Gluten Intolerance Vs. Celiac

[amy2011]

Hello all -

For years I have suffered from anxiety (primarily). I have been seeing a naturopath to deal with this. She tested my food sensitivities and I came up sensitive to gluten and corn. I have been gluten-free for about a month and haven't really noticed any change. I do live with 3 gluten eaters so there certainly is a chance I have taken in some gluten, but I really have been careful (as careful as I can be right now).

I guess I'm just wondering if there are others out there who are "sensitive" to gluten, but not celiac? Can you tolerate some gluten? Are there others out there who have relieved their anxiety by not eating gluten? Did you have other symptoms? In the past I have occassionally experienced gasiness, and some bloating and cramping after eating, but nothing I would ever see a doctor about. I also feel so tired a lot, but I'm a mom of 2 kids who works full time, I assume that could be it too.

Does anyone know how accurate a naturopaths diagnosis would be? (using a fancy little machine connected to a computer. I hold one probe in my hand and she pokes points on my hands and feet with another probe). Also, if gluten is causing my anxiety how long until I see some relief?

I have not been as serious about the corn issue (one thing at a time) so that could also be why I am not seeing results. It's been a month gluten-free and I am adjusting well, so I will start to pay attention to corn products now as well.

Anyway - would love to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience. Feeling a bit overwhelmed and discouraged.

Amy

[mushroom]

I can offer no comments about your naturopath's diagnosis, since it does not involve any of the standard methods of testing for gluten intolerance. That being said, the only methods of testing offered by the medical profession are for actual celiac disease, and there are many people who do not tolerate gluten who do not have celiac disease. These people must be just as strict in avoiding gluten as celiacs are.

No.1: Living with gluten eaters is always hazardous for gluten intolerants, especially if you are the one preparing their food. You should have separate pots, pans, colandar, toaster, utensils and areas of the counter, pantry and refrigerator that are gluten free. You should have your own jars of spreads, peanut butter, etc., - things that the rest of the family are likely to dip a knife with breadcrumbs into. You should not bake with gluten flour as it is very light and becomes airborne and lands on everything. Washing hands frequently (for the whole family) is essential. Your partner should brush his teeth before he kisses you. You should eliminate gluten from all your personal care products - toiletries, cosmetics, hair products. You should check any meds. and supplements you take for gluten.

No.2. Being semi-strict about the diet is not good enough; any gluten you get just keeps the antibody production line in operation and will cause reactions. You must eliminate gluten entirely.

No.3. Corn in some people (I am one) can cause the same symptoms as gluten when it comes to gas, bloating, diarrhea.

No.4. You have been gluten 'free' for only one month. You need to give it a strict three-month trial before you will know whether it is making a difference, and in your case I would include corn too.

No.5. Many posters report relief of anxiety, tiredness, lethargy with removal of gluten from their diet.

Stay on the path and be vigilant. I do hope in a couple of months you are feeling a lot better. But you must be patient - healing takes a while.