Gluten Sensitivity After Giardia

[michaelkl1]

I am a 51 year old male who has just starting having gluten sensitivity over the last several months. About 5 months ago I tested positive for the Giaridia parasite. After 3 different drugs and 12 weeks I was able to get rid of the parasite, however I continued to have symptoms. I had a GI doctor do a biopsy and it showed that I had gluten sensitivity. At that time I was having a lot of stomach cramps and diarrhea. I also started to get an itchy rash on the under side of both my arms. I went for a blood test for the antibodies, but it came back negative. So it looks like I have gluten sensitivity, but not celiac. I am starting on a gluten free diet. Since my blood test is negative,can this gluten sensitivity eventually go away if I give my body time after being on a gluten free diet?

Also, I like to exercise and do weight training, but I am concerned that I may lose too much body weight and energy on a gluten free diet. Are there any gluten free foods that can help me maintain a good calorie intake, and help me maintain my current weight?

[Looking for answers]

Did you get a biospy done on the itchy rash? If you ever get it back and didn't get a biospy already, I highly recommend that you do. There is a specific rash that celiac sufferers often get that can confirm a diagnoses for you. As you may realize by reading through some posts, blood work is often inconclusive.

Dont' worry about not being able to get enough calories...it won't be a problem. I eat a ton of avocados, brown rice protein, coconut milk, which help maintain my weight....oh, and dark chocolate

The key to building and maintaining muscle is getting plenty of protein, which won't be a problem for you with a gluten-free diet. If you can do dairy, then whey protein is great for pre-and post workouts, and health bars such as Lara Bars are gluten-free and full of protein and carbs too!

Like Taco Bell says, you just need to "think outside the bun!"

[Looking for answers]

I am a 51 year old male who has just starting having gluten sensitivity over the last several months. About 5 months ago I tested positive for the Giaridia parasite. After 3 different drugs and 12 weeks I was able to get rid of the parasite, however I continued to have symptoms. I had a GI doctor do a biopsy and it showed that I had gluten sensitivity. At that time I was having a lot of stomach cramps and diarrhea. I also started to get an itchy rash on the under side of both my arms. I went for a blood test for the antibodies, but it came back negative. So it looks like I have gluten sensitivity, but not celiac. I am starting on a gluten free diet. Since my blood test is negative,can this gluten sensitivity eventually go away if I give my body time after being on a gluten free diet?

Also, I like to exercise and do weight training, but I am concerned that I may lose too much body weight and energy on a gluten free diet. Are there any gluten free foods that can help me maintain a good calorie intake, and help me maintain my current weight?

[michaelkl1]

Did you get a biospy done on the itchy rash? If you ever get it back and didn't get a biospy already, I highly recommend that you do. There is a specific rash that celiac sufferers often get that can confirm a diagnoses for you. As you may realize by reading through some posts, blood work is often inconclusive.

Dont' worry about not being able to get enough calories...it won't be a problem. I eat a ton of avocados, brown rice protein, coconut milk, which help maintain my weight....oh, and dark chocolate

The key to building and maintaining muscle is getting plenty of protein, which won't be a problem for you with a gluten-free diet. If you can do dairy, then whey protein is great for pre-and post workouts, and health bars such as Lara Bars are gluten-free and full of protein and carbs too!

Like Taco Bell says, you just need to "think outside the bun!"

I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed me some lotion which I used and the itchy rash went away within a week and the rash has not come back, but my arms occasionally feel itchy even though the rash has gone away. I don't know if it still has something to do with my gluten sensitivity. If the rash comes back I will get the biopsy on my arm. Anyway I started on my gluten free diet for a couple of days now, so I will see how things go. Thanks.