Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

[dlp252]

I'm still following everyone's progress here even though I'm not strictly doing SCD (so I guess not doing it at all then, lol). I've very interested in the corn thing.

[corinne]

WOOHOO! As of today, I have been on the SCD and dairy free for 3 months.

Pluses - no diarrhea, stomache cramps, gas, mouth sores. Normal periods. Lots of energy. I can't believe the change. The biggest change - I'm down to 1.5 peptobismol per day from 8.

Minuses - my weight is really low. That will change eventually when I can tolerate nuts and fats.

[dlp252]

Corinne that's FANTASTIC!!!!! Congratulations!

I did see some positives myself, my BMs are now nearly normal which is fantastic all by itself, lol. I did still have some problems, the most bothersome was severe burning in my stomach. I'm wondering if some of my problems aren't connected with my enlarged pancreatic/bile duct...if it can't squirt out the necessary enzymes or the flow is restricted, it might be responsible for some of my ills. I'll have to ask my doctor when I see him.

[Guest greengirl]

That's great, Corinne!

I, too, am seeing improvement after only 1 month - resolved D, no stomach cramps, more energy! Like Donna, though, I do sometimes experience abdominal burning. I have a suspicion that the bananas might be causing this for me. Two weeks ago I felt great and wasn't eating bananas because the bunches I bought weren't ripe enough. When they ripened up I started noticing the burning again.

This is weird because bananas are supposed to be so easy to digest and I even read that they help to heal stomach ulcers. I do remember others posting that they couldn't tolerate bananas, either, so there must be something about them...For now I'm going to stay away from them. I really need to get a food diary going so I can keep better track...

It's good to hear that some of you are making progress on the SCD! I like to hear success stories because occasionally I think, "What am I doing this for?" Only occasionally, though! I really am making progress, but sometimes I mourn my old life and it's good to hear from other people doing the same thing.

Christine

[danikali]

I just want to add to the corn intolerance part of this thread:

THANK YOU RACHEL, AGAIN, for posting the corn info.

I now consider myself symptom free, unless I get glutened, and it's only been once in the past couple weeks I've been corn free, and I knew it was gluten because I kissed my fiance after he ate tons of pretzals and broke out with exzema, or some type of rash around my lips, which spread to the rest of my face and I also got muscle pains that I ONLY GET IF I EAT GLUTEN. But other than that, stomach problems are GONE, acid indigestion, GONE, back burning, GONE, nerve headache, GONE, bloating, GONE, foul gas, GONE! Those were all of my lingering everyday symptoms that I had after eliminating dairy and gluten and even still being on the SCD. I can tolerate any fruit or veggies now, cooked, uncooked, any amount and I'm back to my 'salt free' rice cakes. I feel like a whole new person, literally. I can actually concentrate on other things besides my health....FINALLY! I really almost can't believe it.

[jerseyangel]

Dani--I'm so happy that you figured out the source of your lingering symptoms and are feeling so well! You've been through a lot with this thing Stay well!

[Rachel--24]

I just want to add to the corn intolerance part of this thread:

THANK YOU RACHEL, AGAIN, for posting the corn info.

I now consider myself symptom free, unless I get glutened, and it's only been once in the past couple weeks I've been corn free, and I knew it was gluten because I kissed my fiance after he ate tons of pretzals and broke out with exzema, or some type of rash around my lips, which spread to the rest of my face and I also got muscle pains that I ONLY GET IF I EAT GLUTEN. But other than that, stomach problems are GONE, acid indigestion, GONE, back burning, GONE, nerve headache, GONE, bloating, GONE, foul gas, GONE! Those were all of my lingering everyday symptoms that I had after eliminating dairy and gluten and even still being on the SCD. I can tolerate any fruit or veggies now, cooked, uncooked, any amount and I'm back to my 'salt free' rice cakes. I feel like a whole new person, literally. I can actually concentrate on other things besides my health....FINALLY! I really almost can't believe it.

Thats awesome Dani!

I'm glad you're feeling normal again...I knew it would happen! Now you just have to make sure your wedding cake is gluten AND corn-free.

[danikali]

Thats awesome Dani!

I'm glad you're feeling normal again...I knew it would happen! Now you just have to make sure your wedding cake is gluten AND corn-free.

