A little panicked - may be gluten intolerant/celiac | ExpatWoman.com
 

A little panicked - may be gluten intolerant/celiac

29
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 09:09

Hi, I'm brand new to Dubai (haven't even moved into our new villa yet). I've been having various health issues for quite some time - last fall in the US I found out I was deficient in Vit b12 and vit D, but my blood screen came back negative for antibodies, so Dr said IBS....however, my young daughter (10 yrs) has had serious digestive issues for some time now...seems to get lots of tummyaches, spends a lot of time in the bathroom, etc....

So, just before we left America I had a cheek swab sent away for genetic testing - and just got the results, and I have a postive result for 3 out of 3 genetic alleles for celiac/gluten sensitivity. I suppose this should be enough for me to just accept that it's probable that this is what my (and most likely my daughter's) issue is....but knowing myself and my true love for all things wheat - I feel like I need a more definitive diagnosis so that I'll be more mentally dedicated, know what I mean?

Anyways - I've been searching the web, bought a couple of cookbooks, but am feeling overwhelmed and a little down about it all. In Houston there was always Whole Foods supermarket that had a huge selection of gluten free, and many online places to order your favorites in bulk for cheaper...and so many restaurants had gluten free options and menus...but the food labeling here is not quite as reliable/extensive...so I'm worried about what to look for, etc.

I was wondering if there were many ladies here that are or have family members that are celiac or intolerant that can help guide me a little? Have you found any great restaurants that will cater to gluten free? Any online resources that you've found more helpful than others? And most importantly - any doctor or clinic recommendations for one that will not just tell me it's IBS and try to give me meds without absolutely confirming or eliminating gluten as the culprit?

I think I will be ok with this, but will need some pretty impressive substitutes for my very picky 10 year old, who would live on pasta, chicken nuggets and pizza if I let her!

Any help would be so much appreciated! THanks!

