Slow Digestion

[dirtdiver]

Hi all! I am new to this site and new to Celiac. I don't even know if I have it. My doctor thinks so but doesn't want to order all the tests just wants me to use the diet. I have tried the diet off and on for a few months and always seem to feel much better but old habits die hard. Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone knows if slow digestion period is a symptom of Celiac. I am having trouble digesting everything I eat. Even the supplements I take are coming through the system undigested. Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this or if maybe I am barking up the wrong tree. Thank you for any advice or information.

[Nantzie]

Yes! You're definitely barking up the right tree. Your doctor is very smart, and even knows that the tests they have for celiac just aren't very conclusive in most cases. Trying the gluten-free diet is really the only way to tell if your body is reacting to gluten.

You're in the right place to learn about the gluten-free diet. Reading the archives (old posts) is really helpful when you're in the learning phase.

You may find out as you go on the gluten-free diet that symptoms that you didn't even realize had anything to do with your digestive problems go away. If you're intolerant to gluten, it can effect every system in your body. Like you, I was just trying to get some answers for my digestive issues, and I ended up getting rid of symptoms as diverse as fibromyalgia, hair loss, exhaustion, headaches and insomnia.

I'm so glad you found us here. Make yourself at home.

Nancy

[RiceGuy]

I can relate to the digestion issue you describe. One thing I found to be helpful is a magnesium supplement in powdered form. That way there's no solid pill, and the magnesium can get absorbed much more effectively. From what I've read, magnesium assists in the digestive process, and my experience tells me it really does work.

Welcome to the board too!

[wowzer]

That does make sense about the digestion. I originally went gluten free because I saw so many of the DH symptoms. I didn't think I really had a digestion problem. I'm sure I do now. I am sure so many prescriptions I thought I was allergic to, just weren't being absorbed right. I have had many different drug reactions over the years. Many medications that are supposed to make you sleepy, keep me awake. I try to avoid taking anything I don't have to. I'm down to synthroid and singulair. I was also taking estradiol, but they couldn't guarantee it was gluten-free, so quit taking it. I've really not noticed any effects not taking. I probably wasnt' absorbing it properly in the first place. Thanks for bringing up this point.