Questions

[littlepima]

Hi everyone. I recently went gluten-free and have been happily surprised by the results. My insurance is not so good, so I haven't been to a doctor or been tested, but I figured if the cure is to stop eating gluten, then why not just try it. For many years I have struggled with bloating, fatigue, constant illness, constipation, irritability, and (embarassingly enough) some odor. Since I have gone gluten free I have an incredible amount of energy, haven't been bloated at all, and I am actually less irritable! Unfortunately I still have to take Metamucil and Philips Colon health to be regular and I still ocassionally have some odor. I have only been gluten free for a few weeks, so I am hoping that as my body heals all of my issues will subside.

One thing that I noticed, it was a little weird, about a week after going gluten-free I noticed that my jeans were pretty loose. So I went in my closet and put on jeans I haven't been able to wear for years, they fit perfectly. I also noticed that my wedding rings are loose on my fingers. Is swelling associated with celiac disease? It happened too quickly to be considered weight loss.

[shopgirl]

Actually, it can be weight loss. I lost 20 pounds in my first month gluten-free and I wasn't exactly killing myself at the gym since I still felt pretty lousy.

[T.H.]

One thing that I noticed, it was a little weird, about a week after going gluten-free I noticed that my jeans were pretty loose. So I went in my closet and put on jeans I haven't been able to wear for years, they fit perfectly. I also noticed that my wedding rings are loose on my fingers. Is swelling associated with celiac disease? It happened too quickly to be considered weight loss.

I tend to retain water as well as get pretty bloated around my gut, now, when I eat gluten, so it could definitely be something like that. I didn't really know I WAS bloated or retaining water, but now that I'm gluten free and it's gone? I really notice if I get gluten and it comes back. My wedding rings were loose on my fingers, too.

[eatmeat4good]

Swelling of the face, fingers and belly were the first symptoms I noticed. My rings were tighter, my jeans were tighter and my eyelids were swollen. I never knew what it was from. I was aware I was swollen but when I gained 20 pounds in two weeks I was shocked and appalled. Then it happened again a few months later. This "weight gain" was not normal for me at all as I hadn't changed my eating. I had no idea what it could be and Dr. didn't believe me when I said I normally weigh 120. It was like yeah right that's what they all say. Oh gosh I have been soooo relieved since going gluten free. This is my 4th month and I've lost 30 pounds without even trying. I am shocked. I was thinking it had to be swelling and inflammation. But I don't care what ya call it...as long as it lasts! My muscles have just started to want exercise too. Before I could hardly do anything at all without wanting to just collapse. This is so refreshing!

[Mari]

I usually eat foods I prepare myself but sometimes when I eat commercially prepared food I notice an unpleasant body odor. Although the liver usually removes toxins and pollutants, some of these are removed in the body fluids by sulfur containing amino acids and are sweated out by the sweat glands. I can usually tell if I've eaten a toxin - the next day, I can smell it. Eating asparagus, artichokes, garlic which contain these sulfur amino acids helps to get out the toxins. Epsom Salts sweat baths are good, too.

[SaraKat]

I lost some weight too- mainly because I have not been eating as many processed foods since most of them contain gluten. I have been eating vegetables and fruit so much more than before.

[cap6]

I lost 30 pounds before going gluten-free only because I was living on only rice. Since then I gained back 5 pounds but have maintained this weight for 8 months. I am sure part of the gain was because I started to eat again but have kept it off because I eat little to no processed foods. Chicken, veggies & fruit!