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Gluten-free diet: What has worked? Your tips

Digestive Health | Last Active: Nov 24, 2022 | Replies (120)

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@sueinmn

@macjane Jane- I have no problems with fruits or vegetables in my gluten-free diet because they do not have gluten - it only occurs in some grains.
People may have issues with some fruits and vegetables but that is not gluten related - it would be a different food allergy or sensitivity. I think when people choose a gluten-free diet in response to health issues, it is often only part of the equation for their health - there may be other food or environmental allergies or sensitivities as well.
When we enter into discussions about what foods cause us a problem as individuals, we must take care to differentiate between foods we react to due to gluten and those which cause reaction due to other allergies or sensitivities.
For example, I avoid most foods with sauces unless I know the exact ingredients because it is the usual source of "hidden" gluten in the form of thickeners or extenders. Some barbecue sauces and many soup bases contain wheat starch or wheat. Soy sauce, unless labelled gluten-free is usually made from wheat. Some canned soups or dried soup mixes may also contain barley, another gluten source. I avoid all of these to avoid a wheat/gluten reaction.
But I am also very allergic to tree nuts (pecans, hazelnuts...) so I religiously read labels - as a result I must forego many gluten-free foods because they contain nut flours in place of wheat. And I shun flavored coffees, creamers and store coffee grinders because nuts/nut oils are often used a flavoring, sometimes without being named - just called "flavoring."
Sorry to be so wordy, but it is so difficult to convince people that food allergies are real, I think we need to be as clear as possible and try to deal in clear-cut facts.
Do you have issues with foods other than wheat/gluten?

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Replies to "@macjane Jane- I have no problems with fruits or vegetables in my gluten-free diet because they..."

@sueinmn @therjes I have had a lactose intolerance for a while now, probably triggered by the immunosuppressants I have to take. Recently I have wondered if I may now also have a gluten intolerance. The other day I had a breakfast with nothing dairy in it, but I had a low cal English muffin with it and had a problem afterward.
Are the terms gluten intolerance and celiac disease synonymous?
We went out to dinner last night to one of my favorite restaurants. It is an upscale restaurant and they are great about accommodating dietary restrictions. I told them I am lactose intolerant but I did not mention gluten since I am not yet sure. I doubt there was anything in my dinner that had gluten in it, and thankfully I have not had any reaction. Just trying to stay lactose-free is a challenge. I also have to keep my sodium low!
JK