There were questions about gluten sensitivity, celiac disease on the fibro board by one of the members and I thought I would post my response on the other boards where members may benefit from the information.
You don't have to have celiac disease to have negative affects from guten. These links explain why.....
I have been gluten-free for nearly a year and although there are several benefits to this lifestyle, it's not always easy to as gluten is "hidden" in many items that would not occur to most. I have found it to be particularly beneficial in regards to stomach and digestive issues I used to suffer from. There is a website that my son sent to me where I would never have thought to look. It was created for "preppers" but has a surprising wealth of information on gluten, wheat, rye, nut, dairy and other allergy free foods. The website is www.preppers.com. There are also several sites on the web, but what it really comes down to eating more whole unprocessed foods. This can be expensive so on that website are also ways to eat allergy free without breaking the bank. Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for posting good info, keep it coming. I know, it is hard for people, especially if they are just learning of it. You just can't shop the way you used to, because most of the time anything that you pick up seems to have gluten in it. I stick with the whole foods and try to check their source, where they came from, organic. I follow vegan diet so that eliminates tainted meat. :') some processed meat have gluten in them.
Also, there's the contraversey about oats. I am reactive to oats, even when the package says gluten free. So I don't eat oats either.
I never could tolerate soy, sickens me every time I try to eat it. My doctor does not recommend it. Thanks for posting those links about soy and thyroid. I try to post information that is helpful for those of us who are dealing with autoimmune disease on several different boards such as the fibromyalgia board, sjogrens and lyme boards. I know it's alot a posting, but I copy and paste it. It's information, I feel, that should be made available to as many members as possible. You might notice me do that at times with information. :')
I found a toothpaste that I like alot and does not have gluten or other offenders, called Botanique by Himalaya (neem&pomagranate) it's only $5.49 at sprouts market. Check it out..
It can be so difficult for some people to be gluten free. They stick it in so many products that it is very difficult to totally avoid. I do not have celiac disease and I do not appear to be extremely sensitive to gluten. At least once a year I will do a gluten elimination. When it is reintroduced, I get no noticeable reaction. Yet, I do not believe that it is really healthy for anyone. This means that I have really benefited from our moderator JC's philosophical approach to the gluten limited life. I seldom eat gluten on purpose and things like crackers and bread made from wheat have disappeared from my life. I chose nutritional supplements that are free of it - I don't use toothpaste or a number of other products with gluten.
I wonder how many people who are newly dx with autoimmune thyroid diseases know about the controversy over soy?
Do soy isoflavones inhibit the production of thyroid hormones?
The existence of the controversy alone was enough to make this person with Hashi's stop drinking soy milk. And so much of the soy is GMO .......
Thanks for the additional information on gluten. We autoimmune people need to be extremely careful about everything that we introduce into our bodies. It can be amazing how much better you feel when the items to which you are sensitive are eliminated from your diet. :-).
Once I think I have to be gluten-free, dairy free or sugar free - I want them all the more. I'm just starting a new book "Thinner This Year" and I found Dr Oz's green drink recipe. I'm going to try to add these things to my day instead of focusing on what I can't have. I'm anxious to get moving again, once I start rehab.
I was wondering if perhaps we could start a blog or post or whatever you call it where we could share good gluten-free recipes that we may find. I have found several good, easy recipes and I think that would save a lot of money and time for many of us that cannot always go to the bookstore or pay for specialty cookbooks.
Here is an easy one to start
Flourless Almond Cookies
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup almond or peanut butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 350. Beat sugar, almond butter and egg in med bowl until blended and smooth
Shape dough into 24 balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten dough slightly with fork. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Much like the cookies that cost $5 for 15 at the grocery store. I have a sweet tooth so I love these. You can substitute peanut butter or even sunflower butter (for nut allergies).
I'm focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, so I can start walking with less pain. I have replaced dairy with lactose free, because I have experienced embarrassing symptoms. I've had more auto-immune diseases diagnosed, and I'd really like to lose what I've gained since I started having symptoms.
You could request to start a sub-group in the groups section just for gluten free recipes. Sometimes the blogs and discussions get buried behind new ones. Just a thought.
Ally
whathappensinvegas said:
I was wondering if perhaps we could start a blog or post or whatever you call it where we could share good gluten-free recipes that we may find. I have found several good, easy recipes and I think that would save a lot of money and time for many of us that cannot always go to the bookstore or pay for specialty cookbooks.
Here is an easy one to start
Flourless Almond Cookies
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup almond or peanut butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 350. Beat sugar, almond butter and egg in med bowl until blended and smooth
Shape dough into 24 balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten dough slightly with fork. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Much like the cookies that cost $5 for 15 at the grocery store. I have a sweet tooth so I love these. You can substitute peanut butter or even sunflower butter (for nut allergies).
