Unexpected Positive Effects Of New gluten-free Eating Habits?

[BRUMI1968]

I've been able to remember things, like people's names,much better than before.

AND

I didn't even realize I wasn't sleeping through the night until about 3 weeks gluten-free - then I did for three or four nights in a row (I live by the train tracks, so I can't expect perpetual sleeping bliss) and realized how unusual that was. Yahoo.

As to habits - making myself lunch/snacks the night before I go anywhere is much better.

AND

for some reason, I use up food more economically. I use old rice and stuff like that.

[Anna Isabel]

My skin glows now! I pay a lot more attention to everything that's going on around me!

I never used to like fruit or vegetables, but now a banana seriously tastes like ice cream to me now--I think my taste buds have changed! I don't obsess about whether or not I'm going to have a muffin or a cookie for a snack everyday--eating is still enjoyable, but not the main focus of my life.

My weight seems to have distributed itself more evenly on my body, too.

[Kaycee]

I have noticed that I have become more efficient in the kitchen. I don't throw away half as much food, it all seems to go. I usually have to replace something now, because it is all gone, not because it has gone off!

Have I mentioned that I don't get as hungry?

I have gained confidence in my own cooking again.

I thought my diet was healthy before, but now realised it sucked, it is healthy now.

My sense of humour is coming back.

I go that extra mile at work.

I communciate better.

I like myself, the depression has lifted.

I feel more alive.

The cryptic crosswords are not so hard.

Fortunately (unfortunately?) my brain has come back from holiday. Don't know where it went, but it went for a while.

My nails are getting stronger, they always flaked before.

The list is endless.

Cathy

[indyceliac]

My Gerd symptoms..completely gone..and no more meds!

My fingernails growing faster and the nailbeds actually have a nice pink healthy look to them...never did before.

Ezcema gone.

normal bm's for the first time in years . I can actually go out of the house without worrying if theres a bathroom nearby!

[jerseyangel]

There is so many great things that have happened since going gluten free, but I think the random thing that has changed would be that I like "me" again and my skin is pretty again. One thing I never expected was meeting all my new Celiac.com friends, that has been one the greatest things that have happened.

That was such a sweet thing to say! I feel the same--when I got very sick, I felt the best thing at the time was to quit my job--a job that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was working at the high school here in town, so there was a definate social aspect to it. Finding this board has first and foremost taught me everything I know about Celiac Disease, but also introduced me to a whole new set of friends! I have to agree that this board is one of the happy, unexpected things that has happened to me since going gluten-free!

[prinsessa]

I don't crave gluteny stuff anymore (except pizza and beer....I would kill for a big slice of pizza and a cold beer...the gluten free stuff isn't exactly the same)

The dark circles under my eyes have started to fade (not completely yet)

I eat less junk food

no more dandruff

[Kaycee]

My nose does not run everytime I have a meal. Well it used to when I ate gluten, but now that I am gluten free it does not drip after a meal. Confuses me that one does. How could gluten have something to do with the nose, it is just about like an allergy thing.

Cathy

[Kaycee]

Also, when I used to eat, back in the olden days, sandwiches for lunch, all I would want to do after that is go to sleep, so it ws rather hard getting a good afternoon's work out of me.

But now, after having lunch at work, I am back into my office without even a yawn.

Cathy

[lindalee]

My dark circles are much better. I always had them and never could figure out what it was. My hair actually feels healthier. I feel stronger. Since joining this group, I now suspect alot of people I care about have celiac. Is this just me? LLee

[Kaycee]

Before on occassions I would gag a bit while brushing my teeth, but now I can brush my teeth no problem.

I feel the same about everthing you say. Still got to work on the dark circles, I only notice them when I've been glutened. And yes there a lot out there who could be prime suspects for coeliac, buth then there are those who claim they have, and do not do anything positive about it, ie, try being gluten free. Those are the most frustrating people.

Cathy

[Papa-Hen]

Besides the weight that comes off without thinking (or fighting)...260 to 210 since Nov. ...

Have the allergies really disappeared?!?!?!

Wouldn't this be cool?!?!

Thank you, everyone, for sharing.

- Henry

[Green12]

My skin really changed, I used to have breakouts here and there and I just don't have them anymore.

I am really enjoying cooking/baking and eating gluten-free, which at first was a very hard transition to make, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.

[BRUMI1968]

I already answered, but thought of another one. The little bumps on the backs of my arms have gone away, and on my outer thighs too. Yahoo.

[tiffjake]

I love this thread!

-No more migranes

-No more cystic acne

-No more birth control for periods (I never had one before the pill, was on the pill for 7years, and now gluten-free, have almost a 28 day cycle!!!)

-No more body odor (used to sweat and stink an odd stink)

-No more bloated feeling after eating, swollen hands, and face

-No more running to the bathroom after every meal!

-No more dull, ruddy looking skin

-Nails look better!

