Does This Sound Gluten Related?

[BertTerror]

Hi everyone!

I recently began a Gluten Free diet, about a week ago.

I just wanted to get some thoughts on my decision, as I'm liable to give up on things like this without some motivation and want to see if anyone else thinks this is the right way to go.

My symptoms that have lead me to think that gluten might be the problem are:

Brain fog - have had as long as I can remember, am 26 now, may have always been this way, never found a way to get rid of it, bad short term memory and lack of focus.

 

Fatigue - just always tired

 

Heartburn - this is more recent, started to get it bad about a month ago, would get it more than once a day and quite severe, this has reduced since stopping gluten but still seems to happen (although much less severely) when I eat rice.

 

Headaches - only upon drinking milk that may last all day

 

Depression and anxiety - comes and goes but have suffered since about 15 years old.

 

Intolerance of caffeine - caffeine makes me feel really happy for a little bit, then I get really really tired/irritable/anxious, worsens brain fog.

Alcohol makes symptoms worse especially depression/brain fog/fatigue/anxiety in the following days.

 

Underweight - 6'1" and weigh around 140 lbs, never been able to gain weight although I eat a lot.

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Bert

[w8in4dave]

Sounds like you may have some Gluten intolerance for sure!! I think it is a great idea to go Gluten free!! Who needs Gluten anyway? So how have you really felt since you have given it up? I felt super better after 3 days. Keep us posted! 

[BertTerror]

Thanks for the reply!

I must say I haven't felt much difference so far, a decrease in the amount of heartburn is about all, but I'm willing to give this time! I have had a lot of the symptoms for a long time so I didn't expect the to disappear over night.

Would it be a good idea to be supplementing certain vitamins and minerals? I am taking a one-a-day multivitamin but not sure if I should be taking other things too!

Thanks

 

 

Sounds like you may have some Gluten intolerance for sure!! I think it is a great idea to go Gluten free!! Who needs Gluten anyway? So how have you really felt since you have given it up? I felt super better after 3 days. Keep us posted! 

[cyclinglady]

I'm assuming that you've been to a doctor and have exhausted all possibilities (e.g. thyroid, intolerances, ulcers (h. pylori), anemia, etc.).  Most people need a definitive diagnosis in order to stay on a gluten free diet for life.  It's a few simple blood tests (one draw) that will help diagnosis you.  However, you must be eating gluten in order to get a correct result.  

 

As far as recommending vitamins, you need a few blood tests to determine your needs.  For example, you may need iron if you are anemic, but if you're not anemic then taking iron can be deadly!  Adding calcium supplements can cause kidneys stones.  So, you really don't want to add more than a probiotic and a general multi until you have a discussion with a health professional.  

 

It also sounds like you have some intolerances (e.g. milk).  Strict avoidance helps.

 

As far as healing from being on a gluten free diet, it may take up to a year or three.  Most people feel some relief with a month or two.  We are all different.

 

Good luck!

[nvsmom]

I agree that you might want to get your blood tested for celiac disease before you are on the gluten-free diet for long. Some celiacs find it very difficult to go back to eating gluten after being gluten-free for a time. Sometimes it's better to get the testing done sooner rather than later if you think you might want to be tested eventually.

Many celiacs are lactose intolerant because lactase is made on the intestinal villi which can be badly damaged in an undiagnosed celiac. Some celiacs regain the ability to handle milk after a few months to years gluten-free.

If you decide to stay gluten-free, be patient with the diet. Some symptoms can take months to years to resolve. Cognitive issues and joint problems are often the slowest to improve. Try to give the gluten-free diet 3 months minimum, 6 is better, before you decide if it is helping or not.

If you want to check your vitamins, celiacs are often low in B12, B2, B6, D, A, potassium,magnesium, calcium, iron, ferritin, zinc, copper, and.... I'm forgetting something....as I said, cognitive issues take time to resolve. LOL

Good luck and welcome to the board.

[Kreative]

Hi Bert,

 

I'm in the same boat as you (I've also given up gluten two weeks ago) suspecting that gluten intolerance might be the reason for my ongoing health problems.

 

For me the neurological symptoms haven't improved much but I understand that it can take a long time, however I have felt a burst in energy since going gluten free. A real eye opener was some accidental contamination (eating some fish covered in a crispy breaded layer) that left me without energy for another two days. 

 

Funny is that you're experience with caffeine is exactly the same as mine, I used to be a regular coffee drinker (daily Starbucks visitor) and for the first time in 2 months I had an espresso yesterday and I thought I was going insane.

 

And yes I'n also skinny (I'm 6'1 and weigh 154lbs (a bit more but still in the low ranges and I'm quite athletic)).

 

My advice would be to get tested asap, it only takes a little blood it will help you to rule out any other causes + the tests require you to have gluten in your system.

 

Good luck with everything