Does anyone else have problems with Xanthan Gum?

[Allie65]

Have been having problems baking a decent GF loaf and thought I would try Xanthan Gum, which did result in a better loaf, but since using it I have been suffering various recurring symptoms, such as; return of my dizzy spells, feeling tired and lethargic all the time, bloating, constipation etc. I didn't connect these to Xanthan Gum before now but couldn't pin-point anything else I had ingested, no suspect foods, no cross-contamination (I am very careful) so it only led to to the Xanthan Gum. I researched online and found that a lot o coeliacs have problems with Xanthan Gum depending on what it is cultured on, but I am now wondering if shop bought GF loaves contain it as I know the Gluten Free Bread Mixes do and does anyone else have the same symptoms???

[Hidden]

Yes, I can't eat baked goods with xanthum gum...I can't leave the house the next day. Most loaves have it as quite a major ingrediient.

[Penel]

Yes, my reaction to it has increased with each (accidental) exposure. I get stomach pains and diarrhoea within a few hours. Not as bad as being glutened as it's not as long lasting. It's in a lot of things apart from baked goods. I used to be able to have a cake with my coffee when I went out, but no longer. I avoid all added gums and cellulose. Blasted additives!

[puncturedbicycle]

Try substituting psyllium seed powder. Solgar makes a gf version (I got it on Amazon). If you add hot water it becomes like a gel and has the same sort of effect on baked goods as xantham gum.

[Lexy]

Yes definitely. I think I discussed earlier so you should find thread if you look for xanthan gum. I have only tried Dove's Farm xanthan gum (and I can't use Dove's Farm gf flours either) so I'm not sure if it's something to do with their particular version. I steer clear of it anyway. I also try to avoid guar gum, but I'm not sure if it has the same reaction.

[katethebake]

Lots of people report sensitivity to xanthan gum. If you bake your own bread you can use psyllium husk, chia seed, linseed and/or guar gum to substitute with acceptable results.

[Allie65]

Thanks for the great advice, I was considering trying guar gum as it was the only other thing I had heard about but I think I will steer clear. Thanks for the suggestions of psyllium seed powder, psyllium husk, chia seed etc, these are all new to me but will definately give them a go. Nice to know it was not my imagination, thanks all!! xx

[Hidden in reply to Allie65]

Hi there, if you mix guar gum and psyllium husk together they compliment one another so you use less, here's where I buy mine from:

ebay.co.uk/itm/50g-Guar-Gum...

One thing to bear in mind with gums is that they absorb a lot of moisture so will make baked goods drier but by absorbing moisture they are also like roughage. Psyllium husk is a seed ground up and is grown and used as a thickener in may Pakistani dishes but in large quantities is used for colonic irrigation, which's why it's a good idea to use a combination and then you only need around a tea spoon of each with 500g/1lb of flour.

It is also worth adding eggs or egg whites to a bread mix as egg whites replicate gluten really well.

[BluMts]

Oh, just seen this forum is for celiacs. I am not but feel very off if eat much gluten. I cook gluten free. I'll remove the post be low already written, if anyone wants.

Yes, yes, zanthan and guar gum both seem to upset my gut. I too baked with them both. I've now got a decent gluten free bread baked without any gums. I did add a teaspoon of finely ground up chis seeds and that may help to keep the bread moist (?). Though you MUST SOAK the chia seeds in one of the liquids in your recipe for two minutes before mixing it into the dry ingredients.

CHIA semed to be OK for me, but never can be sure till have tried a few times. What I'm wondering is, why do the gums Irritate gut. General ideas I've read held that they increased the transit time. Not great for an already sensetive gut. But it may be more than that as watched an interview with two scientist who said that these "emulsifiers that are so much in use nowadays" actually have a negative effect on the mucus lining of the gut and on the Microbiome. What causes this? Trying to find the time to research this but certainly can't for another week. Does the jellyish glob that oozes out of chis seeds when soaked have a beneficial or negative effect??????