Question for Jordy and anyone else following a GF diet.
#333606 - 07/30/08 11:20 AM
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Fen
Reged: 03/01/08
Posts: 574
Loc: Central NY
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Well, I guess it's actually more than one question 
What made you decide to quit eating gluten?
And have you noticed any improvement?
I followed a gluten free diet for quite a while after a doctor recommended it - I was having huge belly problems after eating lots of bran and wheat. I initially noticed quite a bit of improvement - I have absolutely no clue if this was from giving up all wheat, or just the bran. I was really constipated on the diet however (lots of white rice and starchy substitues) and so still felt like crap and began eating wheat again. Shortly after I began eating wheat again is (as far as I can remember) when the bloating began. And it's been worsening since then, almost two years ago now.
I tested negative for the Celiac blood test, but this test is notably unreliable - one could be gluten intolerant and have a negative test.
I keep wavering back and forth on this (once a day or so). Just curious what others' experiences were...
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IBS-C
Edited by Fen (07/30/08 11:21 AM)
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We put DS on GF diet for behavioral issues and saw a HUGE improvement. He also recently tested negative for Celiac's but I'm keeping him off gluten anyway. As a result of DS being off gluten, my diet became almost GF and I noticed that the bloating decreased and that I just felt better. When I eat something w/gluten I feel fatigued and I do get bloated, so that was really all I needed to know. I trust my body! Bloating is a huge issue for me - the more bloated I am the more likely my colon is to seize and that always leads to a severe attack for me. It is the worst pain ever, so anything that reduces bloating is something I want to stick to! I even experimented yesterday w/whole wheat pastry flour, thinking that since it's lighter it might be okay. W/in a short time of sampling the vegan muffins I had made, I started feeling sick. So that confirmed it for me. HTH!
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Thanks, that is helpful.
So do you combine a GF diet with the EFI diet? Or are you ok with fruits and salads and things??
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IBS-C
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Fen.....
#333614 - 07/30/08 12:52 PM
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Hapamama
Reged: 05/15/08
Posts: 164
Loc: Seattle
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Yes, I have been combining GF w/EFI. I do eat things that are said to be no-no's on the EFI, but I am careful to combine them w/good GF SF's,eat them in very small quantities (smaller portion size/more frequent meals have been a big life saver for me) Although I eat way less fruit, I have been able to eat green veggies, in very small portions w/success by eating a good poriton of SF before and after I consume the veggies. So I eat my salad/veggies last and follow it up w/a few bites of rice. I let the the SF act as a cushion. I also have learned to respect my eating time better by eating sitting down and slowly. That makes a big difference too. HTH! Hang in there and keep listening to your body, it will tell you what you need.
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Ok, Hapamama
#333618 - 07/30/08 01:54 PM
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Fen
Reged: 03/01/08
Posts: 574
Loc: Central NY
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One more question. How long would you say you were eating GF (or mostly GF) before you noticed a difference? In bloating? Fatigue?
I want to give it a fair shot, but each time I do I inevitably give up because I don't immediately feel better.
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IBS-C
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Hey Fen -
Are you sure it was gluten that made you bloated, or was it yeast?
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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I'm really not sure of anything anymore, Fancymom. But I did eat yeasted GF bread when I did the GF diet, and like I said, didn't experience this tremendous bloating until I began eating wheat again.
I do see how yeasted foods would make things ferment and bubble and gas even more in our guts. But my gut tells me (no pun intended) that it's not as simple as that for me. Because I really don't think I can tolerate the Ezekiel breads or tortillas or wheat cereals, and none of those have yeast.
I wish I could be fed intravenously and just forget about eating all together 
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IBS-C
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Me too!! I want chocolate cake and ice cream in MY IV!!!
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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I noticed a change in my energy level and bloating almost immediately - I honestly felt lighter - not so heavy and full KWIM? I also am able for the first time in years to wear my pants all day long - they're not too tight late at night due to bloating. Before, if I had my pants on too late into the evening, it could trigger an attack because they would be too tight on my belly. As I write this, it's 8:12pm and I'm comfortably SITTING in the same pants I put on this morning. I could not have done that before. I really hope this helps you too!
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I eat those things - just not loaded w/gluten and dairy. I am not an advocate of deprivation!