29
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 16:40
You could try going to Naturopath Dr Heather Eade at the Dubai Mall Medical Centre. She's a Canadian (from YVR) who is extremely down to earth and knowledgeable. She's helped a lot of people (including me, and a very close friend of mine). She can test you and your daughter and send you in the right direction. Thanks for that recommendation. I think I may have come across her on another search. I think I will get dd and I in to see her as soon as possible! Thanks to everyone else as well, this thread (and the others on here that I searched) have been so helpful! Sorry to bump this thread so late, I'm not sure if there is a possibility when you post to be notified of responses, because I only seem to have time to scan the first 2 pages here at any given time...didn't want anyone to think that I wasn't appreciative of all the help! :)
5
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:42
Hi I have Celiac Disease, and I had to go through various tests Blood works and a colonoscopy to get a 100% confirmation. I was told by hospital not to change diet until all tests where complete. Just adding as you may not have this condition. I find eating out hard but a lot of restaurants we book we warn about my diet requirements and so far all is well. I find Organic Food hall, Geant has a little organic and wheat free section as well as a lot of health food shops can help with finding wheat / gluten free products. Are you okay with oats???? I know various celiac's react different with oats. Jools <em>edited by Jools99 on 19/01/2011</em>
28
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:28
Restaurant cards simply explain in the language of the country what celiac disease is and what one can eat or not - although I have to be honest it is sometimes easier to just say one as a wheat allergy - and I try to have the chef questioned about the food or even come by to our table. I don' have eany website to recommend just google 'gluten restaurant cards' and you will find loads of site. For receipes the Schaer and Querfood websites have quite a few good ones. Reg. soy sauces, actually most of them are fine 'cause the fermentation process is so long it completely denatures the gluten protein. For some products/restaurants it is sometimes a hit or miss try! However to be 100% sure Kikoman produce GF soy sauce - I guess one needs to order it and have it shipped <em>edited by pascale007 on 19/01/2011</em>
42
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 19:20
My son had symptoms that indicated he could be Celiac last year. He had the specific blood test at GP's in Dubai and it came back 99% positive. We had the same test re done in Uk at Great Ormond Street hospital and it came back negative. He then had little choice but to have an endoscopy to confirm one way or the other. Thankfully he had no signs of being Celiac. A worrying time but so relieved as it would have been life changing for him.
52
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 10:37
Marhaba, Welcome to Dubai. You could also try removing all foods containing additivies, colors and preservativies, and eat 'live' yoghurt. Probiotics dietary supplements capsules promote good intestinal bacteria, along with live yoghurt. All of the above have definitely contributed toward a better quality of life for me. Having suffered decades with excruciating stomach pains and food traveling through me at lightenening speed. (Sorry, that is probably too much info) After many tests and doctors telling me, it must be IBS.....which I kind of knew already, something was definitely irritating my intestines. Last year I was at home much more than usual, and able to 'watch' myself closely and record everything I ate. I discovered I had a severe allergic reaction to everything containing preservativies, additives, and artificial colors. Having refined my diet, and it is a bit fiddley in the beginning, but it is worth the effort. I begin my day with a bowl of frozen berries, fresh fruit and Activia yoghurt. It really forces you to eat healthy and natural, organic where possible, food stuffs. Oddly enough, I can eat chocolate with no side effects whatso ever. Bliss... Hoping my contribution along with all of the other ladies useful information helps you a little.
409
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 10:17
You could try going to Naturopath Dr Heather Eade at the Dubai Mall Medical Centre. She's a Canadian (from YVR) who is extremely down to earth and knowledgeable. She's helped a lot of people (including me, and a very close friend of mine). She can test you and your daughter and send you in the right direction.
309
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 10:00
ABBM - thanks for all that info - I'll have to browse through LuLus, it's very near where I'm staying for now! SJAussie - I was worried about asian because of the soy sauce, but I suppose if I stick to rice noodles and make sure soy sauce is not used, we'd be ok. Have you experienced any trouble when bringing your own food into a restaurant? I never would have thought of that! No, have never really had a problem as I normally explain DD has "allergies" and therefore there is "nothing" on the menu we can eat. Most of them just smile and heat it up. Similar to another poster before, when in UAE I tell people she is allergic as it is more easily understood. If I was back in Australia, everyone understand what intolerant means.
14
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 09:40
