Probiotics are a great thing. Right? In some cases, maybe not. I’ve tried taking probiotics several times since the 1990’s. One would think they are a helpful supplement given the latest research on the gut microbiome. One would also believe that they are imperative for someone such as myself, working to heal a leaky gut that contributed to the diagnoses of celiac disease, Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis.
You’ll think twice after you see this recent article in the New York Times, Many Probiotics Taken for Celiac Disease Contain Gluten. That article has personal relevance as every time I’ve attempted to take probiotics I’ve had stomachaches and severe digestive distress. Of course, I’ve only purchased probiotics at the doctor’s office (or an incredible local shop, Pharmaca). Still, it made no difference. Now I know why. Even high-end probiotic supplements have been found to contain gluten. According to this New York Times article:
The authors of the study found gluten in probiotic supplements that carried “gluten-free” claims on their labels, and they discovered that the most expensive supplements were just as likely to contain gluten as the cheapest products.
According to Dr. Peter H. R. Green, the author of the study and the director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, “the results suggest that people with celiac disease, or those avoiding gluten for any reason, should be cautious about taking probiotic supplements.” I’m beyond relieved that I attempt to listen to my body. Because of this, I spared myself a daily dose of gluten, something I work diligently to avoid. What do you do when a doctor, naturopath, or healer advises you to continue taking a supplement or medicine that makes you feel ill?
If you’re looking for a safe delivery method of probiotics, check out my homemade fermented pickles recipe!
Susan says
I have tried the cultured things and just can’t seem to get used to them. It would be so helpful to know which probiotics are gluten free. I travel quite a lot and it is so much more convenient to be able to have a small item in a pill box. Thanks. I too think the companies with gluten in their ingredients should be published for anyone to access.
Cathy says
Susan, the Probiotics I use come in a convenient stick pack. Email me: cathy.livefreegroup@gmail.com for more info if you like.
Julie says
Elaine Gottschall (Breaking the Viscous Cycle) has suggested that we get our supplements made by pharmacists that can make them without fillers. For the most sensitive among us, perhaps that is a way to go, along with the homemade products that Elaine suggests. We should never rely on others, especially doctors and drug companies, for our health. I have followed Elaine’s diet for over 20 years and have not had a reoccurrence of Crohn’s Disease in all that time. I am able to use a few of the starches that Elana has in her recipes which makes baking and eating fun.
Cathy says
Julie, I agree wholeheartedly! I have chosen USANA Health Sciences supplements for my family. The company was founded by a microbiologist / immunologist who understands cellular health. We are only as healthy as our cells. USANA has the highest rating for purity, potency, and bioavailability. I would be happy to share more. Contact me at: cathy.livefreegroup@gmail.com. I love Elana’s website and enjoy the recipes and healthful tips. Thank you!
George says
There are three basic molecules of gluten. The one in wheat causes me to have an extreme reaction requiring epipens and paramedics. The other ones don’t affect me, but do affect many other people. Foods like oats, corn, sorghum, barley, rice, etc. all contain glutens, but not the specific one in wheat. We often see these foods listed as “gluten free”. Use this like to read up: enzymestuff.com/rtgluten.htm
Michelle says
It sounds like what you have is a wheat allergy, an actual “gluten allergy” does not exist, as that would encompass many very different foods. What is often referred to as a gluten allergy however, is actually Celiac disease. Celiac is not an allergy, it is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system responds to the specific gluten proteins in wheat, rye and barley by attacking the intestinal villi. Though many celiacs also have difficulty tolerating oats for reasons which aren’t fully understood, the protein in oats is avenin, not gluten. While some other grains, like corn, do contain gluten, those forms of gluten do not trigger the immune response seen in celiac disease. However, some may still feel ill after eating certain grains- but it needs ti be understood that is not part of the disease, but rather a separate issue. However, our reaction is not allergic, and does not require an epi-pen like yours, which sounds as though it is immediately life threatening.
Elaine Acierno says
Yes I also have Celiac and Hashimoto’s . I am on the GAPS diet which heals the gut. Dr. Campbell McBride wrote the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome. (GAPS) . She is from the UK. She is by the way a doctor. She sells a wheat and gluten free brand of Probiotics called Bio-Kult. They are very good. I also follow her diet which eliminates all wheat and gluten, grains, sugars etc. She is also very big on bonebroths which will heal the gut. I make my own bone broths, Saurkraut, yogurt and sour cream. This book saved my life. I have been on it for a year now. It will take about 2 yrs or more to heal your gut but so worth it. I live in South Carolina and found a natural doctor who is certified to treat with GAPS. You can order this Bio-Kult on line on the GAPS website.
Kathy says
It is so disappointing when those of us who wish to do the right thing and take probiotics find out that you can’t even trust the labels of well known products when they claim to be gluten free. If I buy Kefir from the store, does it too contain gluten even though it says not?
mary janssen says
Well at least now we are aware of this and we can be careful in making our choices. Thank you.
Suzanne says
I never knew that this! Great article and a must share. I am pleased but not surprised, that the probiotics I use are gluten free. I feel especially confident because the company does not manufacture their own and only accept the best, highest quality products. http://goo.gl/ZkhHzO
Nathalie says
The same thing happened to me. I tried several times since the last 3 years to take probiotics and each time I’ve had stomachaches, joint pain and digestive discomfort. I thought I was not yet ready to take them after being sick for so many years… (I’m not even celiac, intolerant only) I’m glad I listened to my body!
Cathy says
Thank you Elana. I love your blog and your cookbook. So informative. I use Arbpnne’s Digestion Plus. It is gluten free as is all of our products. It is a probiotic, prebiotic and has digestive enzymes. Anyone can contact me if you’d like more information. knotts_44136@yahoo.com (I’m already on your email list and have been for years!)
Ania says
Thank you so much Elana. I’m on a high dose probiotics treatment right now, not feeling well and having all sort of symptoms that I didn’t have since going gf. I do suspect now that they may contain gluten even though I have checked the labels but none of them had anything suspicious listed.
I think home fermented food will be a better option.
??