Glutened Or Just Healing?

[moosemalibu]

I have been eating my own cooked meals that basically look like this:

 

Meal 1:

3/4 cup gluten-free oats (BRM)

3 egg whites

2 tbsp psyllium husk (yerba prima)

 

Meal 2:

Apple

3 oz lean protein (usually chicken breast, No additives/pork,fish)

 

Meal 3- 5:

5 oz frozen veggies (usually broccoli)

1/2 cup cooked brown rice (usually jasmine by Lungburg)

3 oz lean protein

2 tbsp stubbs BBQ sauce (labeled gluten free)

 

post-WO:

6 egg whites

1 banana

1 tbsp Hershey's choc syrup.

 

Also - I drink a gallon of water a day. I know it is important to drink lots of fluids with fiber.

 

I have been super gassy in the last few days. I ran out of Stubbs over the weekend and started using a gluten-free salsa (most are) and then switched back Monday to the Stubbs. Do you think I am having a reaction to Stubbs or is it just the large amount of eggs I am eating causing the gas. I don't do protein powder because I have a sensitivity to dairy and the vegan protein powders are GROSS. I tried them.

 

I've just been gassy, still having IBS-type gotta go now bathroom trips, but the diarrhea is managed by the psyllium husk so I cannot really tell if it is improving or worsening. Last time I missed a dose of psyllium husk it was not pretty - that was about 2 weeks ago. 

 

Am I just going through the normal healing and my GI is still sensitive? I have been gluten free since Oct 25. So not that long.

 

Keep in mind I am a super controlling Type A, impatient personality.

[shadowicewolf]

I have been eating my own cooked meals that basically look like this:

 

Meal 1:

3/4 cup gluten-free oats (BRM)

3 egg whites

2 tbsp psyllium husk (yerba prima)

 

Meal 2:

Apple

3 oz lean protein (usually chicken breast, No additives/pork,fish)

 

Meal 3- 5:

5 oz frozen veggies (usually broccoli)

1/2 cup cooked brown rice (usually jasmine by Lungburg)

3 oz lean protein

2 tbsp stubbs BBQ sauce (labeled gluten free)

 

post-WO:

6 egg whites

1 banana

1 tbsp Hershey's choc syrup.

 

I have been super gassy in the last few days. I ran out of Stubbs over the weekend and started using a gluten-free salsa (most are) and then switched back Monday to the Stubbs. Do you think I am having a reaction to Stubbs or is it just the large amount of eggs I am eating causing the gas. I don't do protein powder because I have a sensitivity to dairy and the vegan protein powders are GROSS. I tried them.

 

I've just been gassy, still having IBS-type gotta go now bathroom trips, but the diarrhea is managed by the psyllium husk so I cannot really tell if it is improving or worsening. Last time I missed a dose of psyllium husk it was not pretty - that was about 2 weeks ago. 

 

Am I just going through the normal healing and my GI is still sensitive? I have been gluten free since Oct 25. So not that long.

 

Keep in mind I am a super controlling Type A, impatient personality.

Oats could be causing the issues.

[Gemini]

If you are used to eating oatmeal and it didn't bother you before diagnosis, it probably isn't the oats. However, there have been complaints about BRM oats and I do not use them myself.  There are other companies that only grow and process gluten-free oats and I stick with those.  Cream Hill Estates are one good brand.  I would guess that if you take psyllium then the fiber in oats would not be an issue but you never know. Are you taking a digestive enzyme at this point?  They really help to digest the harder stuff that fit people in training eat.  You do need more time to heal but the enzymes might be of help with this.

[moosemalibu]

If you are used to eating oatmeal and it didn't bother you before diagnosis, it probably isn't the oats. However, there have been complaints about BRM oats and I do not use them myself.  There are other companies that only grow and process gluten-free oats and I stick with those.  Cream Hill Estates are one good brand.  I would guess that if you take psyllium then the fiber in oats would not be an issue but you never know. Are you taking a digestive enzyme at this point?  They really help to digest the harder stuff that fit people in training eat.  You do need more time to heal but the enzymes might be of help with this.

