Me? Gluten Intolerant?

[Monael]

I am really just blown away. I have had issues for many years and have previously been diagnosed as IBS. Mainly bloating, diarrhea, steatorrhea, cramping, etc. Didn't really give it a second thought, as I have been living with it for so long I got used to the painful bathroom visits.

Recently, I wanted to shed some pounds and went on a diet that excluded a lot of carbs, including any type of bread or starch. It was on it for 2 weeks and noticed that I wasn't having the bathroom issues like usual. At first I didn't pay it too much mind. But the strangest thing happened. I went off the diet as I was really missing bread. Well I went back to the same IBS issues!

I had been on this diet before so when this happened the second time a little light bulb went off in my head... I think it was the bread/wheat!!

I have since decided to go gluten free, because if this will clear up my bathroom issues, I just don't even care if I get a proper diagnosis. I have been gluten free (at least as well as I can be at this stage as I still have a lot to learn) for a couple of days and my bathroom issues are already improving. I just don't even know what to say as I had no idea how harmful it could be.

Another side issue: I think this also explains why my scalp was always so itchy with little bumps that scabbed over from my scratching.

[costellosfriend]

Same here, Monael, except my side issue was insomnia.

[Peeb]

Same here, Monael, except my side issue was insomnia.

My hay fever has gone away since I went gluten-free. That's not a "diagnosis", but if it works, I'll take it.