Help
This is a question for those who suffered from depression or anxiety that was related to your gluten intolerance.
How long, after starting a gluten free diet, did it take for you to begin experiencing relief from or any change in this type of symptom?
Gluten And Depression
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#2
VioletBlue 
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Posted 29 July 2009 - 01:52 PM
I don't really remember, I'm sorry, but I know it wasn't a magic instant presto change. I believe it was a gradual reduction rather than a sudden AhhHaaa lightbulb moment. I want to say that it took about six months. Most of my worst symptoms where neurological rather than digestive. I can still react badly with depression and rage to specific other foods and substances, most notably chocolate:(
momxyz, on Jul 29 2009, 02:34 PM, said:
This is a question for those who suffered from depression or anxiety that was related to your gluten intolerance.
How long, after starting a gluten free diet, did it take for you to begin experiencing relief from or any change in this type of symptom?
How long, after starting a gluten free diet, did it take for you to begin experiencing relief from or any change in this type of symptom?
"My mother always told me, it's okay to play with a man's mind
as long as you put it back where you got it when you're done with it."
as long as you put it back where you got it when you're done with it."
#3
jerseyangel
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Posted 29 July 2009 - 02:07 PM
It was a good year and a half before I got any real relief from my anxiety--it was gradual for me, too. Four years in, it's manageable but will still get worse when glutened.
Patti
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"
"When people show you who they are, believe them"--Maya Angelou
"Bloom where you are planted"--Bev
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"
"When people show you who they are, believe them"--Maya Angelou
"Bloom where you are planted"--Bev
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease Board Moderator
#4
ravenwoodglass
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Posted 29 July 2009 - 02:10 PM
My depression lifted pretty quickly but my anxiety got progressively worse. Mostly due to the fact that I now have such severe reactions to small amounts and the increase in their severity.
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
"I will try again tommorrow" (Mary Anne Radmacher)
celiac 49 years - Misdiagnosed for 45
Blood tested and repeatedly negative
Diagnosed by Allergist with elimination diet and diagnosis confirmed by GI in 2002
Misdiagnoses for 15 years were IBS-D, ataxia, migraines, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, parathesias, arthritis, livedo reticularis, hairloss, premature menopause, osteoporosis, kidney damage, diverticulosis, prediabetes and ulcers, dermatitis herpeformis
All bold resoved or went into remission with proper diagnosis of Celiac November 2002
Some residual nerve damage remains as of 2006- this has continued to resolve after eliminating soy in 2007
Mother died of celiac related cancer at 56
Twin brother died as a result of autoimmune liver destruction at age 15
Children 2 with Ulcers, GERD, Depression, , 1 with DH, 1 with severe growth stunting (male adult 5 feet)both finally diagnosed Celiac through blood testing and 1 with endo 6 months after Mom
Positive to Soy and Casien also Aug 2007
Gluten Sensitivity Gene Test Aug 2007
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0303
HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0303
Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 3,3 (Subtype 9,9)
#5
momxyz
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Posted 29 July 2009 - 03:58 PM
thanks you're helping me! I am a mom of a beautiful 17 year old girl who just a few weeks ago confided to me feelings of depression. She has not been definitively diagnosed as being gluten intolerant but....
when she first told me about it my immediate thought was the birth control pills she had been put on to regulate her periods. She had only been on them for about 3 1/2 months when she talked about it. But in the last two months we (her family) had seen a changed attitude - like another girl. Others close to her commented on it. So my immediate thought was, its the pill. Both the primary care doctor and the specialist who prescribed didn't think that was the likely cause but agreed that it was wise to go off them for the time being, until she can see a psychologist. (we couldn't get a referral for that until next week.) Today is the 16th day off the pill.
in the meantime, waiting for this appointment, I have done a ton of reading and found associations with gluten and depression (VioletBlue, I find it most interesting your primary symptoms were neurological). A little light bulb went off. When my daughter was at the end of 5th grade, a routine checkup revealed that she had fallen off her growth curve - from 25th percentile to 5th. the nurse asked her about specific symptoms; and yes she had had times where she had some stomache pain and diarrhea, but never so often or persistent that it occurred to me it was a problem. (I remember feeling like the bad mom that day.) So blood work was done. I think anti TTGa, gliadal, am not sure. this was back in 2003. One came back very slightly elevated, so slightly elevated that the interpretation was unclear. So she was referred to a pediatric GI and a complete upper and lower GI series was done; everthing from that was normal.
