Just Started Gluten Free

[tex]

Hi Bonnie,

You're on the right track. Casein is the primary protein in all dairy products. Lactose is a sugar, and while we also have problems digesting lactose when our MC is active, it's the casein that triggers the autoimmune-type reactions that cause the inflammation that is associated with MC. Therefore we have to avoid all traces of all dairy-based ingredients.

There are many very good alternatives to cow's milk, including (but not limited to) almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and hemp milk. I didn't include soy milk because at least half of us are sensitive to soy and all legumes.

I used to take aspirin for a stroke risk, but I switched to Plavix, and late this spring, a generic became available (clopidogrel), so now it is affordable. Ask your doctor about switching to that, because it will be almost impossible for you to achieve remission while taking an NSAID. If he doesn't like clopidogrel, then warfarin is always an option.

For recipe ideas, please see Dee's Kitchen. Dee is a professional chef who has developed hundreds of gourmet-quality recipes that do not include gluten, dairy, or soy. She also lists substitutes for those of us who have additional food sensitivities. You can find Dee's Kitchen here.

The osteopenia/osteoporosis is associated with gluten sensitivity, and usually, adopting a strict GF diet will stop that problem from progressing. I'm pretty sure your doctors aren't even aware of this, but believe it or not, even cardiovascular issues are sometimes associated with gluten sensitivity, so cutting gluten out of your diet was probably the best thing that you ever did. Here's a reference on the cardiomyopathy:

http://download.journals.elsevierhealth ... 631017.pdf

Tex

[Deb]

Bonnie, the brown rice pastas are very good and I've found most people don't notice a difference. I make a family favorite mac and cheese recipe with it and the family just raves about it (even my very picky grandson). The brand I like best is Jovial (penne and spaghetti) but Tinkyada is also well-liked and probably more readily available. Good luck....this is quite a journey but you've got a great support system here. Deb

[Leah]

Hi Bonnie. Next time you post, you should post a "new topic" so all of us will see your post. This ended up pasted on to an older post.

Anyway, I think I can answer some of your questions. As for the milk, you probably should be giving up ALL dairy because many of us are intolerant to the protein in the dairy, not only the lactose. I use unsweetened almond milk with my gluten free cereals ( Chex). It's very tasty. My husband has even switched.

Some of us give up all carbs, but many of us can eat rice and it's products and ground corn products. Quinoa also. There is both rice and corn pasta in the stores. It takes some getting use to cooking it, but it's a great substitute if you love pasta. I prefer the corn one. I buy it at Trader Joes. I believe there is also quinoa pasta available. I haven't done too much of it simply because I react to tomato products ( sauce).

You are right about drugs either causing/aggravating your MC. I'm not an expert on that one, but I know Tex can answer that question. He wrote a wonderful book that was published lately. You might want to go on Amazon and buy it.

Hope that helps a bit. If you have any other questions, post a new topic and you will get lots of replies back :)

Good Luck
Leah