Lay it on me reasons to give GF a try?

[mykdsmomy]

I have posted here before (I'm sure) of wanting to go GF/CF but I haven't been able to do it yet. My dh is not on board and while he isn't "against" me trying it, he's definitely not supportive.

I have a list 10 miles long of health issues: depression, anxiety, infertility, IBS (this is huge and basically prevents me from doing soooo much)., I also have some sort of undiagnosed autoimmune disorder (lots of pain, fatigue, rashes, etc).

Our youngest ds5 has ADHD, FASD, Mood disorder, OCD, GAD, etc....

I have read how GF can really help all these symptoms BUT I am skeptical and more than that, I am terrified to give up my food. I am seriously addicted to food. It is where I seek comfort. Yes, it's wrong and sick but it has come to be a coping mechanism for me.
I am sick of being sick. I am sick of being fat and hurting and tired and needing a nap every day because of it!

I thought I could try the diet first and see how I feel. If I feel better, then I will be more inclined (and up for the task) of restricting ds's diet. He is a picky eater and I honestly do not have the energy to fight him on another thing right now so he basically eats a few variations of things like waffles, pancakes, cereal, fruits and sometimes noodles. He doesn't care for meat and will rarely eat anything that we make for dinner.

So what do you think? What were your reasons for doing it and do you feel you've seen a big enough improvement to warrant the elimination? TIA

[krankedyann]

IBS is doctor-speak for 'we don't know what's wrong with you.' It's a non-diagnosis. You've hit the point of being sick of being sick. That is good because now you're ready to change.

I also went through similar, and resisted going GF for a while until I had no other choice. It can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. You're not skeptical, I don't think, or you wouldn't even bring it up as a possibility. You're addicted. Gluten is addicting. Allergenic foods are addicting to those who are allergic to it. It's literally a morphine-like high. In someone with a damaged gut, gluten and casein acts like an opiate. And you'll possibly go through withdrawals as you come off. Then it takes about 6 weeks to get a good idea of how much it's going to help, but most people know within days to 2 weeks if they're on the right track.

You sound like a walking textbook case. IBS + infertility + auto-immune + mood issues is a screaming, waving red flag. Most folks only have two of the four. Have you considered testing at www.enterolab.com to see what you're up against? It has the added benefit of being black-and-white, this is really real, easier to convince the skeptics and get support you need for the changes and it might bring your husband on board, especially when it comes to not being undermined or sabotaged in transitioning your DS. However, if you can't afford testing I'd recommend you try GF because you definitely fit the profile.

I definitely saw enough improvement to warrant the elimination. Within the first 24 hours I was in withdrawals and by week 2, even a slight exposure to gluten would make me severely ill. After three months, the dairy allergy (which we already knew about due to the testing at Enterolab) reared its ugly head and I dropped that, too.

[sahmmie]

Hmmm... I have IBS and I know how miserable it is. I've never thought about the possible link to gluten or casein, but it's definitely worth a try. I do believe (like the pp said) that an addiction to any food is a good indication that you are allergic/sensitive to that food. Also, imo (coming from an addictive personality) complete abstinence from substances you are addicted to is the only real answer to breaking the cycle. Good luck. If you try it please let us know how it works for you.

Oh, I was researching IBS once and found a few studies that suggest Peppermint Oil can relieve symptoms in some people. I keep forgetting to get some when I am at my health food store, but I plan to try it.

[tanyalynn]

So much of what you've written, OP, is so typical for gluten issues (and dairy usually tags along, at least for a while--I think eventually we'll be eating at least some dairy again).

Trying something new is hard, there's a lot to learn. But the thing is--if gluten and dairy are the problem, the other stuff you try won't help, and really, this is something you can do on your own. I'd vote that it's possible (likely?) other nutrients are out of whack, as part of some ongoing stress, but you could get a lot of improvement on your own cutting out gluten and dairy, and then see what's left and whether you want to keep problem solving on your own, or find someone to work with for a while.

You may have cravings at first, I still have cravings sometimes (2.5yrs gfcf), but this is worth it for myself and my kids. eta: I mean, my kids also have issues with gluten and dairy, slightly different things for each of them, but it's important and helpful for all of us.

I felt better 1.5 days after I started gfcf, a big jump in energy, which was much-needed at that point. For me the issues haven't been digestive, more fatigue and some mood stuff. Gluten does such weird things to different people, in different ways, that cutting it out is a useful thing to try.

I found good support and meal ideas searching in the Traditional Foods forum and the Allergies forum (it's not just ana allergies).

[mykdsmomy]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

But the thing is--if gluten and dairy are the problem, the other stuff you try won't help, and really, this is something you can do on your own. I'd vote that it's possible (likely?) other nutrients are out of whack, as part of some ongoing stress, but you could get a lot of improvement on your own cutting out gluten and dairy, and then see what's left and whether you want to keep problem solving on your own, or find someone to work with for a while.

.

Were you in my brain tonight? Seriously, I was leaving the grocery store tonight trying to rationalize my desire to NOT give up my beloved bread and cheese! You are absolutely right. The nutritional supplements won't fix the problem if gluten and casein are the issues. Thank you so much for your input.

