Beans from the bulk bins...
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Hi,
I am wondering if beans and nuts out of the bulk bins are safe?? Can I rinse them before I eat them or should I steer clear entirely? If they are not safe at all, where can I get affordable GF beans and nuts? Everything I am finding is really expensive. I am also not sure exactly how careful I need to be. I just found out last week that I have celiac, and while the actual diet is not intimidating, the thought of being really gluten-vigilant is. I am a little financially strapped and the bulk section was a great staple for me before, so now I don’t know exactly where to turn. Any ideas/resources?
Thanks!
Lyndsay
6 Responses
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Thank you! yes, that helps- very relieving. I actually work at PCC, but I have heard so many conflicting things regarding risking the bulk section, even at our store. Now I don’t have to give away my whole pantry!
Can I ask another question… how long does it take to feel better after being entirely gluten free? I understand some people have trouble with other food sensitivities, so I assume major allergens are cut out if smptoms don’t improve right away? I have been off gluten for several months but only really, really careful since I found out I’m celiac a week ago. I also don’t eat dairy, but I have been having such bad stomach cramps this week I am kind of afraid to eat anything at all. Do I just wait this out?
Your site and has been really helpful, I am learning a lot. I really hope to start feeling better so I have the energy to try some of the recipes. THanks!
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Hi Lyndsay,
you know, how long it takes to recover really depends on the person and what other sensitivities, as well as GI bacterial imbalances they have. But you should see some major shifts within the first three months once you are strict about it. Its great you are off dairy as well.. that will speed up the process.
How are you with sugar? I would keep on eye on that. If its your stomach (and not intestines) that is cramping, do more warm foods, little to no raw food, and avoid ice cold beverages.
If you keep cramping, I would check in with your ND or other holistic health provider.
Diglycerinized licorice tablets can be really helpful to sooth the stomach and intestines while healing.
Keep me posted. And thanks for the feedback! Its awesome to “see” you on the site.
Warmly,
Tif
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I am starting to feel so much better! I think my stomach cramps were actually from getting exposed to gluten- I had some brown rice flour that was contaminated- and after only a week of being totally off gluten my reaction was shockingly violent. My “IBS” symptoms are really improving, but the best thing about being off gluten is having my body back. I am 27 and not long ago I was convinced I had arthritis. Already my body is a better place to live, and I actually am feeling excited about my life. Everything feels lighter. I just have to share this because I have always believed in the healing power of food and plants, but I was also always so sick. Now I have a renewed passion for the power of plants and food.
So I have been focusing on warm, soft foods- my body definitely likes them right now- and I am also cutting out corn and soy, because I think they might be causing some problems right now, too. I don’t really eat sugar, I crave salt more than sweets. I have been eating a ot of root vegetables, and those have been feeling really good.
Thank you so much for the advice!
lyndsay rose
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Oh I’m glad you are feeling better. You know, the first time I had an exposure after being really clean I had an extreme reaction! My stomach swelled so that I looked 6 months pregnant, could not sleep, had night sweats, and severe intestinal pain.
Its really good to hear your story and the transformation you experienced. We need to hear more of this so that people really begin to understand what an impact gluten can have on health!
Now when I get exposures, my neck and shoulders stiffen, sleep is disturbed, mood is up and down and my low back/sacrum feels like its going to go out. Not fun.
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This is great information, thank you!
Hi Lyndsay,
Safety with bulk bins depends partly on the practices of the store and part depends on where they come from. At our local co-op store (PCC) they are very good about not rotating bins… meaning putting non-glutenous product in bins that previously had for example flour. They are also the “gravity bins” which means that most don’t require a scoop (which can create cross contamination issues). I trust this set up and personally use their bin product even though I am celiac.
Check in with your local store about their practices. Maybe you can even help educate them about safety!
And then rinse your product well, and then let soak overnight before you cook (beans and grains). I believe that you would be quite safe if you went about it this way.
I think buying bulk from online places could still have potential risk.. so I would follow the same protocol of speaking with them abt practices for storage and then rinsing well and soaking.
In my experience the risk of cross contamination from eating out is higher than buying bulk (depending on the store of course).
Does that help?