Newly diagnosed need help with anxiety

[dogluv2]

Hi!  I have had symptoms for many years but recently diagnosed celiac.  I have had problems for years with

"traffic anxiety" do to tummy issues.  Being stuck in a car not knowing where the nearest bathroom is makes my

heart race which affects my stomach too.  I am learning more about the gluten free diet but just wondering if anyone has

any relaxation techniques I can use especially when I am in a car...thanks so much!

[GFinDC]

You can try signing hymns.

Anxiety can be related to lack of B vitamins.  So you could try taking some B complex along with vitamin D.  Time on the gluten-free diet should help too.  As your gut heals it will be able to absorb nutrients better.  And that helps you heal faster and feel better.

It's helpful to avoid processed foods for a few months and also sugar and carbs.  Things like rice and potatoes that are quickly turned into sugar in the GI system.  Also, stopping all dairy and oats is helpful for the first few months.

[Corinne D.]

You could try mindfulness meditation. Look it up, it is very easy to do by anyone at all in almost any circumstances, even in a car. You can start with guided meditations and do it at home when you're relaxed until you get the hang of it. Before you know it, you'll be doing mindful driving with no guidance and it will be easier to steer your thoughts away from catastrophizing.

This is a good place to get lots of free guided meditations by people who teach at the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA:

https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/meditation-at-the-hammer

You can start with sessions titled "basic meditation", though they briefly explain the very basics every time. It is important to do it systematically, at least once a week, but preferably daily. The more you practice, the easier and the more effective it gets.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

[Ennis-TX]

For long trips I used to put a chemical toilet (uses chemicals in the black tank to break down waste and seals air/liquid tight and yes they flush with a hand pump) in the back seat of my SUV with the middle row removed and a hunters blind in it meant to cover a chair. I never ended up using it and always made it to a gas station, but it was there in case of worst case scenario and I got stuck on the highway or in the middle of no where. >.< I later invested in a Small RV of sorts for traveling, Look up a type B RV, can find used for 5-15k normally. Personally got a project one built out in the back of a ambulance and finished it out.

As mentioned above anxiety can be do to B-vitamins, vitamin D, and Magnesium. 2-4 grams of Natural Vitality Calm a day and using Liquid Health Mega Energy B-Complex (Formally called Energy & Stress). and some Vitamin D drops are my normal I also take a daily vitamin in addition.

PS I always listen to music when driving....and I have severe stress driving, my pulse can spike 170bpm if stuck in traffic. This is attributed to trauma from a car wreck 12 years ago when my brakes failed (the tire cut a loose brake line). Cars getting to close and that start stop with someone near the front triggers flashbacks.

Edited February 15, 2020 by Ennis_TX

[dogluv2]

3 hours ago, GFinDC said:

You can try signing hymns.

Anxiety can be related to lack of B vitamins.  So you could try taking some B complex along with vitamin D.  Time on the gluten-free diet should help too.  As your gut heals it will be able to absorb nutrients better.  And that helps you heal faster and feel better.

It's helpful to avoid processed foods for a few months and also sugar and carbs.  Things like rice and potatoes that are quickly turned into sugar in the GI system.  Also, stopping all dairy and oats is helpful for the first few months.

Thanks for the tips!  I have been dairy free for years but I do have a sweet tooth.  I have been eating gluten free oats for a long time.  Is it possible that would bother my gut?  Also any vitamin supplements go right through me for some reason.  I also have some colitis so maybe that's why.

[dogluv2]

3 hours ago, Ennis_TX said:

For long trips I used to put a chemical toilet (uses chemicals in the black tank to break down waste and seals air/liquid tight and yes they flush with a hand pump) in the back seat of my SUV with the middle row removed and a hunters blind in it meant to cover a chair. I never ended up using it and always made it to a gas station, but it was there in case of worst case scenario and I got stuck on the highway or in the middle of no where. >.< I later invested in a Small RV of sorts for traveling, Look up a type B RV, can find used for 5-15k normally. Personally got a project one built out in the back of a ambulance and finished it out.

As mentioned above anxiety can be do to B-vitamins, vitamin D, and Magnesium. 2-4 grams of Natural Vitality Calm a day and using Liquid Health Mega Energy B-Complex (Formally called Energy & Stress). and some Vitamin D drops are my normal I also take a daily vitamin in addition.

PS I always listen to music when driving....and I have severe stress driving, my pulse can spike 170bpm if stuck in traffic. This is attributed to trauma from a car wreck 12 years ago when my brakes failed (the tire cut a loose brake line). Cars getting to close and that start stop with someone near the front triggers flashbacks.

Thanks!  I love the thought of a small RV!  Never thought of that.  Sorry about your accident.  Sounds awful.  Unfortunately any supplements bother my gut.  Not sure why but they do.  I also have colitis on top of celiac.  I am on a med for that and seems to help but can't handle any supplements.  Yep, I pump up the tunes when driving but sometimes that doesn't even help.

[GFinDC]

Hi, Yes, some of us react to oats that same as wheat, rye and barley.  So it's good idea to eliminate them for a few months and see if that helps.  I think the number is something like 9 or 10% react to oats.