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Elana & others with celiac--management

(13 posts)
  • Started 1 year ago by Anabetica
  • Latest reply from foodintolerancescook

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  1. Anabetica
    Member

    I was diagnosed with celiac back in May and went gluten free. My celiac son and I were not feeling any better and were in fact reacting to a wide assortments of foods that we previously had no problem with (fruits and veggies even). I decided to try SCD (specific carb diet) and though it made sense to me, there is no way I can follow it as fanatically as I'm supposed to. My children and I travel often with my dh's work (we homeschool) and we have to rely on what we can find and easily prepare. I have to resort to eating out more often during the traveling. I stick to simply prepared meats/fish/poultry and steamed veggies, but every once in a while I still get glutened (like last night!).

    My dilemma is that I can't adhere 100% to SCD. Do I really need to? Elana, you are off all grains how are you doing with some of the other foods you have (that SCD considers illegal). I find it frustrating that so many of the foods (like Rooibos tea) that seem to soothe me are illegal on SCD. As a nurse, I feel like I need to understand why some of these foods are illegal. Is it necessary to be fanatical if I don't have Crohn's? I guess the fact is that I can't stick to it 100% anyways. How can I make the best of my situation?

    Before being diagnosed with celiac, I had NO stomach issues except bloating and unexplained weight gain. I was having some neurological issues and my very intuitive doctor thought to test me for celiac. NOW, I have daily stomach issues. I am so sensitive when I'm out of my routine foods. Last night I got glutened by hidden gluten and I was in severe pain. Thankfully, I fell asleep at some point anyways and am feeling a little better today. But it almost seems like I'm going backwards. I've never had pain like that or such sensitivity before. Is this normal?

    I fear asking these questions on the BTVC group, it's not really a list for those types of questions. So, I hope to pick your brains and get some feedback from you all. I would love to hear from you all.

    Blessings,
    Betty

    Posted 1 year ago #
  2. MiraD
    Member

    Not being on SCD but having UC and watching my gluten intake so I don't have the same issues you do but I wonder if some of your other stomach issues may be because related to your gut health. There's an excellent book by Liz Lipski called "Digestive Wellness" you might want to take a look at and see if there is helpful information there. Also, do you take probiotics? I think they are useful for everyone but critical for anyone with impaired digestive health.

    Be well,
    Mira

    Posted 1 year ago #
  3. Anabetica
    Member

    Hi Mira,

    I make my own yogurt and take additional probiotics. I do agree this is critical. I got some hidden gluten (in a barbeque sauce that said no wheat products but it did have soy products--soy sauce has gluten). I should have known better.

    If I'm home, I'm fine. I do okay. But away from home and traveling and relying on what I can find, it gets tricky.

    So, with UC you just watch your gluten intake? Do you do anything else? Thanks so much for sharing.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  4. Anabetica
    Member

    Just bumping this thread. I look forward to hear your replies.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  5. Celiac Disease is a serious autoimmune disorder for which the only treatment is a complete 100% gluten free diet.

    As with other autoimmune disorders if left untreated, asymptomatic or symptomatic, damage occurs.

    Often as the gut is healing it seems more sensitive than previously -- think of it as a healing open wound -- that is pretty much what it is.

    Probiotics are fantastic, as is aloe vera juice and water with honey -- these help heal and soothe the digestive tract.

    'Going Gluten Free' is not easy is this fast paced world of ours, but if you had diabetes you would take care of yourself. If you had a anaphalactic allergies you would take care of yourself. Celiac is no different -- take care of yourself -- do not eat gluten.

    Even as someone who likes to cook and bake -- going gluten free was a challenge -- like some folks when they quit smoking, it takes a couple of tries sometimes. But one must do it to improve ones health and well being.

    Do not give up on your health. PLEASE Maintain a complete gluten free diet when you have celiac or other gluten insensitivities.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  6. Jen
    Member

    Hi Anabetica,

    I've also found that my gut has reacted quite interestingly to things since I gave up gluten, dairy and other stuff. And when I do slip up the pain is like nothing I ever experienced before when I was eating all the nasties.

    Unfortunately, it does get worse before it gets better. But it does get better. However, I was able to go totally without gluten for 6 months. If you're still getting the ocassional dose perhaps your gut is not getting the opportunity to recover??? I find it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms of ingesting gluten to be fully gone.

    However, things that helped me...

