Food intolerances - anyone have any experience?

[kryogenik]

I'm just wondering if anyone could share any similar experience.

I've just been tested for coeliac disease and proved negative which was a relief. Upshot is I ought to re-introduce gluten but remain wheat-free. Worth mentioning I do have Crohn's also.
Basically, wondering if anyone has specifically a wheat intolerance and how they manage - particularly in substitute foods and which foods to avoid completely that one might not expect. I intend to stick with the gluten/wheat free bread which apart from Dietary Specials (http://www.dietaryspecials.co.uk/) products, is in the main, pretty dire and all of it is very expensive. Even making my own was frankly rubbish, despite it always working out well.

Of course I'll be continuing to check ingredients and whatnot - I don't expect anyone to do all the work for me! I was just wondering if anyone would care to help me on my road to discovering what I can and can't eat.
It's not much fun I can say that much.

Ta :)

[Scrubbs]

I did know of someone who had a wheat intolerance, but forgot about beer and lager, He started feeling better when he stopped drinking ......until he discovered he could drink cider........:)
I don't think I have an intolerance but as much as I love eating and baking it, I have a feeling it bread isn't doing my crohns any good, especially as I have restriction as well so evry now and again I go on a simple diet ie soup milk based food cheese and ensures (http://ensure.com/products/index.aspx) etc. Anything very easy to digest, no fruit fibre or veg for about 4 days. It gives my bowels a rest :)

[peanut]

I also have crohn's and it's now got to a point where I have an intolerance to just about all foods in general. I'd love to find some diet that works, but I've not found one yet. Keep plugging away though.

[kryogenik]

I did know of someone who had a wheat intolerance, but forgot about beer and lager, He started feeling better when he stopped drinking ......until he discovered he could drink cider........:)
I don't think I have an intolerance but as much as I love eating and baking it, I have a feeling it bread isn't doing my crohns any good, especially as I have restriction as well so evry now and again I go on a simple diet ie soup milk based food cheese and ensures (http://ensure.com/products/index.aspx) etc. Anything very easy to digest, no fruit fibre or veg for about 4 days. It gives my bowels a rest :)
Thanks.
Interesting. I can no longer drink beer/lager but cider is fine. Stands to reason.

I do the same every so often mate. Nice one.
Usually after I've been out for a meal/drink etc.
Some thin stew or home made soup. As you say, gives you chance to have a break.

---------- Post added at 19:59 ---------- Previous post was at 19:58 ----------

I also have crohn's and it's now got to a point where I have an intolerance to just about all foods in general. I'd love to find some diet that works, but I've not found one yet. Keep plugging away though.

That's tough P.
I do seem to be going down that route myself though.
As I said, it's bloomin' miserable sometimes isn't it?
On holiday recently, nothing I wanted more than a big crusty Cornish Pasty.
:(

[Scrubbs]

Are either of you on drugs for crohns? Could make a difference to your eating habits I guess. I am trying infliximab. Not fully convinced it's working tho

[peanut]

That's tough P.
I do seem to be going down that route myself though.
As I said, it's bloomin' miserable sometimes isn't it?
On holiday recently, nothing I wanted more than a big crusty Cornish Pasty.
:(

My trouble is I still eat what I know I shouldn't. It's part of that no appetite thing, you can only eat what you fancy which ain't much. I was told today it's now end of road with medication as nothing really worked, or the side effects were too drastic to carry on (I've tried everything from preds, 6mp to methotrexate etc). I also have a stricture as well which is now looking likely going to be a resection.

Everyone with Crohn's is different, but it's good to speak to others to get insights on how to cope etc.

[Scrubbs]

I don't have a "shouldn't" eat list I eat what I fancy and then cope with the results.
If it's the runs its codeine or loperamide. If it's really severe cramp/tummy pain I take tramadol and early bed, lots of still liquid.
The only thing that I had any faith in was a thing called "triple therapy" which was an experiment about 9 years ago (3 antibiotics, 1 for TB, 1 for leprosy and 1 standard ) Not available today I have been told as one of the aunty bettys:) doesn't exist any more :erm:

[zing_deleted]

I have an intolerence to Pizza Chips Curry and Kebabs the side effects of my intolerence is a lard ass ;)

[Scrubbs]

I have an intolerence to Pizza Chips Curry and Kebabs the side effects of my intolerence is a lard ass ;)


I am still trying to grow an ass after my last visit to the "Crohns, rapid weight loss emporium" more commonly known as resection surgery :D

[zing_deleted]

I just looked up crohns and I certainly do not envy you . Hope you can all find a way to be more comfortable

