Does anyone here follow a gluten free diet?

curly1980 · February 2014

Hi,

I am asking because I would like to try it out for a while to see if I feel any better. I have had symptoms on and off since my early 20's, I am now 32, but recently my symptoms have been consistent especially the last few weeks.

I have migraines, which I have medication for, persistent bloating, stomach cramps, a queasy kind of just eaten feeling, tiredness, excessive flatulence and I have been feeling like I'm on the verge of coming down with something like flu but I never do.

I have seen numerous doctors and I had scans when I was younger and have never had the migraines investigated. I have low iron levels which I have always attributed the tiredness and flu like feelings too but it is getting bad now not to mention embarrassing.

What kind of foods would I eat to diet and be gluten free?

This is just trial and error, I have not been advised by a doctor.

Also how soon would I see a decrease in symptoms if it was the gluten?

Thanks in advance

farfalla2015 · February 2014

I do!!!!!

It could take up to six months for symptoms to improve. It took my daughter only a month.

There are so many GF options out there!

curly1980 · February 2014

Please excuse me if this is plain rude and you do not have to answer but do you and your daughter experience the same symptoms as I do?

DaveneGfit · February 2014

I follow a gluten free diet!

farfalla2015 · February 2014

Please excuse me if this is plain rude and you do not have to answer but do you and your daughter experience the same symptoms as I do?

Absolutely! Stomach bloating, cramping, flatulence (lovely ain't it?) diarrhea, fatigue, fog brain (my term).

You don't have to be positive for Celiac disease to be glucose intolerant.

curly1980 · February 2014

Thank you both of yo I will give this a go for a while and see if it all gets a bit better....I have been made out to be a crazy hypochondriac by doctors....one even told me all my symptoms were present because I was fat, I was 22 at the time and I was devestated! I was 3 stone lighter then too!

It looks really hard! Do you get most of your carbs from fruit, veg and rice?

knittnponder · February 2014

Please excuse me if this is plain rude and you do not have to answer but do you and your daughter experience the same symptoms as I do?

Absolutely! Stomach bloating, cramping, flatulence (lovely ain't it?) diarrhea, fatigue, fog brain (my term).

You don't have to be positive for Celiac disease to be glucose intolerant.

I am also gluten free but when we first went GF it was just for my oldest daughter. She had most of the same symptoms and they cleared within a month for her. The whole family went GF because it was just easier for me and I discovered that I too felt better and my migraines (that I hadn't yet linked to the gluten) went away. After several months my son went to Boy Scout camp where he ate gluten all week long. He came home feeling crappy but we attributed it to the junky food they were eating. He kept eating gluten every week at church and every Monday or Tuesday he'd end up with a migraine and nausea, sometimes he'd even throw up. I finally made the connection, he cut it out and he hasn't had a migraine since.

In addition to the migraines, fatigue, stomach bloating, diarrhea and brain fog we also get mood swings (we're all very emotional if we've been glutened!) and aching muscles. The way you feel when your body aches when you've got the flu is the best way I can describe it. I am actually grain and potato free now because I've discovered that I get the same symptoms from those as I do gluten. Corn, potatoes and anything with gluten are my main triggers.

farfalla2015 · February 2014

Thank you both of yo I will give this a go for a while and see if it all gets a bit better....I have been made out to be a crazy hypochondriac by doctors....one even told me all my symptoms were present because I was fat, I was 22 at the time and I was devestated! I was 3 stone lighter then too!

It looks really hard! Do you get most of your carbs from fruit, veg and rice?

Doctors do not have a clue about this (not all) but most. Their goal is to medicate you.

I don't do rice but I do enjoy my fruits and veggies. There are GF cereals for breakfast or have eggs. Google it, just so many options out there.

farfalla2015 · February 2014

Please excuse me if this is plain rude and you do not have to answer but do you and your daughter experience the same symptoms as I do?

Absolutely! Stomach bloating, cramping, flatulence (lovely ain't it?) diarrhea, fatigue, fog brain (my term).

You don't have to be positive for Celiac disease to be glucose intolerant.

