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Other Digestive Issues While Intestines are Healing?

Ginger38
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Ginger38 Rising Star
Ginger38
Posted

During the intestinal healing phase and/or after healing, is it normal to have a change in the digestive system in general?

Do celiacs just have more tummy issues? Are there certain gluten free foods that you can no longer eat? Should I be sticking to a pretty bland diet for a good while ? 

Im having issues with reflux and just my stomach in general when I eat certain foods or certain types of foods 

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Rogol72 Collaborator
Rogol72
Posted
1 hour ago, Ginger38 said:

During the intestinal healing phase and/or after healing, is it normal to have a change in the digestive system in general?

Do celiacs just have more tummy issues? Are there certain gluten free foods that you can no longer eat? Should I be sticking to a pretty bland diet for a good while ? 

Im having issues with reflux and just my stomach in general when I eat certain foods or certain types of foods 

I've had issues with reflux having a HH. In my experience, any food or beverage item that will cause inflammation and/or bloating in the gut will cause reflux. Coeliacs are prone to developing IBS and SIBO which can cause reflux. I follow an AIP diet for the most part and take the supplements my body needs since fortified foods are off the menu. I've got it down to a fine art after much trial and error. I eat fruits and a lot of vegetables, mostly poultry and fresh fish and some red meat but not as much as I used to. It works for me.

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Although it sounds counter-intuitive, some research has shown that reflux can be caused by low stomach acid, rather than high stomach acid. Many doctors, almost reflexively now, prescribe PPI's for reflux, and in such cases this makes the issues worse. 

Posterboy Mentor
Posterboy
Posted
On 7/31/2022 at 3:02 AM, Rogol72 said:

I've had issues with reflux having a HH. In my experience, any food or beverage item that will cause inflammation and/or bloating in the gut will cause reflux. Coeliacs are prone to developing IBS and SIBO which can cause reflux. I follow an AIP diet for the most part and take the supplements my body needs since fortified foods are off the menu. I've got it down to a fine art after much trial and error. I eat fruits and a lot of vegetables, mostly poultry and fresh fish and some red meat but not as much as I used to. It works for me.

 

3 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

Although it sounds counter-intuitive, some research has shown that reflux can be caused by low stomach acid, rather than high stomach acid. Many doctors, almost reflexively now, prescribe PPI's for reflux, and in such cases this makes the issues worse. 

Rogol72,

If you are  not taking a PPI now.....then taking Niacinamide can help your GI upset....

See this abstract that shows why this is possible.

https://www.yourhealthbase.com/database/niacin-treats-digestive-problems.htm

About 20 years ago now Howard Hughes Medical Institute aka HHMI "Debunked" that GERD/Heartburn was caused by too high a stomach acid...

https://www.hhmi.org/news/excessive-growth-bacteria-may-also-be-major-cause-stomach-ulcers

But PPI use is as prominent as it has ever been......because It "Locks us in" to ever recovering from Low Stomach acid being misdiagnosed as high stomach acid instead....

I have written a blog post that might help you.

Here is another article that might help you as well....

https://chriskresser.com/what-everybody-ought-to-know-but-doesnt-about-heartburn-gerd/

And this one explains how to use baking soda to do a home test to see if your Stomach acid is really too low or too high?.....

https://drjockers.com/5-ways-test-stomach-acid-levels/

And I will give you a hint if you don't get a chane to read the whole posterboy blog post....it comes down to timeline....

Quoting

"Timeline is important in any diagnosis.

IF your stomach acid was HIGH as you often hear (everywhere) you hear take a Proton Pump Inhibitor

aka acid reducer’s or PPIs  for heartburn/GERD (medical name for heartburn) then eating food

(carbs, greasy things) wouldn’t bother you.

The acid would cut it up but if it is already low/weak then even a little acid can burn your esophagus which is not coated like the stomach to protect you from high acid.

BUT if it is low to start with then food will WEAKEN our/your acid so that you lose the food fight your in and things (carbs/fats) become to ferment, rancidify and cause heart burn." etc. and the vicious cycle repeats!

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advice.

Good luck on your continued journey!

2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Posterboy by the Grace of God,

Ginger38 Rising Star
Ginger38
Posted
  • Author
3 hours ago, Posterboy said:

 

Rogol72,

If you are  not taking a PPI now.....then taking Niacinamide can help your GI upset....