[peanut]

I don't have a "shouldn't" eat list I eat what I fancy and then cope with the results.
If it's the runs its codeine or loperamide. If it's really severe cramp/tummy pain I take tramadol and early bed, lots of still liquid.
The only thing that I had any faith in was a thing called "triple therapy" which was an experiment about 9 years ago (3 antibiotics, 1 for TB, 1 for leprosy and 1 standard ) Not available today I have been told as one of the aunty bettys:) doesn't exist any more :erm:

I used to take tramadols but I had a bad trip from them once, so I went off them quickly. Solpadols helped with pain but binded up something chronic, so ended up taking more and more and got into a bit of a loop. Codine has a simular effect which I can take in very small dosages only and not very often. Love the effects though of opiates but that's another thing. :D

I used to have quite a lot of 'safe' foods but after time they turn against you like all the rest.

The best relief so far for me is constant hot water bottles.

[Scrubbs]

Hot water bottles, good idea, do those "bean bag put in microwave" thingies work?

Oh, I find the hot water bottle system is definetly greatly assisted by clear alcohol, Bacardi Gin etc :D

[peanut]

Hot water bottles, good idea, do those "bean bag put in microwave" thingies work?

Oh, I find the hot water bottle system is definetly greatly assisted by clear alcohol, Bacardi Gin etc :D

The bean bags can work but I never can get them hot enough, and the heat never lasts that long (the more you use them the shorter the heat lasts) so water bottles seems to be best all round.

You're right about alcohol, I often take a swig of vodka to loosen the cramps, even at 8am or whenever the cramps get so bad. (Well that's my excuse anyway). :D

[kryogenik]

[strong] Alcohol is the baddie for me. I used to have a nip of Scotch to numb the pain but find now that this just aggravates it later on/next day. I'm currently on preds and Balsalazide (used for ulcerative colitis) and I generally find I've pretty much got it under control. Recently though, a slice of white bread and I look like I have a beach ball under my shirt..

Manuka Honey - God's best kept secret. If you haven't tried it, please, please do.
If you don't like honey (as I don't) try the capsules. UMF 10+ and above.

[Scrubbs]

[strong] Alcohol is the baddie for me. I used to have a nip of Scotch to numb the pain


Ahh you see, not a clear one, I love brandy but I get the same thing, not good at all, but the most I get from Gin and It, is bad indigestion if I drink too much (I blame the tonic :D) And I only drink in the evening at home.

[Maggy]

I think Crohns is one of the unkindest afflictions...It makes sufferers social lives a total wreck,and must make keeping a regular job sheer hell as well as being extremely unpredictable with so many differing and dangerous complications...:(

The fact that there may well be a genetic connection hopefully means that with DNA research that there may well be a cure eventually...

Hope you all feel better in the short term as well as for the foreseeable future.

[kryogenik]

Ahh you see, not a clear one, I love brandy but I get the same thing, not good at all, but the most I get from Gin and It, is bad indigestion if I drink too much (I blame the tonic :D) And I only drink in the evening at home.

Hmm. I quite like a Supersonic as well.
I might have a try with that one then. :)
Have to say, I miss my single malt dreadfully. At the end of the week when the kids are in bed.. :(
But hey. Better to be able to get a night's sleep.

Thanks for all the well wishes by the way. That's rather nice.

[Scrubbs]

:luv::kiss:Thanks for that Coggy

The thing to remember about crohns is, YOU are in charge not it.
Life just takes a bit more planning

[peanut]

:luv::kiss:Thanks for that Coggy

The thing to remember about crohns is, YOU are in charge not it.
Life just takes a bit more planning

I agree with the planning, but not too sure about being in charge of it, it certainly rules my life and is in complete control of me, I lost control of it years ago.

Thanks as well Coggy. :)

[kryogenik]

So, just to reiterate my first post - is there anyone who suffers from a wheat intolerance that would care to share their experience. Quickly looking through the cupboard, I find most of the things I like are going to be out of the picture.
Currently eating nothing but as much of the daily 5 that I can, and the staple fish/chicken/veg/potatoes which has got me right on the road I need to be on so actual diet isn't really a problem - I'll adapt. As I say, just wondering if anyone with a specific intolerance to wheat can give me any potential pointers.

Ta :)

[Maggy]

Look at making your own bread/cakes using non wheat flour.In the end it has to be cheaper than trying to buy such products...

This is what my nephew and his mother have been discovering in the last 4 months.