Even tho celiac disease was ruled out, after that I encouraged my daughter to eat frequently throughout the day and provided nutritious snacks to take to school and after school activities (I had found a pediatric journal article that indicated that children suffering from malabsorption syndromes needed to take in 125% of the normal caloric intake to maintain normal growth rate.) We focused on good sources of nutrition and avoided junk.
Interestingly enough, around the same time my blood work indicated a very high cholesterol and somewhat elevated TSH (subclinical hypothyroidism) My doctor wanted to put me on Thyroid meds; I didn't want them; and we agreed on a six month trial of dietary changes. It was at that time that brown rice became a staple in our house as I began eliminating a lot of processed food from the pantry. While not totally eliminated, our consumption of bread and pasta was significantly reduced. In six months my total cholesterol dropped 50 points.
She eventually got back on her normal growth curve. Which was a good thing. But then, she did not get her period. Without chemical assistance. And occasionally she had bouts of constipation. How many teenagers have Fibercon on their dresser?
Sorry for this long story, but I have been in the process of connecting the dots. And I am wondering if her depression is the result of a "perfect storm" of some stressful events in the past few months, the birth control pills, and a latent if not prounounced gluten intolerance. I doubt if she is a full fledged celiac, but I wonder if she has some degree of gluten sensitivity.
The first few days off the pill she seemed a little better and after 4 days we talked about trying a gluten free diet. Today was the 12th day of that venture. Although at the end of the day mom gets the grumpy teenager treatment, those around her during the day have noticed an improvement during the last week. She did have two slips last week - a piece of grandma's banana bread for breakfast resulted in her feeling sick about a half hour after. that took several hours to subside. Then she went out with her boyfriend Friday nite and he bought sandwiches; she was an absolute witch when she came home. Coincidence? On the other hand she's gone shopping for gluten free snacks and has enjoyed some crackers I made with brown rice flour. She is trying. but she is a teenager!
Today was a bad day. This was very discouraging for her and me. I could tell she was "off" when she left the house. I was hoping against hope that it was just an anti mom thing, but no. She came home midday from her planned activities; after an hour or so she was back on a better plane and was able to go to work this afternoon but she feels lousy..complaining of a headache.
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
when she first told me about it my immediate thought was the birth control pills she had been put on to regulate her periods. She had only been on them for about 3 1/2 months when she talked about it. But in the last two months we (her family) had seen a changed attitude - like another girl. Others close to her commented on it. So my immediate thought was, its the pill. Both the primary care doctor and the specialist who prescribed didn't think that was the likely cause but agreed that it was wise to go off them for the time being, until she can see a psychologist. (we couldn't get a referral for that until next week.) Today is the 16th day off the pill.
in the meantime, waiting for this appointment, I have done a ton of reading and found associations with gluten and depression (VioletBlue, I find it most interesting your primary symptoms were neurological). A little light bulb went off. When my daughter was at the end of 5th grade, a routine checkup revealed that she had fallen off her growth curve - from 25th percentile to 5th. the nurse asked her about specific symptoms; and yes she had had times where she had some stomache pain and diarrhea, but never so often or persistent that it occurred to me it was a problem. (I remember feeling like the bad mom that day.) So blood work was done. I think anti TTGa, gliadal, am not sure. this was back in 2003. One came back very slightly elevated, so slightly elevated that the interpretation was unclear. So she was referred to a pediatric GI and a complete upper and lower GI series was done; everthing from that was normal.
Even tho celiac disease was ruled out, after that I encouraged my daughter to eat frequently throughout the day and provided nutritious snacks to take to school and after school activities (I had found a pediatric journal article that indicated that children suffering from malabsorption syndromes needed to take in 125% of the normal caloric intake to maintain normal growth rate.) We focused on good sources of nutrition and avoided junk.
Interestingly enough, around the same time my blood work indicated a very high cholesterol and somewhat elevated TSH (subclinical hypothyroidism) My doctor wanted to put me on Thyroid meds; I didn't want them; and we agreed on a six month trial of dietary changes. It was at that time that brown rice became a staple in our house as I began eliminating a lot of processed food from the pantry. While not totally eliminated, our consumption of bread and pasta was significantly reduced. In six months my total cholesterol dropped 50 points.