See this abstract that shows why this is possible.

https://www.yourhealthbase.com/database/niacin-treats-digestive-problems.htm

About 20 years ago now Howard Hughes Medical Institute aka HHMI "Debunked" that GERD/Heartburn was caused by too high a stomach acid...

https://www.hhmi.org/news/excessive-growth-bacteria-may-also-be-major-cause-stomach-ulcers

But PPI use is as prominent as it has ever been......because It "Locks us in" to ever recovering from Low Stomach acid being misdiagnosed as high stomach acid instead....

I have written a blog post that might help you.

Here is another article that might help you as well....

https://chriskresser.com/what-everybody-ought-to-know-but-doesnt-about-heartburn-gerd/

And this one explains how to use baking soda to do a home test to see if your Stomach acid is really too low or too high?.....

https://drjockers.com/5-ways-test-stomach-acid-levels/

And I will give you a hint if you don't get a chane to read the whole posterboy blog post....it comes down to timeline....

Quoting

"Timeline is important in any diagnosis.

IF your stomach acid was HIGH as you often hear (everywhere) you hear take a Proton Pump Inhibitor

aka acid reducer’s or PPIs  for heartburn/GERD (medical name for heartburn) then eating food

(carbs, greasy things) wouldn’t bother you.

The acid would cut it up but if it is already low/weak then even a little acid can burn your esophagus which is not coated like the stomach to protect you from high acid.

BUT if it is low to start with then food will WEAKEN our/your acid so that you lose the food fight your in and things (carbs/fats) become to ferment, rancidify and cause heart burn." etc. and the vicious cycle repeats!

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advice.

Good luck on your continued journey!

2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Posterboy by the Grace of God,

So if your acid is low greasy / fattening foods will cause heartburn? Like bacon, cream cheese in a dip etc? 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted
16 hours ago, Ginger38 said:

So if your acid is low greasy / fattening foods will cause heartburn? Like bacon, cream cheese in a dip etc? 

Yes.  We need stomach acid (and bile from the gallbladder) to break fats apart.  

Posterboy Mentor
Posterboy
Posted
18 hours ago, Ginger38 said:

So if your acid is low greasy / fattening foods will cause heartburn? Like bacon, cream cheese in a dip etc? 

Ginger38,

I am afraid so....

See this Livestrong article that explains why this is so...

https://www.livestrong.com/article/467828-does-fat-slow-digestion/

It shows well how FAT delays stomach emptying…….combined with CARBs that ferment then you have the “Fire and gasoline” needed to trigger Heartburn/GERD etc….

Thinks of your many triggers……fatty or very sweet (chocolate etc.), bitter or acidic etc.

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/top-10-heartburn-foods

Sweets (and/or CARBS) and Fats together is usually a bad combination for GERD etc.

Think Pizza.....fatty cheese, acid tomato sauce, carby crust etc......and that is something that routinely trigger GERD/Heartburn in people...

But if you separate your CARBS out and do either one or the other it will help you....

Or just go Low CARB for a while and you will see how it can help.

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advice.

Posterboy,

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Ginger38 Rising Star
Ginger38
Posted
  • Author
4 hours ago, Posterboy said:

Ginger38,

I am afraid so....

See this Livestrong article that explains why this is so...

https://www.livestrong.com/article/467828-does-fat-slow-digestion/

It shows well how FAT delays stomach emptying…….combined with CARBs that ferment then you have the “Fire and gasoline” needed to trigger Heartburn/GERD etc….

Thinks of your many triggers……fatty or very sweet (chocolate etc.), bitter or acidic etc.

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/top-10-heartburn-foods

Sweets (and/or CARBS) and Fats together is usually a bad combination for GERD etc.

Think Pizza.....fatty cheese, acid tomato sauce, carby crust etc......and that is something that routinely trigger GERD/Heartburn in people...

But if you separate your CARBS out and do either one or the other it will help you....

Or just go Low CARB for a while and you will see how it can help.

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advice.

Posterboy,

I thought it was caused by tomato based foods, but I also have issues with bacon and I had a high fat low carb dip that caused me issues. So I thought this was interesting…. Trying to figure out my diet and what I can eat 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

Have you tried the Autoimmune Protocol Diet?  

It gave my tummy a break and I started feeling better quickly.  

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aip-diet-autoimmune-protocol-diet

And...

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/

Ginger38 Rising Star
Ginger38
Posted
  • Author
7 hours ago, knitty kitty said:

Have you tried the Autoimmune Protocol Diet?  

It gave my tummy a break and I started feeling better quickly.  

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aip-diet-autoimmune-protocol-diet

And...

