Intestinal Healing In Celiac

[Dino]

I have been gluten free for about 2 months. Things seem to be getting better although once in a while I seem to get hit with something that is similar to a gluten hit. Probably some sneaking in as I get used to the new lifestyle. I do have a couple of questions though. Should I back off of coffee. I enjoy it and it did not seem to cause any problems but it has been suggested that it might slow down healing. Also has anyone had any experience with plant enzymes helping in healing?

[Kay DH]

My doctor said coffee, even decaffeinated, can relax the esophageal sphincter and increase acid reflux. It also seems to have an effect on IBS such that it encourages food to move through the digestive track at a faster pace. Perhaps you are either having problems with contamination or cross-contamination of gluten, or the coffee is causing GI problems? Writing down you rmeals and marking any GI or other problems may help to pin down the problem. I got sick from gluten-free hummus (small print processed in same plant with wheat...) and from a gluten-free cupcake that was in a bag that had a non-gluten-free roll. Best of luck with your investigations. I'm new to gluten-free and it is quite the life change, and one that few people understand.

[RoseTapper]

Celiac experts oftentimes recommend taking L-Glutamine to heal the gut, and also Metagenics Medical Food has been recommended to me. I put it in my morning smoothie for about a year, and it helped my digestion a lot. You don't have to take the full amount it suggests--just one scoop is all you need to feel better.

[burdee]

Celiac experts oftentimes recommend taking L-Glutamine to heal the gut, and also Metagenics Medical Food has been recommended to me. I put it in my morning smoothie for about a year, and it helped my digestion a lot. You don't have to take the full amount it suggests--just one scoop is all you need to feel better.

I second the L-Glutamine suggestion. I'm taking that 2x daily now to heal damage from long misdiagnosed celiac disease, food allergies, and 8 gastrointestinal infections (including pathogenic bacteria, 2 parasites and candida). I'll take that for at least 6 weeks and then assess my progress.

SUE

[Dino]

How much L-Glutamine have you guys been taking.

[Gfresh404]

I have been gluten free for about 2 months. Things seem to be getting better although once in a while I seem to get hit with something that is similar to a gluten hit. Probably some sneaking in as I get used to the new lifestyle. I do have a couple of questions though. Should I back off of coffee. I enjoy it and it did not seem to cause any problems but it has been suggested that it might slow down healing. Also has anyone had any experience with plant enzymes helping in healing?

I would lay off the coffee for a while - see if you notice an improvement. I believe it is an irritant to the GI tract.

The "gluten-like" poisonings that you describe is most likely either cross contamination or lactose intolerance.

You also have my vote for the Glutamine supplementation, but I would be very careful with it. Most of the studies have shown little to no side effects, but I still don't buy it. I take two grams once a week on an empty stomach with some enzymes. But I have noticed some personality changes after taking it, mostly depression. Theoretically it could also cause some brain damage. It is a natural substance (the most abundant amino acid in the body), but it does not occur by itself in virtually almost any dose. The only reason I still take it is because I believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Just monitor yourself as you take it.

Enzymes also helped me greatly - I'm not sure if it was so much with healing, but more just energy levels.

[Dino]

Ok, I will lay off the coffee, I hear camomile tea is good for the gut so I will trade in my coffee for now. I also am going to start to take probiotics as well as some L-glutamine and see if that all helps. I have been feeling better over all but am kind of tired of the days when I don't so I will be much more consistent and hopefully these things will help.

[burdee]

How much L-Glutamine have you guys been taking.

I'm taking one rounded teaspoonful of L-glutamine powder dissolved in a cup of water 2x daily (when I first wake up and before bed) for at least the next 5 weeks. However, I'm using that to treat stomach damage from the H. Pylori bacteria as well as longterm celiac damage. I wasn't diagnosed with celiac disease until I was 56, but I had symptoms for at least 15 years before that. So like other adults diagnosed in middle age, I may still have unhealed intestinal lesions from celiac disease. Hopefully the LG will heal all that.

SUE

[Gfresh404]

Ok, I will lay off the coffee, I hear camomile tea is good for the gut so I will trade in my coffee for now. I also am going to start to take probiotics as well as some L-glutamine and see if that all helps. I have been feeling better over all but am kind of tired of the days when I don't so I will be much more consistent and hopefully these things will help.

Things will only get better.

[Dino]

I am not sure but does getting "glutened" affect the psyche? It seems that a couple of days after getting hit and the gut seems to feel better my mood stinks. I get angry much easier and go into a depressed mood. This lasts for a day or two. Anybody else experience this?