bunnyrobinson's Blog

It varies from person to person. I don't think anyone can give you a timeline on when symptoms will go away. I'm just guessing, but I think there are immediate symptoms caused by ingesting symptoms (like my MIL gets a rash behind her knees immediately upon ingesting gluten) and then there are the long term symptoms that are caused by the damage in the intestines. I think the body just needs time to heal to clear up those symptoms. And then there are the symptoms that may never go away because permanent damage may have been caused by life-long ingestion of gluten.

For my older brother, his worst symptoms went away within about two days.

For me, my acid reflux diminished immediately after going gluten-free...I mean the DAY OF. I used to have to take a Zantac almost every night. I never had to take one again when I started the gluten-free diet. But it took a few months for the acid reflux to go away completely.

I think that the best snack ideas for me thus far are Lara bars (nuts and dates, largely, many flavors, my new cookies!) Fruit leather (dried strips at Costco) Bryers Ice Cream (cherry Vanilla, Choc. Raspberry, other vanilla). Just a note: Avoid yellow Annatto coloring in milk/cheese products! This innocent yellow seed is washed with low-grade alchohol derived from wheat mash which is inadequately distilled.

I have been gluten-free for a year now and I am still "healing" the doctors say. Aloe Vera Juice (where only the whole leaf is used) has been a life saver. I take one ounce in the morning in juice followed by 8oz of water and the same in the evening before I eat dinner. It seems to soothe my stomach and lessen the cramping in my intestines when I eat.

I too love Lara Bars! They are awesome. I have recently tried mochi, a Japanese snack made from pounded brown rice, that you bake in the oven. I can be found in health food stores or Asian markets. It comes in a thick sheet that you can cut into 1-2 inch pieces. After you bake them for a few minutes you can remove them and stuff with whatever you like. Apple sauce and cinnamon, chocolate pieces, nut butter of choice, fresh berries or jam, or completely bake them and use them as carriers for a dip of choice. You make them and then eat them almost immiediately. I also bake mochi and use it as a "dumpling" in just gluten-free (Whole Foods' Organic Chix Broth is great) chicken broth if I am feeling sensitive or need a quick meal.

Good luck and happy eating-