[kryogenik]

I have tried gluten free flour but not wheat free. If it's going to be the same product I shan't be bothering again - it's rubbish. You only have to look at it and it falls apart.
Don't suppose you'd know off the top of your head if gluten free and wheat free flour are/can be two separate products? I'm finding they go for both gluten AND wheat free in these specialised products.

[Maggy]

I've no idea I'm afraid..I was merely passing on what knowledge I did have..:)

My sister does have a breadmaker but I don't know what her success are.I'll ask her when I next speak to her.

I do know that El Paso are now selling corn flour tortillas which can make an acceptable alternative to the flour tortillas..and that buck wheat would make nice pancakes...If you need a thickener for casseroles and stews that cornflour will be a good alternative..

Hope that helps?

[kryogenik]

I'll have to look at the Old El Paso stuff more carefully before trying. I do remember that that one of their corn products contains wheat flour - the product being more of a gimmicky taste thing rather than a specialised food thing. Something about only using a thrid corn flour, the rest being standard wheat flour.

Interesting you mention buckwheat as my dietician said to avoid it as it's almost always grown in the same crop rotation as wheat so is usually contaminated.
Apparently a mix of gluten free wheat and gluten free buckwheat can give a good result. Yeah, I often use cornflour for thickening as I'm absolutely rubbish at stocks!

Of course - any help/tips is good Maggy, thanks.

[altis]

Try Doves Farm Gluten and Wheat Free White Bread Flour. I use 400g of this to 50g of DF Wholegrain Buckwheat Flour.

Full recipe:
310g milk
60g oil
1 tsp cider vinegar
2 eggs
Beat together and put in machine
50g buckwheat flour
400g GF white flour
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp yeast
Sling on top and run normal bread cycle (4 hours).

I've been GF for 3 years now. It's a pain in the butt but much better than the only other option!

And I wouldn't lay too much store by your negative test - they can be wildly inaccurate. My endoscopy was negative too - but then I had been GF for over 12 months by the time I had it. And that was on top of the 6 months between when I was referred to the consultant and when I went GF. The guy is a ******** ****** ******** and I dread to think how much money we are wasting on him.

Try this for more info:
http://www.coeliac.co.uk/

[kryogenik]

Thanks Altis. That's great.
Unfortunately I don't have a bread machine, and I see they're bloody expensive.
I quite like making bread though so will deffo look for those two products and give that a go.

One thing:

I use 400g of this to 50g of DF Wholegrain Buckwheat Flour.


Did you mean GF or Dove Farm there?
What I mean is, is the buckwheat gluten free too?

I'd been gluten free for 3 weeks before my test. Some recommended doing that, some the opposite. I simply had to be GF as I was in so much pain otherwise, so no choice really.

[altis]

DF = Doves Farm

Buckwheat has no gluten so, when in France, galettes are fine too.

It's amazing how much wheat we put in our foods - or rather how much is put in for us! Shopping can be a very slow process having to read all the labels very carefully - especially as I now need glasses to read stuff that small. You also need to listen to what your guts are telling you. Lidl's salami used to say just 100% meat but after a while I realized they must be lying. I think it says something different now. They make it so difficult, you wouldn't think that 2-3% of the European population suffers from this. I can't see why they don't come up with a standard set of symbols to say yes/no for the various alergens.

[Maggy]

DF = Doves Farm

Buckwheat has no gluten so, when in France, galettes are fine.

It's amazing how much wheat we put in our foods - or rather how much is put in for us! Shopping can be a very slow process having to read all the labels very carefully - especially as I now need glasses to read stuff that small. You also need to listen to what your guts are telling you. Lidl's salami used to say just 100% meat but after a while I realized they must be lying. I think it says something different now. They make it so difficult, you wouldn't think that 2-3% of the European population suffers from this. I can't see why they don't come up with a standard set of symbols to say yes/no for the various alergens.

Because supermarkets can wring so much extra cash selling gluten free/allergy free products at arm twisting prices...:mad:

[kryogenik]

Indeed. You do tend to get that impression eh?
My father in law is coeliac but lives in ROI where he struggles to find Dietary Specials bread which we both like (the ciabatta and baguettes are the closest thing to proper bread I've tasted - seriously good). I found there's quite a few places online that will send their products out and are usually cheaper than supermarket prices too.

I can't see why they don't come up with a standard set of symbols to say yes/no for the various alergens.

Agreed.
Have to say, Sainsbury's own brand stuff is usually pretty good. It has it's own little box which contains allergy advice (Contains Gluten, Contains Wheat etc).

[Angua]

Also worth checking ingredients in instant stock as this can catch you out.

