Introduction

Hey Guys...
This is a private blog, that's why I sent out invitations and only people invited can actually view this blog. That makes it easier to write, because I can use names and places and don't have to worry about ---the blogosphere!

Yesterday my sister-in-law Jill was describing a situation where a child about Maggie's age was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. If memory serves me correctly, she explained that the girl went to a nutrionist who started her on an elimination diet. Everything with gluten was replaced with gluten-free products. Here's the story as I remember it and my comparison with Maggie:

The girl (who had always been over-weight) lost weight, but was able to eat the same amount of food. (as you know, Maggie is overweight... currently weighing in at 110 pounds)

The girl used to feel sick after eating and frequently vomited, but with the new gluten free diet no longer feels sick or vomits. (Maggie, has always been a prolific puker and she often complains of a tummy ache after eating. I thought it was because maybe she ate too much, but maybe that's not it. )

Excema - I can't remember if the girl had excema or not, but in my research on gluten allergies, excema is usually linked to allergies, Maggie's finger tips periodically turn to excema ridden blisters. Her finger tips are all shiny from the past episodes.

There was more... but I can't remember it all, especially after I did so much reading about the allergy last night.

Anyway, here are some of the symptons of Gluten Allergy:

What are the symptoms of wheat allergy?
Allergic reactions to wheat (IgE-antibody mediated) usually begins within minutes or a few hours after eating or inhaling wheat. The more common symptoms involve the skin (urticaria [hives], eczema, angioedema [swelling due to allergy]), the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, oral allergy syndrome) and the respiratory tract (asthma or allergic rhinitis). In association with exercise, reactions to gliadin or gluten can cause urticaria, angioedema or life-threatening anaphylaxis. As these proteins are present in other cereals, these symptoms may also occur in wheat-allergic individuals due to cross-reactivity.

MORE: -- Here is a List Of Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
Bloating and Gas troubles -- Maggie
Diarrhea or Constipation -- Maggie
Gastric reflux or Heartburn -- Maggie
Tired, Exhausted, Lethargic
Uncomfortable Tummy -- Maggie
Eating Problems
Lack of Energy -- Maggie
Not Growing Well
Unhappy With Your Weight
Weakness
Chronic Iron Deficiency
Dermatitis, Eczema or Bad Skin -- Maggie
Infertility
Runny Nose and Sinus Problems
Osteoporosis, Bones and Joint Pains -- Maggie (note: Dr's say it is her weight causing her knee pains, and it may still be... but it's interesting that this is actually a symptom)
Feel Depressed And Moody
Find it Hard To Think Clearly
Headaches or Migraines
Poor Sleep
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Hyperactivity or Cranky -- Maggie (definitely cranky)
Mental Health Problems

OK, in reviewing ALL of the symptoms, it's possible that every single one of those symptoms could be explained by something else.

Here's the thing. Why not try... right? Why not try for 3 weeks to keep gluten out of her diet and see if there is a change in her behavior, her moods, her weight, her asthma and her excema.

So..... Monday 7/28/08 will be day one.

I will be keeping a daily journal of what she is eating and how she is doing for 3 weeks.

Your comments and questions are welcome!

Wish us luck!

AND as a side note for my sister, you will be happy to know that I will be going to Trader Joes to check out their Gluten Free Products... Sunday (after slagboy picks up the kids) I will head over. I will also be going to WholeFoods in Madison just to see what they have.

Again, wish us luck!

OH YEAH, we are ALL GOING GLUTEN FREE, that way I don't have to worry about anyone sneaking anything in... and did I tell you.... Here's what you have to look for on the label

First, reading all labels on prepared foods is important. Do not eat any foods that contain the following:
· Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
· Flour or cereal products
· Vegetable protein
· Malt and malt flavorings
· Starches (unless specified as corn starch, which does not contain gluten)
· Various flavorings, which can be derived from cereals containing gluten
· Vegetable gum
· Emulsifiers, stabilizers derived from cereals containing gluten

I already checked several things that you wouldn't think had gluten... like the american cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese... GUESS WHAT, they both have starches. Yup.

Anyway, hopefully slaggy will actually pick the kids up on Sunday so I can go to the grocery store and actually read some labels. Otherwise, I'm destined to just buying the things that specifically say: Gluten Free.

This is going to be an interested week. .... Thank Goodness.... Polly-o string cheese appears to be gluten free. (That was a close one)