How Do You Know?

[HeyItsA]

Good morning!

I started the gluten-free diet about 2 weeks ago and trying to be as careful as possible, I still get bad back pains and the occasional slight stomach bloat.

I have read about cutting other foods out of your diet, but how do you know where to start? How long do you give it to rule it out either that it is bad for you or causing no problems?

I know that everyone is different but is there a "general"way to start?

Also, does the gluten linger in your system?

Thanks

Amanda

[ShayFL]

Many people have great success in eliminating ALL dairy with the gluten. And them many can add dairy back in once the intestines heal. Give it a good 2-3 months before trying dairy again. Soy is another big troublemaker for a lot of people in here. But try cutting out one thing at a time so you are not overwhelmed and so you can pinpoint the culprit. If you eliminate 5 things and feel better, you wont know which one it was.

This order is a good start:

Gluten

Dairy

Soy

Corn

Eggs

Just keep in mind ANY food can be a problem. But if you take it one step at a time, it isnt so overwhelming.

[happygirl]

Not everyone with Celiac or who has a gluten intolerance has problems with other foods. If you have only been gluten free for two weeks, the damage done by Celiac has probably not healed, and it may take a bit longer to feel better (if gluten is your only problem).

[ravenwoodglass]

You are new to the diet and it does take some time to heal. I do agree with eliminating dairy now. The same villi that are damaged by celiac also are used in the formation of the enzyme that helps us digest the sugar in dairy. It will greatly speed your healing to stop the dairy until you have been feeling better for a while. Then you can challenge it by adding it back in slowly. Start with yogurt and hard cheeses, they are kind of 'predigested' and easier to tolerate. If those sit well then add in milk on cereal and in recipes. There are some good nondairy milks but you should IMHO avoid soy milk for now.

In the beginning it can be very helpful to start out with mostly unprocessed foods. Fresh fruits and veggies, meats, nuts etc. The less ingredients the better in the begining.

Do give yourself a good 2 months or so GFDF and then if you are still having issues you can start eliminating other suspect items.

Also be sure to check shampoos, conditioners, lotions, art supplies, pet food and any processed item you buy for a gluten statis before you use.

I hope you heal quickly, it is a real hassle at first but things do get easier.

[HeyItsA]

Thanks! I appreciate your responses. I will try the dairy and see what happens. The further along I get, the better I feel for longer periods of time. I know it has only been 2 weeks.

I have tried *fingers crossed* to keep out as much processed foods as I can. They must dont even taste good and having the thought constantly running through my head of the consequences, it hasnt been that hard LOL.

Thanks again - and bye bye for now to dairy