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

[icelandgirl]

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!

[cyclinglady]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[icelandgirl]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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. 

 

Patience, Patience, Patience

 

Colleen

[icelandgirl]

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]

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

 

Colleen

[Gemini]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

And what probiotics are best?

[kareng]

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]

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

[dilettantesteph]

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."