-Allergies don't seem as bad

-I actually eat LESS and spend LESS on groceries, including going to places like Whole Foods.

-I eat more salads!!! It is safer at resturants to ask for just lettuce, and tomatoes, and I bring my own dressing. (Not at all places, just the ones that I have never been to before, or when I am traveling.)

-I am learning a lot about nutrition and cooking!

-No more inhaler needed for stairs or working out!

-Much less joint/muscle pain.

-No more GERD!!!! I was on Nexium and Reglan for reflux so bad after every meal that it was like throwing up.....

-Found out who my real friends were (and found some great ones on here!!!)

-No more depression!!!!

-No more grinding my teeth!

-No more pernicious anemia!

-Sleeping much less (used to sleep 12 hours a day/night!!! ALWAYS felt tired!!!!!)

-No more nightmares/waking terrors

I feel much better!!!!!!!!!!

[queenofhearts]

This thread is just what I needed... I've been feeling discouraged lately. For a while there I was very gung-ho, especially learning to bake gluten-free... but it's been nearly a month now & I'm not really feeling better, which is probably at least partly due to cross-contamination. I've been meticulous with my diet & cooking, cosmetics, vitamins, &c. but I'm in a house with 3 not-very-meticulous gluten-eaters, & have been to others' houses, restaurants (though not often) & though I've been very careful, I suspect a crumb or two has come my way one way or another. Is it really POSSIBLE to stay gluten free without being a hermit & banishing all gluten from the house?

Well, you all have done it... & you are feeling so much better in so many ways... & the list of symptoms you are rid of sound like they came out of my diary... so I know it's worth the effort.

Thanks for the pick-me-up!

Leah

[ArtGirl]

This thread is just what I needed...

Me, too. This thread has been a real encouragement to me. I'm going to be patient and not get discouraged because what I've learned here is that it can take a lot of time and there'll be ups and downs - BUT - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm hang'n in there!

[Dangerkitten]

It's been almost 2 years since I went gluten-free and the changes are wonderful. No more fear of leaving the house and being too far from a bathroom. No more Restless Leg syndrome, Anemia, Migraines, abdominal cramping. My arthritis is so much less painful. If I get accidentally glutened, it all comes raging back almost immediately so I'm really consciencous.

I'm getting to be quite good at cooking this new way. My hubby loves my creations and I have to enforce rules that he doesnt eat it all. Hey, he's not even celiac!

My Rheumatologist told me today that she learned so much from me. Because of my diagnosis, she's now testing more people for celiac. And even moreso, surprised at finding so many patients have it as an underlying condition. Now thats something to really feel good about!

It's one condition that I know about, know what to do about and can feel in control of. Not many illnesses that you can say that about.

Great thread

[Kaycee]

I'm getting to be quite good at cooking this new way. My hubby loves my creations and I have to enforce rules that he doesnt eat it all. Hey, he's not even celiac!

It's one condition that I know about, know what to do about and can feel in control of. Not many illnesses that you can say that about.

Great thread

Ditto ditto.

My first thought on going gluten free 5 months ago, was I have control over my disease, but that feeling of control quickly left, and I was feeling quite helpless for a while there, but now I am again feeling more in control of my diet.

Also I have learned how to cook real food again. No more prepared, prepackaged food for me. I am enjoying cooking and trying various new foods I would never have even thought of before.

Cathy

[lpellegr]

Best symptom lost? No more poisonous, foul, constant gas that made me wish I could crawl under a rock for 30 years. Second best? My skin used to turn red and itch and even sprout hives for half an hour whenever it got cold - not any more. Probably due to lowered inflammatory chemicals running around my bod in response to gluten. No more waking up at night to pee, no more IBS symptoms. I didn't know how messed up my digestive system was until it normalled up. And one side effect - less chance of gaining weight by partaking of every donut, cake, cookie, or slice of pizza that someone brings to work!

Best symptom lost? No more poisonous, foul, constant gas that made me wish I could crawl under a rock for 30 years. Second best? My skin used to turn red and itch and even sprout hives for half an hour whenever it got cold - not any more. Probably due to lowered inflammatory chemicals running around my bod in response to gluten. No more waking up at night to pee, no more IBS symptoms. I didn't know how messed up my digestive system was until it normalled up. And one side effect - less chance of gaining weight by partaking of every donut, cake, cookie, or slice of pizza that someone brings to work!

[munchkinette]

I have to say, I didn't realize there was such a difference until I got glutened last week. I wasn't sure how sensitive I was. I forgot my gluten-free soy sauce, so I ate sushi with regular. I looked like I was pregnant for a few days! I had no idea how much this was from gluten. Now my stomach is flatter again. My mom has a little gut and my grandmother did too. I always thought it was just one of those body shape things I inherited. I think it was a wheat problem I inherited.

