I have been very strict with my gluten-free diet for 2 years even though I am not sure if I have Celiac. I do definitely have Ulcerative Colitis. I am wondering if anyone has been tempted to cheat on their gluten-free diet when visiting a foreign country. I really want to immerse myself in foreign cultures when traveling without having to worry about what I am eating. Is it that bad to cheat on a diet once every couple of years when leaving the country? Unfortunately, my doctors don’t seem to have any strong opinions on this when I ask. Here is my situation...
Two years ago, I went to the doctor because I was having severe stomach pains, blood in my stools and bloating. I had suffered with these symptoms for several years, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Fortunately, I moved to a new city for a job and got a new physician who suggested I get a blood test for gluten sensitivity. It came back positive. Assuming I had Celiac, she sent me to a gastroenterologist for colonoscopy and endoscopy biopsies to confirm. The Celiac biopsy came back negative (no damaged villi) but they found Ulcerative Colitis in my lower intestine. This is where things got really confusing. The gastroenterologist said because I had no damaged villi, I did not have Celiac. She also said because my diagnosis was Ulcerative Colitis and not Celiac, I did not have to follow a gluten-free diet. However, that early blood test did show a positive result for gluten sensitivity, so my primary care doctor recommended I still try the gluten-free diet. I started a strict gluten-free diet immediately and my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms were greatly reduced, and I felt better. However, even on a strict gluten-free diet, I still experience colitis flare-ups once in a while, including one that sent me to the hospital last summer. After the hospitalization, I started taking meds for the Ulcerative Colitis permanently. However, I still stick to a gluten-free diet because it does make me feel a lot better.
Still, since I don't have an official diagnosis of Celiac, I am wondering if I am being too strict with myself on the gluten-free diet and missing out on some great food experiences. As I said, I have no intention of eating any gluten when home, but I sure would love to sample foreign cuisine with my hubby when traveling out of the country every year or so. I did cheat on my gluten-free diet once at an out-of state conference 1.5 years ago. I was new to the diet and hadn't planned ahead adequately. I had no transportation to get off-site to a grocery store or gluten-free restaurant so I just ate the conference meals. No huge ill effects other than a bit of bloating and minor stomach pains a week later which quickly resolved when I went back to gluten-free.
Any thoughts on eating gluten during foreign travel in my situation?
im in a simular situation, my biopsy was completely normal, but my GI decided to try the deit anyway, and its working, but i still get some symptoms.(tiredness)
if i cheat i get rarely sick, and you may get a more servere reaction next time than you did last time. So i never cheat.
IMO, if you only get a mild reaction then the only thing stopping you cheating is will power and or your doctors, i am going on holiday in a few months and i would also like your opinions and advice on getting the culture without being ill.
if i cheat i get rarely sick, and you may get a more servere reaction next time than you did last time. So i never cheat.
IMO, if you only get a mild reaction then the only thing stopping you cheating is will power and or your doctors, i am going on holiday in a few months and i would also like your opinions and advice on getting the culture without being ill.
It is possible to travel abroad and have a successful gluten-free trip.
The most important thing is to do your homework.
Find out what resources are available to you and use them. There are cruise lines and airlines that offer gluten-free meals.
When I traveled abroad this fall we ordered online from a company that was in-country and had gluten-free supplies delivered to the place that we were staying. We also brought some of our own in our luggage.
Get dining cards in the native language to bring with you.
Your dining out experience will depend on the culture you visit and how dependent they are on processed ingredients and products. Go with a knowlege of the cuisine, a clear plan and realistic expectations. Plan for times when you will be away from base without knowing where to get a meal. I packed a meal or a snack in the am and brought it with me when we were out and about for the day. Try not to get caught up in that fantasy vacation mode and make impulsive, emotional decisions that are detrimental to your health. We can enjoy our trips more if we are healthy. And (if our finances allow
) we can take more trips!
I didn't get to enjoy the things that I used to, like the wonderful European style pastries and cakes(I still enjoy looking at it(and did) as an art form). Instead of focusing on what I was missing out on, I enjoyed other things like taking walks and exploring, different foliage, architecture, sounds, rhythm of life, daily hotbaths in DEEP tubs, efficient mass transit system, all the things that are part of life there that are different from my daily experience here. I still could enjoy many native fruits and veg., in their natural state or simply prepared, that aren't available here or are aren't as flavorful and fresh.
