In Desperate Need Of Fiber!

[myserenityprayer]

I know that the usual symptoms of a gluten intolerance may be a serious case of the big D but for me it has mostly been serious constipation, gas, and bloating with the occasional attack of the big D. Since going gluten free (aside from my Sunday stupid encounter with McDonalds french fries) I still feel constipated. My bloating and gas has nearly disappeared but I am having a hard time getting the right amount of fiber in my diet. I eat a ton of veggies (more than 5 servings a day) and I have 2 fruits a day (can't have more due to high triclyerides). But clearly its not enough. It has become painful to go to the bathroom. I was thinking about trying those new Metamucil pills with added calcium. What have others tried? Does anyone know if those are gluten-free?

[Ursa Major]

Well, personally I think your problem may be TOO MUCH fiber, rather than too little. Try adding more saturated fats, and drinking more water. Also, if you're still consuming dairy, that is also a possible problem, as it can be very constipating (and the same goes for soy). Plus, you may need more protein, too.

Also, by just reading your signature, I saw about the cholesterol and triclycerides. Just last night I read in my new book 'Tired of being tired' that eggs are incredible at reducing those. She gave the example of a man coming into her practice with extremely high levels of both. She told him to eat lots of eggs. So, he ate two eggs every day, and his cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped like a stone, it was miraculous. Eggs contain good protein, good fats and vitamin B12.

[CarlaB]

Good points, Ursula. I know when I get glutened, I get dehydrated very easily, so you may need to be drinking substantially more water. Apples are a good source of fiber, so you might want to make them your fruit of choice when you're constipated.

[myserenityprayer]

Well, personally I think your problem may be TOO MUCH fiber, rather than too little. Try adding more saturated fats, and drinking more water. Also, if you're still consuming dairy, that is also a possible problem, as it can be very constipating (and the same goes for soy). Plus, you may need more protein, too.

Also, by just reading your signature, I saw about the cholesterol and triclycerides. Just last night I read in my new book 'Tired of being tired' that eggs are incredible at reducing those. She gave the example of a man coming into her practice with extremely high levels of both. She told him to eat lots of eggs. So, he ate two eggs every day, and his cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped like a stone, it was miraculous. Eggs contain good protein, good fats and vitamin B12.

too much fiber!! i never thought that was possible. i have heard great things about that book, I have to read it. i am definitely tired of being tired and sick of being sick! i have stopped eating soy and actually have recently (over the past 2 weeks) have been eating a lot of eggs, limiting yolk consumption to about 2 per week. i use a lot of extra virgin olive oil in my cooking but maybe i need more fat. its just so hard when i can't have dairy, and im not the biggest fan of meat. thanks ursula!

[CarlaB]

You would love the book. I am feeling so much better since following the guidelines in it! Some other stuff I've read on adrenal fatigue said that not wanting meat is actually a sign that your adrenals may not be functioning properly. Pretty much everything I've read, including my own hair analysis report, has said that protein is essential. In my dietary plan from my hair analysis, I'm allowed to eat unlimited veggies and meat, but my starchy carbs are limited to two servings per day. Fruit juice is not allowed, and fruit is discouraged because of the sugar. It's interesting, and I'm feeling so much better already ... still have a long way to go though.

[burdee]

Rather than adding more fiber to your diet, I suggest you take Magnesium supplements. Magnesium draws water into the stool and improves smooth muscle coordination (gut motility). My primary celiac symptom was lifelong constipation (as well as bloating, gas and cramping pain). I consumed LOADS of fiber from fruits, vegies, rice bran and high fiber gluten free breads and cereals. Products like citrucel or Fiber Con just 'stopped me up' more. I had scarey experiences with impacted stools twice. However taking Magnesium aspartate (much more absorbable with less gas than magnesium oxide) helped get me more regular (with softer stools).