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/

I have not, looks like there is not much to eat on that diet 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

@Ginger38,

I had to make a mental adjustment with Celiac Disease.  I had to learn how to eat to live, not live to eat.  

Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

The AIP diet is a bit sparse without carbohydrates from grains and starchy vegetables, but removing those gives the digestive system a rest from dealing with irritating plant lectins and glycoalkaloids that can cause continuing inflammation and Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Leaky Gut Syndrome is thought to be a factor in Celiac Disease activation.  (Gluten is able to slip through the leaking gut and travel in the circulatory system causing an autoimmune response.)  Cutting down on those carbohydrates also starves out "bad" bacteria in the gut.  These "bad" bacteria ferment undigested starches which can result in bloating, brain fog, and diarrhea or constipation and can spread from the large intestine where they belong into the small intestine where they are not supposed to be.  This is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).  Take away the carbohydrates and the bacteria feeding on them die off.  Beneficial bacteria will replace them.  Certain probiotics can be taken to help repopulate with beneficial bacteria after the die off.  

After this, carbohydrates can be reintroduced slowly.  With a rested and repaired digestive system and altered intestinal flora, the body is better able to cope with the carbs.

Allowing the intestines time to heal is essential.  Providing the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for repair by supplementing is beneficial while the digestive system heals.  

Yes, it can be a big mental change from thinking about eating for taste bud delight to thinking about eating for health.  

  • 2 months later...
Rogol72 Collaborator
Rogol72
Posted
On 8/4/2022 at 6:25 PM, knitty kitty said:

@Ginger38,

I had to make a mental adjustment with Celiac Disease.  I had to learn how to eat to live, not live to eat.  

Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

The AIP diet is a bit sparse without carbohydrates from grains and starchy vegetables, but removing those gives the digestive system a rest from dealing with irritating plant lectins and glycoalkaloids that can cause continuing inflammation and Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Leaky Gut Syndrome is thought to be a factor in Celiac Disease activation.  (Gluten is able to slip through the leaking gut and travel in the circulatory system causing an autoimmune response.)  Cutting down on those carbohydrates also starves out "bad" bacteria in the gut.  These "bad" bacteria ferment undigested starches which can result in bloating, brain fog, and diarrhea or constipation and can spread from the large intestine where they belong into the small intestine where they are not supposed to be.  This is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).  Take away the carbohydrates and the bacteria feeding on them die off.  Beneficial bacteria will replace them.  Certain probiotics can be taken to help repopulate with beneficial bacteria after the die off.  

After this, carbohydrates can be reintroduced slowly.  With a rested and repaired digestive system and altered intestinal flora, the body is better able to cope with the carbs.

Allowing the intestines time to heal is essential.  Providing the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for repair by supplementing is beneficial while the digestive system heals.  

Yes, it can be a big mental change from thinking about eating for taste bud delight to thinking about eating for health.  

How long did it take you to heal on the AIP diet? Were you ever able to introduce nightshades? I tried potato salad this week, it was a very unpleasant experience. 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted
1 hour ago, Rogol72 said:

How long did it take you to heal on the AIP diet? Were you ever able to introduce nightshades? I tried potato salad this week, it was a very unpleasant experience. 

I had some bumps along the way, and severe nutritional deficiencies that needed attention and time to correct.  It wasn't a straight progression.  Some days it felt like "two steps forward and one step back", but I kept at it. Everyone is different. 

The longer I was on the AIP diet, the more my body "relaxed".  The inflammation left, the anxiety left.  I had to resist adding things back into my diet too quickly or too close together because I didn't want that inflammation back.  

I've tried adding nightshades back at various times.  Cherry tomatoes on a salad occasionally  are okay now, but spaghetti sauce is very scary.  So is eggplant.  Frozen or drive through French fries are a no go, but a baked potato is okay once in a while (no butter, no sour cream).  Peppers are not a good idea either.  I can do without jalapeno spicy.  

Oh, stay away from high fructose corn syrup.  Recently read an study from NIH that reported HFCS promotes SIBO by providing a substrate for bacteria to grow into the small intestine.  Really creepy.  

Mustard has been a problem for me.  Some potato salad has mustard in it.  Some has wheat added if you're buying prepared potato salad, so read the label.

Keep at it!  It will get better!

 

Rogol72 Collaborator
Rogol72
Posted
3 minutes ago, knitty kitty said:

I had some bumps along the way, and severe nutritional deficiencies that needed attention and time to correct.  It wasn't a straight progression.  Some days it felt like "two steps forward and one step back", but I kept at it. Everyone is different. 