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Do you eat any type of bread product at all? I'm trying yeast free and I've tried GF, but I didn't stick to it. The certified naturopathic consultant at my former HFS had just gone on a GF diet - right before she sold her store - and told me that she had been GF for about 6 months and what a difference it had made in every aspect of her life. She did not have celiac sprue, just decided the gluten was not good for her and eliminated it. I also tested negative, but have difficulty discerning is it the gluten? is it the yeast? is it IBS? AND, I know one of my biggest problems is portion control! When I feel good I want to eat everything! (oink!oink!)  If you can, reply and let me know if you eat any grains - other than rice - or any breads.... Thanks! - Dorothy
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"I Will Survive! :-)... I shall live and not die and declare the works of The Lord..."
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Quote:
I noticed a change in my energy level and bloating almost immediately - I honestly felt lighter - not so heavy and full KWIM? I also am able for the first time in years to wear my pants all day long - they're not too tight late at night due to bloating. Before, if I had my pants on too late into the evening, it could trigger an attack because they would be too tight on my belly. As I write this, it's 8:12pm and I'm comfortably SITTING in the same pants I put on this morning. I could not have done that before. I really hope this helps you too!
Now that's impressive!! 
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IBS-C
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I sure WISH I could have those things, but I know deep down I just can't. Whenever I eat yeasty or sugary foods I get the worst belly ache, belly bloat, gas, cramps and constipation or diarrhea in the world!
I guess I didn't realize how bad it was until my last little experiment with getting OFF sugar completely. I felt SOOOO much better that now I am determined to stick to it!! If I eat NO sugar at all, then I can cheat once or twice a month, and it doesn't make me feel miserable! So, for the sake of health...an SANITY...I HAVE to stop eating sugar - COLD TURKEY!
I actually started 2 days ago. My belly has gone from looking 7 months pregnant, to only looking about 4. Huge improvement. If I keep going, pretty soon the belly bloat will be gone. I will have regular BMs, no gas or cramping, and just MAYBE I can try to start living a normal life again...and that sounds wonderful!!
So - eat some cake for me, would ya?!?!
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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Ok ok I'll eat some cake for you.Chocolate alright?
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IBS-D since 1999...mostly stable..i do cheat too.Bad me.
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Yes. Chocolate with chocolate chips and chocolate icing!!
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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I was wondering if you had ever tried vegan chocolates or grain sweetened chocolates? Also have you ever had a vegan/GF chocolate cake or brownie?
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I think it might just be whole wheat for me, but I'm not 100% sure, so I don't muck w/it too much. We eat Trader Joes Brown Rice bread most of the time. I do eat some flour breads if my stool is more on the runny side, like during my period. For some reason, during that time, it does not blow me up - or I'm already so blown up anyway I don't notice We also eat a lot of corn tortillas -quesadillas have replaced sandwiches in our house, and corn tortilla chips. As for other flours, I stay away from most grains. We have used bean flours w/a great deal of success so we still have pancakes, muffins, banana bread etc...I rarely feel deprived!
Portion control is a major part of my digestive health. I eat many times during the day, but very small portions. If I were to sit down and eat what most people consider to be a meal, I know I would bloat and it's highly likely that I would have a flare. It has taken me a long time to refine this part of my diet - a long time and patience with myself. It also means really listening to my body for signs that I am full. It's tricky! Plus we're so geared to overconsumption in the United States anyway.
I hope this helps somewhat - it's such a trial and error process, I know it gets frustrating.
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Yes. I used to eat carob...which is vegan. It's the sugar content that bothers me.
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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Hapamama -
#333710 - 07/31/08 04:42 PM
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GaGa
Reged: 01/12/08
Posts: 534
Loc: Florida
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Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and answer my questions... When I find out if I'm eating for IBS or the Yeast/Sugar free - which is even more restrictive, then I know I'll have some options. Wish we had a Trader Joe's here.... Thanks again - Dorothy
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"I Will Survive! :-)... I shall live and not die and declare the works of The Lord..."
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After testing positive for gluten sensitivity in my stool test, I got off gluten for good and my symptoms have imporved 90%.
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Did you do the Enterolab testing?
Did you pay for it out of pocket, or did insurance cover it?
I want to do the Enterolab testing for gluten and dairy (I'd actually love to do them all!) but I'm having a hard time justifying spending that kind of money when an elimination test is free.