I am absolutely computer illiterate. Any help would be much appreciated. It appears that many of us have the same goals in trying to put less toxins in our bodies. Thought that this may be a way to share.
Not sure how to set up a sub-group or even who to ask.
DeAnne
Allergic said:
Whathappensinvegas,
You could request to start a sub-group in the groups section just for gluten free recipes. Sometimes the blogs and discussions get buried behind new ones. Just a thought.
Ally
whathappensinvegas said:
I was wondering if perhaps we could start a blog or post or whatever you call it where we could share good gluten-free recipes that we may find. I have found several good, easy recipes and I think that would save a lot of money and time for many of us that cannot always go to the bookstore or pay for specialty cookbooks.
Here is an easy one to start
Flourless Almond Cookies
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup almond or peanut butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
Preheat oven to 350. Beat sugar, almond butter and egg in med bowl until blended and smooth
Shape dough into 24 balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten dough slightly with fork. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Much like the cookies that cost $5 for 15 at the grocery store. I have a sweet tooth so I love these. You can substitute peanut butter or even sunflower butter (for nut allergies).
Could you share the recipe for your homemade toothpaste that's not abrasive?? Thanks
Ann A. said:
Thanks Ally,
I am good with the toothpaste - I usually make my own now, the commercial stuff is just too abrasive (I have a habit of brushing too hard and that has caused a lot of problems). I am as careful about what I put on my skin as I am what I put in my mouth. If I would not put it in mouth (and swallow it), then I am not going to put it on my skin. I am working on my Hashi's and trying some approaches to see if I can improve the ability of my liver to convert T4 to T3. If I can then I drop a monthly prescription from my life. I am not vegan. Gonna have some salmon in a few minutes. But I do eat a wholefoods largely plant based diet (I love my Nutribullet) and try to make very conscious decisions about what is going into my body.
I am limiting my forum contributions while I try to finish school - I retired several years ago - but started school again almost immediately. I have been in here procrastinating on homework and studying. LOL - I love hyperlinks. Reading the information for yourself is the best way to develop an understanding. I was dx with lupus 46 years ago. No one had even written a book about lupus at that time. Both DuBois' book and The Sun is My Enemy were published after my dx. Staying up to date improves the quality of my life. Thanks for the links again.
Ann, I love your toothpaste. I have Burning Tongue Syndrome, at least that is what my dentist and I are calling it; no one knows really what it is. I have been to many doctors from my rheumatologist to an oral surgeon and to someone who specialises in oral pathology. No one knows. All I know is that I can not use regular toothpaste accept Bioteen products. It is sooo expensive. I also have these little wart looking bumps all over my arms, back, legs and feet. The dermatologist told me that it was due to dry skin and plus my low immune system. I hate them. The lotion that she had me buy does not do anything. Do you have any homemade remedies that I could try? Also, I have had this planters wart on my heal for 15 years. The foot specialist as well as the dermatologist have tried everything: freezing, burning , chemicals, laser, skin graph, vinigar, and cutting it out. It just will not disappear. They keep telling me it is because my immune system is compromised From my lupus and from taking prednisone. Do you have any suggestions? I am desperate.
Thanks for the recipe for the toothpaste. It works very well. I had tried other recipes before but they seem to dry out quick. The coconut oil is good, and also is anti-fungal. :') Good tip.
Ann A. said:
Ally,
My homemade toothpaste is very simple - it only has two ingredients: coconut oil and baking soda. The ratio fifty/fifty. When I first started using it, I would add just a small drop of essential oil of peppermint. But over time I have gotten better with the idea that everything needs a "smell." The coconut oil is solid above 76 F. So the mixture can change consistency with the temperature. In addition to not being abrasive, it has no fluoride.
Allergic said:
Ann,
Could you share the recipe for your homemade toothpaste that's not abrasive?? Thanks
Dr. Hyman explains about the "leaky gut syndrome" which I have been diagnosed with, and is quite common because it actualy results in chronic inflamatory disease, autoimmune disease, it's all part and parcel. Here's a real simple link with info that Dr. Hyman explains....
Since I have been on a protocol for leaky gut, I have eliminated all bloating and swelling in my body. It is amazing. The gut lining has to heal, and it can't unless certain measures are taken.
This is the cause of excess weight just not coming off for many people.....toxins. Detoxing is so important.
I am looking into a portable infrared sauna. Any thoughts on those?