The longer I was on the AIP diet, the more my body "relaxed".  The inflammation left, the anxiety left.  I had to resist adding things back into my diet too quickly or too close together because I didn't want that inflammation back.  

I've tried adding nightshades back at various times.  Cherry tomatoes on a salad occasionally  are okay now, but spaghetti sauce is very scary.  So is eggplant.  Frozen or drive through French fries are a no go, but a baked potato is okay once in a while (no butter, no sour cream).  Peppers are not a good idea either.  I can do without jalapeno spicy.  

Oh, stay away from high fructose corn syrup.  Recently read an study from NIH that reported HFCS promotes SIBO by providing a substrate for bacteria to grow into the small intestine.  Really creepy.  

Mustard has been a problem for me.  Some potato salad has mustard in it.  Some has wheat added if you're buying prepared potato salad, so read the label.

Keep at it!  It will get better!

 

Thanks for this! I was curious about other people's experience on AIP and yours sounds all too familiar to me. It was homemade potato salad with new potatoes (skins on and chopped) and Hellman's Mayonnaise which contains paprika extract. I've read that the skins on potatoes have the most alkaloids. Nightshades are just as evil if not more than gluten! They send me into a funk for a whole day after consumption. I had been doing great and have had some bumps recently that are really frustrating ... tamping down inflammation is the key. I have noticed that mustard in store made potato salad is problematic also. Mayonnaise I believe has HFCS. Thanks again.

Rogol72 Collaborator
Rogol72
Posted

@knitty kitty, One other question, I also tried some bacon rashers two days in a row for breakfast. Between watching histamine foods, avoiding excess iodine and not being able to handle gluten-free oats, it's hard to find something filling to eat for breakfast! Here's the ingredients ... 

Irish Pork (88%), Water, Salt, Preservatives (Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrite), Antioxidant (Sodium Ascorbate)

Can the nitrates and nitrites cause similar problems as alkaloids? It was a scary trip of agitation and anxiety that lasted two days.

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

I have problems with nitrates and nitrites.  Celiac people seem to produce more nitrites as part of the inflammation process anyway, so adding dietary nitrates and nitrites add to the load our bodies must cope with.

I usually get severe migraines after nitrite and nitrate exposure. 

Vitamin C is helpful.  Sodium ascorbate in the list of ingredients is Vitamin C.  

I found an article that explains more.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-nitrates-and-nitrites-harmful

 

Breakfast is a meal.  Think outside the box.  You can have other foods for breakfast.  You're not limited to bacon and eggs and oatmeal.

With Celiac Disease, you have carte blanche to eat hamburgers or steak for breakfast.  Whatever works for you.

There's the old adage...

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince or princess, and dine like a pauper.  

This philosophy fits in with fasting.  Fasting in the evening and overnight has been helpful for some Celiacs.  

You're doing great!  

Rogol72 Collaborator
Rogol72
Posted
44 minutes ago, knitty kitty said:

I have problems with nitrates and nitrites.  Celiac people seem to produce more nitrites as part of the inflammation process anyway, so adding dietary nitrates and nitrites add to the load our bodies must cope with.

I usually get severe migraines after nitrite and nitrate exposure. 

Vitamin C is helpful.  Sodium ascorbate in the list of ingredients is Vitamin C.  

I found an article that explains more.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-nitrates-and-nitrites-harmful

 

Breakfast is a meal.  Think outside the box.  You can have other foods for breakfast.  You're not limited to bacon and eggs and oatmeal.

With Celiac Disease, you have carte blanche to eat hamburgers or steak for breakfast.  Whatever works for you.

There's the old adage...

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince or princess, and dine like a pauper.  

This philosophy fits in with fasting.  Fasting in the evening and overnight has been helpful for some Celiacs.  

You're doing great!  

I've heard that adage before and it is true!! Thank you so much for the encouraging words. It's been a very frustrating week. I've been eating Beetroot and Radishes every evening in a salad which are high nitrate foods ... so I guess the nitrate load caught up with me, I'll try something else.

