Image Courtesy of Red Apple Lipstick
Checking Your Products for Gluten
For those with gluten intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy, hidden forms of gluten in cosmetics and hygiene products can cause major health issues. After being diagnosed, most people look toward removing the toxic protein from their foods. In essence, removing obvious sources like bread, pasta, cereal, pizza, bagels, etc. For many, the diet change can seem overwhelming, and looking at hidden glutens in cosmetics or hygiene products is not even a thought yet.
A recent research report published by the National Institute for Health Sciences in Japan accumulated data from 2009 to 2013 and found 1900 patients who reported allergic reaction after using a soap containing hydrolyzed wheat protein. The diagnosis for these individuals was – Wheat Dependent Exercise Induced Asthma (WDEIA).
This is not the first research report on the topic. Other studies have identified asthma in hairdressers exposed to hydrolyzed wheat protein as well.
References:
- Teshima R. Food allergen in cosmetics. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2014;134(1):33-8.
- Airaksinen L, Pallasaho P, Voutilainen R, Pesonen M. Occupational rhinitis, asthma, and contact urticaria caused by hydrolyzed wheat protein in hairdressers. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013 Dec;111(6):577-9. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2013.09.025.
Check Your Make-UP and Hair Care Products
Asthma and inflammatory skin conditions
(dermatitis) are common in those who have been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity. If you react to gluten, it is strongly advised that you look at the ingredients on cosmetics, soaps, and hair products. The following are some of the most common items that people tend to overlook:
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Lipstick
- Facial Cleansers
- Lotions
- Shaving gels
- Hair spray
- Soap
These products can contain grain and gluten based ingredients that you should be aware of so that if necessary, you can switch to a new product line. Some of the most common terms (yet not obvious) you will see on products include:
5 Sneaky Terms You Shouldn’t Overlook
- Wheat germ
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Avena sativa (oats found commonly in lotions)
- Triticum aestivum (another name for wheat)
You can also check out our more comprehensive list of
terms that contain gluten here <<<
I have see patients have reactions because of inhaled gluten from hairsprays and from kissing a significant other wearing lipstick with gluten as an ingredient. If you are looking for a substitute skin moisturizer, try shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. All three are very effective. If you are looking for cosmetics without hidden gluten,
listen to this interview first. Remember, that no matter what product you are using, the manufacturer retains the right to change the ingredients without informing you, so the most important walk away is simply this – READ THE LABELS before you buy!
Always looking out for you,
Dr. O – The Gluten Free Warrior
P.S.
Don’t be a stranger. If you have a good product recommendation or story to share, leave your comments below.
