Life After Gluten And The Sneaky Sabotages

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Most people have heard the words gluten-free (gf), but those unaffected by this lifestyle have no idea what gluten-free eating entails. Gluten, a protein found in wheat and certain other grains, is pervasive throughout our diet, so those who do understand that gluten-free means avoiding all foods containing any trace of wheat typically respond with, “I could never do that!” But as more and more people are diagnosed with a gluten allergy or sensitivity, so too, have people become more aware of the remarkable results and relief from symptoms when a gluten-free diet is adopted.

Where Do You Start?

Whether your dietary change is for allergies or general health concerns, start by feeling empowered instead of deprived.  Nourishing your body with foods that will help you feel better and body function better (less headaches, skin rashes, bloating, digestion issues, joint pain, brain fog, moods and ADD) isn’t hard. Fighting cancer is hard. Having a baby is hard. Running a marathon is hard. Eating foods that allow your body to function better is not hard — it is a gift.  You aren’t being told you must fast. So, get your head out of the “I can’t” mentality and move into the joys of “I can and my body will thank me for it.”

GF Hint #1: What Do You Eat?

Tell your friends and family you need their support, not their sympathy. Whether it’s diabetes or gluten sensitivity, they need to understand this is not a “phase,” and your health depends on their support.

For ease, start simple. Eat unprocessed veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, meats. Note the “unprocessed.” Why? Because many processed foods have additives that do anything but support healthy living, and some of these foods that are prepped for you may have gluten ingredients to protect shelf life or add flavor.

Be aware of your nuts and seeds because many are processed with MSG, wheat and Maltodextrin, etc. Read ingredients. Tip 1.5: It’s cheaper to buy it whole and prep it yourself.

GF Hint #2: Where Do You Shop?

I love this question. If you are eating veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat and fish, they are available in all food stores. You don’t need to shop at Whole Foods to eat gluten-free. While there are occasions where people will want to purchase gluten-free exchange products (pasta, bread, crackers, pizza crust, etc.,), it’s not recommended to switch from gluten processed foods to gluten-free processed products. Read your ingredients and shop wisely.

Many products labeled gluten-free are higher glycemic, higher sugar and have lots of unnecessary chemicals. A donut is still a donut even if it’s gluten-free.

GF Hint #3: Where Does Gluten Hide?

Ah yes! The sabotage of sneaky gluten! Not only can you get  “glutened” by smooching your gluten-eating family members, but we are eating and using products daily with hidden chemicals, dyes, byproducts, trans fats…and of course gluten. When starting a gluten-free life, most people know they can’t have bread, muffins and pasta, but they don’t realize there is hidden gluten in everyday foods (and other things) such as:

• Soups, broths and gravy
• Seasonings and seasoning packets
• Salad dressings
• Licorice
• Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce (there are lines of gluten-free soy sauces) and barbeque sauces
• Tea blends (barley is often used to sweeten teas). For example, the following Tazo teas contain gluten: Green Ginger, Honeybush, Lemon Ginger and Tea Lemonade.
• Flavored coffees (they may say wheat free, but may contain gluten)
• Burgers — even without the bun restaurants will occasionally add bread crumbs to thicken the burger (of course, meatballs and meatloaf in most cases).  Veggie burgers and sausage often have wheat as well.
• French fries (yes, they are made with potatoes which are gluten-free, but often they are coated with wheat or cooked in the same oils as other gluten products)
• Some potato and corn chips (Pringles, Sunchips, Doritos, etc.,) and those with flavorings
• All beer unless labeled gluten-free
• Many flavored alcohols
• Deli meat
• Medications

Non Consumable Products

• Envelope glue (don’t lick; use a sponge or tape them)
• Play-doh. Although it is nontoxic to eat for most, it could be very toxic for a gluten-free kid. Even if they don’t eat the Play-doh, they may be snacking while they are playing, therefore gluten is being ingested.
• Lip gloss, lipsticks and cosmetics. Use nontoxic and gluten-free products, but still always check labels for sneaky gluten. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid in your cosmetics.
• Toothpaste
• Soaps — if you are very sensitive and wash your hands with a gluten soap then you eat something, you may find your symptoms don’t resolve.
• Plaster — if you are redoing a part of your house, you may be symptomatic if you inhale the dust from the plaster.
• Pet food and treats — wash your hands after handling their food and watch out for gluten-free toddlers who may help themselves to doggy snacks.

GF Hint #4: Google It

Many of the above products can be found or made in your kitchen gluten-free. It’s all about using your powers of investigation and not shopping or eating on the fly. Google everything to find out if it’s gluten-free before you eat or use it.

Lisa Vasile, NP, is the founder of 4 Better Health in Hopkinton, MA, a Functional Medicine practice. A celiac herself, Lisa is considered an expert on gluten, and mentors other practitioners utilizing Functional Medicine to reverse and resolve the underlying causes of disease.

Find holistic Nutrition in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.

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