As I saw it, I had three choices: Don't go(I seriously considered this)
Go, take risks and get possibly get sick.(spending three days sick from CC out of two weeks after 18+ hrs. and thousands of dollars spent to get there)
Go, take no risks, and give up some things that I would love.(I chose this and it was worth it)
The most important thing is to do your homework.
Find out what resources are available to you and use them. There are cruise lines and airlines that offer gluten-free meals.
When I traveled abroad this fall we ordered online from a company that was in-country and had gluten-free supplies delivered to the place that we were staying. We also brought some of our own in our luggage.
Get dining cards in the native language to bring with you.
Your dining out experience will depend on the culture you visit and how dependent they are on processed ingredients and products. Go with a knowlege of the cuisine, a clear plan and realistic expectations. Plan for times when you will be away from base without knowing where to get a meal. I packed a meal or a snack in the am and brought it with me when we were out and about for the day. Try not to get caught up in that fantasy vacation mode and make impulsive, emotional decisions that are detrimental to your health. We can enjoy our trips more if we are healthy. And (if our finances allow
) we can take more trips!I didn't get to enjoy the things that I used to, like the wonderful European style pastries and cakes(I still enjoy looking at it(and did) as an art form). Instead of focusing on what I was missing out on, I enjoyed other things like taking walks and exploring, different foliage, architecture, sounds, rhythm of life, daily hotbaths in DEEP tubs, efficient mass transit system, all the things that are part of life there that are different from my daily experience here. I still could enjoy many native fruits and veg., in their natural state or simply prepared, that aren't available here or are aren't as flavorful and fresh.
As I saw it, I had three choices: Don't go(I seriously considered this)
Go, take risks and get possibly get sick.(spending three days sick from CC out of two weeks after 18+ hrs. and thousands of dollars spent to get there)
Go, take no risks, and give up some things that I would love.(I chose this and it was worth it)
going to a foreign country doesn't magically make your body treat gluten differently, so treat it the same as you would here - avoid it unless you want to deal with the consequences. it's always a choice; you can deal with the symptoms will cause and damage it may cause if the tradeoff is worth it to you. I wouldn't, given that you can eat gluten free in other places, and experience plenty of culture other ways; but that's me.
QUOTE (missy'smom @ Feb 25 2008, 10:52 AM) 
It is possible to travel abroad and have a successful gluten-free trip.
The most important thing is to do your homework.
Find out what resources are available to you and use them. There are cruise lines and airlines that offer gluten-free meals.
When I traveled abroad this fall we ordered online from a company that was in-country and had gluten-free supplies delivered to the place that we were staying. We also brought some of our own in our luggage.
Get dining cards in the native language to bring with you.
Your dining out experience will depend on the culture you visit and how dependent they are on processed ingredients and products. Go with a knowlege of the cuisine, a clear plan and realistic expectations. Plan for times when you will be away from base without knowing where to get a meal. I packed a meal or a snack in the am and brought it with me when we were out and about for the day. Try not to get caught up in that fantasy vacation mode and make impulsive, emotional decisions that are detrimental to your health. We can enjoy our trips more if we are healthy. And (if our finances allow ) we can take more trips!
I didn't get to enjoy the things that I used to, like the wonderful European style pastries and cakes(I still enjoy looking at it(and did) as an art form). Instead of focusing on what I was missing out on, I enjoyed other things like taking walks and exploring, different foliage, architecture, sounds, rhythm of life, daily hotbaths in DEEP tubs, efficient mass transit system, all the things that are part of life there that are different from my daily experience here. I still could enjoy many native fruits and veg., in their natural state or simply prepared, that aren't available here or are aren't as flavorful and fresh.
As I saw it, I had three choices: Don't go(I seriously considered this)
Go, take risks and get possibly get sick.(spending three days sick from CC out of two weeks after 18+ hrs. and thousands of dollars spent to get there)
Go, take no risks, and give up some things that I would love.(I chose this and it was worth it)
The most important thing is to do your homework.
