What Do You Use?

[Canadian Karen]

For celiacs with diarrhea, what is it that you found works for you in helping you "bind" up.....

Thanks for any input....

Karen

[judy04]

Hi Karen,

Last summer when I was having really bad diarrhea. My GI doc

recommended fiber pills. I take Citracel which is gluten-free (pills).He

explained that it works for both diarrhea and constipation by

forming a gel that moves thru your bowels resulting in normal

bowel movements.

I also try to avoid heavy fruit juice or fruit with skin unless it

is cooked. I start the day with fiber pills and soluble fiber such

as banana or applesauce. This has lessened the cramping,

and I no longer have diarrhea.

[j9n]

I find that Immodium, for me, is too harsh. Eventually I "explode" . It is very painful. One trick I learned from the IBS board is to take half a caltrate-d calcium pill with every meal. Calcium is naturally constipating and caltrate is one that does not add as much magnesium which is a laxative(they add it to counteract the constipating effects of calcium). Besides if you are dairy free you may need extra calcium.

Oh wait, I did not check to see if it is gluten free. Maybe check with a pharmacist to see which brands don't have as much magnesium and are gluten free.

I also followed the suggestions of some on the board and follow a low residue diet when I am very ill.

I hope this helps!

[tarnalberry]

I tend to go the other way (constipation), so often consider magnesium for that. But I too was going to suggest calcium (without magnesium).

(BTW, if you're taking calcium for a health supplement (bone health), you DO want sufficient magnesium AND vit D along with it. CitriCal actually does not have enough magnesium! But it's certainly better than a lot of other supplements out there!)

[Canadian Karen]

Thanks guys!!!

Is CitriCal available at most drug stores? Or can you get it at a health food store.......

I did pick up a calcium supplement, but I believe it is the calcium with magnesium one... the last thing I want to do is ingest ANYTHING remotely similar to a laxative!!! I would rather get one without the magnesium to increase my chances of actually "binding"........

Thanks!

Karen

[burdee]

Tiffany: I have the same constipation symptoms, esp. when I take calcium, so I take LOTS of magnesium supplements. Since I can't tolerate any dairy, I eat my calcium through canned bony fish (sardines & salmon), almonds, dark leafy green vegies, etc.

Karen: This may be 'folklore', but I've read that many people eat coconut macaroons to 'bind up' diarrhea problems (much more palatable than drugs ). It works ADVERSELY for me, since I already have a tendency toward constipation. I agree with Tiffany's suggetion about calcium, since that also affects me adversely.

BURDEE

[lesliew]

One thing to remember (comes from years of IBS) is when you increase fiber, you MUST increase water, so if you take a fiber supplement and it constipates you, you need more water!

[tarnalberry]

oh yeah, i had heard about the coconut macaroons in the newspaper, actually. :-)

[Canadian Karen]

I actually heard recently about coconuts.... I read an article about a child with celiac who was so malnourished they thought it would die..... it was in Hawaii I think. Anyway, one of the elders on the island suggested the child drink coconut oil, and slowly the child thrived.....

Worth looking into further, I think........

Thanks, guys!

Karen