Originally Posted by krankedyann

You sound like a walking textbook case. IBS + infertility + auto-immune + mood issues is a screaming, waving red flag. Most folks only have two of the four. Have you considered testing at www.enterolab.com to see what you're up against?

I would love to use this lab for testing but unfortunately we don't have the money for it. I was also looking up Fibromyalgia (sp?) last night and realized I have many of those symptoms too. I have been trying to get to a Rheumatologist for the last couple of years and have yet to make and keep the appt. It is on my list for this week! (to make the appt).

[tanyalynn]

There's a fibro thread in H&H, people have talked about different dietary/supp things they've done for fibro. In terms of supps, magnesium seems often helpful and most people with fibro (from studies) are low (very, very low) on vitamin D, so those are things to consider as well. There are also alternative-type causes/solutions to fibro, the rheumatologist may not have an a cause, just symptomatic support.

[lil_earthmomma]

Check out http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/

[Teenytoona]

With everythign you listed, I don't think you need any more reasons. I'm working on GF myself due to mood issues. Hang in there, momma.

[mykdsmomy]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

There's a fibro thread in H&H, people have talked about different dietary/supp things they've done for fibro. In terms of supps, magnesium seems often helpful and most people with fibro (from studies) are low (very, very low) on vitamin D, so those are things to consider as well. There are also alternative-type causes/solutions to fibro, the rheumatologist may not have an a cause, just symptomatic support.

My Dr. recently ran a vitamin D level on me. It was 21.

I've been trying to take Vit. D (gummies 2000 mg) but it kills my stomach for some reason.

[kjbrown92]

What else is in the gummies?
What do you have to lose if you give up gluten for say... 1 month? For such a short time, you don't "have to" buy all those special GF breads (though the Tinkyada rice pasta isn't bad tastewise or costwise). You could just have meats, rice, fruits and veggies, right? After all, it's only a month. And think about the benefits it might have.... that's how I did it. I said, I'll give it one month... and it was AMAZING. The rheumatologist said I had all the symptoms of fibromyalgia but I didn't actually have fibromyalgia according to the pressure points. I was on Lyrica and anti-depressants for it. After I went off gluten (and dairy; I was already off soy because of IBS symptoms caused by it), I took myself off all the pain meds. I'm still off it a year later, and can't imagine living with that much pain again just to have bread. I make GF popovers, waffles, pizza, etc. I rarely feel deprived. If you're sick of being sick, make a change!!

[cherimoya]

I started GF & DF & minimizing salicylates too (so most fruit are out, tomatoes, many of my favourite veggies too and spices). I cut down on sals about 3 weeks ago and then GF & DF for a little over a week now. I've been very moody, I think a little depressed too for the past week....I'm assuming this is from gluten withdrawal. Today I actually feel really good, we'll see how it goes! What's kept me going though (other than trying to get rid of minor health issues) is cooking! I love to cook/bake, so I've been making new things that work with my diet and the kids & dh like too (although I still cook regular stuff for them too).

I made gnocchi with rice flour, yum! I made red lentil burgers with chickpea flour, low-sal hummus using cashew butter (better than regular hummus if you ask me!), carob & brown rice squares and lots more. I hope to buy a bread machine soon and will start making my own gf bread and see how that goes. So far my favourite gf flours are brown rice, chickpea and sorghum.

Maybe cooking/baking is not your thing...if it is, then concentrate on what you can eat and search-for or create your own recipes, it's fun!

[MiaMama]

I tried GF for my FTT daughter. Since she still was nursing, and my husband was deployed at the time, I made the whole house GF to reduce cross contamination. I hadn't even realized I was chronically sick until I wasn't anymore. Weeks later, my aunt ended up in the ER for iron deficiency related chest pains and was diagnosed with celiac (which is hereditary). Of course, AFTER we had really positive results on the diet and a family history, the Drs wanted to test us. We had been GF for a while, so they came back neg for my toddler, and borderline for me.

I believe I have celiac, and no one could pay me to eat gluten because I hurt when I do. We have been GF for over a year, and I just recently started eating GF breads. They are not necessary. I try to make foods that are just already GF, like rice and beans, quinoa, tamales, potatoes, eggs, meats, veggies, and so on. I generally don't want "substitute" foods that are just trying to be like a food I can't have.

Exceptions include the tinkyada spaghetti and pamela's pancakes. But I use those mostly because the nutritionists tell me my daughter (now 3) needs more carbs. She loves her meat and fruits and veggies LOL.

Oops, this got long, sorry. I guess I would say GF isn't for everyone, but if it is for you, you will know. If you are intolerant or have celiac, it is like night and day.

[mykdsmomy]

Originally Posted by cherimoya

Maybe cooking/baking is not your thing...if it is, then concentrate on what you can eat and search-for or create your own recipes, it's fun!

I would rather scrub the toilets in my house with a toothbrush than cook

Seriously, I don't know why I hate it so much but I do. My mom is a fabulous cook. I want to want to cook if that makes sense

[rosie29]

This thread has really caught my eye as I've been considering going GF as well. Can an experienced mama answer this question: how long after you/your child went GF did you start seeing improvement?

[krankedyann]

I saw the first improvement in days, significant improvement in 2 weeks, massive relief by week 6. Most folks have a good clue if it's going to work for them or not by week 6. Some people continue to improve after that six week period.