Any Ideas?

[Katester]

I need some help but I'm going to ask for it all in one post.

1-What do some of you guys do to relax? This disease has me so stressed (school etc.) which is adding to the stomach ache! Any ideas?

2-Does anyone have any ways to relieve pain? I get pain whenever I eat. Anyone else in the same boat? Sort of feel alone on this. What could take the pain away?

3-Does anyone have any great recipes? I'm always looking for new meals or anything that are gluten-free and delicious. Tell me your favorites!!!

Thank you guys so much!!!

[tom]

2-Does anyone have any ways to relieve pain? I get pain whenever I eat. Anyone else in the same boat? Sort of feel alone on this. What could take the pain away?

For me it was changing WHAT I ate. Every meal meant pain.

There were quite a number of what I believe to be 'leaky-gut-induced intolerances'.

Cruelly, when this DOES happen, it's to the foods eaten most often - aka favorites.

Whether your issue is related to this or not, I recommend simplifying your diet AND starting a food&symptom diary.

I'd expect that some days are worse than others already - the diary will help shine a light on which foods to try leaving out of your diet.

Good Luck, Katester

BTW, I grew up in Mt. Prospect.

[YoloGx]

For me it was changing WHAT I ate. Every meal meant pain.

There were quite a number of what I believe to be 'leaky-gut-induced intolerances'.

Cruelly, when this DOES happen, it's to the foods eaten most often - aka favorites.

Whether your issue is related to this or not, I recommend simplifying your diet AND starting a food&symptom diary.

I'd expect that some days are worse than others already - the diary will help shine a light on which foods to try leaving out of your diet.

Good Luck, Katester

BTW, I grew up in Mt. Prospect.

I suggest you try the paleo diet--basic meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, some root vegetables and squashes for starch--then slowly add things in once you feel better. If you stilhave probems further investigation is needed and just eat the things that don't bother you. For myself I had to eliminate carrots too plus it seems I have to cook my fruit or I have allergic symptoms.

Its best to avoid anything that is processed at least at first (though it is the best way to maintain good health for anyone).

Often you find you can have something say once or twice a week but no more especially at first while you are healing. Other things you just have to eliminate altogether--or avoid with certain other foods.

Marshmallow root and slippery elm do wonders to help heal the lining of the gut. Also digestive enzymes are a help--bromelain/papain together and pancreatin.

And then of course avoiding all the hidden gluten in your vitamins, glue in envelopes or building patch and glue materials, etc. as well as cross contamination from old cutting boards, toasters, old crusted iron pots and pans, any cooking anything with baked in old food you can't wash off, other people's food, ancient crusted pot holders etc.

I listen to music to relax, do yoga, walk, swim, use the jacuzzi and sauna at the Y, do art and writing, talk with my friends and play with my cats, go to poetry readings and art galleries, read and watch movies. I also get involved in various organizations--its a great way to meet people, get involved in something important and relax and out of thinking "poor me"!

I also love eating teff/quinoa/amaranth/tapioca pancakes for breakfast though I am not doing it right now since I got the flue and have to baby myself. So for now its back to the basic paleo diet. I am losing a little weight too so that is a plus.

I seem to be more reactive right now than ever to going out to eat or even getting a cup of tea where the preparer just fixed someone else's sandwich or if I kiss a guy who just drank some whiskey. This is tough on my semi bohemian life but I just have to bring my own food and drink to wherever with my handy cold-pack and thermos and roll with the punches -- plus only kiss guys that will brush their teeth for me. Hey they used to make the guys go through all kinds of trials before they could kiss the girl, so why not this?

Yolo

[GlutenGalAZ]

I like to go on walks after work, relax and watch TV/Movies, do some kind of crafts (take you mind off of things b/c you are concentrating on painting or making a necklace with beads or sewing something). My husband and I go on hikes on the weekend.

I use a heating pad sometimes on my stomach (helps sometimes) or a nice bath (can use epson salt). Sounds strange but if my stomach hurts and I am out I'll suck on a life saver (the wintergreen ones) or a sucker seems to help.

Some meals that I like:

Spaghetti (Classico sauce and Ancient Harvest noodles)

Tacos (chili powder, tomato sauce and little pepper with white corn tortillas and shredded cheese)

Mrs Leeper's makes box meals like hamburger helper (I've only tried a couple they are okay)

Mac and Cheese -- use fun noodles and Kraft Mac and Cheese has a blue container that has the powder llike the mac and cheese packs in teh boxes (I found it in the store by the parmesan cheese they advertise it for popcorn) or I use Velveeta

Tuna Sandwhiches (I use cottage cheese instead of mayo and add in cut up pickles and celery)

Salad with broken up white tortilla chips, cottage cheese and some shredded cheese.

If you look at the Hormel site they have a list of gluten free items (if you go to their FAQ page look at the right side)

GOOD LUCK

[Katester]

thank you so much!

these are great ideas.

=)