Where's the Wheat?

If you are like me and have celiac disease, or have a wehat allergy, even the smallest amount of gluten may hurt you. In my case, even the tiniest molecule gets me every time so I have learned just where the wheat is hidden. To stay well, I need to be GF ALL the way every day in every way.

Did you know your favorite lipstick may contain wheat germ oil, a wheat-derived vitamin E oil? Did you know the flavor of your Chapstick may contain gluten while another flavor of Chapstick may not? Same goes for your shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, mascara, etc... If your hairspray contains gluten, you may be inhaling gluten everytime you style your hair and walk into a salon. If you son eats Cheez-Its and gets his fingerprints on the refrigerator handle and then you open the refrig, you may get exposed to gluten. If you spouse uses a gluten-containing lotion, runs an errand, and then you take the car to run one of your own - simply upon placing your hands on the steering wheel, you may have been just exposed to gluten. Because of these constant and incidental exposures can really add up, you need to know "where's the wheat" to stay well and live well.

Here's a basic list of some GF personal care products as kind of 'survival guide' -

• Key Soap
• GF Savonnerie
• Pangea Organics (except oatmeal soap)
• Burt's Bee (some contain gluten, so check before buying)
• Dr. Bronner's (the vitamin E is derived from soybean oil)
• Kiss My Face (many are GF, but check labels)
• Tom's of Maine (except natural Moisturizing Hand Soap Liquids and Moisturizing Body Wash)
• Tropical Traditions lip balms, lotions and body creams (personal fave)

Hair Care

• Desert Organics
• Giovanni Organic
• Burt's Bees Grapefruit and Sugar Beet shampoos and conditioners
• Garnier Fructis hairsprays
• Pantene hairsprays
• Arbonne FC5 Shampoo

Cosmetics

• Arbonne (most are GF, ask for a list)
• Smashbox (everything is GF! love their products)
• M.A.C. (most are GF, ask for a list)
• NARS (everything is GF)
• Everyday minerals
• Bare Escentuals
• Monave mineral Makeup
• Larenim Mineral

Kid Care

• Arbonne Baby care
• California Baby
• Burt's Bees Baby line (most are GF0
• Suave kids Shampoo
• GF Savonnerie

Toothpaste

• Tom's of Maine
• Now
• Young Living Essential Oils toothpaste

Deodorant

• Desert Organics

Young Living Essential Oils also carries some amazing GF products. Ask for a list. I use their Thieves Household Cleaner to wipe down household surfaces.

Vitacost (www.vitacost.com) is a great shopping source. Their prices can beat Whole Foods buy nearly 50% on some products and shipping is only $4.99.

Because the list of where gluten can hide is quite extensive, I've decided to take the hassle out of the picture and go with items I know are GF. It sure beats standing in the aisle reading label after label after label. However, for your protection, on the next post I will provide you with that list. May you enjoy your GF life every day!

Be well - moriah