Immune System Of An Ant?

[Guest BERNESES]

Hi Everyone- I am an unofficially diagnosed Celiac. My blood tests were a weak positive for IgA or IgG (I forget) and my biopsy came back negative; however, i am convinced that a gluten-free diet is for me. I did it for 9 weeks and felt worlds better.

Anyway, I noticed as my GI symptoms got worse between last June and this january, I also developed bronchitisand chronic ear infections. I always had a cold. In my words, for years, I've been saying forever that I have the immune system of an ant. Really! Would a weak immune system be related to Celiac's? It seems like a no-brainer that it would be because if your immune system is busy attacking your small intestine, it would be too busy to fight off anything else. Does anyone know? Thanks. this board is so amazing. Health to all, Beverly

[KaitiUSA]

Yes people with celiac tend to have weaker immune systems...tend to catch more things and keep them longer...thats why vitamins and supplements are essential for us.

[Guest BERNESES]

Thanks Kaiti- that's what I suspected. I always get sick with something when I stop taking my multi-vitamin. Another interesting thing is that since going gluten-free I was able to cut the dose of my anxiety medicine (klonopin) by 1 mg (that's a lot!). Thanks! Beverly

[rozbullard]

I had terrible asthma and so many allergies growing up- I was always sick and on antibiotics (made things much worse) but eating gluten-free has made a world of difference! Its been 8 years now (I'm almost 30) and my immunity is much stronger. My asthma is barely there and I have almost no allergies! It is amazing. I also credit this to receiving acupuncture and chinese herbs. If you are looking for something to accelerate the process of building up your immunity along with your gluten-free diet I would highly recommend this! just make sure if you do get chinese herbs that they don't have any gluten in them! Good luck.

[Rikki Tikki]

Berneses: Kaiti is right. We need to be on the lookout for other immune diseases, even though doctors like mine don't believe it.

Roz:

How would I look into chinese herbs and stuff? I live in a very small town and I haven't heard anything about these things

Thanks

[rozbullard]

Sally,

It is harder to find an acupuncturist in smaller towns but you could try looking online- some states have acupuncturist listing pages. Check and see if your state has one. Also if you live near a bigger city or town it might be worth driving in for it because you often have more choices. Generally most acupuncturists who have gone through the 3-4 years of training will know how to properly prescribe chinese herbs. Some are better than others at this because it is so complicated so try to go with someone with more years of experience if that is an option. Hope it helps!

Roz