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White potatoes can be problematic for some, also. It can take six weeks of elimination to see improvements. Note, consult your physician regards insulin adjustment if you reduce carbohydrates in the diet. Dr Bernstein diabetes protocol has worked for thousands. Ketogenic and low carbohydrate diets for mental and neurological conditions have shown improvements. Limited studies have and are being conducted under metabolic psychology and nutritional psychology. In a good proportion of anxiety disorders, mental, and neurological conditions including dementias, the brain is lacking nutrition and usable energy, not a drug. Similar in many autoimmune conditions, including celiacs, the prevailing hypothesis is that gut inflammation and resultant permeability allowing exposure to antigens begets triggering the genetically susceptible immune system response. Modern lifestyle exposure, one of the biggest being the food we choose to eat plays a huge role. Avoid ultra processed products, high in seed oils, refined grains, and sugar. Not just gluten can cause a leaky gut. Fructose, alcohol, egg white lysozyme, emulsifiers, added gums, the list goes on. “8. is cutlery from dishwasher safe if there are stains? Stuff like knives is used for cutting gluten bread or fork for noodles etc. I often see stains which i dont know if it’s gluten or something else but our dish washer doesnt seem to make it completely clean.” If in doubt have your own cutlery set, plate and dishes etc. for your sole use that you handwash yourself. Carry a camping fork/spoon set when out and about if needed. “9. I wash my hands multiple times while preparing food. Do i need to do the same when touching my phone. Like if i touch the fridge handle, I wash my hands then touch the phone. I dont eat while using my phone but i leave it on my bed and pillow and my face could come in contact with where it was.” That’s a classic OCD fear. Nothing to do with gluten as such. OCD brain is using gluten as the excuse here. I personally have the habit of using a cleansing wipe or dust cloth on my phone, nightly, that eases this sort of worry. For example a micro fibre dust cloth will do the trick, keep one on your nightstand? They are antibacterial as particles cling to the cloth. “10. Do i need to clean my phone or laptop if theyve been used by people who eat gluten? Even if no crumbs fall onto my keybaord, i mean because of invisible gluten on their fingers.”  NO. But again these OCD thoughts are hard to argue with. If in doubt, just a quick wipe with a cloth daily should suffice. Normal cleanliness practice. But if you don’t, or forget, don’t sweat the small stuff. “11. Does medication/supplements have to be strictly glutenfree? One company said they couldn‘t guarantee if their probiotics don’t contain traces of gluten.” Better if it is gluten free, yes. “12. I had bought supplements in the past, some of them say glutenfree and some of them dont(like the brand „NOW“ from iherb). I bought them and used them when i wasnt washing my hands so often, are they still safe? As I touched and opened them after touching door knobs, water taps etc. It was like a year ago when i bought those and even though i was eating gluten-free, I never worried about what i touch etc.” Still safe if do not explicitly contain gluten grains / derivatives AND if within the use by and use within dates. “I know this post is long. I’m just extremely overwhelmed. I’m trying to protect myself from long-term health damage, but the OCD is destroying my quality of life, and I honestly don’t know what’s a reasonable level of caution anymore.” Really hope these replies to your questions help. Just remember, in the midst of overwhelming thoughts and darkness under OCD clouded vision, the light and sunshine is always shining above. Take a moment or two when you are able in each day - even if it’s last thing at night - to meditate. Focus on something that you enjoy and appreciate. Or sit in a quiet space and try to relax and tune in to your higher self. Ask for guidance and soothing from your guardian angel. Over time it works but don’t worry if your brain is anxious. Eventually it will quieten down some. Try to focus on a real food, nutrient dense and naturally gluten free diet, this will help your anxiety and future health in the long run. Please eat real food - not cornflakes and sandwiches. Eat a steak, eggs or fish for example. Gluten exposures may happen, but don’t sweat it, dust yourself off so to speak, and carry on with a natural gluten free diet as best you can. Own your OCD don’t let it own you! Similarly, when it comes to a gluten free diet for celiac disease, own the process, don’t let it own you! You’re 18. That’s great. I’ve been managing OCD since childhood (in my 40s now. Many years of research, trial and error so to speak. Diet makes a difference. To quote Doc Brown to teenagers Marty and Jennifer, ‘ …your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. It’s whatever you make it. So make it a good one.’
    • maryannlove
      Gluten free thyroid medications

      By maryannlove · Posted

      Unfortunately not going to be able to let you know how Amneal is working because I still have almost 3 month supply of Mylan.  Had annual appointment with endocrinologist last week (though get scripts for blood work more often) and since was on my last refill, she sent new script to pharmacist.  Staying on my Mylan until it's gone.  (I tend to build up a supply because after trying a couple of endocrinologists for my Hashimotos, one finally got my thyroid regulated by my taking only six days a week instead of adjusting the strength which had me constantly up and down.  Will be forever grateful to her.  Apparently high percentage of folks with Celiac also have Hashimotos so all this relevant/helpful on Celiac.com.    
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