Arthritis And Constipation?

[Nikki2777]

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease about two years ago, and I feel so much better.

 

My 84 year old mother has been complaining about her daily constipation and arthritis feeling much much worse lately.  Am I right in thinking she should try going gluten free for a month to see if that helps?

 

I know there's a genetic component, so that may be part of it, but even if she doesn't have Celiac, will this help her at all, or will it likely be a placebo effect (assuming she really sticks to it).

 

And yes, I know that at 84, these are not awful complaints, but she's a very active person and I hate to see this slowing her down.

 

 

[mamaw]

Would  she  be willing to get  tested  before  she tries gluten-free?We  have an  89 year old  dx'd  a couple months ago....Her thought was  why  would  doctors  not  check her  years ago so  maybe  she  could of  had  a  more  healthful life! She  is  following  the gluten-free  diet strictly  & feels  so  good.... it is never to late .....

[Nikki2777]

Thanks - no, sadly, she won't get tested.  I pretty much had to bribe her (with my own weight loss)  to try going gluten-free til the end of May to see if she feels any better.  She believes this is all just old age.

[mamaw]

Well, then I hope  she tries  the gluten-free  & I pray it  helps  her... bless you for  trying.....

[nvsmom]

My doctors told me my arthritis was due to aging too... I'm 41 now.  

 

More and more doctors believe that all arthritis (autoimmune and osteoarthritis) may both be linked to the immune system.  Unless you've injured a joint, they now think that it shouldn't be wearing out... It's that darn inflammation again.

 

Anyway, back on topic.    I had arthritis as one of my celiac disease symptoms.  I was disappointed when I discovered that arthralgias are one of the last symptoms to resolve on the gluten-free diet.  If she is lucky, her arthritis (if it is celiac disease linked) might start to improve in the first 6 months.  I didn't have obvious improvements that were consistent until I had been gluten-free for almost a year.  Sadly the gluten-free diet did nothing for my osteoarthritis, although eating lower sugar and starches does seem to help me.

 

I would advise her that if she is a celiac, the gluten-free diet may not help her D and arthritis for many months.  Unless she is willing to commit to many months gluten-free as a test, she should get tested the next time she has blood work done (and is still eating gluten).

 

Best wishes to you both.  I hope she feels better, and kudos to you for trying to help - she's very lucky.