Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

How Did You Heal Your Gut? Besides Giving Up Gluten...

icelandgirl

Recommended Posts

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted

The more I read about AI diseases the more I read about healing your gut.  I've been gluten free since January 23rd and things have improved a lot, but I still have some issues.  I found out last week that I also have Hashimotos's...so now I'm in the multiple AI club...fun!  Not.

 

Seriously though, besides going gluten free did you do anything else that helped you heal your gut?  I'd love lots of ideas...thanks!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Looking back, I would wish I would have gone completely grain free and stuck to whole foods (not processed). I think my healing would have occurred at a much faster rate.

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted
  • Author

I do still eat some grains...not a lot.  Some rice though.  I guess I could try rice free?  You've mentioned before that you eat high protein, high fat?  I think.  Do you feel good on that?  Do you feel like anything you did got your Hashi's stable or was it just thyroid meds?  I basically eat meat, fruits and veggies...and I'm bored.  LOL

BlessedMommy Rising Star
BlessedMommy
Posted

I'm curious, when people say grain free, do they mean literally grain free, as in eliminating only grains or do they also eliminate seeds like quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat?

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I am diabetic (dx after my celiac disease dx), so I eat to my meter (meaning I try to keep my blood glucose stable). I found that before I went on my Low Carb High Fat diet, I was having trouble with alternative grains like quinoa. So, now I eat normal portions of protein, eat fat (had some avocado and salmon for breakfast, along with zucchini) and get most of my carbs from lots of veggies and a very small amount of fruit. I eat peanuts since I am allergic to nuts (whaaaaa!). I drink sparkling waters with a flavored with a slice of fruit, tea and coffee with soymilk (no soy issues). I am really feeling much better compared to my gluten-free diet that I was on. I admit, I was mad that I had to eat gluten-free and consoled myself with lots of baked goods (I used to bake everything from scratch -- even my own bread). But sugar is sugar and like most a People i consumed way too much.

I am not advocating a diet like mine long term. It is really strict and not necessary for the average non-diabetic person, but I do think it may be a good diet for newbies.

My doctor is happy with my diet and my HA1c and Fasting blood sugar results. He was impressed with my improved cholesterol levels. I raised my HDL 20 points in six months by eating natural fats! Did you know that low cholesterol levels are just as bad as high? Past doctors always patted me on the back, but celiac disease probably was preventing me from eating what little fat I was consuming (I bought into the low fat diet completely -- that is what I grew up on!)

If I had read the newbie section and really embraced it, I would probably healed much faster. In any case, seriously cutting back on sugar, white flours, white anything is critical to just about everyone. Moderation is key.

Live and learn!

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I do still eat some grains...not a lot.  Some rice though.  I guess I could try rice free?  You've mentioned before that you eat high protein, high fat?  I think.  Do you feel good on that?  Do you feel like anything you did got your Hashi's stable or was it just thyroid meds?  I basically eat meat, fruits and veggies...and I'm bored.  LOL

I would not necessarily give up all grains, but when I went gluten-free, I found that not all alternative grains did not agree with me. You know some thing are just hard to digest with a damaged gut. But that may not be the case for you. Keep eating rice, but like everything else, eat in moderation.

I have had Hashi's for almost 20 years. I was stable for most of them up into my final years of perimenopause when it really whacked out (hyper and hypo swings that drove me and my doc crazy). I think keeping inflammation down in your body could be the answer and that includes a healthy diet, exercise and whatever allows you to de-stress. Addressing all other illnesses you mat have (allergies, diabetes, celiac, etc.) can only help.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I agree with healing faster with whole foods and grain and alternate grain free.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted
  • Author

I agree with healing faster with whole foods and grain and alternate grain free.

Did you do this?  Cut all grains?  Did anything else help?  Thanks!

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

There is no proof that cutting out all grains will help a person heal faster.  I did not and continued to heal on a slow, even keel.  Healing takes what it takes in each person and, unless you figure out that you have an additional food allergy or intolerance to a certain food/grain, there is no reason to.  Especially if you were like me, a classic Celiac who desperately needed to gain weight after diagnosis.  You will not stabilize your weight if you cut out grains.  You also need variety in your diet and grains will give you that, along with nutrients and fiber...if you eat the right grains.

 

I think the hardest part for people to accept is that coming back from a celiac diagnosis will take a lot more time than expected and you just have to be patient.  Getting a thyroid problem under control is important also and balancing all this can take time.  Although my gut felt better almost immediately after going strictly gluten free, all of the neuro and other issues took 3 years to completely disappear.  I have 4 AI diseases in total and have to admit that almost 10 years out from diagnosis, I feel great and lead a completely normal life that is jam packed with work, exercise and everything else life throws at ya.  I actually do more than people without all my health issues but I think its because I eat better than anyone I know and take very little in the way of meds.  If I can achieve this, anyone can, although I am sure it doesn't feel that way sometimes. I would just be wary of cutting out too much food variety when trying to recover.

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted
  • Author

You are very wise Gemini...I certainly under estimated how long it would take. I'm impatient and always searching for answers, clues...anything to help.

bartfull Rising Star
bartfull
Posted

I don't know if probiotics made me heal faster or not, but I do believe they helped. I still take them every day and probably always will.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Time. Probiotics. Enormous patience. ^_^

 

Despite what some internet sources may say, "magical healing aids" for "sealing leaky guts" do not exist. No science or medical basis for any of them, sorry. 

 

The gluten- damaged gut lining in the vast majority of celiacs will heal when you remove gluten. 

 

Some of us have other food intolerances, but those do not CAUSE a damaged gut. This is a huge misnomer.

 

Food intolerances result from a damaged gut and a compromised immune system. There is no magic potion to heal a gut lining...just time and strict avoidance of gluten.