I am also gluten free but when we first went GF it was just for my oldest daughter. She had most of the same symptoms and they cleared within a month for her. The whole family went GF because it was just easier for me and I discovered that I too felt better and my migraines (that I hadn't yet linked to the gluten) went away. After several months my son went to Boy Scout camp where he ate gluten all week long. He came home feeling crappy but we attributed it to the junky food they were eating. He kept eating gluten every week at church and every Monday or Tuesday he'd end up with a migraine and nausea, sometimes he'd even throw up. I finally made the connection, he cut it out and he hasn't had a migraine since.

In addition to the migraines, fatigue, stomach bloating, diarrhea and brain fog we also get mood swings (we're all very emotional if we've been glutened!) and aching muscles. The way you feel when your body aches when you've got the flu is the best way I can describe it. I am actually grain and potato free now because I've discovered that I get the same symptoms from those as I do gluten. Corn, potatoes and anything with gluten are my main triggers.

I think we're related (sans the migraines)

I don't do potato either and I do my best to avoid corn. I would love to be entirely grain free but It hasn't happened yet.

curly1980 · February 2014

Aching muscles! yes! Again I was told I had mild fybromyalgia...I am definitely going to do this. Brain fog I get daily.......

curly1980 · February 2014

I will be hitting Google hard tonight.

It's like a lightbulb has gone off.....the worst that can happen is I don't feel any better.

knittnponder · February 2014

I also have a Fibromyalgia diagnosis but it magically goes away when I don't eat those foods.

While I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I hope you find some relief. Here's a link for one of the GF groups on MFP.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/129-gluten-free

curly1980 · February 2014

I also have a Fibromyalgia diagnosis but it magically goes away when I don't eat those foods. While I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I hope you find some relief. Here's a link for one of the GF groups on MFP.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/129-gluten-free

thank you

MelissaPhippsFeagins · February 2014

Hi,

I am asking because I would like to try it out for a while to see if I feel any better. I have had symptoms on and off since my early 20's, I am now 32, but recently my symptoms have been consistent especially the last few weeks.

I have migraines, which I have medication for, persistent bloating, stomach cramps, a queasy kind of just eaten feeling, tiredness, excessive flatulence and I have been feeling like I'm on the verge of coming down with something like flu but I never do.

I have seen numerous doctors and I had scans when I was younger and have never had the migraines investigated. I have low iron levels which I have always attributed the tiredness and flu like feelings too but it is getting bad now not to mention embarrassing.

What kind of foods would I eat to diet and be gluten free?

This is just trial and error, I have not been advised by a doctor.

Also how soon would I see a decrease in symptoms if it was the gluten?

Thanks in advance

I had all of this for 5.5 years, plus terrible inflammation in my joints. My doctor knew it was autoimmune for most of that time, but since I have a family member with lupus and one with RA, we chased those for a while before my celiac test. I recommend getting tested BEFORE you eliminate gluten as I am miserable after even a small accidental ingestion.

Day 3 gluten free I woke up without a headache for the first time in more than the 5.5 years. The gastro symptoms took 2-4 mo to resolve completely. The tired/getting sick feeling took 6-8. The anemia took until October of last year to be where my doctor wants it without iron supplementation. There is no way on earth that I would eat gluten on purpose again. There are a couple of things that make me miss it - a particularly good bagel shop when they are baking and King Cake and Highland Brewing Oatmeal Porter - none of them are worth what happens when I even forget to wash the toaster oven rack after my kids use it. (Note to self: more toaster bags, stat!) My diary is open if you want to take a peek.

thutch40 · February 2014

Hi
I have been gf now for about a year. I have pcos and have been advised by doctors to go gluten free. It's expensive and overwhelming. I shop in bulk and make my own breads and treats. You can eat just about everything but just make sure it's gf. Just because it's gf doesn't mean it's better for u the calories r much higher. I bought the wheat belly book the recipes are easy and taste great. Good luck

kylinjames · February 2014

I was given the dreaded Celiac Disease diagnosis a few months ago (I was CRAZY in love with bread), and almost immediately found relief from the symptoms. Some will go away faster than others, it depends on the person. In the beginning it can be difficult to go GF, but it is worth it. I made the transition easier for myself by completely eliminating the GF alternatives to bread, etc - they cost far too much for my budget and just aren't as good to me. Good luck in going GF - I hope you get results from it and start feeling better! Feel free to add me if you want any help/advice!

