Discussion Board

...I understand this perfectly...believe me ...

Gluten is everywhere in our Western culture (and getting harder to avoid in other places too, I hear)-- When I started my gluten free trial back last February, it took me a few months, really, to get it through my groundhogg head to stop just shoving things into my mouth mindlessly...

Supposedly, even crumbs make a difference and keep that immune system on overdrive (killer overdrive!) if a person reacts to gluten. One eighth of a teaspoon (half of a small peanut) of a glutinous grain can keep a celiac's intestines inflammed for up to 8 weeks, whether s/he experiences notable symptoms to go with it or not.

It's tough just getting into the habit of checking EVERYTHING, thinking about EVERYTHING (no envelope flap licking!!!!!-- no wheat germ oils in the shampoos to run down into your mouth while ya rinse, etc., etc., etc.).

These are the mistakes I made back when I tried to go gluten free in 2001...I was still ingesting a small, but big enough supply of ongoing gluten to never give myself a chance to see change...I use the word CHANGE, as opposed to IMPROVEMENT! For me, CHANGE happened first...improvement didn't happen until about the 7th month gluten free (although very subtle, gradual improvements happened before that time...the improvement I was hoping for...my "reward" for living the "good life," you could say...wasn't really noticeable until the beginning of the 7th month. So...some people see vast improvement within days or a few weeks...for me, though, it took a while.

And I guess it took me around 4 or 5 months to get myself into the habit of checking carefully for accidental gluten ingestion.

Best wishes for you, Carroll!

I understand totally! I can't believe how much better I"m feeling gluten free, so I'm at the point now where I'm almost obsessive about not eating a crumb of gluten! I've been so proud of my husband too, he used to have the attitude of 'a little bread, cake, etc. now and then won't hurt you" but then he saw me double up in pain one night and has seen me gain weight, health decline, the works and now he's as fanatical as I am about avoiding it. It's made an unbelievable difference in me.

Hang in there, you'll start noticing what you eat before it's too late.

Caroll,

LOts of mustard should be okay, according to the American Dietetic Association...distilled vinegar are considered safe for people who must avoid gluten. Some people insist that distilled vinegars/alcohols bother them, though. I haven't noticed any problems with them myself.

You do have to watch for wheat, starch (even eggs sometimes!) and other stuff like that in mustard.

I didn't realize you were pregnant???? Is that right? I saw your post on the other board about prenatal vitamins.

I'd personally feel safer taking a prenatal vitamin if it were me. Again, with vitamins you have to watch for starch or maltodextrin (maltodextrin in foods is often derived from corn in the U.S., but it's my understanding that in drugs it can be from anything and the source does not have to be listed) or other gluten ingredients if you are attempting to avoid gluten.

Is it possible to find prenatal vitamins without iron?

I'm sure healthfood stores must have vegan versions, and usually stuff made for vegans is sensitive about individual needs enough to clearly label whether things are gluten free or not.

You might want to e-mail Dr. McDougall for advice on whether he recommends vitamins during pregnancy.

I know it's really important to get b vitamins, and also plenty of certain types fatty acids for the baby's neurological development, etc. These would be important nutrients during breastfeeding too...I would e-mail Dr. McDougall and ask what he recommends during for moms-to-be and breastfeeding moms...if not vitamins, specific foods to be sure to include, etc.

Well I guess it'd be a good idea to at least be sure you are including lots of dark leafy greens every day for the folic acid. I would at least either supplement with b12 or eat foods fortified with it...at least until the baby is here and eating on his?/her? own...do we know which it is yet????

How old are they? They sound like very thoughtful, nice kiddos!

Don't feel bad...I decided I should go gluten free last January, made a few starts and stops, did some totally stupid things a little here and there by accident, and didn't REALLY get going with it until the first week of February! So...once I decided to go for it, it took me a whole month plus a few days to really get going. I don't think it's ever easy for anybody at first. It does get easier with time.

It's good they used up all the flour. Now you've gotta turn to something else next time, hey?

I make pancakes with sorghum flour...it's a little bit difficult to get the hang of cooking with...but by now I'm used to working with it and we are used to eating it (everything is different without all that stretchy, gummy gluten in there!!!) and it works out just fine.

You must be proud to have such thoughtful, helpful children!