like a detailed medical history for my entire family. I had no insurance, so rather than get the blood test, I just eliminated gluten from my diet completely. The first people to notice the change were my calculus study partners. Instead of crying and swearing out of frustration, I was suddenly seeing the answers before anyone else, and helping them, instead of leaning on them for help. I firmly believe that if I were re-tested today (gluten-free) I would not be diagnosed with a learning disability.

Benefits of going gluten-free for me have been a drastic reduction in my digestive issues (for which I had seen many specialists, but the only diagnosis was IBS), elimination of anemia issues, improvement in eczema outbreaks, tremendously increased ability to focus and concentrate, improved memory, and no more asthma!! I only wish some of my family members would consider looking at gluten as a possible issue causing many of their health problems.

I'm totally thrilled that so many gluten-free products are becoming available. And the improvements in the taste and texture of gf foods in the past few years is amazing. (Udi's bread! Oh, heaven!) Now I can go out to eat in Reno, and order gluten free pasta in one of our favorite Italian restaurants. I live in a tiny town of 2500 people, and even the grocery store here carries gf crackers, cereals, and Betty Crocker gf cake mixes, brownie mixes, and Bisquick! If only I didn't have to drive an hour to find Udi's bread (and pay $7/loaf).

Anyway, I'm amazed at how many people I now know who are aware that they have gluten issues. It used to be that when I mentioned it, nobody knew what I was talking about. So having this group where we can all share experience, support, and ideas is just a great idea. Thanks!

Hi Guys,

My name is Claire and I have had to go wheat/gluten and sometimes dairy free due to IBS. I've cut out wheat from my diet entirely and what a difference it made! I can still eat Oats and small amounts of other grains so I'm not Coeliac but for all intents and purposes the damage it does if I don't stick to it then it's easier to say gluten free!

so Hiiii :-)

Hello, everyone! I do not have celiac disease, but my husband does. He was severely ill almost two years ago, to the point where we were concerned he was dying from some type of cancer. It was a strange relief to find out it was something that could be dealt with. Because he was so sick, my husband had no difficulty giving up gluten, but it hasn't always been an easy road. He also has lactose issues, although they have improved somewhat as his body has healed. It still seems to be an emotional battle for him, though, as every time he has stomach issues, he has to worry about whether or not he was inadvertently "poisoned."

I have not gone completely gluten-free in our house, but I seldom make two separate meals, unless we're having leftovers anyways or we're in a real time crunch. Usually I just make one meal for all of us, or just change one thing...like if we're having fajitas we all have flour tortillas and he has corn tortillas.

Because his weight is not an issue, a lot of my gluten-free recipes are not really low-cal, but honestly, if I was eating like him I would lose weight. He eats very little bread, even when I have fresh made GF bread for him, and he usually reaches for fruit for snacks, and such. He's pretty naturally drawn to healthy foods.

So, I am here to share experiences with you all, and to add my support. I also highly recommend glutenfreebetty.com. I have tried several of her recipes (warning...best for TREAT purposes only) and they are amazing! Brownies and a cinnabon cake and an impossible pumpkin pie (actually the pie isn't too bad for calories as it has such a minimal "crust.") I have never been disappointed in any of her recipes. Our kids like them, too.

Look forward to sharing with you all!

Hi everyone!

I recently (VERY - a week and a half) started the FODMAP diet in an effort to curb IBS issues. After eliminating Gluten, dairy and fructose for a week I have felt better. The other day I got sushi thinking it would be a safe bet but I ended up in the bathroom for a half hour after. Turns out I shouldn't have ordered Spicy Tuna (mayo) or Soy sauce (Gluten). I am still learning but it's very hard!

I think I'm going to have to permanently stop eating gluten. I'm having a really hard time coming to grips with this. I love cookies! I love pizza! I LOVE beer.

Did anyone else experience this "denial" stage when they first gave up gluten? Was it hard?

