Elimination diet advice.

RobynLB

I have had stomach problems for years now, and I have managed to figure out that the worst of my symptoms are triggered by: wheat, corn, and dairy. I avoid these foods, but eat them in small quantities (i.e. a bite of a cookie) from time to time, and I still suffer from consistent moderate to severe symptoms including: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal cramping. It's gotten to the point where I dread eating because I don't know if it's going to make my symptoms worse. When the worst of it kicks in, it can last for about a week.

I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm starting to get nutritional deficiencies because my diet has become so restrictive, and I am aftraid to eat new foods and pre-prepared foods because I don't know what will happen.

Should I try to stick to a strict gluten free diet? Is it those small bits of irritants that are causing my continued symptoms? Or should I try an elimination diet in order to figure out if there is some other food that's causing these issues? Has anyone done an elimination diet? Can you recommend a resource? My dr. hasn't been much help. He just suggests identifying and cutting out more foods. Thanks.

alschultz33

I would definitely try the gluten free diet. From what friends with similar issues have told me, you can't go partially gluten free. It's an all or nothing kind of thing. Otherwise it's just a waste and won't help you.

Honestly, you'd be better off asking your doctor how to handle this. He/she would be more qualified to tell you if you're having allergic reactions to gluten.

Good luck!

LoraF83

If your symptoms are that severe, please talk to your doctor.

cmriverside

You've "come to the conclusion"? No where in your post do you mention an actual diagnosis.

But if I were having that much of an issue, I would see a second doctor.

There are plenty of foods to eat on a gluten/dairy free plan.

You can google gluten free diet plans.

RobynLB

I bring it up with my dr. every time I see him. It's just not something that drs. take all that seriously in a young healthy patient. As I said, his advice is, eliminate more foods. So now, I'm trying to figure out the best way to identify and eliminate other possible problem foods.

Also, there are not "plenty of foods" in a gluten, corn, dairy free diet that also excludes some fruits and veggies. It's pretty restrictive when you get down to it. And I am sooooo sick of eating rice based foods that are basically empty calories.

alanlmarshall

Get a new doctor, then get tested for celiac disease.

aehenson

If your insurance doesn't require a referral, go see a GI doctor.

kr1stadee

Advice? Find a new doctor.

twinketta

Get a new doctor, then get tested for celiac disease.

I agree. If you aren`t tested and it is not proved what food intolerance's you have then you can eliminate foods till the cows come home, but may not see an improvement in your health

memcd911

You need a new doctor then... It is entirely something that should be taken seriously. It could be something as "simple" and IBS or something as severe as crohn's disease. It's absolutely NOT normal to be in pain and experiencing all of those things regardless of your diet.

lizzybethclaire

If your symptoms are that severe, please talk to your doctor.

This. See a doctor. You may have a food allergy.

calibriintx

I have had stomach problems for years now, and I have managed to figure out that the worst of my symptoms are triggered by: wheat, corn, and dairy. I avoid these foods, but eat them in small quantities (i.e. a bite of a cookie) from time to time, and I still suffer from consistent moderate to severe symptoms including: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal cramping. It's gotten to the point where I dread eating because I don't know if it's going to make my symptoms worse. When the worst of it kicks in, it can last for about a week.

I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm starting to get nutritional deficiencies because my diet has become so restrictive, and I am aftraid to eat new foods and pre-prepared foods because I don't know what will happen.

Should I try to stick to a strict gluten free diet? Is it those small bits of irritants that are causing my continued symptoms? Or should I try an elimination diet in order to figure out if there is some other food that's causing these issues? Has anyone done an elimination diet? Can you recommend a resource? My dr. hasn't been much help. He just suggests identifying and cutting out more foods. Thanks.

You need to see a gastroenterologist. Chronic constipation, diarrhea and stomach pain needs to be addressed. I did a TED when my daughter was born b/c she had severe reflux, but it was under the care of my doctor to make sure I was getting enough calories for the both of us. Seriously, make an appt! Good luck!

MightyDomo

Don't let the doctor shrug you off if you feel there is reason to be concerned. You can use the diary you have here and indicate what you have been eating and also log when you have any symptoms. Bring this and information on allergies and intolerances as well as illnesses linked to these allergies and intolerances and ask your doctor to do more. The more info you arm yourself with the more likely they are to listen .

MissPeppers

Definitely see a doctor.

I have IBS and it's a bit tricky to diagnose but it can be done. I've had symptoms that varies from week to week though, sometimes I can eat this and that, other times I can not.

legnarevocrednu

My best friend saw a nutritionist/allergist who was able to identify all sorts of things she was allergic to just by having her hold something that contained a specific ingredient (like gluten). It sounds strange, but since she has cut out the items that were identified as "triggers", she has lost weight and feels a lot better. She found out she was allergic to gluten that way, as well as bananas and a bunch of other things. It could be a wide range of things. So my suggestion is to hunt down one of these people and see if they can help you. Good luck!

lynn1982

If you've gone through all channels and you're not getting satisfactory advice or being taken seriously from allopathic doctors, try a naturopathic doctor. I had various problems since childhood - mostly digestive issues and migraines. The digestive issues were chalked up to a "nervous stomach." I was tested for allergies and finally diagnosed with IBS as a teenager, but it was hard to figure out food triggers. About a year ago I started seeing a naturopath who guided me through an elimination diet. I'd say my digestive issues and migraines are about 95% better. I've had to cut out wheat, dairy, corn, red wine, and red meat (in addition to peanut butter and avocado due to diagnosed allergies). Just because you don't test positive for something on a standard allergy test does not mean that your body is not having an adverse reaction to it.

Try to cut out wheat and dairy COMPLETELY for a little while and see what happens. And obviously, keep checking in with your doctor until you get answers. Be aware too that wheat and gluten can be hiding in certain foods like deli meats, soy sauce, and even oatmeal (just due to the way it is produced).