ashenriver · February 2014

I had all of this for 5.5 years, plus terrible inflammation in my joints. My doctor knew it was autoimmune for most of that time, but since I have a family member with lupus and one with RA, we chased those for a while before my celiac test. I recommend getting tested BEFORE you eliminate gluten as I am miserable after even a small accidental ingestion.

^^THIS, get tested before you change your diet otherwise you could get a false negative.

Doctors are more willing and knowledgeable about celiac disease and gluten intolerance now then they were a few years ago.

It is not something I would try on a whim, it is way more expensive and time consuming of a diet. For example a package of pasta $1.00, a package of gluten free pasta - over $4.00. I work with several people with celiac and they end up making all their foods from scratch.

Also you have an allergy or intolerance to something other then gluten. Keep track of what you eat and how you feel to take to the doctor.

Also once you have a diagnosis in Canada you can claim your gluten free groceries as a medical expense.

liftsforchocolate · February 2014

I do! When I do eat small amounts in pasta, bread etc I get horrible aches. Pretty sure I'm allergic.

Gluten free is so much easier too! A lot of gf options available now compared to before. What I miss out on I make up for with sweet potatoes, oatmeal, gf protein bars, udi's choc chip cookies, bagel crisps. I could go on and on haha

curly1980 · February 2014

Thanks for all the advice...I'm finding it ok without having to buy the substitutes but I have been caught out a couple if times by just assuming a food couldn't possibly have gluten but after feeling like poo I've read the wrapper and yep it contained gluten.

To get tested I have to go back to eating gluten and I don't know if I can do that as I feel so much better without it. Plus I think it's just an intolerance and was told it wouldn't show up on a test.

Maybe in a few months if its making me feel much better I might try the substitutes but I'm actually enjoying my food right now!

Again thank you for all you're input it really does help and its nice to know I'm not alone!

Skarlet13 · February 2014

I'm gluten free and I love it. I feel a million times better. I could list my symptoms, but it could take a while. LOL. They all went away with gf diet. I'm also dairy free.

TheContraryAthlete · February 2014

I'm gluten, dairy, soy, rice, and egg free...I was having tons of problems...weight gain, hair loss on my head, but growing on my face, body aches, hashimotos thyroid, PCOS, anemia, and my list could go on. I initially had no idea that food sensitivities could add to my issues, and didn't even know what gluten was. I've been at this for over six months, have lost 40lbs, and have been feeling great.

Gluten free is only expensive and overwhelming if you let it be. I stopped trying to 'replace' the things I was eating with the gluten free versions, and instead have changed my diet completely. I eat mostly whole foods (lots of protein, veggies, stone fruits and berries) and the only 'grain' type foods I allow myself are corn tortillas or quinoa.

You can do this...I know everyone is different, but I could feel improvement in the first week. Good luck!

Whambam087 · February 2014

Yes, I'm gluten and grain free here! I have to admit, I was skeptical at eating this way at first, because it's a lot different than the SAD and seemed sort of extreme and faddish, but I can't deny how absolutely wonderful I feel when I eat this way! No more brain fog; stable moods and energy; no cravings or obsessing about my next meal; bloating be gone; improvements in physical fitness, and an easier time leaning out. And my blood work was further confirmation that this is definitely working for me: BP 100/60, fasting glucose 70, Triglycerides <50, Total Cholesterol 170, HDL 95, LDL 60. Will it work for everyone? I don't know. But this works for me!

servicedograiser · February 2014

I have since 2001...and by doing it my digestive system fixed my lactose and high fructose intolerances too. By 2003 my head cleared enough to ask my doctor if there was titanium in titanium dioxide (duh) a food additive in lots of processed foods and pills. Once that was removed my chronic constipation was finally cleared up. I have found out by trial and error that soy stops my weight loss, and later was diagnosed hypothyroid.