I just got my ferritin retested yesterday. It is still low, but it is in the normal range for the first time since I was diagnosed with anemia three years ago! It was next to nothing 6 months ago when I started investigating and found out about the wheat problems.

[flxmanning]

This is exactly what I needed right now. I just glutened myself on purpose (you can read my post) because I guess I just forgot all of the good that goes along with being gluten-free. Here's a list of the many good things I've experienced (pre relapse).

1. My fingers are not huge and swollen

2. I can actually sit on the ground without my stomach getting in the way of being comfortable

3. I can sleep through the night

4. I can focus my mind on one thing at a time

5. I go to exercise classes

6. I do my homework

7. My skin looks better

8. I want to go out with friends

9. I don't constantly think about food and my next meal

10. I don't have a huge rock in my stomach

11. I don't have that horrible embarrassing gas

12. My feet don't smell

13. I have more energy

14. I'm not depressed/moody

15. I feel like me again

Wow, I didn't realize all of the benefits! I guess I just need to reflect on all of this when I really want those processed, gluten-filled foods again.

[oceangirl]

This is exactly what I needed right now. I just glutened myself on purpose (you can read my post) because I guess I just forgot all of the good that goes along with being gluten-free. Here's a list of the many good things I've experienced (pre relapse).

1. My fingers are not huge and swollen

2. I can actually sit on the ground without my stomach getting in the way of being comfortable

3. I can sleep through the night

4. I can focus my mind on one thing at a time

5. I go to exercise classes

6. I do my homework

7. My skin looks better

8. I want to go out with friends

9. I don't constantly think about food and my next meal

10. I don't have a huge rock in my stomach

11. I don't have that horrible embarrassing gas

12. My feet don't smell

13. I have more energy

14. I'm not depressed/moody

15. I feel like me again

Wow, I didn't realize all of the benefits! I guess I just need to reflect on all of this when I really want those processed, gluten-filled foods again.

I thought I would just look in my food log and list the symptoms I had:

Bloating/Distension

abdominal pain/Left-side "stitch" pain-intense at night

"pointy pain"-like glass in intestines

intense lower back pain, especially all night

constipation/diarrhea alternating

RED eyes, chancre sores, sore, cracked lips

yellow stools,heartburn

crampy morning pain, joint pain, cracking joints,gas

DARK circles under eyes

MOST of this is gone or at least lessened. Nighttime is still my worst time- not sure why. I do feel MUCH better and I've been gluten-free(mostly, some stuff undiscovered) for almost 5 months. The depression is better, too. I am nervous, though, as I'm about to go back to work in a high school where I work with emotionally disturbed kids and I wasn't well all last year. So I think, by association, I'm scared symptoms will come back when I'm under pressure again and getting up at 6 again. I'm trying to have courage! Thank you for this thread- it's very good!

lisa

MOST of this

[queenofhearts]

I thought I would just look in my food log and list the symptoms I had:

Bloating/Distension

abdominal pain/Left-side "stitch" pain-intense at night

"pointy pain"-like glass in intestines

intense lower back pain, especially all night

constipation/diarrhea alternating

RED eyes, chancre sores, sore, cracked lips

yellow stools,heartburn

crampy morning pain, joint pain, cracking joints,gas

DARK circles under eyes

MOST of this is gone or at least lessened. Nighttime is still my worst time- not sure why. I do feel MUCH better and I've been gluten-free(mostly, some stuff undiscovered) for almost 5 months. The depression is better, too. I am nervous, though, as I'm about to go back to work in a high school where I work with emotionally disturbed kids and I wasn't well all last year. So I think, by association, I'm scared symptoms will come back when I'm under pressure again and getting up at 6 again. I'm trying to have courage! Thank you for this thread- it's very good!

lisa

MOST of this

Glad to hear you're almost rid of your symptoms! After 2 months I'm finally beginning to feel something is changing. Stress does make things worse, but in my experience getting up early actually helps my mood. The key is to get to bed early too so you don't build up a sleep deficit... but I think humans are meant to work in light hours & sleep in darkness so it helps counter depression to be on that schedule.

Leah

[wacky~jackie]

My Gerd symptoms..completely gone..and no more meds!

My fingernails growing faster and the nailbeds actually have a nice pink healthy look to them...never did before.

Ezcema gone.

normal bm's for the first time in years . I can actually go out of the house without worrying if theres a bathroom nearby!

How long did it take for your gerd to clear up? I have been on Prilosec OTC for quite awhile. I've only been gluten free for a week or so and I'm wondering when I could wean myself off the Prilosec without being up all night with heartburn. Any ideas?

[morganb]

I used to have really bad allergies, but when I went gluten free, my allergies went bye bye. Now it's only every once in a while that I'll sneeze.

I also used to have white dots on my fingernails, most of the time it would be somewhere between 10 and 15. But today I only have one. They didn't start disappearing until I went gluten free.