Thank you for the support Patti and Rachel! I couldn't have learned all this on my own! I think we've all been through a lot with this thing......but thank God we have this site and each other to get down to the bottom of things!

You're right Rachel, I was thinking about my wedding cake and wondering what's it's going to be made with considering I can't have dairy, gluten or corn........haha...if they can't figure anything out, I honeslty don't even care....I'm just so happy that I can eat and not get sick.

Anyway, both of you have helped me so much. Thank you for helping me figure things out. And how are you feeling?

[Green12]

I just want to add to the corn intolerance part of this thread:

THANK YOU RACHEL, AGAIN, for posting the corn info.

I now consider myself symptom free, unless I get glutened, and it's only been once in the past couple weeks I've been corn free, and I knew it was gluten because I kissed my fiance after he ate tons of pretzals and broke out with exzema, or some type of rash around my lips, which spread to the rest of my face and I also got muscle pains that I ONLY GET IF I EAT GLUTEN. But other than that, stomach problems are GONE, acid indigestion, GONE, back burning, GONE, nerve headache, GONE, bloating, GONE, foul gas, GONE! Those were all of my lingering everyday symptoms that I had after eliminating dairy and gluten and even still being on the SCD. I can tolerate any fruit or veggies now, cooked, uncooked, any amount and I'm back to my 'salt free' rice cakes. I feel like a whole new person, literally. I can actually concentrate on other things besides my health....FINALLY! I really almost can't believe it.

This is great news dani!! Congratulations to you for figuring your personal health mystery out, and better yet for getting positive results and finally feeling good

[danikali]

This is great news dani!! Congratulations to you for figuring your personal health mystery out, and better yet for getting positive results and finally feeling good

Thank you Julie! But like I said, I COULD HAVE NEVER FELT THIS GOOD AND FIGURED THIS OUT WITHOUT EVERYONE ON THIS BOARD. I really am sooooo thankful for everyone here......I feel like you're all my best friends because you understand and are going through such a tough thing WITH me. No one else could understand, give this kind of support and knowledge.

[dlp252]

I just want to add to the corn intolerance part of this thread:

THANK YOU RACHEL, AGAIN, for posting the corn info.

I now consider myself symptom free, unless I get glutened, and it's only been once in the past couple weeks I've been corn free, and I knew it was gluten because I kissed my fiance after he ate tons of pretzals and broke out with exzema, or some type of rash around my lips, which spread to the rest of my face and I also got muscle pains that I ONLY GET IF I EAT GLUTEN. But other than that, stomach problems are GONE, acid indigestion, GONE, back burning, GONE, nerve headache, GONE, bloating, GONE, foul gas, GONE! Those were all of my lingering everyday symptoms that I had after eliminating dairy and gluten and even still being on the SCD. I can tolerate any fruit or veggies now, cooked, uncooked, any amount and I'm back to my 'salt free' rice cakes. I feel like a whole new person, literally. I can actually concentrate on other things besides my health....FINALLY! I really almost can't believe it.

Dani that is WONDERFUL!!!!! I am so happy. I think I'm convinced I should also try to cut out corn...I'm having many of the same lingering problems that you had and the last link is that I haven't cut out the many possible sources of hidden corn. It certainly couldn't hurt for a few weeks. My stomach has been more bloated this week than it's EVER been, even when I was 40 pounds heavier. It's been really uncomfortable. I've also been getting nerve headaches, bad stomach acid, other stomach problems, pain and foul gas. I've been eating good stuff too, meats, veggies, fruits, nut butters and Lara bars, but I haven't paid attention to the hidden corn issue.

[danikali]

Donna, you really should try it, especially considering that all of what you are going through were my lingering symptoms as well. I thought I was eating everything safe before until I realized that corn wax issue on fruits and veggies, and possible supplement problems. It's weird how just washing my veggies REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY WELL and peeling fruits like apples and pears have made such a HUGE difference. Oh, and of course the salt thing and avoiding citric acid in things like applesauce. And let us know. I'm interested!