She eventually got back on her normal growth curve. Which was a good thing. But then, she did not get her period. Without chemical assistance. And occasionally she had bouts of constipation. How many teenagers have Fibercon on their dresser?
Sorry for this long story, but I have been in the process of connecting the dots. And I am wondering if her depression is the result of a "perfect storm" of some stressful events in the past few months, the birth control pills, and a latent if not prounounced gluten intolerance. I doubt if she is a full fledged celiac, but I wonder if she has some degree of gluten sensitivity.
The first few days off the pill she seemed a little better and after 4 days we talked about trying a gluten free diet. Today was the 12th day of that venture. Although at the end of the day mom gets the grumpy teenager treatment, those around her during the day have noticed an improvement during the last week. She did have two slips last week - a piece of grandma's banana bread for breakfast resulted in her feeling sick about a half hour after. that took several hours to subside. Then she went out with her boyfriend Friday nite and he bought sandwiches; she was an absolute witch when she came home. Coincidence? On the other hand she's gone shopping for gluten free snacks and has enjoyed some crackers I made with brown rice flour. She is trying. but she is a teenager!
Today was a bad day. This was very discouraging for her and me. I could tell she was "off" when she left the house. I was hoping against hope that it was just an anti mom thing, but no. She came home midday from her planned activities; after an hour or so she was back on a better plane and was able to go to work this afternoon but she feels lousy..complaining of a headache.
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
#6
Sulevismom
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Posted 30 July 2009 - 05:21 AM
momxyz, on Jul 30 2009, 12:58 AM, said:
thanks you're helping me! I am a mom of a beautiful 17 year old girl who just a few weeks ago confided to me feelings of depression. She has not been definitively diagnosed as being gluten intolerant but....
when she first told me about it my immediate thought was the birth control pills she had been put on to regulate her periods. She had only been on them for about 3 1/2 months when she talked about it. But in the last two months we (her family) had seen a changed attitude - like another girl. Others close to her commented on it. So my immediate thought was, its the pill. Both the primary care doctor and the specialist who prescribed didn't think that was the likely cause but agreed that it was wise to go off them for the time being, until she can see a psychologist. (we couldn't get a referral for that until next week.) Today is the 16th day off the pill.
in the meantime, waiting for this appointment, I have done a ton of reading and found associations with gluten and depression (VioletBlue, I find it most interesting your primary symptoms were neurological). A little light bulb went off. When my daughter was at the end of 5th grade, a routine checkup revealed that she had fallen off her growth curve - from 25th percentile to 5th. the nurse asked her about specific symptoms; and yes she had had times where she had some stomache pain and diarrhea, but never so often or persistent that it occurred to me it was a problem. (I remember feeling like the bad mom that day.) So blood work was done. I think anti TTGa, gliadal, am not sure. this was back in 2003. One came back very slightly elevated, so slightly elevated that the interpretation was unclear. So she was referred to a pediatric GI and a complete upper and lower GI series was done; everthing from that was normal.
Even tho celiac disease was ruled out, after that I encouraged my daughter to eat frequently throughout the day and provided nutritious snacks to take to school and after school activities (I had found a pediatric journal article that indicated that children suffering from malabsorption syndromes needed to take in 125% of the normal caloric intake to maintain normal growth rate.) We focused on good sources of nutrition and avoided junk.
Interestingly enough, around the same time my blood work indicated a very high cholesterol and somewhat elevated TSH (subclinical hypothyroidism) My doctor wanted to put me on Thyroid meds; I didn't want them; and we agreed on a six month trial of dietary changes. It was at that time that brown rice became a staple in our house as I began eliminating a lot of processed food from the pantry. While not totally eliminated, our consumption of bread and pasta was significantly reduced. In six months my total cholesterol dropped 50 points.
She eventually got back on her normal growth curve. Which was a good thing. But then, she did not get her period. Without chemical assistance. And occasionally she had bouts of constipation. How many teenagers have Fibercon on their dresser?
Sorry for this long story, but I have been in the process of connecting the dots. And I am wondering if her depression is the result of a "perfect storm" of some stressful events in the past few months, the birth control pills, and a latent if not prounounced gluten intolerance. I doubt if she is a full fledged celiac, but I wonder if she has some degree of gluten sensitivity.
