Gluten Free/Casein Free (GFCF) Cheat Sheet

Think outside of food

There are other household items that contain gluten and casein, which should be avoided. Check labels and when in doubt, call the company and ask if the item has gluten or casein in it. The legal guidelines for non-food items is very different than for edible items. Non-food items do not legally have to list all of the ingredients. Some of the items you need to investigate for gluten and casein are: toothpaste, shaving cream, cosmetics, sunscreens, soaps, lip balm, lotions, creams, cleansers, moisturizers, dental floss, shampoos, conditioners, deodorant, play dough (most have gluten!!), art supplies and other similar products.

Medicine, both over-the-counter and prescription medications often have gluten and sometimes have casein proteins in them. OFTEN, they have artificial colors and flavors. Discuss these items with your pharmacist, asking if they have the ingredients that you need to avoid. You might need to contact a compounding pharmacy. You can locate one near you at www.iacprx.org or calling 1-800-927-4227

When visiting the dentist, bring your own toothpaste. Discuss with the dentist your concerns over what is being used in your children’s mouths. Many of these items have dyes!! Have the dentist mark your child’s chart with the items not allowed to go near your child.

Tips for finding Products

Replacing casein in your diet is not as challenging as many think. Many people think cow’s milk is a must-have in everyone’s diet. There are plenty of foods and beverages that contain calcium, protein and other nutrients that cow’s milk contains, without casein. For milk alternatives try “milk” made from almonds, hemp, other nuts, potatoes, rice, coconut or soy (some people cannot tolerate soy.) Most of these alternative milks come in original, vanilla or chocolate. There are ice creams and cheeses made out of some of these alternative ingredients, as well.

For gluten free items, check your health food stores, Whole foods, Trader Joe’s and specialty stores. Even some typical grocery stores carry a fair amount of GFCF products. More and more items are being packaged with the words GLUTEN FREE on them. Remember to make sure the product is also casein free.

For more details consult with Barrie’s book: The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) and Other Interventions.

More GFCF

• Where to Purchase Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Foods and Some Favorite Brands
• Best Gluten Free/Casein Free Products and Where to Find Them
• Most Popular Gluten Free/Casein Free Products and Where to Find Them
• Finding GFCF Baked Goods While You are Traveling
• Staying Healthy with a Proper Diet
• Family Adventures in the Summer: Special Diets Don’t Have to Stop the Fun
• Self-Advocating While on a Special Diet
• GFCF/Chemical Free Holiday Breakfast or Brunch
• Gift Ideas for Those on Special Diets
• Gluten-free for Weight Loss … ?
• Gluten Free-Casein Free Foods for a Healthy Life

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