 

 

I am going to be really sad if it is the BRM oats. Is it a concern because of CC even with the gluten-free label? I will switch them to a different brand once I am out of the bag that I just bought (doh!).

 

I do take digestive enzymes.. 2 a day. Should I be taking more? I do not remember the brand name that I have but I do know it is labeled gluten free. My signature has all the supplements I am taking. The tricky part with my supplements is this: I cannot take them within 2 hours of my psyllium otherwise they don't get utilized properly (I read that somewhere reputable- please correct me though if I'm mistaken)... so sometimes I forget to take the supplements. So they are taken every other day sometimes missing a few days..

 

I cannot notice a difference when I take them.

[NoGlutenCooties]

I *think* having a reaction to gluten-free oats is rare, but I know my uncle and my mother - both Celiacs - cannot tolerate even certified gluten-free oats.  (I haven't bothered to try them.)  They give my uncle the same symptoms as if he had eaten gluten.  It's my understanding that the protein in oats is very similar to the gluten protein and can trigger the same sort of reaction within your body.  I think there's some controversy over this theory though.

[nvsmom]

I would lean towards still recovering. I was still having BM issues after being gluten-free for nine months. My GI symptoms were very improved at three months, and my pain was diminished at six months, but some symptoms lingered.

The gas could be from specific veggies. I still get some bloating from raw veggies no matter what I do. Some are worse than others: raw apples and pears cause me enough pain to drop them completely.

Your diet is really low in fats too. Perhaps consider adding some in or substitute them in for grains/starches or veggies? Fats are good for you and don't seem to cause gas.

[scrcdawn]

I have read that you should avoid oats, even gluten-free for a few months after starting a gluten free diet, then try to eat them once you are healed.  I had joint and muscle pain after I ate them, just like I had gluten.  Some research says the protein structure is very similar and can cause a reaction similar to being exposed to gluten.  I just go by how I feel.  Some folks have tried Quinoa flakes instead of oats.  I have not been able to find them locally, I need to try Whole Foods. 

[moosemalibu]

I *think* having a reaction to gluten-free oats is rare, but I know my uncle and my mother - both Celiacs - cannot tolerate even certified gluten-free oats.  (I haven't bothered to try them.)  They give my uncle the same symptoms as if he had eaten gluten.  It's my understanding that the protein in oats is very similar to the gluten protein and can trigger the same sort of reaction within your body.  I think there's some controversy over this theory though.

 

I do eat oats every day without fail so I could definitely eliminate them easily to determine if symptoms get better....

 

I would lean towards still recovering. I was still having BM issues after being gluten-free for nine months. My GI symptoms were very improved at three months, and my pain was diminished at six months, but some symptoms lingered.

The gas could be from specific veggies. I still get some bloating from raw veggies no matter what I do. Some are worse than others: raw apples and pears cause me enough pain to drop them completely.

Your diet is really low in fats too. Perhaps consider adding some in or substitute them in for grains/starches or veggies? Fats are good for you and don't seem to cause gas.

 

I figured recovery was likely still a big factor here. I did not use to get gas from eating vegetables but then I also didn't have Celiac's symptoms before, either. So I must remember that things are a little different now. I eat all my vegetables steamed.  I can try eliminating the apple after I do the dietary trial with the oats to see if I can pin point what is giving me issue.

 

I purposefully have a low fat diet. It's part of my training cycle. I won't always be low fat but right now I am... I hear ya on it though. I cheated and ate a few tablespoons of peanut butter and I got super ill. My body is not used to eating that much fat right now. it has to be gradual... But I do enjoy healthy fats, especially peanut butter. It is my candy!

 

I have read that you should avoid oats, even gluten-free for a few months after starting a gluten free diet, then try to eat them once you are healed.  I had joint and muscle pain after I ate them, just like I had gluten.  Some research says the protein structure is very similar and can cause a reaction similar to being exposed to gluten.  I just go by how I feel.  Some folks have tried Quinoa flakes instead of oats.  I have not been able to find them locally, I need to try Whole Foods. 

 

I think I read that as well.. I just rely on oats for breakfast, especially in the winter months. I can try to switch to buckwheat... I have that in my cupboard.