The first few days off the pill she seemed a little better and after 4 days we talked about trying a gluten free diet. Today was the 12th day of that venture. Although at the end of the day mom gets the grumpy teenager treatment, those around her during the day have noticed an improvement during the last week. She did have two slips last week - a piece of grandma's banana bread for breakfast resulted in her feeling sick about a half hour after. that took several hours to subside. Then she went out with her boyfriend Friday nite and he bought sandwiches; she was an absolute witch when she came home. Coincidence? On the other hand she's gone shopping for gluten free snacks and has enjoyed some crackers I made with brown rice flour. She is trying. but she is a teenager!
Today was a bad day. This was very discouraging for her and me. I could tell she was "off" when she left the house. I was hoping against hope that it was just an anti mom thing, but no. She came home midday from her planned activities; after an hour or so she was back on a better plane and was able to go to work this afternoon but she feels lousy..complaining of a headache.
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
when she first told me about it my immediate thought was the birth control pills she had been put on to regulate her periods. She had only been on them for about 3 1/2 months when she talked about it. But in the last two months we (her family) had seen a changed attitude - like another girl. Others close to her commented on it. So my immediate thought was, its the pill. Both the primary care doctor and the specialist who prescribed didn't think that was the likely cause but agreed that it was wise to go off them for the time being, until she can see a psychologist. (we couldn't get a referral for that until next week.) Today is the 16th day off the pill.
in the meantime, waiting for this appointment, I have done a ton of reading and found associations with gluten and depression (VioletBlue, I find it most interesting your primary symptoms were neurological). A little light bulb went off. When my daughter was at the end of 5th grade, a routine checkup revealed that she had fallen off her growth curve - from 25th percentile to 5th. the nurse asked her about specific symptoms; and yes she had had times where she had some stomache pain and diarrhea, but never so often or persistent that it occurred to me it was a problem. (I remember feeling like the bad mom that day.) So blood work was done. I think anti TTGa, gliadal, am not sure. this was back in 2003. One came back very slightly elevated, so slightly elevated that the interpretation was unclear. So she was referred to a pediatric GI and a complete upper and lower GI series was done; everthing from that was normal.
Even tho celiac disease was ruled out, after that I encouraged my daughter to eat frequently throughout the day and provided nutritious snacks to take to school and after school activities (I had found a pediatric journal article that indicated that children suffering from malabsorption syndromes needed to take in 125% of the normal caloric intake to maintain normal growth rate.) We focused on good sources of nutrition and avoided junk.
Interestingly enough, around the same time my blood work indicated a very high cholesterol and somewhat elevated TSH (subclinical hypothyroidism) My doctor wanted to put me on Thyroid meds; I didn't want them; and we agreed on a six month trial of dietary changes. It was at that time that brown rice became a staple in our house as I began eliminating a lot of processed food from the pantry. While not totally eliminated, our consumption of bread and pasta was significantly reduced. In six months my total cholesterol dropped 50 points.
She eventually got back on her normal growth curve. Which was a good thing. But then, she did not get her period. Without chemical assistance. And occasionally she had bouts of constipation. How many teenagers have Fibercon on their dresser?
Sorry for this long story, but I have been in the process of connecting the dots. And I am wondering if her depression is the result of a "perfect storm" of some stressful events in the past few months, the birth control pills, and a latent if not prounounced gluten intolerance. I doubt if she is a full fledged celiac, but I wonder if she has some degree of gluten sensitivity.
The first few days off the pill she seemed a little better and after 4 days we talked about trying a gluten free diet. Today was the 12th day of that venture. Although at the end of the day mom gets the grumpy teenager treatment, those around her during the day have noticed an improvement during the last week. She did have two slips last week - a piece of grandma's banana bread for breakfast resulted in her feeling sick about a half hour after. that took several hours to subside. Then she went out with her boyfriend Friday nite and he bought sandwiches; she was an absolute witch when she came home. Coincidence? On the other hand she's gone shopping for gluten free snacks and has enjoyed some crackers I made with brown rice flour. She is trying. but she is a teenager!
Today was a bad day. This was very discouraging for her and me. I could tell she was "off" when she left the house. I was hoping against hope that it was just an anti mom thing, but no. She came home midday from her planned activities; after an hour or so she was back on a better plane and was able to go to work this afternoon but she feels lousy..complaining of a headache.
