Hello everyone,
I'm hypo, have Hashi's and I'm NOT coeliac. I went gluten free a week ago at the suggestion of my doctor. I appreciate that doing this 3 weeks before Christmas was probably not the best time to start, but she (my doctor) thought that a 3-week trial might give an indication of whether GF would help me or not. My intention is to trial it for at least 3 months, then see how things have gone and whether it has helped me.
I have a couple of questions that you good people might be able to help me with.
Firstly, I've done my research and know it's perfectly possible to do a GF Christmas using what's available in the shops. However, we will inevitably be eating at relatives houses over the festive period and it's very possible that I will "fall off the GF wagon" either unknowingly or knowingly - so will eating more than a "trace" of gluten after 3 weeks of being GF violently upset my digestion? And will it undo any good that's been done over the three weeks? I appreciate that 3 weeks is no time at all on this hypo/Hashis journey!!
Secondly, many products state they "May contain traces" of gluten, usually because they are produced in a factory that also produces some gluten-containing products (OK, I'll be honest, I'm thinking of chocolate products specifically but the same applies to other, everyday items!!!!!). Does eating such products (in moderation) pose much of a risk to my digestion (and my GF progress)? I understand that it's a gamble - the "May contain" warning will just be covering the manufacturers backs in many cases - but there probably WILL be some traces in other products. I suppose it may boil down to what constitutes a "trace", because even GF-labelled products are allowed to contain minute traces, aren't they?
All advice gratefully received. And Happy Christmas to those of you who celebrate it . Nick x