[NoGlutenCooties]

 I don't do protein powder because I have a sensitivity to dairy and the vegan protein powders are GROSS. I tried them.

 

Have you tried Whey protein?  It is derived from dairy, but many with dairy sensitivities can tolerate it well because it is very easy to digest and has little to no lactose in it.  I use the Designer Whey brand - French Vanilla flavor - and mix it in water.  It has 18 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugars, and no weird additives.  And no weird aftertaste either.  No soy, no casein, and of course no gluten.

Beware some of the other flavors though... they have less protein and more sugar.

 

I take it every morning to boost my metabolism and I work out in the morning, so I take it right after my workout.  I swear I can feel it get absorbed by the time it barely reaches my stomach. 

[moosemalibu]

Have you tried Whey protein?  It is derived from dairy, but many with dairy sensitivities can tolerate it well because it is very easy to digest and has little to no lactose in it.  I use the Designer Whey brand - French Vanilla flavor - and mix it in water.  It has 18 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugars, and no weird additives.  And no weird aftertaste either.  No soy, no casein, and of course no gluten.

Beware some of the other flavors though... they have less protein and more sugar.

 

I take it every morning to boost my metabolism and I work out in the morning, so I take it right after my workout.  I swear I can feel it get absorbed by the time it barely reaches my stomach. 

 

I have used whey protein in the past and it gives me trouble now. I'm hoping to reintroduce it a later date when I'm asymptomatic to test tolerance again. I use egg whites which is the traditional old school method of fast protein source for lifters.

[Gemini]

I am going to be really sad if it is the BRM oats. Is it a concern because of CC even with the gluten-free label? I will switch them to a different brand once I am out of the bag that I just bought (doh!).

 

I do take digestive enzymes.. 2 a day. Should I be taking more? I do not remember the brand name that I have but I do know it is labeled gluten free. My signature has all the supplements I am taking. The tricky part with my supplements is this: I cannot take them within 2 hours of my psyllium otherwise they don't get utilized properly (I read that somewhere reputable- please correct me though if I'm mistaken)... so sometimes I forget to take the supplements. So they are taken every other day sometimes missing a few days..

 

I cannot notice a difference when I take them.

Just to clarify things....you are taking the digestive enzymes with meals, aren't you?  Yes, that does sound like a stupid question but it's important. 

 

I still have trouble if I drink too many protein shakes. I have stopped for awhile because milky things bother me.....even if they are lactose free.  My body just does not like too much milky anything.  The protein bars agree with me much better and I'm with you...I just love eggs.  The perfect protein!  My cousin is a triathlete and she eats lots of egg whites too.  Sometimes it works better than the protein shakes.

 

I am not sure about taking supplements away from fiber but it could be true.  There are many supplements that should not be taken together with other things so what you read may be correct.  I have never had to take fiber so have no experience with it, other than the fiber in fruits and veggies.

[moosemalibu]

Just to clarify things....you are taking the digestive enzymes with meals, aren't you?  Yes, that does sound like a stupid question but it's important. 

 

I still have trouble if I drink too many protein shakes. I have stopped for awhile because milky things bother me.....even if they are lactose free.  My body just does not like too much milky anything.  The protein bars agree with me much better and I'm with you...I just love eggs.  The perfect protein!  My cousin is a triathlete and she eats lots of egg whites too.  Sometimes it works better than the protein shakes.

 

I am not sure about taking supplements away from fiber but it could be true.  There are many supplements that should not be taken together with other things so what you read may be correct.  I have never had to take fiber so have no experience with it, other than the fiber in fruits and veggies.

 

I do take the enzymes with a meal - but I typically take most of my supplements (when I remember to) in the morning with breakfast before I go to work.  Since I take a handful of pills its easier to do that instead of keeping a pill box and bringing them to work. I don't take them with each meal though... should I? I thought celiac disease was an absorption disease not a digestive disease? Most digestion takes place in the stomach (mechanical) and then you get bile into your small intestine to help break down food there. Is there dysfunction with the gall bladder that I am not aware of? I'm just trying to understand the digestive enzyme necessity. The probiotics I totally get, the enzymes I take but I'm not sure are needed...

