How important is it that people be tested for celiac disease before beginning a gluten free diet? These question have been asked on this blog several times and has gotten many answers. Here are two more responses:
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WRITER #1: Actually, I was diagnosed with celiac sprue and have been on a strict diet for a little over one week. I guess I'm an adaptable person, and at times it's frustrating, but to be truthful, if it leads to healthier lifestyle, I'm all for it and it makes things easier in the long run.I was actually being tested for something else too when they found it with a biopsy and since I have gone on the diet I feel much better. However they did the endoscopy before they did my blood tests so I am still waiting for them and don't know what vitamin deficiencies I have yet. In the meantime, I saw a nutritionist yesterday who has celiac disease and she is being very helpful.
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WRITER #2: We have elected not to have our kids "officially" tested for CD or NCGS because we don't want them labeled for life by insurance companies. We learned about gluten sensitivity rather late in the game, and are having our kids keep food journals and have made them aware of various symptoms so that they can begin to take charge of their health. Since we are aware of the problem, we are already keeping an eye on them. Also, I am NEVER in favor of mandating what another parent must do with their child.
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"Are you willing to make a life-long commitment to the gluten free diet without having a clinical diagnosis of celiac disease? Do you nhave the right to put your child in that situation?" Those question have been at the heart of this dialog. You may be interested in checking out my articles dated 04/29/09 and 06/19/09 in which I have published responses from the members of this blog.
Where do I stand on these questions? It is certainly time that I share my thoughts. This article is already long enough. I'll publish my thoughts on July 9, 2009, one week from today. When you read that article, keep in mind that these are "what-if" questions from my point-of-view: I have already been diagnosed — my sons volunteered to be tested when they saw what the gluten free diet did for me — my grandchildren are being monitored carefully.
Published 07/02/09
PRODUCT: Gluten free pretzel twists by Glutino
SOURCE: The Gluten Free Pantry, Whole Foods, or your favorite store. (The link will take you to The Gluten Free Pantry page advertising all Glutino products.)
COST: $2.79 for the 2.6 oz snack pack / $7.99 for the 14.1 ounce family size bag.
PREPARATION: ready-to-eat
GLUTEN FREE STATUS: Glutino is one of the world's most respected manufacturers of celiac-friendly food.
TASTE / TEXTURE: Excellent. Lightly salted. Great crispy texture.
OK FOR WHEAT EATERS: Perhaps not. The taste is a bit different from what they are used to.
PAUL'S COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: I enjoy them. As a matter of fact, I have to linit myself to the snack packs so that it is OK to "eat the whole thing".
COMMENTS FROM AMERICA'S GLUTEN FREE COMMUNITY: There are so many different types of pretzels that youn may wish to nominate your favorite brand. E-mail me at gfceliac@gmail.com.
Published 07/01/09
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Drugs and over-the-counter medications are potential sources of of hidden glutens. To deal with this issue, I recommend www.glutenfreedrugs. The site gives suggestions for asking the right questions when talking to a drug company representative, and also provides a long list of acceptable medications, and a link to Walgreen's list of gluten free medications.
People who live gluten free should never assume anything, even that our medications totally safe for us. Usually, our drugs have been repackaged by the pharmacy. Some ingredients deemed gluten toxic in food are approved for use in medications. We want to make sure that our medications do not add to our problems.
Published 06/30/09
PRODUCT: Gluten Free Fully Cooked Roast Beef Hash
SOURCE: Trader Joe's
COST: $2.49 at Trader Joe's
PREPARATION: May be browned in a skillet or the entire packet can be cooked in boiling water for five minutes,
GLUTEN FREE STATUS: Box is labeled "no gluten ingredients used".
TASTE/TEXTURE: This is certainly "convenience food" with all that implies, but I enjoyed it.
OK FOR WHEAT EATERS? Yes, they will never notice the difference.
PAUL'S COMMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS: This definitely will become part of my "emergency kit". No refrigeration is required. It is convenient and easy to prepare. If I am visiting in a gluten toxic home, I would not be bashful about asking my host or hostess to prepare this for meal.
COMMENTS FROM AMERICA'S GLUTEN FREE COMMUNITY: I welcome your input, particularly on the items marked with the . These are strictly matters of opinion, and it would be my pleasure to publish your ideas. I would also welcome "guest reviewers" who would be willing to describe a product using the format you see in this article. E-mail me at gfceliac@gmail.com or leave a comment at the end of this or any article.
Published 06/30/09