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
I'm not going to reply to anything specific that you wrote because I think you're probably on the right track and that you will figure this out. I just wanted to say that from your looking into to this matter so thoroughly, it shows not only how much you care for your daughter (all of us parents care for and love their children!) but also your virtue of taking action when it is needed. Parenting teenagers is difficult, but you seem to be good at it! :-)
One blood test negative
Biopsy inconclusive
Gluten free since 05/09
Biopsy inconclusive
Gluten free since 05/09
#7
momxyz
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Posted 30 July 2009 - 07:08 PM
Thanks Sulevismom, for the vote of confidence. It is sorely needed.
This is child #2; her older brother presented very different issues as a teenager. that was an "adventure" too. He is now 22 and a very cool young man with his head on his shoulders and his feet on his path to the future. We got through the woods with him.... I have to keep telling myself we will make it thru the woods with our daughter too, but in some ways these "woods" are much darker and scarier. Four months ago she was sitting on top of the world and now she is struggling so painfully.
I thank you for helping me feel that I am on the right track, but I am also inviting you - and anyone else - to offer advice or observations aor anything from their experiences that could help me navigate thru this time and place....
This is child #2; her older brother presented very different issues as a teenager. that was an "adventure" too. He is now 22 and a very cool young man with his head on his shoulders and his feet on his path to the future. We got through the woods with him.... I have to keep telling myself we will make it thru the woods with our daughter too, but in some ways these "woods" are much darker and scarier. Four months ago she was sitting on top of the world and now she is struggling so painfully.
I thank you for helping me feel that I am on the right track, but I am also inviting you - and anyone else - to offer advice or observations aor anything from their experiences that could help me navigate thru this time and place....
#9
Sulevismom
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 06:35 AM
momxyz, on Jul 31 2009, 05:08 AM, said:
Thanks Sulevismom, for the vote of confidence. It is sorely needed.
This is child #2; her older brother presented very different issues as a teenager. that was an "adventure" too. He is now 22 and a very cool young man with his head on his shoulders and his feet on his path to the future. We got through the woods with him.... I have to keep telling myself we will make it thru the woods with our daughter too, but in some ways these "woods" are much darker and scarier. Four months ago she was sitting on top of the world and now she is struggling so painfully.
I thank you for helping me feel that I am on the right track, but I am also inviting you - and anyone else - to offer advice or observations aor anything from their experiences that could help me navigate thru this time and place....
This is child #2; her older brother presented very different issues as a teenager. that was an "adventure" too. He is now 22 and a very cool young man with his head on his shoulders and his feet on his path to the future. We got through the woods with him.... I have to keep telling myself we will make it thru the woods with our daughter too, but in some ways these "woods" are much darker and scarier. Four months ago she was sitting on top of the world and now she is struggling so painfully.
I thank you for helping me feel that I am on the right track, but I am also inviting you - and anyone else - to offer advice or observations aor anything from their experiences that could help me navigate thru this time and place....
Hi again,
Well, I can only state what I can from my own experience. I've been gluten free for only 3 months, but there are several things that could be the cause of the bouts of depression that I get... but that said, my depressed feelings do coincide exactly with when I first started noticing celiac symptoms in November of last year. I often wonder if the fact that I 'm a Canadian West-coaster living in the middle of Finland for two years is partly to blame for sadness. I'm quite homesick. Also, I have a 1 and a half year old boy, and I'm a bit socially isolated because of that.
But as for what I think might correlate with my celiac disease, I've noticed that when I accidentally get glutened (like yesterday), my eyes feel like crying. It's a weird way to put it, I know. Also, my heart feels heavy in my chest, and my head fills with clouds. I feel apathetic towards almost everything except the joy my son brings and finding more about celiac disease. But if there's one thing that helps me through rough times, and this might help your daughter, is getting plenty of exercise. A good boost of endorphins often replaces the lost energy. It doesn't make everything all better, and it requires a lot of will-power. I suggest running up a steep hill a couple times to get the heart pumping.
Good luck!
One blood test negative
Biopsy inconclusive
Gluten free since 05/09
Biopsy inconclusive
Gluten free since 05/09
#10
The Fluffy Assassin
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 07:10 AM
momxyz, on Jul 29 2009, 07:58 PM, said:
...
