What Has Helped You Heal?

[BRCoats]

Just curious as to what foods, supplements, etc. have helped you heal? My doc has me on some glutamine, which is supposed to be great for healing the gut. Also, bananas seem to soothe my system better than any other food. Other than that, I haven't found much that sits exceptionally well. Admittedly, I haven't been gluten-free for that long. I'd love to hear what has proven to be successful for the more experienced gluten-free eaters!!

Brenda

[hthorvald]

I'd be interested in learning what works for others, too. I think my stomach is worse now than before my diagnosis. What about supplements? I haven't heard of glutamine, but have heard of probiotics. Where does one find this stuff? What about gluten free vitamins? Liquid vs. pill. Perhaps the iron I'm taking is part of the problem. But, I need it to build up my iron stores.

Processed or packaged, gluten-free foods don't sit well at all. I realize that everyone is individual with their reactions, but any input will be welcomed.

H.

[tarnalberry]

Being careful to deal with the hypoglycemic tendencies has been the most important. That and doing the elimination diet to learn that I need to avoid all dairy.

[CoolCat1]

I had to get iron injections because the iron pills gave me really bad diarrhea. Ask about this.

[calico jo]

BOY do I have a lot to contribute on this, I hope.

I've been gluten free for almost 3 years now and it doesn't seem like it's been that long, really. It's always a challenge and I've found things that help me get better quickly in case of accidental contamination. Believe me, I've experimented with many diff. supplements and things.

When I was first diagnosed, I found a few safe "staples" and didn't eat anything BUT those things, but in addition I started taking digestive enzymes prior to even knowing what was wrong and it helped from the very beginning. Be careful that you start out slowly with any kind of supplement because THEY can upset your stomach as well. Whenever I tell any docs that I take those they always say it's a good idea, no matter what, especially as we get older our bodies stop producing as many enzymes. It helps utilyze your foods more efficiently and therefore will make you feel better. Also find a good gluten-free vitamin. The better your body feels and gets what it needs, the better it can heal ITSELF, even.

I also take liquid chlorophyll. Sounds odd, but it's like getting pure oxygen directly into your blood. It helps your cells heal and regenerate. You can also take a pill of something similar called chlorella. They are both made from an algae. Look up info on the internet, you'll see that some countries give it to cancer patients because it regulates red and white blood cells.

Get lots of sleep if you can. Your body heals better when it's resting. Drink lots of spring water.

I've been feeling better, for the most extended period of time right now, than since this all began for me. I faithfully take my vitamins and supplements and certain "mandatory" foods per day....pineapple for the bromelein, an apple for the pectin and fiber, and carrots for the beta carotein and antioxidants.

Enough of a ramble of my diet...I guess I'm just saying to do research and experiment with what makes you feel good, be patient.

Take care.

[BRCoats]

I have considered chlorophyll before. What brand do you use?

Brenda

[kschmitz]

Hi,

Whole Foods Markets carry a house brand of supplements called 365 that are free of wheat, gluten corn, yeast, fish, egg, dairy and lactose, no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. I started taking the multi-vitamin, calcium and glucosamine & chondroitin for my osteoporosis, and vitamin E. I recently discovered that the iron supplement that I was taking for my anemia contains gluten - Feosol. So now I take Slo-Fe. I also must take several prescription drugs for conditions caused by celiac disease - GERD, low thyroid function. Fortunately, the medications are gluten free. Hopefully, now gluten-free for two weeks, my intestines will heal and the rest of my body will return to better health.

ks

[hthorvald]

To Calico Jo, thanks for your detailed account of what you take. Can you tell me the brand name of the vitamins? I realize that each person has their own personal reaction to the supplements they take, but the Centrum Silver I was told to take does not sit well with me. In fact, I discontinued taking them about two weeks after starting.

All I take now is Ferro-Sequels for the iron, Viactiv for calcium (I have osteopenia as a result of celiac disease), and my Levoxyl for my thyroid (which is not a supplement). I understand that these three are gluten free, but I think the iron still upsets my stomach.

Thanks also to kschmitz with her recommendation of the 365 brand of supplements. I practically live at Whole Foods and will check it out.

H.

[Pam]

calico jo, when you said that you had a few "safe" staples, what did that include?

[calico jo]

The vitamins I'm currently taking I buy at Kroger. They're "Nature Made" I've also found Rexall vitamins suit me well and they are gluten-free. The liquid chlorophyll I take is by Nature's Sunshine and many of the other supplements I buy are Nature's Sunshine brand. I find them at herb stores. Remember that our bodies only absorb about 30-50% of what we ingest as vitamins so the %it says you get from each vitamin isn't what you actually get. Liquid vitamins are better, but I have yet to find some.

The "staples" I ate ....(that sounded funny ) that made me feel good in the beginning were roast beef, mashed potatoes and apples. I practically lived on those three things. Breaksfast, lunch and dinner. I CRAVED red meat which was funny because I had almost become a vegatarian up to that point and didn't care much for red meat. I still drool over a good roast.