 

I started taking psyllium to help with my diarrhea - it really binds things up. I may not need it after I heal. I get fiber from fruit and veggies, too, but it wasn't enough to firm me up. I needed to slow the transit time.

 

Yeah - as a new Celiac I wanted to abide by the "eat whole foods" suggestion that everyone gives. I don't consider protein powders as whole food so I figured I was safer with egg whites. Plus I have a reaction to the protein powder, too. I am also dairy free at the moment.

[NoGlutenCooties]

Digestion does continue in the small intestine.  Digestive enzymes help your body break things down more easily.  This article explains it pretty well:  Open Original Shared Link

[moosemalibu]

I challenge that article with this from U of Chicago.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Are there any scientific articles on this topic? If I have time I may search pubmed myself and share what I find.

[NoGlutenCooties]

True... many medical resources do not see the benefit in digestive enzymes... or many other supplements for that matter.  Nor do they typically research them very well, in my opinion, probably because the medical field doesn't make any money on natural cures.  (but that's just my own general distrust of the medical profession)

 

I think the best test is to use them for awhile and see if you think they help you.  If they don't, then stop taking them.  I just know that for me, if I eat a heavy meal it digests much easier and I feel better if I take a digestive enzyme with it.

[Gemini]

I challenge that article with this from U of Chicago.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Are there any scientific articles on this topic? If I have time I may search pubmed myself and share what I find.

What does happen with enzymes is that they are produced in the pancreas and released as needed when you eat.  How they get that "message" is from the small intestine.

When the villi are blunted/damaged, they can no longer send messages to the pancreas to release enzymes that are needed for digestion.  So, food is harder to digest, which is not something that is helpful with the healing process.

 

I take digestive enzymes with large meals or foods that are harder for me to digest still....those pesky fats. I still find fats a little on the hard side to digest sometimes.  I usually always eat whole foods healthy but like everyone, you want some heavier/fatty foods.  Even healthy fats can be problematic.  Many celiacs suffer from pancreatic insufficiency for awhile.  This is why some find great relief from enzymes in pill form.  Beans also.  I never used to have any trouble with beans but as I get older, sometimes beans can make one gassy. Enzymes work well with that also.

[notme]

beans, beans, the musical fruit..........  <no science lolz

 

if you're already drinking a gallon of water, maybe it's the healing.  digestion is going to cause some 'combustion' (i actually had to learn how to pass the gas because it used to just be the big D, if you know what i mean.)

[moosemalibu]

True... many medical resources do not see the benefit in digestive enzymes... or many other supplements for that matter.  Nor do they typically research them very well, in my opinion, probably because the medical field doesn't make any money on natural cures.  (but that's just my own general distrust of the medical profession)

 

I think the best test is to use them for awhile and see if you think they help you.  If they don't, then stop taking them.  I just know that for me, if I eat a heavy meal it digests much easier and I feel better if I take a digestive enzyme with it.

 

I'm more scientific in my brain but I respect where you are coming from. I do take them because it was recommended by everyone here on the board pretty much so I think practical experience has to come into consideration as well. But I wanted a clear explanation of the why. because that is the type of person I am. I wanna know why!

[moosemalibu]

What does happen with enzymes is that they are produced in the pancreas and released as needed when you eat.  How they get that "message" is from the small intestine.

When the villi are blunted/damaged, they can no longer send messages to the pancreas to release enzymes that are needed for digestion.  So, food is harder to digest, which is not something that is helpful with the healing process.

 

I take digestive enzymes with large meals or foods that are harder for me to digest still....those pesky fats. I still find fats a little on the hard side to digest sometimes.  I usually always eat whole foods healthy but like everyone, you want some heavier/fatty foods.  Even healthy fats can be problematic.  Many celiacs suffer from pancreatic insufficiency for awhile.  This is why some find great relief from enzymes in pill form.  Beans also.  I never used to have any trouble with beans but as I get older, sometimes beans can make one gassy. Enzymes work well with that also.

 

 

This makes sense. This is what I was hoping someone would write. Thanks for this post Gemini!