[dlp252]

Donna, you really should try it, especially considering that all of what you are going through were my lingering symptoms as well. I thought I was eating everything safe before until I realized that corn wax issue on fruits and veggies, and possible supplement problems. It's weird how just washing my veggies REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY WELL and peeling fruits like apples and pears have made such a HUGE difference. Oh, and of course the salt thing and avoiding citric acid in things like applesauce. And let us know. I'm interested!

Yep, those are the things I haven't been careful with. I have peeled my pears but not my apples and I eat a TON of salt. I am also sure there has to be some in my supplements. I go shopping tomorrow, but probably will start Sunday when I have more control over my situation. I need to get a few days good headstart before I tackle a Saturday, lol. I wonder if the liquid supplements have corn sweetener in them.

[Green12]

Yep, those are the things I haven't been careful with. I have peeled my pears but not my apples and I eat a TON of salt. I am also sure there has to be some in my supplements. I go shopping tomorrow, but probably will start Sunday when I have more control over my situation. I need to get a few days good headstart before I tackle a Saturday, lol. I wonder if the liquid supplements have corn sweetener in them.

I went off all my supplements, except for magnesium citrate and only eat fruits, vegetables, meats, and avocados and olive oil for the time being. I haven't had GERD once since and I had been having it really bad lately. I've lost my inflamation, and weight (I was really bloated and inflamed). I'm sure there has been other benefits but I can't think of them right now.

I did a test and for pre-Cinco de Mayo last night I had tamales, corn chips, corn and bean salsa, and guacamole, then topped it off with Haagen Dazs Mango ice cream (it has corn syrup in it). Very yummy-liscious but oh, did I pay for it! I had gas immediately, my stomach bloated up, and my heart started racing like mad. My /acupuncturist/kinesiologist (sp?) said you could test a food by clearing it out of your diet completely and then testing it by eating a little and monitoring your pulse afterward to see if it raises, don't know if there is anything to that, but it definitely happened with me last night after having a corn fest!

[Rachel--24]

Donna,

I get the nerve headaches too. I actually get facial swelling and I can see and feel the veins pulsing in my temples and other areas on my head. My veins get swollen all over my body but since I went corn free its only happened a couple times when I've made mistakes. Its been 2 weeks now and I still have the 10 lbs. I gained! This never happens....usually if I gain its all water and its gone in the morning. I could somehow lose up to 7 or 8 lbs. over night. I'm having no problems so far with corn-free milk (no vitamins) but whenever I've had eggs I've woken up drenched in sweat....so still no eggs.

I wonder if the liquid supplements have corn sweetener in them.

Most likely they do...especially vitamins. I'm not kidding when I say corn is everywhere....it literally is.

I saw Dr. R. earlier this week for a follow-up to my CT scan and colonoscopy. Even though my colonoscopy was incomplete he says he's confident everything is fine. He says I have IBS (it was hard not to laugh) from food intolerances. He doesnt think its allergies....more likely intolerances. I've already had allergy tests done but it might not hurt to have them again since its been awhile. I had alot of impacted stool (ALOT) seen on the CT scan so he said that it was a blockage probably caused by the food intolerance and IBS. I asked him about corn causing celiac-like symptoms and malabsorption but he said that he cant answer because theres not really any research done on it. He said he wanted to send to to a Celiac specialist at Stanford even though I'm not diagnosed. I dont know what this guy can do for me at this point but I guess I'll wait and see. When I got home from my appt. the nurse called me saying that he wants to run some more bloodwork...I asked what it was for and she said gene testing for Celiac. I've already told him I had gene testing from Enterolab and I dont have either Celiac gene. Oh well...if insurance covers it I'll take the test anyways. Have you had a follow-up with him yet? I like him alot because he is very thorough...and he doesnt rush in and out.

I did a test and for pre-Cince de Mayo last night I had tamales, corn chips, corn and bean salsa, and guacamole, then topped it off with Haagen Dazs Mango ice cream (it has corn syrup in it). Very yummy-liscious but oh, did I pay for it! I had gas immediately, my stomach bloated up, and my heart started racing like mad. My /acupuncturist/kinesiologist (sp?) said you could test a food by clearing it out of your diet completely and then testing it by eating a little and monitoring your pulse afterward to see if it raises, don't know if there is anything to that, but it definitely happened with me last night after having a corn fest!