There are lots of food options out there but so calorie dense! For me they work by being on my shelf, not in my oven.

EverythingNicki · February 2014

I have been Gluten free for almost 2 years now with similar symptoms. I also have a 9 year old who is gluten intolerant and has mood swings, anger, and depression when he eats gluten. As a family we took the GF a step further when we had our youngest diagnosed with a dairy intolerance and went full Paleo. So no grains, legumes, sugar, corn, potatoes, soy, or dairy. We had had issues with auto immune disorders, joint pain, inflammation, skin issues, headaches etc. We have been Paleo 9 months and although it is a total life style change we will never go back! I love to cook so if you ever have a question on what you can make that is reminiscent of a food you use to eat that you miss I could probably help with recipes. It did take over a month for the detox to be complete enough to gauge how we were feeling as it is a time issue when getting off foods your body has become addicted to. I know for me as well that I cannot cheat with gluten ever! I have accidentally had something like soy sauce in the beginning which at first I did not know contained gluten and my body let me know within 15 minutes of ingesting it and then I had to run to a rest room. Hope that helps and good luck on your journey to health!

cclark1203 · February 2014

I would read info from Dr. Mark Hyman who wrote a bunch of books, primarily the Blood Sugar Solution and the10 day detox. Also Read Grain Brain by Dr. Perlmutter. It may shed some light on other avenues to pursue also. They both are proponents of GF but also look at other things too. Might help and couldn't hurt. I have been gluten free along with egg free, dairy free. I had some blood testing done that indicated I have sensitivities or intolerances to many foods such as bananas, all melons, all gourds, yeast (bakers and brewers), vanilla, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, cloves and others. On my own I have added to my list probably another 10 items which are family members to the ones I tested positive to. While not an exact science, it has done wonders for my headaches, digestive system, skin, etc. The reason for the year long removal is to give my digestive system a chance to heal. Since I have removed these foods and started using medical shakes to replace the nutrients lost in my foods (which I wasn't necessarily absorbing anyway) I feel wonderful, good sleep, lots of energy, clear minded (no fog brain), lost 20 lbs and the list goes on and on. Good luck and keep pursuing good health. Also, my bp #';s have gone down to normal, my blood sugar is now of a 20 yr. old (I am 55) and before I was pre-diabetic. Next week I will find out if my inflammation # and Cholesterol #'s have gone back to normal. It's sort of like following paleo like the poster above but a bit more specific because of the testing and knowing what other foods to remove. While all the foods I had to remove are "good" for you foods they weren't for me.

Madaly320 · March 2014

I know this is an old post, but...

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in OCT 2012. My symptoms were the same as yours. My primary symptoms were migraines and "brain fog" and the next biggest one was digestive issues. I suffered with all of that for years. Within a week of stopping all gluten, the things I had experienced for over 17 years were GONE.

It is definitely worth a try as eating Gluten is not essential in daily living. you do not need to eat it, so its not like it will hurt you to stop.

As for dieting while being gluten free, the best things to eat is just clean, whole food like meats, fish, fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, I have got myself hooked on a lot of gluten free versions of foods like breads and cakes and cookies, which most of the time have more calories and fat than the gluten versions. When I am trying to lose weight, I keep all that to a minimum and eat more vegetables, more salads, greek yogurts. I buy Gluten free oatmeal too. I actually havent had a problem with regular oatmeal but there is so much risk of cross contamination with it that I don't like to chance it. The simpler you keep your diet when going GF, the better.

servicedograiser · March 2014

I have been gluten free since 2001, discovered it while on 6 week makeover diet -- clean for 3 weeks then ate one chicken McNugget and all I wanted to do was go take a NaP!

Eating gluten causes my face to flush for hours, fatigue, and gives me 4 days of absolute constipation!, all of which I can do without!

Since the gluten free foods are calorie dense they look better on my shelves than on me, but I like to know they are there if I choose to make them.

Does anyone here follow a gluten free diet?

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