 

I don't do well with fats right now either... which is why my diet is low in fat (partially for workout, partially because my GI says no!). I'll have to try fat with the digestive enzymes and really pay attention to what happens.  I can say that peanut butter and I were best friends and now I can have 1 tbsp a week and that is it.

[blueshift]

My guess is the chocolate or the psyllium husks - those would do me in.

[IrishHeart]

I'm more scientific in my brain but I respect where you are coming from. I do take them because it was recommended by everyone here on the board pretty much so I think practical experience has to come into consideration as well. But I wanted a clear explanation of the why. because that is the type of person I am. I wanna know why!

 

 

 

omygosh.....This. Is. Me. I'm like the 3 year old who asks "why? why? why?"  until I find the answer (which is good because that's how I finally

got diagnosed and stopped that dying thing. 

 

I took digestive enzymes for the first 6 months after diagnosis. Before every meal. My GI doc said "It probably didn't hurt" as the pancreas was surely affected.

If you think they help, use them. IMHO

 

As for beans, well, I'm from Bahston and "toots" are the norm and it is considered quite funny by every male in the family ( for generations!)

to have someone "pull my finger"....sillypants idjits that they are. 

[NoGlutenCooties]

What does happen with enzymes is that they are produced in the pancreas and released as needed when you eat.  How they get that "message" is from the small intestine.

When the villi are blunted/damaged, they can no longer send messages to the pancreas to release enzymes that are needed for digestion.  So, food is harder to digest, which is not something that is helpful with the healing process.

 

I take digestive enzymes with large meals or foods that are harder for me to digest still....those pesky fats. I still find fats a little on the hard side to digest sometimes.  I usually always eat whole foods healthy but like everyone, you want some heavier/fatty foods.  Even healthy fats can be problematic.  Many celiacs suffer from pancreatic insufficiency for awhile.  This is why some find great relief from enzymes in pill form.  Beans also.  I never used to have any trouble with beans but as I get older, sometimes beans can make one gassy. Enzymes work well with that also.

 

Thanks Gemini!

I have a habit of remembering the bottom line and completely forgetting about the details. 

 

 

MooseMalibu -

I completely understand the "scientific" side!  I try to combine what I hear from the medical folks with what I learn from the nutritional folks and put it all together into something that makes sense to me.  I just have an innate distrust of the medical profession because if my mother had listened to them years ago she would be dead.  And if I listened to them I'd have diabetes, would have no idea I had osteopenia, and would have no idea I had Celiac.  That said... some of the nutritional folks come up with some off-the-wall stuff too.  It's a mine-field out there!

[moosemalibu]

omygosh.....This. Is. Me. I'm like the 3 year old who asks "why? why? why?"  until I find the answer (which is good because that's how I finally

got diagnosed and stopped that dying thing. 

 

I took digestive enzymes for the first 6 months after diagnosis. Before every meal. My GI doc said "It probably didn't hurt" as the pancreas was surely affected.

If you think they help, use them. IMHO

 

As for beans, well, I'm from Bahston and "toots" are the norm and it is considered quite funny by every male in the family ( for generations!)

to have someone "pull my finger"....sillypants idjits that they are. 

 

 

I'm happy to share this personality trait with you, Irish!

and I totally get the boy humor.. 2 older brothers.. so I have an appreciation of bathroom humor!

[moosemalibu]

Thanks Gemini!

I have a habit of remembering the bottom line and completely forgetting about the details. 

 

 

MooseMalibu -

I completely understand the "scientific" side!  I try to combine what I hear from the medical folks with what I learn from the nutritional folks and put it all together into something that makes sense to me.  I just have an innate distrust of the medical profession because if my mother had listened to them years ago she would be dead.  And if I listened to them I'd have diabetes, would have no idea I had osteopenia, and would have no idea I had Celiac.  That said... some of the nutritional folks come up with some off-the-wall stuff too.  It's a mine-field out there!

 

 

NCG - I definitely think that a combined approach is a good approach. We have to be our own advocate. I'm glad you had the idea of looking into things for yourself and solved your problems! We know a lot about our body and sometimes doctors don't know best.