Ally Ann A. said:
Dear Trisha,
I just this very day finished the course on balancing energy and weight - You know I always tend to go off on side tracks. But one of the books that we had to read for this class was Hyman's Ultrametabolism. He spends a great deal of time talking about the role of inflammation in weight gain and weight loss resistance. I guess all of the "experts" are now highlighting the importance of reducing inflammation. So for us lupies with extra pounds reducing inflammation could be twofer. Have you noticed how many of the online health gurus have stopped using the term "autoimmune diseases" in favor of the term "chronic inflammatory diseases?"
One of the other things that stuck out in that book by Hyman and in my professor's lectures and the guest lectures was the role of toxins in weight gain and what can happen when we start to lose weight. The most important point for me was that toxins tend to be stored in our fat cells. When we start to lose weight, the toxins that were being held in the fat cells enter our bloodstreams. When these toxins enter the bloodstream they can make us feel terrible. I have watched several of my friends think that they were feeling terrible simply because of the changes that they had made in their diets and went back to their old eating patterns. I feel terrible, at least partially because I have damaged my esophagus. It is hard to study through ulcer pain.
All of the people that I have been reading emphasize more water more water more water. Some of them also emphasize the "Epsom salts" baths to draw the toxins out (I had to work on remembering to rinse well after). Hyman also recommends saunas. I do not have one and have not been able to find a nearby day spa that has one. But I am dreaming of a sauna. I want a sauna. Free saunas for everyone. LOL
Trisha said:
I'm focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, so I can start walking with less pain. I have replaced dairy with lactose free, because I have experienced embarrassing symptoms. I've had more auto-immune diseases diagnosed, and I'd really like to lose what I've gained since I started having symptoms.
for the skin issues I use a sugar scrub that I created...
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Glycerin (found at any drugstore)
Just stir with your finger before use and keep in dark colored jar. You can add essential oil for fragrance (lavendar for relaxation & grapefruit for energy).
I love it as it gives a nice scrub for those little bumps and the glycerin keeps the skin soft so that the top layers of dead skin scrub off and keep them from coming back.
Do you take Prednisone? I know that as soon as I start taking it my tongue becomes intensely sore and bleeds when I brush. My doc gave me a prescription mouth rinse that was wonderful and took effect in just 2 days. Nystatin suspension liquid. I have started using Aloe Vera juice as a rinse and that is helpful as well.
Happy brushing,
DeAnne
Kim said:
Ann, I love your toothpaste. I have Burning Tongue Syndrome, at least that is what my dentist and I are calling it; no one knows really what it is. I have been to many doctors from my rheumatologist to an oral surgeon and to someone who specialises in oral pathology. No one knows. All I know is that I can not use regular toothpaste accept Bioteen products. It is sooo expensive. I also have these little wart looking bumps all over my arms, back, legs and feet. The dermatologist told me that it was due to dry skin and plus my low immune system. I hate them. The lotion that she had me buy does not do anything. Do you have any homemade remedies that I could try? Also, I have had this planters wart on my heal for 15 years. The foot specialist as well as the dermatologist have tried everything: freezing, burning , chemicals, laser, skin graph, vinigar, and cutting it out. It just will not disappear. They keep telling me it is because my immune system is compromised From my lupus and from taking prednisone. Do you have any suggestions? I am desperate.
My only thought on an infrared sauna is that I wish I had one. It is unlikely to happen. Leaky-Gut is a really big deal. I have read most of the Hyman works. One of my professors is Liz Lipski and her book - Digestive Wellness - is also very helpful in this area.
One of the things that sticks out in my mind is that 70% of our immune system is in our gut.
To me, as a person with autoimmune diseases/chronic inflammatory diseases, it makes sense to to pay attention to my gut on that basis alone.
Right now my gut is happy with me. i did something really STUPID and it ulcerated my esophagus. So now very little is getting into my stomach that did not start out as liquid or which has not been turned into a liquid by my Nutribullet. I just drank an apple and my gut says thanks for the assistance.
Ann, Trish, All,
Dr. Hyman explains about the "leaky gut syndrome" which I have been diagnosed with, and is quite common because it actualy results in chronic inflamatory disease, autoimmune disease, it's all part and parcel. Here's a real simple link with info that Dr. Hyman explains....
Since I have been on a protocol for leaky gut, I have eliminated all bloating and swelling in my body. It is amazing. The gut lining has to heal, and it can't unless certain measures are taken.
This is the cause of excess weight just not coming off for many people.....toxins. Detoxing is so important.
I am looking into a portable infrared sauna. Any thoughts on those?
