New And Looking For Some Help

[MNMAC]

Hi all, I am newly diagnossed with celiac disease and have been on the gluten free diet for a couple weeks and have been very careful, but this past weekend I had more stomach pain, lack of energy and lots of D. I am wondering if it is normal for this to happen to someone starting the diet. The last 4 days anything I eat or drink goes right thru me and I feel awful afterward. I have lost about 35 pounds in the last three months and really need to put some weight on. Any info on foods that may stay in me from you guys would also be appreciated. In the last two weeks my diet included ensure, 7up, baked potatoes, rice, steak or chicken, and chex cerial but now I really don't eat much because of fear of feeling sick. Thankyou for any help you can give me.

[Marilyn R]

Hi MNMAC, and welcome to the forum.

I'm not an expert, but I'll tell you what has helped me when I've had excessive "D". I drink clear broths (like gluten-free chicken broth), eat bananas and blueberies, rice. Blueberries have the same ingredient as kaopectate.

I've never had a problem with sweet potatos or avacado. It may be helpful for you to consider an elimination diet or a rotation diet. (Plenty of info on the web with a search.) Even though I don't really care for meat, I've added it to my diet, but I rotate fish, pork, beef, poultry and lamb. And I think it really helps to eat foods you never or rarely ate before (rabbit, kale,...)

Sometimes your autoimmune system is attacking proteins that are similar to the gluten protein. That could come from legumes or corn or nightshade vegetables, or more commonly, dairy. (Or something else!)

It may help to go to an allergist for skin prick testing. I was surprised with my results, and it helped so much with just feeling better.

I hope you find out what's bugging you, and wish you good health.

[mushroom]

You do need some cooked green/root vegetables and some fruit (probably without the skin) in your diet, both for nutrition and fiber. As the OP said, frozen blueberries (for this time of year) would be good. Sweet potatoes done in the microwave are quick and easy and have lots of fiber and nutrition/Vitamin C.

Don't be discouraged about the setback - it happens to almost everyone. Just stay the course and things will come right. There are always ups and down, it's not a straight line up to healing. And you are bound to make a mistake or two and/or get some cross-contamination along the way. So long as the general course is upwards, you are good. You can try some Pepto Bismol for the D, or some Imodium. I think if I were you I would probably stay away from the Chex for a while; try things like dried apricots, dates, perhaps some nuts.

Let us know how you are doing as you go along.

[Igg postive]

I have been newly diagnosed with celiac disease. I am wondering where the diet will lead me. I normally have more of a C problem. This may stem from my long standing hypothyroidism. I have been trying to find ways to add fiber since this really helps me with my C. My mother had a D problem. The doctor told her as was mentioned in a previous post to eat mashed bananas, rice, applesauce. They usually perscribe this for children also. Sorry to hear about the weight loss. Another thing that helps my mother is taking probiotics. Also Digestive Enzymes may be of help. Let us know how you are doing.