Thanks,

Erin

Hello. I hope it's okay for me to join the group (please PM me otherwise if it's not.) I am not gluten intolerant or celiac but my 17 yo DD does have gluten issues. She's not been diagnosed by anyone, she was just feeling terrible and so I suggested a few things. The first thing I suggested she remove from her diet was dairy but there was really no difference for her. She reintroduced that and at my suggestion cut gluten and we saw miracles happen. Her skin has cleared up, she's got some energy back, the dark circles under her eyes are gone and she's just happy again. I've missed her smile! She says she feels amazingly better without the gluten so we are doing everything we can to support her.

I have already learned a whole lot about gluten free cooking but I am just beginning to explore this way of life and can use some support and help from those who know what they're doing. I bake and decorate cakes as a hobby and am an avid baker and cook. The thought of my very own daughter having to miss out on things everyone else takes for granted (like birthday cake!) is just not something I can ignore and do nothing about. She doesn't have an account here but she is my workout buddy (P90X and soon to be New Rules of Lifting for Women. She also does Taekwondo with me and a little bit of TurboFire) so even though she isn't on here she is vicariously through me.

I look forward to learning new things! The whole family is pretty much going gluten free to make sure she isn't singled out (and honestly, I don't want to have to make two versions of everything!)

Hello everyone!

I'm self-diagnosed. About three days ago I made the decision to cut out breads, grains, flours etc after becoming increasingly frustrated with the way I've been feeling. For the most part, I felt lethargic, sluggish, and after a long night of sleep I always felt tired in the morning. I was also starting to feel down and very demotivated.

As far as other physical symptoms, I would get rashes on my skin, and those little water blisters that itched like mad. So I tried gluten free for 3 days, and it made a world of difference. I had more energy, my head felt clearer. I was sleeping better at night. My skin wasn't driving me as crazy (winter skin always has a way of sticking around though).

Then I had a few beers and a bagel yesterday. Back to square one. Same disgusting feelings as before. Not to mention my digestive system is all messed up again.

So once and for all, I'm giving up the gluten.

L.

Hi everyone!

In 2010 after about $30,000.00 worth of medical bills and about 7 different doctors and several emergency room visits I found out I was allergic to wheat. The last doctor thought it might be food related, so she sent me to a take a food allergy test. While I haven't been officially diagnosed with celiac disease I have been eating GF since then.

I did make the mistake of eating the grilled chicken at KFC and with in a few minutes I was doubled over in pain. I did some research and found out they coated their grilled chicken with flour and use soy sauce (which is 40-60% wheat) in the spice mix.

Who coats grilled chicken with flour???? That's a mistake I won't make again!!


Anita

woops and my name is Danielle!

Hi all! I'm Meghan. I am gluten sensitive, so I choose to eat gluten free. I was diagnosed with lupus a little over a year ago, and read a book about autoimmune diseases and their potential relation to gluten in the diet. So I cut it out as a trial and learned I felt a LOT better- less flare ups, not as bad when I did get them, etc. So here I am over a year later still eating GF and so very happy that I do! I do have an occasional "cheat" day, but that is very rare and I very much end up regretting it when I do!

HI I'm Tracey.I'm 32 and I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Hypothyroidism, makes loosing weight an uphill struggle.

Currently i'm using a static bike on the lower resistance setting and Exerbest gym class workout on the wii. Both are low impact so no stress on my joints.

I have a blog http://tiredofbeing2tired.blogspot.com where i post a daily blog about how im coping, what im trying and what i find out about CFS alont the way.

I was recommended this site as i have wasted money on weight watchers and tescos diets both of which didnt loose me a single lbs but cost me lost of £££'s.

I'm also allergic to wheat, severely allergic to wheat and aspartame, which means alot of diet and none sugar food/drinks are a no go too.

Coping everyday and my husband stops my buying chocolate. To date I havent had a single peice of choclate single boxing 2011 to 1 month and counting. It's not easy tho, I crave chocolate everyday.

Hi everyone! I'm Claire and I'm gluten sensitive and have been GF for about 4 months. I have experienced a variety of stomach and skin problems and excessive fatigue, all of which have been improving since being GF. I'm still learning ,and constantly surprised at how many things have gluten in them!

