how'd you know/confirm?

November 11, 2006

I joined this group quite some time ago and have been lurking since.

I do not follow a gluten-free diet, though vegan (so the recipes are

definitely applicable). I have found, in keeping my protein as high

as I like, and my calories low, that I use seitan on a regular basis

(it has a very high protein to calorie ratio).

However, I suspect I may have, or have caused (is this possible?), a

gluten intolerance or celiac disease (the difference is unclear to me

yet). So, some questions:

1) What symptoms did you all have that had you realize

your " predicament? " (I only occcasionally get intense gastro-

intestinal cramping. What is more common for me is a fuzzy-headed

dizziness with weird sensations in my face and fingers.)

2) What tests did you use to confirm your suspicions?

3) Which non-gluten protein sources rival the 21 grams of protein per

100 calories of wheat gluten (seitan)?

Thanks!

-Erin

www.zenpawn.com/vegblog

November 12, 2006

Erin,

Hi, my name is Danielle H. I understand what you are going through. I am

allergic to 3/4 of the food in the free world, I think. I had a LOT of itching

and hives in the abdominal area. Process of elimination is how I figured it out.

I knew I was also allergic to (besides a host of other foods) wheat, tomatoes &

potatoes. (Tomaotes and potatoes are gluten free, I just can't eat them) With

the help of this group, I eventually learned about all of the foods connected

with those. At first I figured out the nightshade family (smaller group than the

gluten family). That got rid of a tiny bit of the itching, but not all and none

of the hives. When I finally figured out the gluten stuff that I was using at

home and got rid of it, the hives and itching disappeared completely. That

probably took me about 6 months to a year or more. As a bonus, when I eliminated

all of these things, my arthritis and sinus cleared up too. Not totally, but I

can do a lot of things I was unable to do before. Interesting.

Also, when I eliminated all gluten, the weight disappeared, too. No more upset

stomach or colon. No gas or cramping. No " dumpy " feeling. Head is clear- Well

that is debateable to some folks, I'm sure. I feel better than I have in a long

time. Afterward, I found out that my aunt has also been very allergic to wheat

and gluten (among other stuff) for the last 30 years. I don't think my mom

tolerates it too well, either. I also have a cousin who is allergic to

wheat/gluten. From what I understand, it does run in families.

I use recipes that are found on this group's home page. My husband gets mostly

gluten free stuff here. I am sure he eats other stuff away from home. He just

does not bring it home. Sometimes I will make something that I can add his

tomatoes or his store bought soy meat (contains wheat) to his portion

separately. We have our separate loaves of bread. I don't spend a lot of time in

the kitchen if I can avoid it. There are a lot of good recipes in the files

here.

Sorry for the long winded expalnation. Hope it helped some, though.

Good luck,

Danielle H-S

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