 

So as much as none of us like it, I tell you this honestly: TIME is your ally. I was much like Gemini---and it took me nearly 15 months before I started to feel as if things were changing. It took me 3 years to start exercising again and to stop hurting from burning neuropathy and bone and muscle pain 24/7.

 

But I went many, many years before being diagnosed and my body was deeply compromised. I have a few AI diseases, too, but I am doing so much better now. :)

 

This is not the "norm", ok?. Most people heal more quickly.

I know you can get frustrated (and I do not blame you) but if you are G F, taking probiotics, drinking water, eating well, getting enough sleep  and gently exercising and avoiding stress, you are doing all you can to get well. 

 

Hang in there, hon. 

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted
  • Author

Ah...patience...I'm missing that. I do get very impatient. I am doing a probiotic, gluten free, eating well, walking. The biggest stress for me is this stuff.

GF Lover Rising Star
GF Lover
Posted

Ice Girl...

 

Gonna have to put the brakes on you  ;)  Remember no magic pill.  I'll give you a perfect example of how difficult multiple AI's can be.

 

You Ready?

 

In July my AI system went nuts due to a separate issue I have.  From July and still going on now....my Vitiligo when nuts, Thyroid upped a point and Sicca (Sjogrens) is killing me.  Have sore throats, headaches etc.  This is all from just one Autoimmune Trigger going off.  Will run its self out at some point but you just can't hurry it along.  You just have to manage it and be as healthy as you can.  Find something good in each day and concentrate on what you CAN do and not what you CAN'T.  You don't even what me coming up there and smacking you around a bit.  :lol:

 

Patience, Patience, Patience

 

Colleen

icelandgirl Proficient
icelandgirl
Posted
  • Author

Awww...Colleen...When you threaten me like that it makes me feel loved. :-)

I don't live in Iceland anymore though so depending on where you are you might have to come up, down or over here to carry it out.

I definitely find something good...amazing...In each day. My 3 kids that I love more than anything. Looking at their faces just fills me with love.

GF Lover Rising Star
GF Lover
Posted

Thats !!! what I'm talking about  :D  And yes, I love all my Celiac sisters and brothers !

 

Colleen

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

I don't know if probiotics made me heal faster or not, but I do believe they helped. I still take them every day and probably always will.

YES! This, eating well, exercise and digestive enzymes are the basics for Celiac healing. This takes longer than being plied with medications but it's tried and true.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

Did you do this?  Cut all grains?  Did anything else help?  Thanks!

 

Yes, I did do this.  It was my personal experience that it helped me heal.  Other things also helped.  It helped me to keep a food/symptom journal so that I could track where my reactions came from and elmininate those things as well.

w8in4dave Community Regular
w8in4dave
Posted

Time. Probiotics. Enormous patience. ^_^

 

Despite what some internet sources may say, "magical healing aids" for "sealing leaky guts" do not exist. No science or medical basis for any of them, sorry. 

 

The gluten- damaged gut lining in the vast majority of celiacs will heal when you remove gluten. 

 

Some of us have other food intolerances, but those do not CAUSE a damaged gut. This is a huge misnomer.

 

Food intolerances result from a damaged gut and a compromised immune system. There is no magic potion to heal a gut lining...just time and strict avoidance of gluten.

 

So as much as none of us like it, I tell you this honestly: TIME is your ally. I was much like Gemini---and it took me nearly 15 months before I started to feel as if things were changing. It took me 3 years to start exercising again and to stop hurting from burning neuropathy and bone and muscle pain 24/7.

 

But I went many, many years before being diagnosed and my body was deeply compromised. I have a few AI diseases, too, but I am doing so much better now. :)

 

This is not the "norm", ok?. Most people heal more quickly.

I know you can get frustrated (and I do not blame you) but if you are G F, taking probiotics, drinking water, eating well, getting enough sleep  and gently exercising and avoiding stress, you are doing all you can to get well. 

 

Hang in there, hon. 

That first statement! Absolutely!!

w8in4dave Community Regular
w8in4dave
Posted

I am almost a gluten-free Paleo LOL, I do eat some rice tho. It has got to be gluten-free. Not to often I am finding that Grains in general bother me! Yes even Quinoa , I also have diverticulitis so that may play a roll in the problem. Sometimes I get tired of having to eat the way I have to. But when someone says how good I look then I feel a lil different. 

This weekend there is a party we are going to, a fish fry lol. So we will bring a meat and cheese tray I will eat off of that then be done. I don't like spending my time in a rest room! 

Sbwife14 Rookie
Sbwife14
Posted

So I have a question. I know everyone is different but how long does it potentially take to heal? Then.....can you eat gluten in very small portions or just keep it off the menu.....my guess is always gluten free?

Sbwife14 Rookie
Sbwife14
Posted

And what probiotics are best?

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

So I have a question. I know everyone is different but how long does it potentially take to heal? Then.....can you eat gluten in very small portions or just keep it off the menu.....my guess is always gluten free?

If you have Celiac disease - you can never eat gluten again.

Open Original Shared Link

"The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage your intestine. This is true for anyone with the disease, including people who do not have noticeable symptoms. It can take weeks for antibody levels (indicating intestinal damage) to normalize after a person with celiac disease has consumed gluten. Depending on a person’s age at diagnosis, some problems, such as delayed growth and tooth discoloration, may not improve."

Sbwife14 Rookie
Sbwife14
Posted

From what I've been reading I was thinking that. Thanks for clarifying for me!

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

A study showing that grains can be contaminated: Open Original Shared Link

A study showing celiacs continuing to experience symptoms when they were on a special diet: Open Original Shared Link

They do allow rice.

"All cereal grains aside from rice are prohibited."

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,336
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    VanessaC
    Newest Member
    VanessaC
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.