Julie, thats what happens to me now too....its pretty much the first sign I've messed up. That and blisters in my mouth or burning/tingling on my tongue. I actually did have all these symptoms when I was on a regualr diet but I thought my heart was racing due to Graves Disease. Before I couldnt make a connection between my symptoms and food but now its very obvious. The "cleaner" you become the more noticeable the symptoms are.

[Green12]

The "cleaner" you become the more noticeable the symptoms are.

Rachel, that is SO true. I am a complete believer. If you are ingesting a food continually you might have bad symptoms but it's really hard to tell what is what. I have always eaten vegetables and meats and pure fats, etc. but I was having a Food For Life Rice Tortilla every day for lunch (has xanthum gum in it). It wasn't until I eliminated the tortilla and the supplements and the deli turkey meat (I think it had some preservatives in it) that I was able to literally clean my system of all potential allergens. Then 2 weeks later I add in the suspects and bam, an immediate clear as day reaction.

[dlp252]

Donna,

I get the nerve headaches too. I actually get facial swelling and I can see and feel the veins pulsing in my temples and other areas on my head. My veins get swollen all over my body but since I went corn free its only happened a couple times when I've made mistakes. Its been 2 weeks now and I still have the 10 lbs. I gained! This never happens....usually if I gain its all water and its gone in the morning. I could somehow lose up to 7 or 8 lbs. over night. I'm having no problems so far with corn-free milk (no vitamins) but whenever I've had eggs I've woken up drenched in sweat....so still no eggs.

Most likely they do...especially vitamins. I'm not kidding when I say corn is everywhere....it literally is.

I saw Dr. R. earlier this week for a follow-up to my CT scan and colonoscopy. Even though my colonoscopy was incomplete he says he's confident everything is fine. He says I have IBS (it was hard not to laugh) from food intolerances. He doesnt think its allergies....more likely intolerances. I've already had allergy tests done but it might not hurt to have them again since its been awhile. I had alot of impacted stool (ALOT) seen on the CT scan so he said that it was a blockage probably caused by the food intolerance and IBS. I asked him about corn causing celiac-like symptoms and malabsorption but he said that he cant answer because theres not really any research done on it. He said he wanted to send to to a Celiac specialist at Stanford even though I'm not diagnosed. I dont know what this guy can do for me at this point but I guess I'll wait and see. When I got home from my appt. the nurse called me saying that he wants to run some more bloodwork...I asked what it was for and she said gene testing for Celiac. I've already told him I had gene testing from Enterolab and I dont have either Celiac gene. Oh well...if insurance covers it I'll take the test anyways. Have you had a follow-up with him yet? I like him alot because he is very thorough...and he doesnt rush in and out.

Okay, I think I'd better leave out the supplements for a while. I don't get mouth blisters but I am still getting sores in my mouth once in a while--I'm not sure I'd call them blisters, but I guess they do have a kind of blister-like part to them.

Yes, I've seen Dr. R a couple of times...for a follow-up after my first endo/colonoscopy. I too have IBS, lol. I had some damage in my esophagus, with a bit of blood, but he barely talked about that at all and the biopsies he took from there came back negative. I also had a polyp in my stomach which he removed. But while doing the endo he saw an enlarged pancreatic bile duct, but couldn't get to it to take a biopsy, so I had a second endo a week later. I was getting worried because he said he would call me with results and I didn't hear from him...it turns out that first biopsy report said the growth was benign, but he said he had "another case like mine" and had it rechecked and that's why it took so long to get back to me. The second report came back with pre-cancerous cell changes. He's having it looked at again just to be certain--I see him on Monday to hear the results of that and find out what comes next. He's already told me that if it's precancerous it has to come out, but that he can't do that kind of surgery because it involves the ducts...so I guess he'll be referring me to a surgeon. Anyway, I do really like him.

Wow, that's great that he wants to send you to Stanford. Ha, I actually do have one of the genes...maybe I should mention that to him, lol.

I went off all my supplements, except for magnesium citrate and only eat fruits, vegetables, meats, and avocados and olive oil for the time being. I haven't had GERD once since and I had been having it really bad lately. I've lost my inflamation, and weight (I was really bloated and inflamed). I'm sure there has been other benefits but I can't think of them right now.