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
She has been eating almost entirely fruits, vegetables, rice, the rice snacks I make her, gluten free corn cakes and rice cakes (she purchased), yogurt and cheese (I read the labels carefully on those) and a little lean meat. I think she needs to eat a little more protein but she has vegetarian leanings. the only thing I am thinking may have been a trigger is that last night I made what I thought were gluten-free cornmeal muffins. I followed a gluten free muffin recipe and I checked the product info on the cornmeal, and thought it checked out.....
so this mom is seeking your help and perspectives please! I am really not comfortable about the prospect of anti depressant meds for her, on the other hand, it is so hard to see her so unhappy. I feel like I am getting depressed too.
Has she seen an allergist? Eliminating allergies as a possibility, especially food allergies, is an important first step.
To answer your original question, my depression and anxiety mostly evaporated almost immediately upon quitting gluten. Unfortunately, part of that was due to accidentally self-medicating with fructose via fruit juice at every meal. I recently quit dairy, fruit and fruit juices and started adding large quantities of steamed vegetables to lunch and dinner. Chains continue falling off.
The fluffy assassin? My cat, Amelia. Just fluffy, really.
About '02, lactose intolerance hit. Quit gluten in late '07. Immediately had better energy, less anxiety.
By '09, no lactose intolerance, but I gave up dairy 7/18/09 anyway (and in August soy). Restarted dairy, Nov' '10; stopped for good, December.
9/12/09 Wound up in the emergency room with what turned out to be hypothyroid symptoms. Resolved quickly when I got my iodine levels up. If you're on a whole foods diet, make sure you get enough iodine. Believe me!
PS: Fluoridation sucks.
PPS: You might enjoy my blog, Writing When The Cat Lets Me.
About '02, lactose intolerance hit. Quit gluten in late '07. Immediately had better energy, less anxiety.
By '09, no lactose intolerance, but I gave up dairy 7/18/09 anyway (and in August soy). Restarted dairy, Nov' '10; stopped for good, December.
9/12/09 Wound up in the emergency room with what turned out to be hypothyroid symptoms. Resolved quickly when I got my iodine levels up. If you're on a whole foods diet, make sure you get enough iodine. Believe me!
PS: Fluoridation sucks.
PPS: You might enjoy my blog, Writing When The Cat Lets Me.
#11
momxyz
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 08:11 AM
The Fluffy Assassin, on Jul 31 2009, 11:10 AM, said:
Has she seen an allergist? Eliminating allergies as a possibility, especially food allergies, is an important first step.
To answer your original question, my depression and anxiety mostly evaporated almost immediately upon quitting gluten. Unfortunately, part of that was due to accidentally self-medicating with fructose via fruit juice at every meal. I recently quit dairy, fruit and fruit juices and started adding large quantities of steamed vegetables to lunch and dinner. Chains continue falling off.
To answer your original question, my depression and anxiety mostly evaporated almost immediately upon quitting gluten. Unfortunately, part of that was due to accidentally self-medicating with fructose via fruit juice at every meal. I recently quit dairy, fruit and fruit juices and started adding large quantities of steamed vegetables to lunch and dinner. Chains continue falling off.
no, she hasn't seen an allergist yet, but a coworker (also a celiac) told me she has allergic symptoms to corn, so I don't think I will be making those muffins again. Your point about eliminating allergies is a very good one.
Now, can you explain what you meant by "self medicating with fructose"? I don't understand that connection and would like to learn more.
#12
The Fluffy Assassin
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 09:59 AM
momxyz, on Jul 31 2009, 12:11 PM, said:
no, she hasn't seen an allergist yet, but a coworker (also a celiac) told me she has allergic symptoms to corn, so I don't think I will be making those muffins again. Your point about eliminating allergies is a very good one.
Now, can you explain what you meant by "self medicating with fructose"? I don't understand that connection and would like to learn more.
Now, can you explain what you meant by "self medicating with fructose"? I don't understand that connection and would like to learn more.
As a parent of two kids, you are no doubt familiar with the phrase "sugar buzz." I was basically on a sugar high all the time and thought that the feelings of happiness and well-being were primarily from giving up gluten.
