Re : Donna : re gluten-free

[Guest guest]

HI Barbara and Donna,

Well, I wouldn't want anyone NOT coeliac to feel they needed to

follow a gluten-free diet. CP already places its own limitations on

diet.

However, I'm certainly not going to worry if I find I react badly to

gluten as I reintroduce it systematically over the school hols. If

necessary I will revert to gluten-free without any worries. Even

more than when I was (falsely?!) diagnosed in 1988 as coeliac, to-

day there is an enormous range of delicious gluten-free foods and

chefs and cooks are trained to know about the GF diet among others.

It could be that I'll find it hard to readjust after so many years

gluten-free. Anyway, as Barbara says, many people with a whole range

of digestive problems do well gluten-free. My gastroenterologist

said exactly the same thing when I was discussing the matter with

him. He told me not to worry if I couldn't cope with gluten again.

However, if anyone makes any changes to their diet, it's important

to discuss it with their doc/dietician and to make sure they eat

correctly to get a full range of nutrients. It is fairly demanding

to eat out, either in restaurants or at other people's homes, and

remain faithful to gluten-free, low fat and alcohol-free! If someone

is diabetic as well, that would add further limitations.

The more restricted in food categories, the more difficult it is to

ensure the diet is healthy and balanced, quite apart from the

practicalities. That's why I would urge caution in going gluten-free

if you haven't actually been diagnosed as coeliac. Of course, if

someone finds it helpful, as Barbara does, that's great. I might

well find myself ultimately in the same boat!

I'm still going to give gluten another final chance to prove it's

not my enemy! It's strange to be eating toast made with ordinary

bread!

With good wishes,

Fliss (UK)