Allergin Question

[Purpel1]

My sister and brother in law did an allergy test about 2 years ago, and he's allergic to soy and lactose intolerant. She has a gluten allergy, but says, "It's no big deal if I have gluten."--Her reaction to gluten is migrane headaches. Should I continue to make gluten free foods, despite what she says, or not?? I'm confused about all this. Thanks in advance for all your help and advice.

[annelb]

No big deal if she eats gluten? She does not think migraines are a big deal? The other thing she needs to be aware of is that not all damage from wheat is immediately noticeable. Gluten can damage all types of cells and until that damage reaches a threshold, there may not be any symptoms.

Are you asking if you should make her foods GF? Are you GF? I would not serve her gluten knowing that she is reactive to it.

Your BIL is likely to be gluten intolerant too. Gluten intolerance does not show up on allergy tests. Here is a study where 24% of those with lactose intolerance also had celiac disease antibiodies. And if you consider that gluten intolerance is more common than CD, then the percent would be even higher. Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...
Anne

[Purpel1]

No big deal if she eats gluten? She does not think migraines are a big deal? The other thing she needs to be aware of is that not all damage from wheat is immediately noticeable. Gluten can damage all types of cells and until that damage reaches a threshold, there may not be any symptoms.

Are you asking if you should make her foods GF? Are you GF? I would not serve her gluten knowing that she is reactive to it.

Your BIL is likely to be gluten intolerant too. Gluten intolerance does not show up on allergy tests. Here is a study where 24% of those with lactose intolerance also had celiac disease antibiodies. And if you consider that gluten intolerance is more common than CD, then the percent would be even higher. Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...
Anne

Thanks, Anne. I wasn't dogging you or anything. We had wonky weather that knocked out our internet, and I had to re sign in to several boards including this one, plus the holiday and out of town guests from Australia. That was my thinking, too. She's also not a "boat rocker" if that makes sense, and we have a SIL who won't eat GF and Vegan food (we have multiple allergies, including eggs, 2 lactose intolerant (including her, I might add) 2 GF and 1 severe soy allergy. Long story short, I bake a lot of GFV desserts, breads, etc.

[annelb]

Doesn't make it easy to serve a meal when there are so many different food intolerances/allergies.
Anne

[Purpel1]

Doesn't make it easy to serve a meal when there are so many different food intolerances/allergies.
Anne

Nope. I do read a lot of labels in the grocery store. I'm sure that annoys more than one person. It also allows me to be clever and creative, whereas, if anything and everything were available, I might not be so different in the kitchen. Plus, I can make delicious gluten free vegan baked goods, and no one can complain.

[NancyM]

I've gotten to the point where I don't read labels much, because what I buy is stuff with one ingredient... most of the time. My philosophy is that if the food was manufactured, it probably has something in it I shouldn't eat.

[annelb]

I read labels even if the product looks like it should be just one ingredient. For me, this is not just a gluten issue. This is to be sure there are no strange additives that I don't want. An example would be frozen shrimp or frozen fish and the use of tripolyphosphate. Meats often have added water and broth. Tuna packed in water? The label of a common brand says broth with soy?? If you want an apple, watch out you don't grab a Grapple. This is an apple that is infused with grape flavor. But don't worry, the process and the ingredients have been approved by the USDA and the FDA. That makes me feel safe.
Anne

[Purpel1]

I read labels even if the product looks like it should be just one ingredient. For me, this is not just a gluten issue. This is to be sure there are no strange additives that I don't want. An example would be frozen shrimp or frozen fish and the use of tripolyphosphate. Meats often have added water and broth. Tuna packed in water? The label of a common brand says broth with soy?? If you want an apple, watch out you don't grab a Grapple. This is an apple that is infused with grape flavor. But don't worry, the process and the ingredients have been approved by the USDA and the FDA. That makes me feel safe.
Anne

Me, too. As safe as someone saying strychnine is good for you. The only good food is grown in one's own garden. Except chocolate. Just wait until I move to a tropical climate where the coca beans grow.

[annelb]

Another example of a food that looks like a single ingredient but is not. Ground beef! I was in Walmart and took a look at the beef. On the front of the package it say "natural" but if you turned it over the ingredients said "beef, natural flavoring". All their steaks had natural flavorings. WHY??? Kroger does this too. This is another reason I buy from local farmers.

[NancyM]

I see that a Walmart too. Crazy stuff. Costco doesn't do it and I don't think Whole Foods or Sprouts do either.