possible newbie to wheat allergies/sensitivity

[rainbowmoon]

basically every time I eat wheat I get bloated and feel like crap until it comes out the other end. does this signify a sensitivity (obviously)?

what do I do next, just eliminate it completely and see? get allergy tests? (dread that, plus I am leaving town for 2 months next week)

I am not sure if it is an allergy or stomach issues. or the allergy just causing the stomach issues. When I am off the wheat I feel WONDERFUL (and coffee too which I can't have- I thought it was just the coffee but now suspect wheat AND coffee. ugh! my 2 favs!) I am feeling SO better since eliminating both but I am hardly eating anything but veggies, beans, eggs, rice,fruit & dairy now. As a test I baked some muffins yesterday (made with wheat flour) and was amazed at how bloated I felt after just 1!

anyway just looking for difinitive info really. also recipes!?! what do you replace your wheat with? how will I ever bake bread again? muffins? cakes? I used to bake with lots of different gluten free flours like oat, rice,etc. but it's been awhile and they were just add ins..

I think I am going to go mostly raw for awhile. but would appreciate any thoughts,tips, links, book recs,etc.

[mtn.mama]

I'd just stay away from it if it makes you feel bad. Cooking without wheat is different, but it just takes some practice. A couple of books with good recipes are the Allergy Self Help Cookbook and Wheat Free Recipes & Menus. You might want to try avoiding barley and rye and oats for a time to rule out that they are problematic also. Good luck!