Find out what resources are available to you and use them. There are cruise lines and airlines that offer gluten-free meals.
When I traveled abroad this fall we ordered online from a company that was in-country and had gluten-free supplies delivered to the place that we were staying. We also brought some of our own in our luggage.
Get dining cards in the native language to bring with you.
Your dining out experience will depend on the culture you visit and how dependent they are on processed ingredients and products. Go with a knowlege of the cuisine, a clear plan and realistic expectations. Plan for times when you will be away from base without knowing where to get a meal. I packed a meal or a snack in the am and brought it with me when we were out and about for the day. Try not to get caught up in that fantasy vacation mode and make impulsive, emotional decisions that are detrimental to your health. We can enjoy our trips more if we are healthy. And (if our finances allow
) we can take more trips!I didn't get to enjoy the things that I used to, like the wonderful European style pastries and cakes(I still enjoy looking at it(and did) as an art form). Instead of focusing on what I was missing out on, I enjoyed other things like taking walks and exploring, different foliage, architecture, sounds, rhythm of life, daily hotbaths in DEEP tubs, efficient mass transit system, all the things that are part of life there that are different from my daily experience here. I still could enjoy many native fruits and veg., in their natural state or simply prepared, that aren't available here or are aren't as flavorful and fresh.
As I saw it, I had three choices: Don't go(I seriously considered this)
Go, take risks and get possibly get sick.(spending three days sick from CC out of two weeks after 18+ hrs. and thousands of dollars spent to get there)
Go, take no risks, and give up some things that I would love.(I chose this and it was worth it)
Well said. I have just returned from a trip to Panama and had no trouble eating gluten free. The hardest part is the airline travel. Unless you are going overseas, or are in 1st class, they don't serve you food (therefore you can not tell them ahead of time that you are celiac) and all there is to buy is usually gluten type foods. Because I'm from Canada and was touching down in the USA I couldn't bring any fruit, vegies or meat on the plane and most airports have a plethora of fast food joints but very little that is nutritious and gluten free (sigh). I subsisted on nuts and dried fruit and water. When I arrived, and I was staying with friends, there was so much fresh fruit, vegies, eggs, etc.. that eating was easy and a pleasure. When I went to Malta last year, it was overseas, I was fed gluten free and we had an apartment that I could cook food in. I found it pretty easy eating in restaurants there, lots of fresh fish and salads on every menu. I was even found a store (very small like a corner store here) that had a gluten free section.
Small town car trips are another story. I always pack food with me and stop at store to stock up on fresh vegies and fruit. Small towns rarely have much that I can eat in them (although I have been proven wrong in some towns).
You already have some great answers. I spend 2 to 3 months a year in various countries and dont cheat. If I get glutened accidently, it puts me out of commission a few days which is not fun in other countries. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a hospital in some out of the way place. Having spent 58 days in one in Japan I can attest to that fact. You can still immerse yourself in the cultures without it revolving around food. Just find the foods that dont require you give up your diet.
Good luck
Good luck
QUOTE (mtnjen @ Feb 24 2008, 11:25 PM)
I have been very strict with my gluten-free diet for 2 years even though I am not sure if I have Celiac. I do definitely have Ulcerative Colitis. I am wondering if anyone has been tempted to cheat on their gluten-free diet when visiting a foreign country. I really want to immerse myself in foreign cultures when traveling without having to worry about what I am eating. Is it that bad to cheat on a diet once every couple of years when leaving the country? Unfortunately, my doctors don’t seem to have any strong opinions on this when I ask. Here is my situation...
Two years ago, I went to the doctor because I was having severe stomach pains, blood in my stools and bloating. I had suffered with these symptoms for several years, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Fortunately, I moved to a new city for a job and got a new physician who suggested I get a blood test for gluten sensitivity. It came back positive. Assuming I had Celiac, she sent me to a gastroenterologist for colonoscopy and endoscopy biopsies to confirm. The Celiac biopsy came back negative (no damaged villi) but they found Ulcerative Colitis in my lower intestine. This is where things got really confusing. The gastroenterologist said because I had no damaged villi, I did not have Celiac. She also said because my diagnosis was Ulcerative Colitis and not Celiac, I did not have to follow a gluten-free diet. However, that early blood test did show a positive result for gluten sensitivity, so my primary care doctor recommended I still try the gluten-free diet. I started a strict gluten-free diet immediately and my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms were greatly reduced, and I felt better. However, even on a strict gluten-free diet, I still experience colitis flare-ups once in a while, including one that sent me to the hospital last summer. After the hospitalization, I started taking meds for the Ulcerative Colitis permanently. However, I still stick to a gluten-free diet because it does make me feel a lot better.