Nevertheless, if you abstain from gluten and STILL have gut motility or irregularity problems, you might consider testing for other allergies or even bacterial imbalances. After my doc found (through ELISA test and stool test for bacteria, yeast and parasites) that I had egg and cane sugar allergies (in addition to gluten, dairy and soy) as well as Klebsiella bacteria, I eliminated those 5 foods from my diet and treated for Klebsiella. Now I finally have normal (soft stools every day) regularity for the first time in my life.

BURDEE

[myserenityprayer]

Rather than adding more fiber to your diet, I suggest you take Magnesium supplements. Magnesium draws water into the stool and improves smooth muscle coordination (gut motility). My primary celiac symptom was lifelong constipation (as well as bloating, gas and cramping pain). I consumed LOADS of fiber from fruits, vegies, rice bran and high fiber gluten free breads and cereals. Products like citrucel or Fiber Con just 'stopped me up' more. I had scarey experiences with impacted stools twice. However taking Magnesium aspartate (much more absorbable with less gas than magnesium oxide) helped get me more regular (with softer stools).

Nevertheless, if you abstain from gluten and STILL have gut motility or irregularity problems, you might consider testing for other allergies or even bacterial imbalances. After my doc found (through ELISA test and stool test for bacteria, yeast and parasites) that I had egg and cane sugar allergies (in addition to gluten, dairy and soy) as well as Klebsiella bacteria, I eliminated those 5 foods from my diet and treated for Klebsiella. Now I finally have normal (soft stools every day) regularity for the first time in my life.

BURDEE

did the magnesium aspartate help you at all or was it after you found out about the other allergies and bacterial imbalances? are those tests my GI doc can test me for?

[myserenityprayer]

Well, personally I think your problem may be TOO MUCH fiber, rather than too little. Try adding more saturated fats, and drinking more water. Also, if you're still consuming dairy, that is also a possible problem, as it can be very constipating (and the same goes for soy). Plus, you may need more protein, too.

Also, by just reading your signature, I saw about the cholesterol and triclycerides. Just last night I read in my new book 'Tired of being tired' that eggs are incredible at reducing those. She gave the example of a man coming into her practice with extremely high levels of both. She told him to eat lots of eggs. So, he ate two eggs every day, and his cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped like a stone, it was miraculous. Eggs contain good protein, good fats and vitamin B12.

i was just looking on amazon to order Tired of Being Tired. There are a few listed. Is it written by Jesse Lynn Hanley and Nancy Deville?

[CarlaB]

i was just looking on amazon to order Tired of Being Tired. There are a few listed. Is it written by Jesse Lynn Hanley and Nancy Deville?

Yes, that's the one.

Magnesium is a good idea. It seems many of us are deficient in it. Do you take a good quality multiple vitamin?

[marciab]

I use a lot of healthy oils in my foods to avoid constipation. I found it works best if you add it to your foods after they are cooked.

I had severe "D" with magnesium so be careful and try just a little at a time. I can't take it at all.

Marcia

[myserenityprayer]

Yes, that's the one.

Magnesium is a good idea. It seems many of us are deficient in it. Do you take a good quality multiple vitamin?

my nutirtionist said to hold off for a little while but i am starting to question her a little. i have been home sick for the past 2 days with a cold so i have had plenty of time to catch up on my reading and research. i realized that it would be crazy of me to not take advantage of the celiac disease center at columbia university and make an appointment with dr. green and dr. lee ( i think that's her name), the nutritionist there. i know it would be a good idea to start taking more vitamins and i would like to go to a doctor who is well educated on celiac. i felt like i knew so much more than my nutritionist did and i don't love my general practioner. i know feeling better won't happen over night but im trying to be hopeful and im trying to learn as much as i possibly can and im ordering that book as we speak!

thanks carla

[CarlaB]

Since you're so close to such a good doc, I'd go if I were you! Hope you're feeling better soon!