Of course, the elimination test is not 100% reliable if you have more than one sensitivity...
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IBS-C
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I paid out of pocket and just for the gluten sensitivity test. And yes, I ordered the test through Enterolab and I would recommend it to anybody. The test is very easy and you get the results quickly. I paid about $100 for the test and they pay for all shipping and handling charges. I found the results very accurate and helpful. If it wasnt for them, I wouldve never went on a gluten free diet.
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Sorry Lyndeigh, I feel like I have so many questions!
Do you eat dairy?
Do you just follow the GF diet, or do you combine GF and EFI principles?
I followed a gluten free diet for close to a year in the past. Like I said, I did find some, but not complete, relief from my symptoms. But I wasn't keeping a diet journal back then (unfortunately) so I have no idea what the problem was. My thought is that I was eating too many processed, starchy, gluten free goodies and not enough real food.
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IBS-C
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no problem, ask as many questions as you want. I do eat dairy, I have to have a lactaid with it. Like, I can eat cheese, and ice cream as long as I take lactaid with it. I also do follow some of Heathers eating for IBS principles, such as I dont eat a lot of IF veggies on an empty stomach, I dont eat very greasy or high fat foods and I always eat lots of soluble fiber. Please feel free to ask any more questions. Also, remember that sometimes its hard to identify gluten in foods. Many foods that you wouldnt suspect have gluten do, such as some frenchfries, certain candies, and cereals you wouldnt think (such as rice krispies)
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Thanks! Hidden gluten isn't really a concern - like I said, I followed the diet for a year in the past, and nothing makes you a better detective than following a gf diet! I guess I just don't know where to draw the line. Some say eliminating gluten is enough, some say you have to eliminate casein with the gluten, some say you need to eliminate soy as well...
I often wish there was one clear diet to follow, or that all of the millions of tests I've been through have yielded more clear-cut results.
I think I am going to investigate the Enterolab testing further. I was looking into a test that costs $369 - it's a stool and genetic test for gluten, as well as a casein test. But maybe I'll just get the stool test for gluten, as it's certainly cheaper.
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IBS-C
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Sorry, just seeing this now! I'll come back and tell you my drama when I have the proper time. Real quickly, though....I was having diarrhea all day long. I read an article about celiac disease and thought I might have that. I got my blood tested and 2 out of 3 tests came back positive for gluten antibodies. So, I had a biopsy, which was normal.
I decided to eat GF anyhow.....those antibodies concerned me. I went from chronic D to chronic C....to the point I needed Miralax.
More later....the doctors all say there isn't any reason for me to eat GF....and I honestly don't know if has helped or not. I hate C!
I have been GF for 3 or 4 years now. It's hard to tell if it is helping. I quit drinking soda all day long at the same time.
You've tried GF before, and you didn't find relief, did you?
Let me know if you decide to do this diet again and how it goes.
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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Hey Fen.
Look for a ELISA test. It is awesome. Very expensive, though. I think it's about as much as the stool test, only the ELISA is a blood test. It tests for pretty much everything - food-wise. Wheat, gluten, all sugars - including fructose, fruits, etc.
I was thinking about getting that one myself.
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FancyMom
IBS-A,Constipation predominant, GERD
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I can't find a doctor who puts enough faith in those tests to order one for me - I've asked! They've all basically told me that it's BS!
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IBS-C
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Sometimes you have to go in the "back door". Years ago I started seeing a GP who had an awesome Nurse Practitioner. When she opened her own practice, I followed her and have been with her ever since. She has helped me more than any other MD, but is vigilant to send me to specialists when necessary - i.e. I see a GYN, GI MD, Urologist, ENT Orthopedist...(when needed). However, she knows about IBS...Candida... all these things busy drs. don't want to be bothered with or don't believe in. She will order any test I want, makes sure I have complete/comprehensive bloodwork twice a year, pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds yearly - you name it - sinus CAT scans...listens to me and we decide on treatment plans. Of course, I have thrown away many prescriptions over the years - but she also knows I have adverse reactions to so many meds, I'm scared to try anything new. Another alternative is perhaps a D.O. who believes in treating the whole body...
Just FYI....
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"I Will Survive! :-)... I shall live and not die and declare the works of The Lord..."
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