Still, since I don't have an official diagnosis of Celiac, I am wondering if I am being too strict with myself on the gluten-free diet and missing out on some great food experiences. As I said, I have no intention of eating any gluten when home, but I sure would love to sample foreign cuisine with my hubby when traveling out of the country every year or so. I did cheat on my gluten-free diet once at an out-of state conference 1.5 years ago. I was new to the diet and hadn't planned ahead adequately. I had no transportation to get off-site to a grocery store or gluten-free restaurant so I just ate the conference meals. No huge ill effects other than a bit of bloating and minor stomach pains a week later which quickly resolved when I went back to gluten-free.
Any thoughts on eating gluten during foreign travel in my situation?
Two years ago, I went to the doctor because I was having severe stomach pains, blood in my stools and bloating. I had suffered with these symptoms for several years, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Fortunately, I moved to a new city for a job and got a new physician who suggested I get a blood test for gluten sensitivity. It came back positive. Assuming I had Celiac, she sent me to a gastroenterologist for colonoscopy and endoscopy biopsies to confirm. The Celiac biopsy came back negative (no damaged villi) but they found Ulcerative Colitis in my lower intestine. This is where things got really confusing. The gastroenterologist said because I had no damaged villi, I did not have Celiac. She also said because my diagnosis was Ulcerative Colitis and not Celiac, I did not have to follow a gluten-free diet. However, that early blood test did show a positive result for gluten sensitivity, so my primary care doctor recommended I still try the gluten-free diet. I started a strict gluten-free diet immediately and my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms were greatly reduced, and I felt better. However, even on a strict gluten-free diet, I still experience colitis flare-ups once in a while, including one that sent me to the hospital last summer. After the hospitalization, I started taking meds for the Ulcerative Colitis permanently. However, I still stick to a gluten-free diet because it does make me feel a lot better.
Still, since I don't have an official diagnosis of Celiac, I am wondering if I am being too strict with myself on the gluten-free diet and missing out on some great food experiences. As I said, I have no intention of eating any gluten when home, but I sure would love to sample foreign cuisine with my hubby when traveling out of the country every year or so. I did cheat on my gluten-free diet once at an out-of state conference 1.5 years ago. I was new to the diet and hadn't planned ahead adequately. I had no transportation to get off-site to a grocery store or gluten-free restaurant so I just ate the conference meals. No huge ill effects other than a bit of bloating and minor stomach pains a week later which quickly resolved when I went back to gluten-free.
Any thoughts on eating gluten during foreign travel in my situation?
I don't have an official celiac diagnosis but I'm more strict about my diet while traveling than I am at home (and I'm pretty strict about it at home too). That way I can really enjoy the experience without dealing with horrible symptoms or worrying that I might be damaging my body.
Travel doesn't have much to do with food for me, but I still enjoy learning about the cuisine that others around me are enjoying, and there are plenty of other ways to experience the culture of the country that you're in.
Travel doesn't have much to do with food for me, but I still enjoy learning about the cuisine that others around me are enjoying, and there are plenty of other ways to experience the culture of the country that you're in.
Being sick on vacation is not my idea of a vacation. I stay gluten free so I can enjoy my trip in good heath.
Ditto what Phyllis said. If I'm going to go to the effort and expense of taking a vacation, I want to enjoy myself. Eating gluten is a good way to guarantee I'm not going to enjoy myself. I'm going to have to find other ways to immerse myself in the culture.
QUOTE (kbtoyssni @ Feb 25 2008, 04:06 PM)
I'm going to have to find other ways to immerse myself in the culture.
I consider it a cultual experience to shop for food in a foreign country, figure out how to use the stove in the rented flat, and eat my gluten free sack lunch in the local parks.