Elana's Pantry Forums » general

1. 

   Anabetica
   Member

   Hi There,

   I was diagnosed with celiac about a year ago and have been gluten free to the best of my ability. I am still dealing with other issues such as bloating, headaches, swelling in my hands and feet, trouble sleeping and weight gain and my doctor suggested doing the IgG food antibody test with the 96 panels. It came back with 50 foods with a 2+ and 3+ reaction. That's not even counting all of the 1+ and VL reactions.

   Now I had the same test a year ago and it showed different foods than my results showed this time around. Some foods that I'm reacting to, I have never eaten (shrimp for one). It showed I was reacting to wheat bran???

   I don't know what to make of this test. It just seems impossible to avoid ALL of those foods (most of them fruits and veggies). How can I have a 3+ reaction to a food a year ago and it not even show up on the test this year?

   I don't know what to make of it all. I have tried to follow SCD diet loosely but because we travel alot it is really challenging.

   I'm wondering, Elana, if you have found any answers to your baffling symptoms? You had said either on this board or on your website that you were still investigating your diet as there were some symptoms you were still experiencing. Any successes?

   One thing the IgG test stresses is to not eat the same foods every day. How do you do that when your choices are so limited? I'm reacting to every grain even coconut, so I'm left with almond flour. I have just one muffin a day. I am reacting to the lettuce family so my only green is spinach and chard. I have a salad every day or stick spinach in my green smoothies. Anybody else deal with this?

   Thanks for any help!
   Betty

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   Anabetica
   Member

   Bump???

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   colormepink
   Member

   Betty, it's difficult to answer because while many of us have food allergies and/or sensitivities, it is still a unique experience for each of us. From what I have read, the IgG test can vary from year to year based on what you eat, how much and how often. You may be highly sensitive to a particular food but if you cut it from your diet, the next time you test, you may test very low even though you are still very sensitive to that food. So you have to look at those results in combination with how much you actually eat. It's further difficult to pinpoint which foods may cause problems because symptoms can take up to 48 to 72 hours to manifest and you may assume it's something you've eaten more recently that is the problem. I don't know the rest of your medical history but if you haven't had a complete blood work up done- checking all hormones (sex, thyroid, adrenal, etc) that may help as well. Some of the symptoms you've described can be caused by hormonal imbalance.

   I know about difficulty traveling. I don't do a lot but when I do, I have to pack safe snacks and emergency food and I try to stay where I have access to a kitchen (condos or rooms w/ kitchenettes) and a grocery store- I scope out my destination first so I can be prepared and disrupt the trip for others as little as possible.

   It can be really frustrating to watch others around you eat anything they want with seemingly no worries or cares while you have to be so diligent but it will pay off. You are worth this effort!

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   elana
   Key Master

   Hi Betty,

   Sounds like you have had a challenging time, sorry to hear that.

   I think the SCD is fantastic, however, it must be strictly adhered to in order for the gut to heal enough to see results.

   It can work when traveling if you have an omelette for breakfast, and then salad with grilled fish, chicken or beef for dinner. That's what I do when we travel and I eat apples and almonds as snacks. I haven't had a problem on the road in ordering this type of food, though maybe I've just been very lucky.

   I also really like the Paleo diet. That's a great one to use when not seeing results and the blog Mark's Daily Apple has some interesting things to share about that, frankly, even though my plan is kinda different from Mark's I think he is a genius!

   If you are feeling limited, here's some ideas per what I've eaten in the last few days:

   Salmon
   Chicken
   Eggs
   Turkey
   Roasted Garlic
   Beets
   Acorn Squash
   Mushrooms
   Onions
   Broccoli
   Mustard Greens
   Salad Greens
   Cucumber
   Carrots
   Jicama
   Celery
   Cauliflower
   Basil
   Parsley
   Almonds/ Almond Milk (for tea)
   Walnuts
   Chia Seeds
   Blueberries
   Strawberries
   Raspberries
   Ginger Tea
   Mint Tea

   I like to eat this way because I feel so good when I do. There are times when I don't eat this way and eat a tad more closely to what is on my blog. I go through phases and there is really no way to explain it other than listening to what works for me.

   Of course, I would not expect this to work for anyone else since I've figured out this plan after years of listening closely and know that it will change according to season, mood, family celebrations, etc.

   However, that means I would add in a few treats and extra fruits. I wouldn't venture into having grains though, that's where I draw the line and where all of my SCD friends and I agree that our bodies don't do well adding back in the corn, rice, etc., so it's just not worth it to us.

   Eating is all so personal, in every way, and as I emphasize, we all can figure out what works in our own bodies and it's different for everyone.

   Best of luck :-)

   Elana

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   Anabetica
   Member

   Thank you so much for your responses. I do have low adrenals according to my saliva test and am on supplements for it. I just had my complete workup and my Vit. D is still low. And I live in Miami. But it's too hot and humid and mosquitoey so I become a hermit during the summer.

   I do wish I was more aware of my body and how I react to foods. I'm just not in tune, especially if the reactions take a few days to show.

   Elana, I will look into the paleo diet. I've not researched that at all. Did you ever do SCD? It's a bit impossible for me. But I try.

   I love your list of foods. It's just that alot of my IgG reactive foods are among your list including all lettuce family, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, salmon, garlic, mushrooms, ginger, and walnuts, among others. I'm just not sure how much to pay attention to the test results.

   I would LOVE to see a sample of what you eat in a week, just to get some ideas. I have to learn to think outside the box.

   A friend advised me to start juicing to help heal my gut. I've been juicing carrots, apples, and beets. It is helping my gut, BUT, I find that I feel a little shaky, almost like a sugar rush. Maybe I should drink this accompanied by a fried egg for breakfast?

   I drink decaf coffee with tupelo honey (lowest glycemic honey) in the morning. Then I have an almond flour muffin sweetened with honey at some point during the day. For the most part, that's all the added sweetener I eat. But I have to have a nice warm cuppa something in the morning. What do you all have in the morning to get going and warm up to your day?

   Thanks for your suggestions. They are so helpful!

   Blessings,
   Betty

   Posted 1 year ago #

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