    I found that in addition to all the good advice above two things really helped me out 1) Eating something raw every day. So, eating a pretty big salad each day. My digestion was able to cope so much better when I did slip up.

    2) Rotation was really the key. If I made a soup for dinner the night before, I just froze the left overs for another day. I just had to have different stuff each day. I know that probably doesn't help when travelling (I travelled vegan and gluten free across small country towns in Australia for three years. People looked at me like I was from another planet! I can't tell you how many times I've stirred a can of lentils through plain rice for dinner!)

    Oh, and Olive leaf extract and peppermint tea have been my saviours! My recommendation; find yourself an awesome naturopath and consult with them in conjuction with your GP.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  7. Hello! There is another great book on digestive health that REALLY helped me along with avoiding the other foods that aggervate my system. The book that really helped me is called The Body Ecology Diet. It is by Donna Gates and she has done ton's of research, and helped many people suffering from all kinds of gut problems, autoimmune problems, autism everything. She does all gluten free as well in the book, and talks a lot about the importance of probiotics. I know when I incorporated cultured veggies in my diet I saw a dramatic improvement in my stomach pains and other symptoms I still had after going gluten free, as well as my energy!! Hope this helps!

    Posted 1 year ago #
  8. Anabetica
    Member

    This is encouraging to read. Right now I'm traveling for 2 weeks. I do eat salad everyday because it's the one thing that I know is gluten free.

    I didn't bring my probiotics with me, but did pick up some Dannon natural yogurt.

    It's good to know that others have had similar experiences and that it will get better.

    I am trying to avoid grains, but sugar and corn syrup is hard. It's nice and cool where we are at so caramel lattes taste even better. I try to make these infrequent even though I seem to do okay with them.

    What gets me is processed foods and ice-cream that's got alot of ingredients (artificial stuff). I can handle dairy, just without all the added junk.

    I will also look for some olive leaf extract.I can't do peppermint.

    Rotation is hard. I find one thing that I can eat that doesn't bother my stomach and I tend to eat it very often, like eggs, sauteed zucchini, roasted turkey, chicken, etc...

    Thanks so much for your tips and recommendations.

    Blessings,
    Betty

    Posted 1 year ago #
  9. Regnbue
    Member

    Good to hear that you're doing better :)

    Remember to keep in mind that the spice mixes on the roasted chickens you can buy at diners and stores, often cointains gluten in some form. Don't buy spice mixes, but blend your own spices! Another thing I would stay away from, is MSG or monosodium glutamate. They put this in almost everything here in Norway, and you can get som bad reactions to it. I would also like to point out that celiacs often reacts to dairy-products. My advise is to just cut it out, it made me feel a whole lot better.

    Good luck!

    Posted 1 year ago #
  10. Shari Galeano
    Member

    Betty,

    I was curious how you feel when you eat plain organic rice? I am just trying to figure out how much to cut out of my diet. I am off potatos, corn, dairy, gluten, wheat, and red meat.

    What I do eat is always organic.

    Thanks
    Shari

    Posted 1 year ago #
  11. Anabetica
    Member

    I am so terrible in noticing if something doesn't go down well. Usually it isn't an immediate reaction. I have eaten rice on occasion. It's hard to be Cuban and not eat white rice and black beans. I just noticing feeling very "full". I don't really notice any other symptoms.

    But at the same time, I don't notice feeling less fatigue and more energy. I'm cutting out all grains and sugar (this one is the hard one for me--I love chai lattes from Panera). I do want to feel better. The fatigue I feel is very debilitating sometimes.

    I am researching GAPS diet which is an updated and similar form of SCD.

    Thanks!
    Betty

    Posted 1 year ago #
  12. mmmomx2
    Member

    We figured out in June that my son and I were Celiac, and just recently, my daughter as well. My symptoms also got worse at first (the first 8 days were terrible!), then better, but my stomach is still often upset. I can't eat soy or dairy either, but from what I've gathered from other celiacs, this is pretty normal. Many said it took them six months to a year to really feel well again. Remember, your intestines have suffered years of damage, and they aren't going to heal in a month or two. Also, since they are damaged, any food can cause trouble if it leaks through, not just gluten. I think we both need to give our bodies the time to heal.

    Posted 1 year ago #
  13. I think I might have something to help you out. I have recipes and reviews on my new website. They are GF, Sugar-free, dairy-free, and more! Check them out (and their reviews) on my website http://www.foodintolerancescook.wordpress.com

    Posted 1 year ago #

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