Breakfast was puffed millet cereal in apple juice with strawberries and bananas. Now I'm not a total idiot; I knew this was a lot of sugar. What I didn't know was that people aren't particularly good at processing fructose, and celiacs are probably worse. I wound up hypoglycemic repeatedly. The most recent episode was so protracted that I started reading extensively, culminating in giving up fruits and fruit juices entirely. I'm pretty sure that I'm an extreme case (mostly because of those crazy breakfasts) and also that I can reintroduce fruits pretty soon.
Also, there's no doubt that getting the B-12 I'd been missing for 45 years due to celiac disease contributed to my improved mood. This should also be the case for your daughter if she's either celiac or gluten intolerant.
Edit: I probably wasn't hypoglycemic directly from the fructose (although I suppose it's possible) but more likely due to starting to starve because of the repeated bouts of diarrhea caused by my body trying to get rid of the fructose as fast as possible. Anyway, that's my story.
The fluffy assassin? My cat, Amelia. Just fluffy, really.
About '02, lactose intolerance hit. Quit gluten in late '07. Immediately had better energy, less anxiety.
By '09, no lactose intolerance, but I gave up dairy 7/18/09 anyway (and in August soy). Restarted dairy, Nov' '10; stopped for good, December.
9/12/09 Wound up in the emergency room with what turned out to be hypothyroid symptoms. Resolved quickly when I got my iodine levels up. If you're on a whole foods diet, make sure you get enough iodine. Believe me!
PS: Fluoridation sucks.
PPS: You might enjoy my blog, Writing When The Cat Lets Me.
About '02, lactose intolerance hit. Quit gluten in late '07. Immediately had better energy, less anxiety.
By '09, no lactose intolerance, but I gave up dairy 7/18/09 anyway (and in August soy). Restarted dairy, Nov' '10; stopped for good, December.
9/12/09 Wound up in the emergency room with what turned out to be hypothyroid symptoms. Resolved quickly when I got my iodine levels up. If you're on a whole foods diet, make sure you get enough iodine. Believe me!
PS: Fluoridation sucks.
PPS: You might enjoy my blog, Writing When The Cat Lets Me.
#13
momxyz
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 11:59 AM
makes sense.
I have started her on a multivitamin. It has B vitamins and other things like manganese. While I have her buy in on the idea that gluten may be a problem for her - chiefly because she herself now recognizes that eating something like bread makes her feel unwell physically - getting to actually take the vitamin has been a little harder.
I finally wrote her a letter explaining the connections between B vitamins, precursors like tyrosine, tryptophane, serotonin levels..... and she is now keeping the vitamins on her dresser, right next to the fibercon. So hopefully she is taking it. With a teenager compliance is an issue until they realize the benefit.
I talked to her this afternoon about maybe not eating any more of the corn muffins and she thought I was a bit nuts. But.... she had them Tuesday nite and had a crappy day Wednesday. Yesterday she had a fairly up day. She had a cornmuffin with breakfast and this afternoon she is crabby and feeling dragged out.
I can see the connection, but she doesn't feel it yet.
I have started her on a multivitamin. It has B vitamins and other things like manganese. While I have her buy in on the idea that gluten may be a problem for her - chiefly because she herself now recognizes that eating something like bread makes her feel unwell physically - getting to actually take the vitamin has been a little harder.
I finally wrote her a letter explaining the connections between B vitamins, precursors like tyrosine, tryptophane, serotonin levels..... and she is now keeping the vitamins on her dresser, right next to the fibercon. So hopefully she is taking it. With a teenager compliance is an issue until they realize the benefit.
I talked to her this afternoon about maybe not eating any more of the corn muffins and she thought I was a bit nuts. But.... she had them Tuesday nite and had a crappy day Wednesday. Yesterday she had a fairly up day. She had a cornmuffin with breakfast and this afternoon she is crabby and feeling dragged out.
I can see the connection, but she doesn't feel it yet.
#14
ranger
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Posted 31 July 2009 - 12:47 PM
I was sick for 2 years before going gluten free and so depressed that I almost started seeing a shrink. Within a short time (few weeks?) I was in the kitchen, and I realized that I felt HAPPY! Part of it was probably just being so sick for so long - that in itself can make one depressed. But I notice now that when I'm glutened, the deprresion comes back, so it must be a part if the illness. I hope your daughter can get the relief she needs. It's hard enough to be 17, much less burdened with an illness that has so many unpredictable avenues. Good luck.