Hi there, although you have some diet adjustments to make it sounds like you will be feeling a lot better soon. I am a little sensitive to wheat and gluten (although not allergic) and always feel good when I cut back on it from time to time. It can be hard when you are used to cereal for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch but with some mild adjustment you wont even miss the gluten! Some food ideas to get you started (there is probably a good substitute for most of your favourite recipes, although i never warmed to gf bread myself...): Breakfasts Fruit, natural yogurt and honey Omelettes galore Bacon & egg fry up (use a portobello mushroom instead of toast) Baked beans and hash brown (homemade) Eggs florentine (egg on bed of spinach with some hollandaise sauce) Lunch Sushi Salads Replace cous cous in salads with quinoa Tuna/bean salad / nicoise Vermicilli rice noodle salad (e.g. thai beef salad) Baked potato with mince filling/cheese Shish taouk with fries (check fries arent dusted in flour first) Subway salad Nandos grilled chicken/salad Dinners Risotto/gnocchi pasta Roast dinner and veg (GF flour in gravy) Shepherds Pie Chicken/Steak and mash Lasagne (spinach/pumpkin instead of lasagne sheets) Mexican fajitas (use large lettuce leaves instead of fajita tortillas) Pad Thai Green/red chicken curry with rice Stir fry with fried rice Tajine (gf flour) Chilli con carne Spag bol (gf pasta) Snacks/Dessrts Nuts Rice crackers/Salsa/hummus Gluten free corn chips popcorn Plain chocolate (check label)/turkish delight Marshmallows Vanilla Ice cream choc mousse pavlova hmm maybe time for me to try gluten free again too...
17
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 09:28
This is a good gluten free recipe site http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/
12
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2011 - 02:42
To replace soy sauce, use tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) available at Organic Foods. Yes, LuLu is not very well organized with the gluten free products, but I dread going into Carrefour. LuLu opens at 8am so nice to go when it's not busy. LuLu also has some rice noodles. And a mexican section for tacos! Re: Limetree. Yes,they have wheat free products. However, their products (very wonderful) are made in the same kitchen as gluten cakes, etc so there IS a risk of cross-contamination. They have said that their gluten free customers don't seem to have a problem. It depends on the severity of your gluten sensitivity.
29
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 21:51
ABBM - thanks for all that info - I'll have to browse through LuLus, it's very near where I'm staying for now! SJAussie - I was worried about asian because of the soy sauce, but I suppose if I stick to rice noodles and make sure soy sauce is not used, we'd be ok. Have you experienced any trouble when bringing your own food into a restaurant? I never would have thought of that! Pascale007 - I discovered the Carrefour pasta, and it was a hit tonight, I'm so thankful for that! What are restaurant cards? Thanks for the advice about the labeling! BrownEyedGirl - I actually spotted a very yummy looking gluten free chocolate cake at Limetree Cafe a couple days ago and made a mental note to go back and try it one day! I wonder since the owner is Celiac, that their salads, dressings, etc may be ok? They had a great looking potato salad that I was tempted to try. Thanks so much everyone! I appreciate all the suggestions and help!
426
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 21:27
I think the owner of the Limetree Cafe is Coeliac so there is always at least one gluten free cake on offer.
28
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 20:47
Hey, I've just posted into today's other gluten thread but in short my Dubai celiac experience: Official diagnosis is blood test AND endoscopy, which is strongly recommended. I have no direct experience but heard about a good celiac specialist at City hospital. Best GF products at Carrefour (MoE) from the brand Dr. schaer (bright yellow packaging close to the organic section), Organic caffe, Spinney and Lulu also have some selection. I find eating out, esp. Asian Indian, much easier than in Europe 'cause some cuisines are corn-flour based and they used less industrial products here. Most upscale restaurant have a special GF menu, and for the less fancy ones I use restaurant cards in EN and AR Labelling regulation has been changed a couple of years ago and products form EUROPE must label their allergy potential (so I mostly shop at Carrefour) and I did notice the chane in the label.
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 20:02
CdnExpat, yes, eating out can be difficult (as ABBM confirms below), especially if you are a true celiac as opposed to gluten intolerant and can maybe have a small amount of gluten in your diet occasionally. I am finding that Asian restaurants tend to work well as I can normally order rice noodle based dishes for DD - just be careful of the soy though as wheat based, or even a stirfry and steam rice on the side. Lebanese style restaurants also work as the grilled meats, salads, hommous etc are good GF options. Otherwise if have taken to taking our own and getting it reheated or even pre-cooking plain pasta and taking it in a small container and if a suitable restaurant getting them to sauce it and serve. ABBM - yes, am fininding Lulu great for products (and much cheaper than the Organic shop!) but there is no order to it, GF products spread out all over the shop so it really is a case of hunting and finding. Would love it if they grouped them all together. ;)
12
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 19:46
