Could It Be Gluten-withdrawl?

[jerseyangel]

I know that I'm not the first one to suggest this, but the ole "going back to the basics" would help you get a handle on what is causing your reactions. Potatoes are a good start. Maybe add some fresh meat, cooked simply (you need your protein!!). Do you like rice? Cooked vegetables--start with easy to digest ones like green beans, squash, etc. At the beginning maybe leave out the corn and soy products--its not uncommon to react to those. I use no dairy at all. You could try a peroid without that, too and see if it makes a difference. It sounds like a lot to give up, but really, there are a lot of nice filling meals you can make with the basic foods and gradually you will add things back to see how it goes. Potato chips make a good snack at work as well as the cashews, walnuts are also good and a great source of Omege 3 fat that is good for you. No more pretzels--you don't need to eat things that will spoil all of your efforts in the right direction. Keep moving forward, even if slowly, because you are worth it and any time you need a hand, we'll be here.

[darkangel]

What about milk and dairy products? Do most of you serious Celiacs cut out dairy completley? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm finding the dairy protein casein has probably done me as much or more harm than gluten. I've improved dramatically from avoiding all dairy except real butter, which is mostly fat.

You'll never really know unless you consistently avoid gluten and/or casein. It takes willpower, discipline and preplanning.

This may veer a little off topic, but I feel it's necessary to say: we're all unique and we all have complicated lists of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Gluten may or may not be the source of each person's problems. Or it could be gluten and casein. Or it could be gluten and a combination of other common allergens... eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, etc.

Even though this is a gluten-free forum, we don't want to see every newbie here as a nail, simply because we have a hammer. Those of us who are "undiagnosed" are desperate for quick answers, but - sadly - it's been my experience we must all do our own homework, research and dietary trial and error.

[RiceGuy]

With me, I guess potatoes are really the one thing I know that will fill me. I'll actually feel full.

Good! Like I said, I make the instant ones often - with water, so there's no dairy either. That can help you keep to safe foods while you pinpoint all the no-no's. Sprinkle some sprouts on top if you like. As has already been stated, you need the protein too. When I first had to cut out foods, I was going bananas trying to fill out meals. But it got easier once I got my brain wrapped around new food ideas. We get so used to certain things that we don't see the multitude of possibilities. That's one thing this forum is helping me with too