Gluten free stools

[Sarahcat58]

So while I’ve been gluten free for a while, I’m still having some odd symptoms while waiting for my colonoscopy. Every now and then I have constipation or a pain in my gut, followed by pencil thin stools several days later. While I know I have reactions to Gluten, could this be something else causes inflammation in my colon with certain foods? I’m very concerned because reading up on Google, very thin stools is a sign of bowel cancer because it indicates there could be an obstruction. If that was the case, it would make sense that I get stomach pain before the thin stools, and would also explain the tiny bits of blood I had in stool over 4 months ago now. I’m a very anxious person so the thought of bowel cancer looming over my head and not being able to get a colonoscopy yet is very disheartening! 

But the fact that this symptom only happens when I eat certain foods may be a good sign that I’m just having an inflammatory problem? Does very thin long stools always mean an obstruction? I would imagine with colon cancer, the symptoms would be continuous and not on and off. And for those wondering, I ate gluten free pasta which gave this reaction. I’ve never had a bad reaction to rice, and I’ve never tried pasta that’s gluten free prior. I also wanted to thank everyone who has helped me with all my questions lately, I’ve found that this website has some of the most knowledgeable people and I most appreciate it! 

 

[cyclinglady]

Pencil thin stools for me is usually allergy or an intolerance.  Start a food journal and rotate your foods every four days.  Focus on meats, veggies and fruit.  No processed foods (that pasta was processed).  Soon you will know what bothers you.  

FYI.   I am grain free due to diabetes (carb reduction) but when I went grain free I actually finally felt better.  Was that rice pasta strictly just rice?  Was the colender to rinse the pasta dedicated?  

Since are not diagnosed with anything yet (due to school schedule), please make sure your diet is the old Standard American Diet before either an endoscopy or colonoscopy two weeks prior.  If you remain gluten free, you will miss a possible celiac disease diagnosis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (does not require you to be gluten free but often eating a non processed diet can help heal).  

[Sarahcat58]

What would you say is the best diet to follow up until two weeks prior to colonoscopy / endoscopy? I will try to eat more Whole Foods, would a paleo diet be a good choice? (Assuming is gluten free of course). So far it’s been very hard on me for eating out, my family loves going out to eat, but most places can’t ever confirm for sure if something is gluten free, and many of them have not ever heard of cross contamination before. I usually end up just getting a plain salad, but even that upsets my stomach even when I ask for NOTHING besides the lettuce. I’m not sure how to go about everyday eating. Also, is magnesium a good choice for me? Does it work the same way as fiber would? With being constipated so much, I’m trying to find a supplement I can take on the regular, that isn’t a laxative that would wear off after using is often. 

[cyclinglady]

I can not really address the constipation issues @Ennis_TX has some pretty good tips.  

I can suggest the Autoimmune Paleo diet.  It is meant to be temporary and then progresses to a fuller diet which still includes avoiding processed foods.

 I think you should consider eating at home and then just order a drink when out until you are feeling better or until you are ready to do a gluten challenge.   I pretty much never eat out.  I have some other intolerances that make eating out even more difficult, so I just do not do it.  I ONLY eat at dedicated gluten-free restaurants.  Again, even then it is a hassle.      You could get glutened in a restaurant and if you have IBD, you might consume something that could aggrevate your intestinal tract.  Some people can not digest lettuce.  Stick with cooked foods as they are easier to digest.  

Do you live at home?  If so, maybe it is time to have a family meeting and present your strategies in keeping you well enough to finish your semester or the school year.  

 

[Ennis-TX]

Magnesium Citirate (Calm from Natural Vitality) for constipation, start with a scale and 2g (1/4tsp) up it 2g a day til you get loose stools then back it down 2 grams. It helps keep liquid in your stools and too much can act as a laxative while too little if you suffer from Magnesium Deficiency will cause constipation in some. I had to do this for years in a insane dose and have now moved to Doctors Best Glycinate as I no longer have the constipation issues.

Lettuce...I puke every time I eat iceberg for about half a year now... i am fine with a few others though. Lately I have turned to blending my greens into a seasoned paste, or dehydrating them then into a powder for use in soup bases. Greens are tough to break down. I have some fun tricks to season spinach, chard, and kale and process to make easier for digestion. Some spices, and veggies can irrate you gut, keep a journal (as mentioned above) and look for patterns like, Oxylates, Histamines, Tannins, NightShades, Legumes, Soy, Spices, Fructose, Corn, etc. https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Food-Diary

I follow a paleo based diet with more of a Atkins/Keto base. I do low carb as carbs initially flared my UC causing bleeding, and mucus in stools. I do have tons of fiber in mine to help keep stuff moving, and I found meats cause me digestive issues. Bone Broth/Collogen Powders help with gut issues and give no issues for digestion (assuming the animal fats are a issues with my pancreas)

Going on another issues with digestion can be the pancreas and digestive enzymes, mine hardly functions. If you notice most of your digestion issues in the evening then this could be it. Try heavier higher fat meals for breakfast when your at your peak...eat light and easy avoiding hard to digest foods in the evening. Pacreas enzymes can help, I started with Jarrow Enzymes Plus...they are pure pancreas enzymes. I also take some from another brand targeting my eating style that help some.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/119919-digestive-enzymes/

I also take a few things to help with intestinal issues, Aloe Very Inner Fillet, Slippery Elm Powder, and Marshmallow Powder all help to coat sore areas of the intestines. The last two are known to stick to irritated areas of the gut and act like a band aid for the intestinal tract giving it time to heal. I try to pulse these in my regime and sometimes end up taking them every day as it helps. I like Nature way in the pills and take 3-4 of each, dumping into a shot glass and mixing into a paste. The aloe vera I take 4-8oz in some green tea.
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marshmallow.html
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-slippery-elm.html
https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html