[TriticusToxicum]

I can't relate to the big "C", we can talk "D" any time. Anyway, after I was diagnosed my dietician suggested adding flax to my diet. It is supposed to be great for your gut, I can't remember what fatty acid and fiber too, but it is supoosed to aid in healing your intestines. What she neglected to tell me was that it is also a natural laxative. I suffered through several loaves of flaxmeal bread (can you say express?) before I came to wonder if it might be tipping the scales. Sure enough I looked it up and I had my answer. So if too much fiber isn't your problem, and you're looking for a natural alternative google it.

Bob's Red Mill sells the stuff. I still sneak some in my diet, but in moderation!

[burdee]

did the magnesium aspartate help you at all or was it after you found out about the other allergies and bacterial imbalances? are those tests my GI doc can test me for?

Marissa: YES! The magnesium aspartate with potassium helped a LOT. I'm still using that to stay 'regular'. Most celiacs have huge magnesium deficiencies which affects regularity (as either diarrhea or constipation). I used Mg Aspartate for almost 6 months BEFORE I learned of the egg and sugar allergies and Klebsiella. Sugar actually caused diarrhea, when I ate too much, but it also caused rapid heart beat, panicky feelings and low blood sugar symptoms. I'm not sure whether your doc would do the ELISA test, but many naturopaths will. You can contact Enterolab at Open Original Shared Link I don't know which other docs use the Comprehensive stool bacteria, yeast and parasite test. If you're interested in those tests, here's a description from my doc's website at this link: Open Original Shared Link He also wrote a book entitled "The IBS Solution" (by Dr. Stephen Wangen). However he put most of what he said in his book on his website.

BURDEE

[gooddawg315]

I know that the usual symptoms of a gluten intolerance may be a serious case of the big D but for me it has mostly been serious constipation, gas, and bloating with the occasional attack of the big D. Since going gluten free (aside from my Sunday stupid encounter with McDonalds french fries) I still feel constipated. My bloating and gas has nearly disappeared but I am having a hard time getting the right amount of fiber in my diet. I eat a ton of veggies (more than 5 servings a day) and I have 2 fruits a day (can't have more due to high triclyerides). But clearly its not enough. It has become painful to go to the bathroom. I was thinking about trying those new Metamucil pills with added calcium. What have others tried? Does anyone know if those are gluten-free?

I have been using benefiber(guar gum), but I just heard that it is not gluten free anymore. Anyone else hear this? Tried the mag, got a bad case of cramps and the big "D" too. I heard Metamicil is gluten free, but I have gone to good old prunes. I don't like the texture of Metamucil. I guess if you are watching carbs and sugar, I don't know if prunes be a good choice though. Good luck!

[RiceGuy]

I can relate to this issue. For me it turned out to be nightshades, as odd as that may sound. Took me a long long time to figure it out too But the muscle/joint pains, and the twitching and spasms that accompanied the C were a nightmare I never want to see again.

I also eat a lot of veggies, and I do think I may be getting too much fiber sometimes. Many of my favorite veggies are the dark green leafy varieties. Prunes only helped while I was eating the nightshades. Now they tend to just require more water to keep things going, which makes sense if there's too much fiber now. I find anti-inflammatory foods seem to help - onion, garlic, and omega-3 rich stuff like certain berries. I'm still looking for something with flax that's affordable to me. I am thinking of trying a white rice just because it'll have less fiber, though it won't be so nutritious, overall it might benefit.

[Matilda]

..

[BRUMI1968]

Figs are good for fiber, if fiber is still an option to try for a fixer. I've always had bad C until I quit wheat two years ago. WHen I quit gluten six months ago or so, I got it back for a while...who knows why...maybe stopping the oatmeal. Anyway, figs are good since they are small but pack a fiber punch.

[debmidge]

to Desperate Need of Fiber: Is the constipation every day or only a few times a week?

Have you ever used Zelnorm prescription?

Have you ever had a lower GI test or an MRI of intestines? To check for bowel adhesions or kinks?

