How strict? can I be "mostly" GF?

[Laurie]

Has anyone here gone "mostly" gluten-free? I know that sounds silly, but if I eliminated wheat and grains, but didn't pay as much attention to the "hidden" gluten in processed foods - or things like marinating in soy sauce...

could that be enough?

Or if I am gluten sensitive do I really need to eliminate every little speck??

Laurie (i'm new - be patient with me!! :) )

[JLH]

NO, you have to be totally GF, SORRY.

[Laurie]

Maybe that's my issue then. I went GF for one day and had no D the next day. I stayed GF (I thought) and next day D returned. Looking back, Day 2 I had chicken marinated in Terriaki (SOY) and processed marinade, not homemade....it is shocking to think that may have been all it took.

Still trying to remain GF and CF, but still learning lots. No D today (maybe day 4 or 5 of new diet)....

Our bodies seem SOOOOO complicated!

Thanks again,
Laurie

[JLH]

Sounds good, Laurie. Keep up the good work. It's all worth it to be rid of the D.

[JLH]

"Cross-contamination is a potential problem in other areas that needs to be monitored. Whenever products containing gluten touch a bowl, utensil, or cutting board there is a risk of it getting into the gluten-free food. Other possibilities for cross-contamination are:

Toaster/toaster oven - use a separate toaster


Crumbs being left in jams, butter, condiments - use squeeze containers


Storage - make a separate space in cabinets and refrigerator


Double dipping - make sure that no one sticks utensils or food in gluten-free foods"

[Rome]

I will be going GF in about a week. I am waiting until after my GI appt on Wed, to see if he is going to order any tests that I need to be eating glutens for. Anyway, have you read any books on going GF? I have been reading [/i]Living Gluten Free for Dummies to get ready for the big change. It has really helped me and my family prepare. There are so many books and resources out there. Of course this site is a great resource too! Good luck! I will be right there with you before long!

Romanita

[Laurie]

Thanks for the book idea. No, haven't read any on GF. Hoping the library will have some - i'll get there this week.

[Stanz]

There is no halfway with this, Laurie, as someone who has been GF since August of last year and wasn't dx w/MC til Oct. and you can see my test results from Enterolab here which I finally got in 12/09, I can attest to the needing to pay attention to every speck.

My grandson brought me a "gift" of Pepperidge Farm Fish Crackers yesterday and w/o thinking I ate 1 and I mean ONE fish. and I realized as I am chewing the ONE fish of 3 that ooops, I shouldn't be eating this, but I did swallow the 1 fish. I had a gas reaction within 20 minutes. I haven't had D, but have had enough experiences with being glutened in the last 9 months to say that a little goes a long way. Cannot tolerate soy sauce ever.

[Gabes-Apg]

Laurie
pre MC diagnosis (Dec '09) i had IBS for 15 years. for 10 years of more i ate 'mostly' GF, YF, DF. I would have treats on the weekend as mostly it would make me tired and give me diarrhea.

once diagnosed with MC i went totally GF. I was very surprised at the hidden gluten i had been using (balsamic vinegar, some spice mixes, etc)

Everyone's tolerance level to aggrivants is different, the reaction might gas and small amount of D, up to instant tummy upset and chronic D within 30 mins.