Ally Ann A. said:
Dear Trisha,
I just this very day finished the course on balancing energy and weight - You know I always tend to go off on side tracks. But one of the books that we had to read for this class was Hyman's Ultrametabolism. He spends a great deal of time talking about the role of inflammation in weight gain and weight loss resistance. I guess all of the "experts" are now highlighting the importance of reducing inflammation. So for us lupies with extra pounds reducing inflammation could be twofer. Have you noticed how many of the online health gurus have stopped using the term "autoimmune diseases" in favor of the term "chronic inflammatory diseases?"
One of the other things that stuck out in that book by Hyman and in my professor's lectures and the guest lectures was the role of toxins in weight gain and what can happen when we start to lose weight. The most important point for me was that toxins tend to be stored in our fat cells. When we start to lose weight, the toxins that were being held in the fat cells enter our bloodstreams. When these toxins enter the bloodstream they can make us feel terrible. I have watched several of my friends think that they were feeling terrible simply because of the changes that they had made in their diets and went back to their old eating patterns. I feel terrible, at least partially because I have damaged my esophagus. It is hard to study through ulcer pain.
All of the people that I have been reading emphasize more water more water more water. Some of them also emphasize the "Epsom salts" baths to draw the toxins out (I had to work on remembering to rinse well after). Hyman also recommends saunas. I do not have one and have not been able to find a nearby day spa that has one. But I am dreaming of a sauna. I want a sauna. Free saunas for everyone. LOL
Trisha said:
I'm focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet, so I can start walking with less pain. I have replaced dairy with lactose free, because I have experienced embarrassing symptoms. I've had more auto-immune diseases diagnosed, and I'd really like to lose what I've gained since I started having symptoms.
Another option to the Glycerin is Olive Oil. You would be amazed at how well it works. I usually purchase the oil at Costco or Sam's as it can be costly at regular grocers. Sjogren's will make you feel like a prune so I literally spray myself with Olive Oil PAM cooking spray after a shower before I dry off. I know it sounds wierd but it really does work.
One of my favorites!
Ann A. said:
I will remember that recipe whathappnesinvegas
I don't respond will to glycerin. When I was younger it was not a problem. Then I had to change. I hope that it keeps working for you and that it will work for others. It is important to try different things until you find the one that works.
whathappensinvegas said:
Ann, Trish & all,
for the skin issues I use a sugar scrub that I created...
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Glycerin (found at any drugstore)
Just stir with your finger before use and keep in dark colored jar. You can add essential oil for fragrance (lavendar for relaxation & grapefruit for energy).
I love it as it gives a nice scrub for those little bumps and the glycerin keeps the skin soft so that the top layers of dead skin scrub off and keep them from coming back.
I have been gluten free for over a year after discovering that I am a celiac. As a major bread lover, I thought it was the end of the world. Now I am even more greatful than I had been when my migraines (daily migraines) went away. Why? Because if living gluten free means my newly diagnosed Lupus will not be as badas it could be then I am more than feeling blessed that such a choice is taken out of my control. How so? If you live with migraines like I had and GI issues like I had and have an out, it becomes a clear no brainier. After all, don’t we have enough head pain, body pain, and GI issues from Lupus? Why give it more ammunition? Do I mean everyone should be GF? Nope. Not everyone is equally made. Nor are a persons circumstances equal. If you are serious about doing it, do it for a whole month. Don’t cheat, not even a bit. If you feel better after a month, stick to it as far as you financially can. I am pretty poor, but I make it work. You may find yourself dropping weight too, without trying. There are way too many options out there on the market to keep you from at least trying to see if it helps. Here is hoping that you figure out your dietary restrictions that will make lupus easier and less painful.
Regarding infrared saunas. They have them even cheaper, same ones, on Amazon. I really want one. A member just told me that she purchased one for her daughter and she likes it and had good results with reducing her pain. Thought I'd pass that along.
Ally
Ann A. said:
"Very interesting" said the woman who has never seen a gadget that she did not want to own.
Allergic said:
Ann,
I was looking at these infrared suanas online. Cheaper.
I think it is wonderful that you are working on getting healthier this year. I did just want to caution you that if your goal is weight loss, gluten-free may not be the way to go. Unfortunately many of the items that are gluten-free seem to be higher in calories and fat than their non-gf counterparts.
Recognizing your bodies needs for nurishment vs. eating just to eat may be more beneficial than cutting a certain item out of your diet.
Best of luck on your weight-loss goals.
DeAnne
Trisha said:
Once I think I have to be gluten-free, dairy free or sugar free - I want them all the more. I'm just starting a new book "Thinner This Year" and I found Dr Oz's green drink recipe. I'm going to try to add these things to my day instead of focusing on what I can't have. I'm anxious to get moving again, once I start rehab.