Hi everyone my name is Jessica. I live in very northern part of the US-lots of snow & very little sun for 5mos of the year. My Doc(Holistic) & I have been watching my Thyroid & Iron for two years now. She tested my vit D levels this year & they are 1/3 to 1/4 of normal levels. My symptoms have not improved even though my blood levels for Thyroid & Iron have. So she thinks it is my adrenals & that wheat may be interfering with my ability to absorb iron & causing my 'thyroid type symptoms'. So I am on a 1 month wheat free trial - I guess that makes me gluten free, at least for the short term, starting today. But it sounds like it may be a new way of life for me. I'm also starting vit d, & Cytozyme AD & continuing omega-3 & glandular thyroid supplementation. I'm can't wait to see if this will help me feel better.

What I've read in the past 18 hrs, has me wondering about our oldest son-he is 10yrs old & has had seasonal allergies since he was a baby. But for the past few years has been taking his allergy meds almost year round & the 2 months he isn't on the meds, he is still stuffy & has a runny nose. But it is not as bad as the rest of the year, so he tolerates it without meds. He is has some anxiety, is very hard on himself (great student, but not very athletic-expects athletics to come as easy for him as academics, it does not. he is heavy for his height, but so is my hubby) He is highly sensitive to detergents, textures, light, noise & what others think, to the point where we almost took him out of school last year cause he wasn't getting any work done in class. Did I mention he is my 'carb boy'...very picky eater. Would live on pasta of any kind & 'pizza rolls' (wheat tortilla with pizza sauce & cheese, rolled up). Has only started eating meat (other any a chicken nugget) in the past year or so - he did not like the texture of meat & still doesn't eat ground beef unless its in lasagna, which he tried last year when the school served veggie lasagna during Lent, now he'll eat meat lasagna if it has a lot of cheese. I am wondering how I try to get him on this trial with me, he really lives on wheat & makes up his mind that he won't like something even before its on his plate, to the point that he gags when he puts a new food (say a yellow pepper) in his mouth-even if its covered in ranch. It seems like gluten may be to blame, but how to eliminate it for him is the question.

I look forward to reading this board for ideas for my (our) new lifestyle.

Hi All, I am glad to see this group since I'm still new to being GF (it's only been just over a year now.) So, my story: Had been gaining weight for the past several years, having the general blahs. I knew I was allergic to shellfish (found that one out the hard way-especially since it happened when I was in my late 20's) So, anyway, I ordered from my fave chinese restaurant (they know no shrimp!) and the next day, one of my eyes swelled up to the size of a golf ball. Just happened to have an appt with my primary care doc a few days later, told her what happened and she suggested allergy testing because I was developing allergies left and right to medications and now this. Allergist did the pincushion test on my back, checked in on me after 10 minutes and said 'Oh my!" (Say What?!) I said "oh, must be the shellfish one" she said that yes it was showing, but it wasn't as bad as three other foods (Huh?) So long story short, after the test was over she tells me that I am allergic to peanuts, soy, shellfish (of course), and WHEAT (big time!) She explained that with as bad of a reaction I had, I needed to go GF and carry an epi pen.
It took until last year for me to really believe her, I had gained 20lbs in a year and doc got me into a extreme weight loss program to jump start me ( the program took all grains out of my diet for 45 days) I felt better, lost 35 lbs, and I finally understood what allergist was talking about. So I took the leap and started reading labels (another eye opener... who knew that there was only two brands of sour cream I could use because they don't have modified food starch in them!) and have been going strong ever since! I've lost a total of 40 lbs now (20 more to go!)
I will admit that I still have some slips, but I'm more aware and more careful.
Great to be here and hope to learn a lot from you all!

Hi everyone
I'm Kelsie, and as of one day ago I'm going gluten free. I have all the symptoms of celiac, so I'm not eating gluten anymore and seeing if those symptoms go away.
But today is my first day 100% gluten free, so I'm brand new to all of this.
Breads, cereals, granola, pastries, pizza, etc. are my biggest weaknesses, though so this is definitely going to be a hard road for at least a little while until I can afford alternatives.
But yeah, I'd love to learn every ones tips and tricks, recipes, and support