Energy - Never Seem To Have Enough

[laura3]

Hi

I've been a diagnosed coeliac for 3 years now and I still seem to have issues with energy. If I overdo it slightly (i.e. working long hours or staying up late) my recovery takes a long time. I'm wondering if I'm lacking in some nutrient due to mal-absorbtion, or whether alcohol should be completely avoided as a coeliac or what? I'm interested to hear if others have found a particular connection between a vitamin or mineral and energy and/or the alcohol question.

I live in New Zealand and haven't been able to locate a GP/specialist/natural health practitioner who has a special understanding of coeliac disease. Do you know of anyone?

Huge thanks for any help you can offer.

[elye]

The first thing that comes to mind is hypothyroidism, something that can cluster with celiac disease. Have you had your thyroid levels checked? Lack of thyroxide can cause exhaustion. Low iron can, as well. You need to get a full run of blood work--can you visit a clinic, and see a doc there who can prescribe it?

[YoloGx]

I have found the alcohol can definitely be a problem. Much of it is made from grains--especially wheat and barley. Even corn can be suspect since much of it is infected with gluten. I used to use herbal tinctures and pour boiling water over them to get rid of the alcohol part--however the grains remain. It made a big difference for me to go off them--as well as soaps, waxed dental floss etc. that have trace gluten in them. Even building materials like pre mixed plaster often have starch and probably a host of other things with glue in them. I am thinking it might make a big dif. for you too. Only downside is that getting cross contamination effects becomes easier and more dramatic. However the increased energy, less body aches, clearer mind etc. makes it worth it.

Also do consider taking supplements since malabsorption seems to be a big deal with celiac even after following the diet for a while. Thus taking vitamin D (for me cod liver oil is best), co-enzyme B vitamin complex without the sorbitol, gluten free vitamin E, gluten free vitamin C, calcium citrate or Ezorb, magnesium, zinc, trace minerals, essential fatty acids, acidophilus all really help. Taking herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm will help sooth and heal the lining of your gut. Using bromelain/papain caps. with your meals should help with digestion.

By the way, there is a gastro-enterologist from New Zealand who offers opinions here on celiac.com. He has written some books. I forget his name however you should be able to track him down in the section on articles.

[Lux]

Hey Laura,

I also live in NZ and have found it particularly difficult finding anyone with specialized knowledge regarding celiac disease. I have to say that, particularly since going gluten-free, alcohol has been a big don't-go-there zone. I actually had begun to suspect that this was due to a sulfite issue (I have a big prob with sulfites), but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it were all bound up in the celiac disease.

Sorry :-(

[Lux]

O, the other thing I wanted to mention is that, since introducing flax seed oil into my diet, I have experienced a huge energy increase...I take 2 Tbs each day, usually poured over brown rice or veges...:-)

[laura3]

The first thing that comes to mind is hypothyroidism, something that can cluster with celiac disease. Have you had your thyroid levels checked? Lack of thyroxide can cause exhaustion. Low iron can, as well. You need to get a full run of blood work--can you visit a clinic, and see a doc there who can prescribe it?

Thanks Emily, I really appreciate you taking time to offer your thoughts. My doctor suggested the blood tests today, so we shall see!

Laura

[Mango04]

Hi - Sorry you are having a hard time. Just some thoughts....

What is your diet like? Do you eat plenty of whole, healthy foods? Do you get the correct balance of carbs to proteins to fats? Do you eat sugar? Do you eat processed foods? Hope you find some answers soon!

[RiceGuy]

I had virtually no energy and couldn't stay awake until I started taking methylcobalamin (B12) and magnesium. My sleep cycles improved quite a lot too.

And I agree that things like alcohol, sugar, processed foods, etc can drag you down.

[Joni63]

Hi Laura,

I just wanted to add that I'm having similar problems. I've only been gluten free for 8 months, but my energy level is horrible.

I eat really well, no sugar, low carbs - about 90% whole grain products, no dairy, no caffeine, (I cheat with chocolate sometimes) a lot of fresh fruits and veggies and meats, and very little processed food.

Recently I begged the Dr. to test me for thyroid and other vitamins. You really need to check A,D,E,K,all B's, and Iron panel including Ferritin, Serum, and magnesium. I think I've covered them all.

They found my serum ferritin and D are both way below the low limits.

Try to get your Doctor to check all those vitamins. Malapsorption can cause us to lack what we need and feel really bad.

Good luck and let us know how you make out!