I did a test and for pre-Cince de Mayo last night I had tamales, corn chips, corn and bean salsa, and guacamole, then topped it off with Haagen Dazs Mango ice cream (it has corn syrup in it). Very yummy-liscious but oh, did I pay for it! I had gas immediately, my stomach bloated up, and my heart started racing like mad. My /acupuncturist/kinesiologist (sp?) said you could test a food by clearing it out of your diet completely and then testing it by eating a little and monitoring your pulse afterward to see if it raises, don't know if there is anything to that, but it definitely happened with me last night after having a corn fest!

Well the GERD comment got my attention, lol. I've had it so bad lately. I love fruit, veggies, meats, avocados and olive oil, so I could sure handle those I think.

[Guest greengirl]

He's having it looked at again just to be certain--I see him on Monday to hear the results of that and find out what comes next. He's already told me that if it's precancerous it has to come out, but that he can't do that kind of surgery because it involves the ducts...so I guess he'll be referring me to a surgeon. Anyway, I do really like him.

Donna,

I hope you get good news on Monday. Let us know. It sounds like your doctor is being very thorough, so that's a good thing!

Also, let me know if removing corn from your diet helps the burning feeling you've had. I still am having that problem even with bananas removed (which I thought was the culprit). I don't think corn is my problem because I don't have any other symptoms, but you never know...

Christine

[Green12]

Well the GERD comment got my attention, lol. I've had it so bad lately. I love fruit, veggies, meats, avocados and olive oil, so I could sure handle those I think.

dlp, it got my attention too, lol!

I am convinced now it has to be the hidden corn and corn derivatives. I had cleared out all of the usual suspects for GERD, spicy foods, tomatoes, etc. and I still was having symptoms. I was so depressed because I was getting GERD after just eating rice and chicken, but it was the other things in the day I was having and probably the accumulation of that hidden corn.

Donna,

I hope you get good news on Monday. Let us know. It sounds like your doctor is being very thorough, so that's a good thing!

Also, let me know if removing corn from your diet helps the burning feeling you've had. I still am having that problem even with bananas removed (which I thought was the culprit). I don't think corn is my problem because I don't have any other symptoms, but you never know...

Christine

greengirl, what all are you eating and are you taking any supplements? Sometimes I would experience burning in my stomach with my supplements if I took them without food or even just a little food. Don't know if this is the case for you but just a thought.

Some people with corn allergies cross react with bananas, they share a similar protein. But if you took them out and still have the burning, I don't know. Are you peeling your fruit?

[jerseyangel]

If I can stick my nose in this for a second--I know I'm intolerant to corn, and I have been avoiding obvious sources for longer than I've been gluten-free. Just recently (the last week or so) I've gotten more strict with it. I have noticed a reduction in my reflux, as well as the gas . It's really worth it!

[Green12]

If I can stick my nose in this for a second--I know I'm intolerant to corn, and I have been avoiding obvious sources for longer than I've been gluten-free. Just recently (the last week or so) I've gotten more strict with it. I have noticed a reduction in my reflux, as well as the gas . It's really worth it!

jersey, you aren't sticking your nose in! We are all in this together!

I'm glad you're GERD has been reduced, that is nasty stuff.

[dlp252]

Thanks Christine!

Patti, you've just cemented it for me, lol.

I've been trying to cut out all the usual suspects for GERD too, and have still had it so bad. I wake up in the middle of the night with a burning in my stomach and once I'm awake can't go back to sleep. Dr. R has me taking Prilosec OTC and that has at least kept it at a minimum, but I'm afraid of what's going to happen when I quit taking it (tomorrow is my last day of a 14 day course). I really don't want to take medicine like that forever!

[jerseyangel]

Thanks Christine!

Patti, you've just cemented it for me, lol.

I've been trying to cut out all the usual suspects for GERD too, and have still had it so bad. I wake up in the middle of the night with a burning in my stomach and once I'm awake can't go back to sleep. Dr. R has me taking Prilosec OTC and that has at least kept it at a minimum, but I'm afraid of what's going to happen when I quit taking it (tomorrow is my last day of a 14 day course). I really don't want to take medicine like that forever!

