Stress

[stargirl]

It seems everytime I get really stressed and busy I have "mini gluten attacks," do you think it is at all related to celiac disease? I understand it might just be IBS, the symptoms just seem really similiar. I am sure I am not getting any new gluten or being contaminated, unless Paint or stage make-up contains gluten. Even then I don't normally react topically. I am a bit confused and losing weight because I am simply too busy to eat if it will make me sick. I'm just not sure what to do.

[darlindeb25]

stargirl----stage make-up could very likely have gluten in it and if you are putting it on your face--it is too close to your eyes and mouth, which will get it inside of you--you dont need to have a topical reaction to be getting gluten from the make-up--just as shampoo can get in your eyes and mouth, so can make-up sorry, i just made things harder for you, but the make-up could be your "mini gluten" attacks--- deb

[stargirl]

I have considered that point too. I am doing tons of set painting and getting covered in paint. On top of that I am the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz, so I am covered in make-up, from my face down to my neck. I also wear a false nose and chin made with latex and held on with spirit gum. I think I might be reacting but it is happening longer after rather than quickly like I normally do, it confuses me. I can't avoid wearing the make-up, I have to for at least two more weeks. I wash it off as soon as possible when we finish. I don't know what else I can do.

[celiac3270]

It definitely could be makeup, although stress is bad, as well. Actually, if you have the gene (but not yet, celiac disease), a very stressful event can trigger celiac. I'm not sure if it triggers celiac-like symptoms, but it's possible. Additionally, I believe there are some ties between stress and the intestines in general.

[stargirl]

I believe I already have actual triggered, full blown Celiac Disease. Even if the stress of this time could have triggered the symptoms, I am 100% gluten free and have been for nearly a year. I do think it is probably the make-up and stress. The problem then that still arises is that fact that I'm not eating to avoid being sick so I'm not getting the nourishment I need. It makes for a precarious situation and I don't have a viable solution.

[tarnalberry]

stargirl, perhaps sticking to whole foods that are naturally gluten-free will help keep you from getting sick and still get plenty of nourishment:

nuts still in the shell (so you can rinse and shell them)

fruits/vegetables

meats

rice/beans (again, rinse if need be)

[celiac3270]

Oh, sorry ...I didn't mean that you triggered celiac disease--just that stress can trigger it, so it has a pretty powerful effect. If you haven't had symptoms for awhile, though, I think it's more likely that it's makeup....what about lipstick? I've heard that they aren't all gluten-free, and if you licked your lips or got in your mouth some other way, that would be enough to get you sick.

[celiac3270]

The problem then that still arises is that fact that I'm not eating to avoid being sick so I'm not getting the nourishment I need. It makes for a precarious situation and I don't have a viable solution.

Yes...my problem is in my stomach, now that my intestines have healed. We think that the food isn't digested fast enough and so it sits there and builds up and then I get sick. It's difficult to want to eat when you know that it could make you sick

[wclemens]

Dear Stargirl,

I saw the word stress and just had to answer. I've spent the past week unable to eat much at all, and having a spastic colon and asthma flareup that can only be attibuted to stress (I've also had splitting headaches this week, and sleeplessness). I know it is stress and exhaustion. Sometimes I think we really have to be very selective about what we put into our systems, we are so sensitive. I hope that you soon find out what is causing your upsets--I know what is causing mine, and I'm working to change my life for the better. Welda

[granny]

Sometimes I think we really have to be very selective about what we put into our systems, we are so sensitive. I hope that you soon find out what is causing your upsets--I know what is causing mine, and I'm working to change my life for the better. Welda

Hi Welda, I was just glad to see you post again and then sorry to hear you're having trouble. I hope you're back on your feet soon. If anyone can be, it's you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Good Wishes, granny

[WLJOHNSON]

Hi Granny,

Thank you so much for your good wishes. You will never know how deeply your good thoughts for me touch my heart. I realize now, 4 weeks after writing that message, that I am feeling better, and that it was stress and exhaustion causing my upsets. The good news is, I have let go of the worry and mistrust that were causing my physical symptoms, and I am sleeping and breathing well again. I do so thank you so very much for caring. Welda