Hey - Welcome to Dubai. My husband was diagnosed as gluten sensitive the summer before we moved to Dubai 6 years ago! It is a steep learning curve, constantly revising recipes but you can do it! There are a lot of wonderful threads on this site. Feel free to write and ask for recipes, ingredients, etc. I have two small boys (2 1/2 and 5) and they are fine with gluten free living. LuLu hypermarket beside Mall of the Emirates is great. There are a lot of Indian products which are naturally gluten free and it isn't as expensive as Organic Foods. Definitely go to Organic shop the 3rd Saturday of every month as everything is 20% off. Lulu has rice flour, gram (chickpea) flour, coconut powder, corn starch and almond powder. Check in all stores for gluten free cereals. Stores are inconsistent in stocks so if you find something you like, buy it. Buy pappadums (look like a tortilla and made from gram flour) in the Indian food section. Pop in microwave for 30-45 seconds (depends on size) and they make a crispy base for snacks, 'mini pizzas', open face quesadillas, etc. My husband finds eating out stressful (it seems like we end up asking if there is 'flour' in the sauce or 'breading' on the meat as we get a lot of varied looks when we ask about wheat. You can ask the waiter to ask the cook though. Sometimes the cook will even come out and talk to you. They seem quite accommodating. My husband tells them he is allergic and they seem to understand that (don't bother saying sensitive or intolerant.) I would definitely say you could confirm your diagnosis by doing a gluten free trial. Literature I have read says it takes 6 weeks to rid your body of gluten proteins. Post me if you want to chat more. I'm American as well.
29
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 18:38
Thanks! I have searched and bookmarked many recipes and sites - I think there will be a bit of a steep learning curve, but I'm sure it won't seem so daunting after we've been doing it a while. Had great success and 2 thumbs up from my 10 year old for the gluten free pasta from Carrofour this evening...so we're off to a good start! Bread may be a bigger challenge! I really wish there were some restaurants that had some gluten free options though - as we are still living in temp accommodation, so our kitchen is not equipped for cooking much beyond pasta/rice and anything that can be made in a frying pan! Hopefully we'll be into a villa soon! I appreciate the help so far!
64
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 11:28
Can't help you with the doctors here, but you can still feed her pizza, chicken nuggets, and pasta! My favorite pizza crust (I even like it and I'm not on a GF diet): http://www.wisebread.com/frugal-gluten-free-living-easy-pizza-crust They sell brown rice and wild rice pasta at Geant and the Organic shop...and probably elsewhere! You can bread her chicken nuggets with rice crumbs, also available at Geant and the Organic shop. Definitely takes a little more work but not impossible to eat "normally" if you are gluten free. I agree...check the other posts. Lots of good info!
309
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 10:08
From my understanding if you suspect a gluten intolerance but not Celiac Disease (all the usual signs of growth are fine in children, stable weight, no malabsorption etc), then the best way is via clinical study e.g. Remove the gluten strictly from the persons diet for a defined period of time e.g 2 months, and see what the results area. In the case of my DD, we removed the result was celarly noticable within a week and confirmed within weeks/a month. When we checked back with the Dr she said that she did not feel it was necessary to proceed with the blood tests as the results are 'false positive' with about 60% of the cases and that our own diet journal is the best indication. All DD's growth stats are consistent with her age and there is no sign of malabsorption. Also before doing the blood test she would need to go back on gluten for a month, and this we didn't want to do as I know in my heart what the result will be and I don't want to put her through that discomfort. Anyway.... haven't found any restaurants out here that are GF focused and most staff have no idea what it is. There are however getting more products in the shops that are GF and your DD can definately still eat pasta, pizza, chicken nuggests, they will just be the home made kind and will still taste great - if not better. As Jammiemonster said, there have been a few threads on here recently about GF, have a search. Good luck.
25
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 09:25
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/#what Have a look at the symptoms of Celiac Disease, a blood test and biopsy will confirm it. My son has it and it was confirmed at 2.5yrs old. His main symptom was constant diarrhea and malabsorption, he gained no weight in a year, he was 11kgs at 2yrs! Now his diet has been changed he is a very healthy 17.5kgs at 3.5yrs, so a dramatic difference. It is also possible to have a gluten intolerance that isn't Celiac Disease but not sure how they test for it? http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/noncoeliac-gluten-intolerance-for-real-research/2049901.aspx If you do a search on here there are lots of threads re Gluten free food and recipes. HTH
76
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 09:19
Don't know if this will help or not....won't give you a definite diagnosis... But I suffered from IBS and had lots of vague stomach and intestinal pain (incl appendicitis...not so vague) for the last few years. Colonoscopy/gastroscopy came back clear. then I saw a fabulous herbalist (in Austraila) who prescribed me some herbs but mostly massive doses of intestinal flora..... No more pain and indigestion (except for when I eat bad bad foods :) and that is totally self inflicted)
 
 

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