Gluten free medications, changes in society

Just a quick note/rant about medications... It is incredibly frustrating when you inquire about the gluten status of a particular drug, and all the pharmacist can say is that the manufacturer doesn't provide any information about that. So then a little internet digging pulls up the inactive ingredients list, and that's all we've got. Do your research but take the chance.

Since 'gluten free' has become a trend (Much to my initial annoyance- this is not a trend for me. This is my life), there has been both an increase in awareness, and, unfortunately, misconceptions. One positive result of this trend is an increase of gluten free menus in restaurants, and many new gluten free products. These manufacturers love to jump on that bandwagon, to our benefit-- most of the time.
There are definitely a few downsides to this trend. The worst part of a "gluten free" restaurant menu is that all they have to do is slap a disclaimer on it and suddenly you're not so sure anymore. Or the menu is developed for gluten-sensitive individuals and is not recommended for those with Celiac disease. I'm talking to you, Dominos and a ton of other establishments. At least now food labeling is standardized and regulated. I have to assume that similar standards for other food products are not far behind.

So now what about medications? Many over the counter medications are clearly marked, but how can the manufacturer not provide any information about it?
Honestly though, that used to be the norm when inquiring about many products. I can't tell you how many times I've called the manufacturer only to have the representative tell me they're just not sure. It's frustrating but I could respect that.
Nowadays, with the gluten free frenzy, most companies either know, or have a statement ready to tell you that gluten is possible and it's at my risk.

So yes, the celiac community has seen some progress in society lately that have made our lives a little easier, but we've still got a longgg way to go.

skinny

Want to get on my nerves real quick?

Say this phrase. "Oh, you're skinny because you don't eat gluten."

I hear it all the time, sometimes from the same people, over and over. No matter how many times I explain it.

I'm not thin because I don't eat gluten. I'm thin because I'm blessed with very good skinny-genes, I'm fairly active, and I dish out small portion sizes of generally healthy food. If I ate gluten, I'm pretty sure I'd lose weight because I would become malnourished. The truth is, I'm the same weight as I was before I was diagnosed. Only now I feel better.

I can see how the logic goes. Avoiding gluten forces you to choose food that is less processed. Many of the easiest gluten free choices are simple, whole foods: vegetables, meat, fruits, beans, etc. Naturally, making the switch could lead to weight loss. It's not about the gluten. It's about caloric intake and nutritional differences.

I try to tell people that most gluten-free foods are higher in calories and lower in nutritional content than their gluten-full equivalents, but that's usually the point where their eyes gloss over and I know I've lost them.

And I'm forever reminded of 'how lucky I am that I can't eat gluten because it keeps me thin.' And it drives me bonkers.

I know I can't be the only one.

I guess my point is, the weight doesn't really matter, most of us are just so happy to not feel like crapola all the time.

GF media

I would like to thank this month's Good Housekeeping. They have a great short article about how trying a gluten free diet to lose weight is not the best idea.

After all these celebrity diets and stuff, people are becoming familiar with the phrase "gluten free," but not necessarily in the correct ways.

I get really tired of people hearing that I don't eat gluten and saying, "Oh THAT's why you're skinny- you don't eat gluten. I want to try that diet."

It's frustrating to say the least.

So yay for finally putting some good info out there!

listen to your body

I always pay attention to what my body is telling me.

Little clues, neurons firing, signals relayed to my brain. Sometimes subtle, sometimes in-your-face.

With my finicky stomach, I especially pay attention to what my body wants to eat. I always eat what I feel like eating; even if it's living off of ice cream and rice for 2 days. I figure if I'm craving it, I'm craving it for a reason. Everyone always asks if I'm pregnant, but I've always been this way.

For instance, I have been craving rice and ice cream the past couple days. This morning I woke up wanting ice cream, but figured I should eat something with some kind of nutrition. So I made eggs, and they weren't appetizing at all. After I ate them, my stomach hurt. I ate some ice cream, and it calmed down.

And I don't always crave junk food. Sometimes it's pumpkin. Sometimes it's tuna. Sometimes it's pasta salads, apples, or soups. But the bottom line is I always feel best when I listen to what my stomach is telling me- and eat accordingly. If I ignore it, I usually regret it.

I don't know why I second-guess myself.