Gluten Intolerant

Brian Shanks · 10-17-2007, 12:45 PM

After months of running my wife to different doctors about her joint pain (mainly hips and ankles) I finally convinced her to get the fecal test that Dr Garrett recommended.
Well we got the results last Thursday and she is gluten intolerant. She has been on a gluten free diet now for 5 days. She hasn't noticed any pain relief yet, and the bloating has actually gotten worse and so as the loose stool.
I have her on glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM combo, fish oil, Jarro-Dophilus, Rhodiol Rosea, and a liquid multi-vitamin.

I think I will look into the hemp protein as she has already lost 5 lbs in the last couple of months, and doesn't care that much for meat.

Any other supplement recommendations?

Is it normal for the symptoms to get a little worse before they get better?

When can we expect the symptoms to start relieving?

Thanks

Brian

Kim Dowse · 10-21-2007, 07:32 PM

Brian - I am "gluten sensitive" so I totally understand what you wife is experiencing. It took my body about a full month to start feeling better. Depending on how quickly her antibodies level...it could be a few months. Double/triple check that what she is eating is truly gluten-free. I was amazed how many food products have gluten in them...soy sauce, for instance. This link lists unsafe foods.

http://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1...nts/Page1.html

I now know within 30 minutes of eating if I've been "glutened". It happens if I eat out sometimes...as I travel alot for work. I bought the Gluten-free Restaurant Guide (link below). They also sell a grocery guide.

http://www.triumphdining.com/index.html

Also, most grocery clerks, servers, etc. have no clue what "gluten" is. I usually tell them I can not eat wheat and flour and start from there. I searched the web and read as much as I could on it. After YEARS of bloating, gas, the runs, etc., my body feels normal. My menstrual cramps went away, hayfever/allergies - gone, elbow tendosis from rock climbing - gone, ITB irritation - gone. I am 43 and in the best shape since high school.

Good luck...please tell her it will get better!

Brian Shanks · 10-22-2007, 12:52 PM

Kim

Thanks for the response.
I printed up the list, will take it onto our fridge.

Brian

Garrett Smith · 10-22-2007, 01:17 PM

Brian,
Kim's advice is spot on. Symptoms may take a while to improve, however, symptoms increasing is a sign that something else is likely going on. Typically once truly GF symptoms start improving quickly and consistently.

If she has suddenly drastically increased her intake of other non-Paleo foods (ie. dairy, soy, etc.) to make up for lost calories, she may have also increased her intake of another "intolerant" food group. Watch for that one.

Brian Shanks · 10-25-2007, 08:49 AM

Dr Garrett

I have really been trying to watch this.
Don't have any soy in the house as a matter of principle

She does have some rice crackers for snacking to help with the transition, but not a whole lot.

The joint pain has finally gone away, she hasn't had a single headache this week, and her energy level improved.

But she is still getting the bloating. Mainly after eating meats and broccoli.
Weirdly enough, eggs don't seem to cause bloating.

I am trying to get her to take bromelian before she eats meat, but she keeps forgetting. Going to keep trying on this.

Thanks again for tips.

Bry

Garrett Smith · 10-25-2007, 09:41 AM

Make sure to get high-quality meats. I've noticed that the conventional meats really are reacting in a lot of people these days.

She may be lacking enough stomach acid. Also, you may try overcooking her veggies for a little while to make them more digestible.

Fermented soy is okay, real miso soup may actually be good at this time for her.