Posted by Savneet Singh on Sep.01, 2010

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©iStockphoto.com - Floortje

People continue to be sick even after following the gluten free diet scrupulously. Problem for those who are celiac can lurk in unexpected places, like the glue used on the envelopes and mailing labels, which is made from the wheat. You can use a damp sponge, self sticking envelopes and stamps, or simply let somebody else in the family do this job.

Some celiacs  are sensitive to gluten as well as to some chemicals. Those with dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin reaction to gluten, should be careful while using craft kits, paste and spray waxes and cleaners. If you cannot avoid using these, only do so wearing a mask and in well ventilated area. Celiacs with highly sensitive skin must avoid wheat germ oil in cosmetics and in personal care products like skin creams and lotions, toothpaste and false teeth fixatives. Ask your dentist which is the best toothpaste for you.

You should also watch out for the imitation seafood available in many take out food stores, salad bars and restaurants. These products often start out as gluten free but gluten-containing binders help mold the product into shrimp, lobster or crab shape. Don’t forget to ask, whenever you buy seafood products, if the food is mixed with imitation seafood.

Wine can also be added with some additives made from wheat. Pure wine like sherries, ports, cognacs, brandies and Japanese rice wine are a special joy for gluten impaired because it is gluten free, but do watch for fortified and flavored wines because companies use wheat in manufacturing processes. Beer – a big no.

How Can You Find Hidden Gluten?

Read the labels carefully. Never eat a meal or packaged food if you don’t know the ingredients. If you can’t see the label, ask for it. If chef is not available for consultation, or the ingredients are missing, you can be in danger of consuming some hidden gluten. Never take a risk, if you can’t gather information about the food product. You can face these kind of problems in cafeterias, airlines, fast food joints, schools, colleges and the weight management programs that sell their frozen foods. This frozen food is directly sold to the clients, and they are not required to disclose the nutritional information, calories, fat contents etc to their costumers, by law. Thus, you have to keep your eyes open every time and everywhere. Eat before you fly, and carry fruits and bag of nuts.

Always use your wisdom. If the label says no wheat or gluten, there probably is not any. If you have a reaction, stop using that product.

If you really like a food product and are not sure of the ingredients, call or e-mail the manufacturer’s customer support cell and find out. Don’t forget to call after a few months, since the manufacturing standards and formula keep on changing. Labels are expensive to reprint and thus they lag behind.

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Posted under Health & Fitness, Health Alerts, Reading Labels.