Hello And I'm Confused

[rubydoo]

Hi there, I'm new here and have a lot of questions.

Some history...I've had Sjogren's syndrome for 27 yrs now and counting....tons of other chronic illnesses on top of it. All have been managed okay for the most part until I hit menopause a few years ago. I've been tested for celiac both with blood tests and biopsy. All negative. Did the entrolab too.

I read the article in the newsletter about the person who tested negative for everything but went gluten free and felt better.

My main question has to do with chills. Even tho I've on HRT, I get awful chills in the a.m. and afternoons. The afternoon chills have occured since my late 20's (Sjogren's diagnosis). I can't understand why I'm getting them worse even tho I'm on HRT....the gynecologist says they're due to menopause.

The other question has to do with what to eat if I am to go gluten free. I've read everything there is and most of just can eliminate gluten in all shapes and forms. I am lactose intolerant, can't eat eggs, can't have acidic foods and beverages, etc. I do eat gluten free cereal and fruit with soy milk in the a.m. Do eat salads (no dressing) and some sort of protein in the afternoon and something similar in the evening. I need to lose weight but haven't lost an inch.

Ideas on all please.

Thanx a million!

[Takala]

Hi there.

Going gluten free really helped my eyes with this.

Could be you are borderline low thyroid, which is another possible, wonderful complication of gluten intolerance/celiac.

Soy depresses thyroid function, so you may want to try switching to another alternative milk product. You may also want to get tested for thyroid levels and antibodies.

The lactose/dairy intolerance and problems with acid foods might go away after you heal up, if you are gluten intolerant but stick with a gluten free diet. I can tolerate yogurt and hard cheeses, which are practically non lactose.

There are egg substitutes that can be used for baking, you can do a search on the forum, there is also another gluten-free food blogger or 2 that don't eat eggs because of either allergies or because they are vegan, and you can raid their recipes.

I'm not on any HRT because I hate how I react to the stuff, but I cannot easily regulate my body temperature either, and it's a trip. Exercise helps some. I live in a place where it gets very hot in the summer, and this helps condition my body to react better. Regular people don't get excited when they finally break a sweat. Depending on which chemicals you are putting into yourself, you may want to try natural alternatives.

[happygirl]

If you have foods you need help finding a replacement for, let us know.

Meats/poultry/fish, fresh veggies and fruits, corn tortillas, rice, beans, are all gluten free. Lots of options. Let us know what specifics you need help with.

Welcome to the board!

[Liveenjoylife]

If I can add, chills may be knocked out if you eat some protien an hour before going to bed, depending when you go to bed. Like chicken, bannanas. I found this to be most helpful when I was getting chills, which is not uncommon with people who have c.d.

I am having a hard time losing the weight I have gained since having celiac disease. Some advise I may be able to give is to not eat after 8pm. Eat more filling foods that are not necassarily high in carbs, such as salads with tofu, very good and it holds me over, grilled chicken veggies and of course fruits. You may even want to see a nutrionist. Don't be afraid to talk to people who work at the grocery store. I have found them to be most helpful and most have nutrionists on hand, like whole foods market:)