Trying To Understand Heaviness And Weight

[rain]

I was diagnosed with celiac about 2 months ago. Overall, it's been a great relief. The head fog is clearing, my sense of balance is improving, and that tiring sense of malaise and deep exhaustion is going away a bit more each day. I have also had almost no spring allergies.

So onto my story --

because of an accident, job change, and a move, I spent much of the last 6 months feeling quite sick. In that process I gained about 8 pounds. I only worried about it because my weight is very stable (the same weight for about 20 years) so a weight gain is typically a symptom of something else. I hoped when I went on the wheat free diet that my weight and the feeling of heaviness in my stomach would go away or the symptom would lessen. However nothing has changed at all. In fact my belly continues to feel heavier.

Before my "normal" weight was slim, but I always felt bloated. I was always hungry, always munching, etc. I believe that I have a sensitivity to soy, dairy, corn, oats, and all nuts except peanuts, but I can eat them in limited amounts.

I'm completely baffled about what to do next. My other symptom (for the last 4 years) is shortness of breath in my lower lungs. The allergist said its scar tissue from childhood asthma - I suspect an allergy. I'm also in the process of sorting out dermatitis issues. So far a resin used in handbags is a culprit, certain sunscreens and sun exposure. And lastly I have some injury from the accident that has weakened muscles my core muscles. I hope to start working with a physical therapist next week.

I'm missing something though. This heaviness really 'worries' me.

Should I see an allergist and get blood work for more food sensitivities? Is there another type of doctor I should see? Is this just the process? Since so many seem to have soy/dairy/nut allergies is that what is the most likely cause? If so, why did it start before I got diagnosed with celiac?

My body is confusing me!

Thanks all.

[Mari]

I have been thinking about what you wrote and wanted to say that I had asthma and it mostly cleared up after I did a herbal parasite program. So eliminating the parasites in my respiratory system worked for me. One way you might use to rule out food allergies or intolerances is to find a gluten-free diet and start with just a few simple foods then add other foods when you find a simple combination which works for you. I use the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and it has helped me to figure out which foods I tolerate best. Some people have good success with allergy testing and other people have good success doing various internal body cleanses - parasite, kidney, liver - The Curezone Forums are a good place to read about what others are doing. The weight gain you noticed could just be you are better nourished now that you are healing but another possibility is that your body is retaining fluids and if this doesn't clear up as your body heals and as you begin to get more exercise it would be time to figure out which parts of your body need help in healing and getting back in balance. The abdominal pressure and distension could indicate gall stones and sludgy bile. I do gall bladder flushes and have increased the amount of fiber in my meals for this common problem. gluten-free diets tend to be rich in carbohydrates so you may need to take digestive enzymes and probiotics or goat's milk yogurt to help increase the number of good bacteria in the gut. It is important that the digesting food you eat is not being slowed down by damage or inflamation in the intestine and it is best to make sure that you have a bowel movement within an hour of eating a meal. Adding acid in the form of Betaine - HCl capsules with meals will act to release intestinal contents into the bowel. Taking magnesium capsules will also help as will taking herbal laxatives. The book I use for healing the body is on my profile page.

[Jestgar]

There may be some other food(s) that you are reacting to. The best thing to do is an elimination diet and a food journal. Start by removing the big allergens - dairy, soy, corn, egg, and see how you feel (and write what you eat and how you feel in a food journal. If you feel better, try adding one of them back (only one at a time) and again note how you feel.

[Korwyn]

Hi Rain, and welcome to the boards. I think the advice the others have given is great, but I wanted to ask you are you following a gluten-free diet or a wheat-free diet? I know you said you were diagnosed two months ago, but you mention 'wheat-free' above, which is not at all the same and I wanted to make sure you are aware of that.

[rain]

wow, I was new to the boards when I posted this and somehow missed your responses. I'm so glad I decided to go back and check. thank you for your responses. I really appreciate what you explained. I'm just starting to not feel overwhelmed with the dietary changes and have reduced soy, corn, and dairy in my diet and am starting to slowly build a better daily diet. The symptoms are improving...but clearly I still have a ways to go.

Many thanks!

[T.H.]

One other quick question - have they done any internal scans?

I only ask because I had a friend with unexplained weight gain and that heavy feeling in her gut, and it ended up as an ovarian cyst that weighed nearly 10 pounds! eek!

wow, I was new to the boards when I posted this and somehow missed your responses. I'm so glad I decided to go back and check. thank you for your responses. I really appreciate what you explained. I'm just starting to not feel overwhelmed with the dietary changes and have reduced soy, corn, and dairy in my diet and am starting to slowly build a better daily diet. The symptoms are improving...but clearly I still have a ways to go.

Many thanks!