The "staples" NOW are what I mentioned...pineapple, carrots, apples, and all kinds of other fruits. BUT I need to add, that until I seemed to get my stomach in order I was having trouble digesting fruits and vegetables so I don't suggest diving right into a lot of raw foods if your stomach is still "off". Eating a lot of fruits has made me not seem to need the digestive supplements any more.

I've been hearing some research regarding GERD and acid reflux, and that we actually are not OVER producing acid in those cases, but our bodies are not producing enough. (Thus the need for digestive enzymes.) When our bodies sense the lack of, it begins to overproduce. Also the prescriptions for acid problems neutralizes ALL the acid, and our bodies say, "hey,....I need that acid" and will THEN start to overproduce making a vicious cycle of requiring the prescription to offset it, which is subsequently causing the problem to be worse. Just exactly what the pharmaceutical companies want; dependency on their medication.

A test you can do for this is, the next time you are feeling acid, take a spoonful of vinegar and WAIT. See if your stomach starts to feel better. If so, you are NOT getting ENOUGH acid and you ought to try digestive enzymes instead. Doctors don't want us to know that we can use natural alternatives.

This is similar to bodies that produce calcium based kidney stones. It's not because we have too much calcium, but not enough. When we have a deficit of something, our bodies try to produce it and generally causes a problem. For years, farmers knew that when their cows got kidney stones they needed to give them calcium. It remedied the problem. Why human doctors told people to lay off calcium when they got kidney stones for YEARS is a puzzle.

My testament to the liquid chlorophyll: I had a stress fracture on my right foot that was refusing to heal after almost a year. I also had a complete hysterectomy about 8 years ago and have struggled with the "normal" side affects that causes because I do not wish to take estrogen replacement (soy combinations don't quite do the trick for me either) Less than 1 month after taking the chlorophyll 2X a day my foot got 90% better and my post menopausal symptoms have improved dramatically. I'm certain my cells have healed themselves. I also had some rashy, itchy bumps on my arms and sides (from the gluten intolerance, I believe) and those have dramatically improved, even the scars that I've donned for years. Do I have any medical proof? No. But my body tells me all I need to know.

[BRCoats]

calico jo,

Thanks for all the info you posted. I thought the acid info was particularly interesting. I have terrible acid problems with my stomach....but if I eat vinegar, (pickles), it just makes it worse. However, I haven't eaten pickles since going gluten-free....so maybe it was the gluten?? I'm so sensitive, I'm scared to try just taking a swig of vinegar! Do you have any info on the net that I could read about this? Would taking Betaine HCL help? Seems like a dumb thing to do if I'm already on Aciphex. ??

I will definitely try some chlorophyll. I seem to be low on my estrogen - even though I'm only 32, but very high on the progesterone (ovarian cyst problem). Had no clue chlorophyll could help that. Thanks again for the info!!!

Brenda

[burdee]

I've been waiting to answer this one on a day I FELT like I was healing (no lingering reactions from slips). So tracking back to when I first suspected I had celiac disease, these helped me heal:

Digestive enzymes (Udo's Choice Enzyme Blend) and Probiotics (Ethical Nutrients Intestinal Care DF include 6 billion active bacteria each of acidophilus and bifidobacterium per capsule);

VERY supportive friends, esp. an ex-next door neighbor, whose husband was diagnosed 6 years previously, who told me to begin avoiding gluten ASAP. She also told me what containined gluten, what was safe, where to order gluten-free product guide books and where to find celiac disease websites, as well as answering all my frantic questions.

A local celiac support group, but especially the leader who became a close friend and listened to me vent when I had slips (as well as answered my venting emails);

All the supportive posts and friends I have met on this website;

My CSA gluten-free mainstream product guidebook and my Gluten-free Casein-free diet shopping guide which helped me choose 'safe' foods;

Our local GIG list of 'celiac friendly' restaurants in the Seattle area (and which entrees were safe), but esp. Kaili's Kitchen, a local totally gluten-free restaurant where I could always eat without fear of contamination;

My Enterolab Test results which revealed I also have casein (as well as gluten) intolerance and corroborated my suspicions about celiac disease, esp. with their gene test, and Dr. Fine who patiently answered all my questions, esp. when I suspected soy;

Learning to respect and obey my body cues: If I felt bad or experienced celiac symptoms, I learned to gluten/dairy/soy 'sleuth' to find the culprit and avoid that to prevent future slips;

Peppermint tea, hot water, yoga positions, and long walks (on noisy trails) to soothe cramps and relieve gas and bloating from reactions;

My husband who was willing to buy me any gluten-free/DF/SF supplies I wanted and agreed to eat up all the contaminated gluten containing food to eventually go gluten-free with me, as cancel our plans on a moment's notice when I suffered 'symptoms';

Above all, prayer when I was confused, hopeless, frustrated and scared.

Many of those things did not directly affect me physically, but gave me knowledge, reassurance and peace of mind to get through tough days of the healing process.

BURDEE

[Tutahl75]

For an iron supplement I take Pallafer. It is designed to limit stomach upset.

For my digestive health, I take omega fatty acids, b-vitamins complex and L-Glutamine (which is really good at healing the intestines and muscle recovery).

I've dabbled in meditation for the tough times and just recently started using a Magnesium Chelate to help me relax and get more sleep.