Having celiac disease And Having An Ed

[radgirl]

I'm not sure if I can post this here, but I will. Since we all have limited diets (some more so than others), have you found yourself on a path or potential path to an eating disorder? Counting calories, watching carbs, obsessed with food, body image, etc.... I ask because I'm struggling in a major way and would like the perspective of others in similar situations.

Thank you.

[Mtndog]

I'm not sure if I can post this here, but I will. Since we all have limited diets (some more so than others), have you found yourself on a path or potential path to an eating disorder? Counting calories, watching carbs, obsessed with food, body image, etc.... I ask because I'm struggling in a major way and would like the perspective of others in similar situations.

Thank you.

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with an eating disorder. Many of my friends did in their teens and twenties and some continue to struggle.

I've never heard of a relationship between eating disorders and following a special diet. Do you have a way to get help? What makes you think you are headed that way? I only ask because I've heard fellow celiacs say that sometimes others accuse them of having an eating disorder because they watch what they eat so carefully.

[radgirl]

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with an eating disorder. Many of my friends did in their teens and twenties and some continue to struggle.

I've never heard of a relationship between eating disorders and following a special diet. Do you have a way to get help? What makes you think you are headed that way? I only ask because I've heard fellow celiacs say that sometimes others accuse them of having an eating disorder because they watch what they eat so carefully.

Not necessarily a relationship between celiac disease and an ED. But more along the lines of because we have to so closely watch what eat, that it has spilled over to being obsessive about food. I find myself constantly thinking of my next meal, worrying about food, thinking about it and a whole lot more. It's like I'm afraid I won't get to eat again or that more food will be restricted because I have difficulties with so many foods. As it is, I can't do gluten, no dairy, no raw veggies, limited fruits and cooked veggies, no nuts, nothing high in fat, it all affects my system and I feel very deprived.

[Mtndog]

Ahhh.....got it! That definitely makes sense. I've been gluten-free for 3+ years and I have definitely experienced this. Mostly in the beginning and sometimes when traveling. I carry food with me (even if it's just a protein bar- I like the Kind and Think Thin bars that are gluten-free) in my purse.

When I travel, I stock up before I go. I think it depends the situation you're in. I think relying on college dining halls would be BRUTAL. Traveling constantly would be hard too.

How long have you been gluten-free? I think it will get easier. Think of all the things that are naturally gluten-free.

I think everyone feels deprived at some point.

[Live2BWell]

I struggled with an eating disorder for 12 years; First and foremost, if you are struggling and are not getting help, get help as soon as you can. Eating disorders are nothing to mess around with, and they are best dealt with before they get way out of hand. Trust me on that one.

Anyway, I have been recovered for about three years; about a year into my recovery I began developing a "mystery illness", and now two some-odd years later I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Hashimotos Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and Fibromyalgia.

I have heard that Celiac disease can lead to an ED, and I have also heard that an ED can lead to autoimmune problems, including food sensitivities/allergies.

Anyway, feel free to send me a messege if you'd like.

Take care of you

[lharris]

I too have struggled with an eating disorder in the past and have to continually remind myself to stop obsessing, especially now that I have to live Gluten Free. I find myself blaming myself for my food allergies and physical body issues because of what I did to my body in the past, but once you are diagnosed or understand that you are unable to tolerate gluten, I think it's an excellent opportunity to find happiness in yourself and life. Finding a middle ground and a healthy life style is important whether Gluten Free or not.

[minton]

I'm not sure if I can post this here, but I will. Since we all have limited diets (some more so than others), have you found yourself on a path or potential path to an eating disorder? Counting calories, watching carbs, obsessed with food, body image, etc.... I ask because I'm struggling in a major way and would like the perspective of others in similar situations.

Thank you.

I know of a few people that have had this happen, some diabetics, some celiacs, some with other allergies. I also did a few reports on anorexia and discovered that it is actually an addiction. It triggers the same brain cells and areas as cocain and meth and alcohol for addiction. When you start any diet, if you are predisposed for the addiction, it will kick in those cells and next thing you know its an obsession or addiction. Any diet will cause it to kick in, not just celiac. I myself struggled for years with full blown anorexia. Too bad I never realized that everytime I fasted for longer than a week, my illness went away. I could've self diagnosed myslef years before i found a doctor that had a clue!

[radgirl]

Everyone, thank you so much for your posts. I'm so glad that I'm not alone. I had a realization the other day that before becoming GI/celiac disease, that I spend SO many years not eating this, not eating that all for the sake of losing weight. Now I'm in a position where I can eat so few things that I sort of beat myself up for wasting that precious time. I'm not saying I could have gone out and eaten everything in sight, but I would have taken the time to enjoy those items that I can never have again (at least in the "real and normal" form). It's quite sad how I think (disturbing at times), but I guess it's time for self-forgiveness and time to move on.

[Gemini]

I know of a few people that have had this happen, some diabetics, some celiacs, some with other allergies. I also did a few reports on anorexia and discovered that it is actually an addiction. It triggers the same brain cells and areas as cocain and meth and alcohol for addiction. When you start any diet, if you are predisposed for the addiction, it will kick in those cells and next thing you know its an obsession or addiction. Any diet will cause it to kick in, not just celiac. I myself struggled for years with full blown anorexia. Too bad I never realized that everytime I fasted for longer than a week, my illness went away. I could've self diagnosed myslef years before i found a doctor that had a clue!

I have never had any problems with eating disorders and as a Celiac, am not at all food obsessed. I can see how that might be a problem though. I only have gluten and dairy to avoid so those with more restricted diets would feel very deprived, especially in this country where many are overly obsessed with food to begin with. I do not agree at all with the notion that it's another addiction disease state.....I think we blame too many behavior issues on addiction. I grew up in an alcoholic household and I in no way consider that a disease. It's a behavior problem that spirals into a physical addiction but it's no disease.

I think the best thing to do is to talk to a counselor on a regular basis because talking does help a person work through problems. If you can iron out your anxiety issues and why you are having them (it's not all physical), you may be able to ease up on your relationship with food and see improvement and find ways to make you feel more secure about the whole eating process. You certainly will never starve in this country but it may take awhile for you to realize this and feel comfortable with what you have to deal with. I would advise not watching too much TV or movies because now that people have been harassed about smoking and beaten into submission, I find all people do on TV is eat! It's really bizarre. Plus, all those commercials advertising crappy, fast food might make you feel worse. It's all this subliminal stuff that tries to make you think about food all day long and that is not healthy. This is do-able for you but be patient and with time, you will feel more comfortable about the diet and it's restrictions. Long walks or good old fashioned exercise will also improve your state of mind and get you away from food thoughts. Many people I know who were battling weight problems and were food obsessed said that was a saving grace for them.

Your idea about self-forgiveness is excellent....it's a great starting point. You are already half way there with that attitude. If you have some foods that you miss, post here and maybe we can come up with alternatives that fit the bill for you. I am always amazed after almost 4 years gluten-free how many foods I never thought to taste again, can be found in other substitutes that come so close, it puts a smile on your face. Good luck to you!