Day 14: Observations And Questions

[HopefulMama23]

So, I'm on day 14 of no gluten or dairy, limited soy and sugar. I've noticed some great, encouraging things, like:

My upper arm bumps (KP?) are about 50% reduced

My morning breath is gone

My hair shed (I have alopecia) has been about cut in half

I feel calmer and more focused

No stomach pain

Other things I'm still struggling with- stool is still very soft and bulky, although diarrhea has stopped. And I would really, really love to regrow some of the hair I've lost.

Any advice? Anything predictions on anything that may be to come or to look for?

[plumbago]

Other things I'm still struggling with- stool is still very soft and bulky, although diarrhea has stopped. And I would really, really love to regrow some of the hair I've lost.

Any advice? Anything predictions on anything that may be to come or to look for?

14 days is not very long, but you've nevertheless experienced some benefits. As for the soft stools, I'd say wait a bit more. The important thing, it would seem to me, is that the diarrhea has stopped. Mine did too, and I was so grateful. Things to watch out for might be to go easy on the milk products, as you are doing with the soy and sugar, which are excellent ideas by the way. I should have done that too.

Otherwise, I'd suggest culling a list of gluten-free grocery stores and restaurants that can accommodate you. This lack of spontaneous eating has been the biggest burden for me by far. Also, cooking. I've never done so much before in my life, and I did a lot BEFORE my diagnosis. In your free time (like now?) maybe just think about what veggies you could be washing, peeling, cutting and so forth. Maybe you don't need that advice, probably not. But the food preparation is ENDLESS it seems to me.

As for the hair, again, wait a little more. Maybe it will regrow on its own.

[beebee28]

So, I'm on day 14 of no gluten or dairy, limited soy and sugar. I've noticed some great, encouraging things, like:

My upper arm bumps (KP?) are about 50% reduced

My morning breath is gone

My hair shed (I have alopecia) has been about cut in half

I feel calmer and more focused

No stomach pain

Other things I'm still struggling with- stool is still very soft and bulky, although diarrhea has stopped. And I would really, really love to regrow some of the hair I've lost.

Any advice? Anything predictions on anything that may be to come or to look for?

Are you taking any vitamins? Celiacs causes malabsorbtion of nutrients, namely all B's, A, C, D, E, K, magnesium, calcium, and omega fatty oils (most important is 3, found in fish oil or flax). Im not a doctor, however you could try supplementing those (I have celiacs and am taking all of these I reccomended). Make sure that they are wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, and egg free in case you are also sensitive to those things.

You also might have gluten in your shampoo and body products. Most products have gluten in them, I didnt get a rash but contstantly straw dry hair and it would fall out, and I tried everything from $60 a bottle to cheap drugstore brands to no avail. When I found out I had celiacs I switched everything, even my toothpaste, chapstick and laundry detergent. Desert Essence Red Grape shampoo and conditioner are gluten free and dont have the harsh additives, and after one use my hair is shiny and frizz free!! Apparently my hair even has allergies (Im both celiac and allergic to wheat). Its probably beyond only gluten free for me as Im also allergic to 27 different foods.... I have to have pure everything. Hope this helps! I bought mine at Whole Foods, they have a great return policy if you have reactions.

[mushroom]

I have found that hair regrowth takes about three months to notice, no matter what the cause of the loss.