My dr had me on Prevacid but I stopped after 3 weeks because of the side effects--the reflux was creeping back, and now that I've cut out the corn even further, it is better. I also find that I have to limit raw fruit. The middle of the night stuff is terrible--I hope you get relief soon

[Guest greengirl]

greengirl, what all are you eating and are you taking any supplements? Sometimes I would experience burning in my stomach with my supplements if I took them without food or even just a little food. Don't know if this is the case for you but just a thought.

Some people with corn allergies cross react with bananas, they share a similar protein. But if you took them out and still have the burning, I don't know. Are you peeling your fruit?

I'm only eating SCD legal foods. I was taking Prevacid, but didn't take it today to see if that could be causing something (not sure if that's SCD legal). I still have the burning today, but I probably need to give it more than a day off to see if it has an effect. Lately the fruits I've been eating don't require peeling - watermelon, berries, strawberries, lime juice. I have been peeling apples and cooking them. Maybe the fruits are just too acidic. I have cut out tomatoes because of that (even though they're my favorite!!)

I did take a calcium supplement this morning because I just found out yesterday that I have osteopenia (the step before osteoporosis). Can you believe it?? At age 37, my bones are apparently like that of a 65 year old!! My doctor said it's no surprise given my GI history. I would recommend a bone scan for everyone with gluten intolerance - the earlier the better!!

Christine

[Rachel--24]

Rachel, that is SO true. I am a complete believer. If you are ingesting a food continually you might have bad symptoms but it's really hard to tell what is what. I have always eaten vegetables and meats and pure fats, etc. but I was having a Food For Life Rice Tortilla every day for lunch (has xanthum gum in it). It wasn't until I eliminated the tortilla and the supplements and the deli turkey meat (I think it had some preservatives in it) that I was able to literally clean my system of all potential allergens. Then 2 weeks later I add in the suspects and bam, an immediate clear as day reaction.

Julie,

OMG.... Back in December I discovered those tortillas and started eating them everyday for a couple weeks. I got so much sicker but I was always sick so couldnt tell what was what but I stopped eating the tortillas. I actually returned an unopened package to the store cuz I just didnt want to eat them anymore. They were good though and I was sad about not being able to eat them....I thought it was something in the oils they used.

Since finding out about corn I've checked out all the stuff I used to eat that gave me reactions and every one of them conatined corn in some form or another. I really react to xanthan gum. It was a reaction to that particular ingredient (in a cake mix) which got me thinking and made me go back and reread Simply's V's post about corn.

I think the tortillas are about the only thing I hadnt went back and looked at the ingredients on....I always do this when I'm shopping. I've found corn in everything so far but I dont remember seeing xanthan gum when I bought those tortillas...of course I wasnt concerned about corn at the time but I always check ingredients anyway. Is there really Xanthan gum in them cuz that would explain why I got so much worse? I was eating them on Christmas and I got really brain-fogged and the usual headache with veins throbbing. I was getting migraines while I was eating the tortillas but never once suspected them as being the cause. I also got a migraine after eating the cake with xanthan gum in it 3 weeks ago. I got MAJOR symptoms from that cake but probably because the only corn I was getting at the time was in my thyroid pills.

If I can stick my nose in this for a second--I know I'm intolerant to corn, and I have been avoiding obvious sources for longer than I've been gluten-free. Just recently (the last week or so) I've gotten more strict with it. I have noticed a reduction in my reflux, as well as the gas . It's really worth it!

Jersey,

Just recently I started having problems with acid reflux. I dont remember having it before...or at least not this bad. I got it really bad when I ate the cake I just posted about and a couple other times when I messed up on my corn diet. I was asking about GERD on JnkMnky's thread about it...I didnt know if thats what I had but it was a burning pain in my chest and in my throat. It was way worse if I bent over. It was like a really full feeling in my chest and throat...I was also really bloated...it kind of hurt to breathe. Is this GERD? Anyways it hasnt happened again since I've been doing well on the diet. I mentioned it to the GI and he was gonna give me a medication (I think it was Nexium or something like that....started with an N??). I told him I dont want any medicines and I dont need any as long as I dont eat corn. Besides I'm sure the medicine has corn in it!! Does what I described sound like GERD or acid reflux? Are they the same thing or 2 seperate things?