Anyone who is allergic to Aspirin should avoid any lettuce other than iceberg as lettuce is related to willow.

[kryogenik]

I'll have to look at the Old El Paso stuff more carefully before trying. I do remember that that one of their corn products contains wheat flour - the product being more of a gimmicky taste thing rather than a specialised food thing. Something about only using a thrid corn flour, the rest being standard wheat flour.


Yep - just checked in the store. Only 27% corn flour the rest is wheat.

[Maggy]

Yep - just checked in the store. Only 27% corn flour the rest is wheat.

Shame..seems such a lot of work to make your own...:(

[kryogenik]

Yeah, I know.
:(
They looked right good too. I got all excited for a minute..!

[Maggy]

It might be worth making your own in large enough batches to freeze though..you just need a recipe.:erm:

---------- Post added at 18:46 ---------- Previous post was at 18:44 ----------

http://www.myhomecooking.net/mexican-food-recipes/corn-tortilla-recipe.htm

:)

I love the instructions. :D

[kryogenik]

Yep. I'm onto mum in law for recipes. She does all the baking.
Clocked a cheap bread maker too so onwards we go.
:)

:edit: ta for the link.
:)
Spot on that!

[homealone]

Just to (hopefully) clarify, all natural wheat products contain gluten - which is also present in rye & barley & some other cereal grains, such as spelt & possibly oats.

'Wheat' products which say they are 'gluten free' are basically starch - in which case you may as well use a truly gluten free starch such as arrowroot or cornflour.

As in Incog's post 'maize meal' has been used for years where wheat isn't available - and is 'gluten free'. It can be called several names, usually depending on the coarseness of the grinding - so maize meal, maize flour & polenta flour are all the same thing, just sometimes ground fine or coarse.

The main problem with 'gluten free' is that you cannot make what we would think of as 'bread', as it is the elastic nature of the gluten in wheat flour which helps to contain the bubbles formed by the yeast fermenting sugars & making carbon dioxide gas during the proving process, which gives leavened bread its 'solid foam' structure, when baked.

Rice is another cereal free of gluten, & rice noodles can be used instead of spaghetti, for example.

Above all, check the label on any food you buy to make sure it doesn't contain any gluten containing cereal - and be aware that very sensitive people can apparently even pick up problems from stuff like beer, vinegar & soya sauce...

[alferret]

I'm just wondering if anyone could share any similar experience.

I've just been tested for coeliac disease and proved negative which was a relief. Upshot is I ought to re-introduce gluten but remain wheat-free. Worth mentioning I do have Crohn's also.
Basically, wondering if anyone has specifically a wheat intolerance and how they manage - particularly in substitute foods and which foods to avoid completely that one might not expect. I intend to stick with the gluten/wheat free bread which apart from Dietary Specials (http://www.dietaryspecials.co.uk/) products, is in the main, pretty dire and all of it is very expensive. Even making my own was frankly rubbish, despite it always working out well.

Of course I'll be continuing to check ingredients and whatnot - I don't expect anyone to do all the work for me! I was just wondering if anyone would care to help me on my road to discovering what I can and can't eat.
It's not much fun I can say that much.

Ta :)

Although not specifically diagnosed as a wheat intolerance by my GP I do suffer badly when I ingest wheat based products. I have bouts of indigestion, bloating, wind, trots, constipation, some pain and discomfort, feeling sick, tired, lethargic the list seems endless but I get no joy from my GP.

Also to add to this I'm on meds for acid reflux and high blood pressure and I am in the process of a diagnosis for raised glucose levels (type 2)

Although I do try to watch what I eat I have a lot of trouble cutting out the crap and sticking to the good.
We do have a bread maker and I have wholemeal loaves which tend not to affect me as much as white (less refined)
ATM I am currently trying my own thing.
2 cup-a-soups and 4-5 fruit a day then an evening meal which has as close to zero processed food\wheat as possible. But cutting out gluten seems to be an impossibility for me.
I'm on day 3 (yea I know :shocked:) and I must say that I do feel a bit better for it.

[kryogenik]

I'm on day 3 (yea I know :shocked:) and I must say that I do feel a bit better for it.

Ah great. Good for you.



Also to add to this I'm on meds for acid reflux and high blood pressure

That's interesting. Me too.
Telmisartan for the blood and Omeprazole for the reflux.
Due to (in the last 12 months, I've been on them for d o n k e y's years) taking the Omeprazole as I should and not as I thought I might need it, the reflux has completely vanished.
I mention this because I know someone else who was doing the same as I was and since following the proper prescription, he's suffered much less too.
Boils down to the cost in the end, which is a shame.