Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Personal Care Products for the Gluten Intolerant

If you've ever experimented paper mache then you've probably used some type of flour paste.  You've felt the wet slather and became familiar with the properties of flour as glue.  When moistened flour can create a generous bond.  It's also used to repel objects such as french fries and auto parts.  It's inexpensive and often used in body care products to create a powdery fresh feel.  Shampoos and conditions also use flour as a binder and there is some debate wheather the scalp is permeated by glutenous binders.  I've spoken to doctors on either side of the fence.  The commonality is if the shampoo or water from shampoo is in the mouth, eyes or nose gluten can be ingested.
Some celiac forums report skin irritation, rashes and blistering due to products containing glutenous binders.  There is much debate & the web site www.glutenfreefaces.com currently has a dialog that has been going on for weeks.  I've even chimed in on this forum. 
Those living with Celiac Disease notice a weaken system creating a more sensitive scalp.  If a gluten free shampoo does not contain gentle, natural ingredients, it to can naturally irritate the scalp.  I recommend finding frangrance free products as well, after switching to a true gentle gluten-free shampoo, the problems will tend to disappeared.
There are a number of great gluten-free, fragrance-free shampoos on the market, some easily obtained at Good Earth or Whole Foods grocery stores.  However, it can be a challenge if you don't live near these markets.  Thinking ahead and mail ordering products is a good idea. Please see the ingredient list of gluten containing binders below.  Most organic, fragrance free products on the market are wonderful substitutes for old favorites however, some companies hide ingredients behind proprietary restrictions and unless you call the manufacturer total ingredients remain a mystery. 
If you are newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance issues, I would highly recommend putting your health first and making a total systematic change. Total removal can be a shock to the wallet yet better for the overall gut healing.  I've spoken to some individual that propose a slow change and would prefer to wait until their current supply is used.  However, I say, if the pocketbook can handle it then make the switch and make the change. 
After a month or so you can do a Beta test for a week and see if you notice a difference.  Please remember that doctor's research has found that one must remove all gluten from the system for 6 months in order to have a clean system and this test may set your immune system back.  Even if you are not experiencing any outward symptoms the gut may still be experiencing damage.

Not just for the gluten intolerant, a sensitive system or those who experience propecia may also benefit from the elimination of the following ingredients

LABELED INGREDIENTS CONTAINING GLUTEN

•stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl
(hydrolyzed wheat protein)
•dextrin
•beta glucan
•maltodextrin  (can be from barley)
•hydroxypropyltrimonium            
•phytosphingosine extract
(hydrolyzed wheat protein)        
                                    
•prolamine
•amino peptide complex        
•cyclodextrin
•hydrolyzed malt extract
•dextrin palmitate
•samino peptide complex           
 •hydrolyzed vegetable protein
ingredient list from: http://www.glutenfreefox.com/articles/gluten-free-beauty.html

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