[emcmaster]

I'm going to "third" the magnesium recommendation. I've been taking it now for several years and it's the only thing that gives me "normal" poops - laxatives like Miralax and soluble fibers don't help on their own.

I also take Zelnorm - 1 tablet, probably 4-5 nights a week. It and the magnesium make for good poops almost every day. I'm a lifelong sufferer of constipation, so finding these two things was a miracle.

I still take acacia (a soluble fiber) when I make protein shakes, just for an extra kick, but the only things I *need* are magnesium daily and Zelnorm occasionally.

[myserenityprayer]

Marissa: YES! The magnesium aspartate with potassium helped a LOT. I'm still using that to stay 'regular'. Most celiacs have huge magnesium deficiencies which affects regularity (as either diarrhea or constipation). I used Mg Aspartate for almost 6 months BEFORE I learned of the egg and sugar allergies and Klebsiella. Sugar actually caused diarrhea, when I ate too much, but it also caused rapid heart beat, panicky feelings and low blood sugar symptoms. I'm not sure whether your doc would do the ELISA test, but many naturopaths will. You can contact Enterolab at Open Original Shared Link I don't know which other docs use the Comprehensive stool bacteria, yeast and parasite test. If you're interested in those tests, here's a description from my doc's website at this link: Open Original Shared Link He also wrote a book entitled "The IBS Solution" (by Dr. Stephen Wangen). However he put most of what he said in his book on his website.

BURDEE

Maybe I will start with magnesium and see how that goes. I am thinkning about seeing Dr. Green at Columbia since I am so close. I really don't love my regular doctor or my nutritionist.

I have been using benefiber(guar gum), but I just heard that it is not gluten free anymore. Anyone else hear this? Tried the mag, got a bad case of cramps and the big "D" too. I heard Metamicil is gluten free, but I have gone to good old prunes. I don't like the texture of Metamucil. I guess if you are watching carbs and sugar, I don't know if prunes be a good choice though. Good luck!

I know Metamucial comes in tablet form now too. Prunes are out for me, I would eat too many and become a sugary mess. I might actually be the only one in the world who enjoys dried fruit!

I can relate to this issue. For me it turned out to be nightshades, as odd as that may sound. Took me a long long time to figure it out too But the muscle/joint pains, and the twitching and spasms that accompanied the C were a nightmare I never want to see again.

I also eat a lot of veggies, and I do think I may be getting too much fiber sometimes. Many of my favorite veggies are the dark green leafy varieties. Prunes only helped while I was eating the nightshades. Now they tend to just require more water to keep things going, which makes sense if there's too much fiber now. I find anti-inflammatory foods seem to help - onion, garlic, and omega-3 rich stuff like certain berries. I'm still looking for something with flax that's affordable to me. I am thinking of trying a white rice just because it'll have less fiber, though it won't be so nutritious, overall it might benefit.

Flax can be costly and has a short shelf life. Have you ever tried Mary's Gone Crackers? I sometimes see adds on this site for them. I am sure they are available online. They aren't too too costly, as a lot of gluten free products are. They are made of fax seed, quinoa, and rice and are actually really tasty. They come in a few different flavors but the original is my favorite. I eat them for breakfast sometimes with cheese or with hummus or even peanut butter. Maybe this will help get some flax in without burning a whole in your pocket!!

Figs are good for fiber, if fiber is still an option to try for a fixer. I've always had bad C until I quit wheat two years ago. WHen I quit gluten six months ago or so, I got it back for a while...who knows why...maybe stopping the oatmeal. Anyway, figs are good since they are small but pack a fiber punch.

I love figs, and dates too. Have you ever tried cooking with them? My boyfriend's cousin made a delicious roasted chicken with potatoes, carrots, figs, and dates. It was amazing. I should try to get the recipe. The only problem with fruit is that I can only have 2 servings a day because I need to watch my sugar.