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[lollipop155]

Hi there, my names Helen, im 42 and live in the UK. Ive just been told by my doctor to try a gluten free diet for a while. For over a year now ive had what appeared to be IBS , recently it seems im becoming more and more intollerant to food. I cant eat burgers, sausages etc as they give me a bloated stomach and terrible pain. Other foods bloat me and make me uncomfortable like potatoes, chips, apples, fruit juices etc. Some foods just bloat me without making it too uncomfortable, like ice cream! It literally takes minutes to happen and after meals i end up looking pregnant. It just seems more and more foods are doing it! I did try gluten free bread and it was much better. There are very few foods that i can eat without a reaction. Can anyone offer any advice, thanks, Helen x

[YoloGx]

Hi there, my names Helen, im 42 and live in the UK. Ive just been told by my doctor to try a gluten free diet for a while. For over a year now ive had what appeared to be IBS , recently it seems im becoming more and more intollerant to food. I cant eat burgers, sausages etc as they give me a bloated stomach and terrible pain. Other foods bloat me and make me uncomfortable like potatoes, chips, apples, fruit juices etc. Some foods just bloat me without making it too uncomfortable, like ice cream! It literally takes minutes to happen and after meals i end up looking pregnant. It just seems more and more foods are doing it! I did try gluten free bread and it was much better. There are very few foods that i can eat without a reaction. Can anyone offer any advice, thanks, Helen x

hi Helen. Welcome to the celiac.com forum!

Its likely very worth it for you to try out eating gluten free. The best gluten free diet, especially initially, is to eat veggies, whole grain rice, meat and water.

You have to avoid what is called cross contamination (CC) from gluten to really get the full benefit. It may also be that you are suffering from leaky gut syndrome caused by damaged villi (usually damaged by the gluten). It takes a while to heal--so meantime its wise to stay off milk products.

You should also replace your cutting board, toaster and any food implements you use that is made of wood in order to avoid more CC. If you have a wooden table, get a table cloth. I replaced my plastic table mats too. Your oven and iron pots should be put through the self cleaning cycle to get rid of trace gluten. I also found it best to avoid gluten in make up and lip gloss as well as in various soaps, cleaners and toiletries, not to speak of certain building materials like pre-mixed plaster.

There is a host of information on the board here. Just search whatever subject you want. There are also lists of trace gluten chemicals and food additives etc. found in foods listed in the info section that you should find useful.

If you don't get relief, consider going on a fast for a few days and reintroduce foods slowly one at a time every 2 days or so. Keep a journal so you can note how you feel. I found it helpful to take my pulse too (the Coco pulse test) to get even more info.

Avoid sugar, again especially at first, and especially given you have so much bloating. It could be candida overegrowth or some kind of bacterial dysbiosis which sugar feeds.

For me I found I also have salicylic acid sensitivity, which is a whole other story. Being sensitive to aspirin is a big clue for that one. Other common sensitivities are corn, soy, casein, coconut, the tomato/potato family. Some too have to be careful of pre-made gluten free flours since there can be very trace CC going on.

Good journey to you! I am betting you will find relief very soon.

Bea

[lollipop155]

Wow thank you very much for your reply, i visited the supermarket today for a really good look at the range of gluten free stuff, i was surprised really, it seems gluten is in so much stuff!I will study this site which i must say is a godsend, thank you again, Helen xx

[lovegrov]

And the good news is that if your problem is indeed gluten, you very likely will eventually start tolerating most of those foods that seem to bother you now -- as long as they don't have gluten.

richard

[YoloGx]

And the good news is that if your problem is indeed gluten, you very likely will eventually start tolerating most of those foods that seem to bother you now -- as long as they don't have gluten.

richard

Richard is so right. I can now eat eggs whereas they used to give me migraines. Ditto with my partner who now can eat onions and garlic with no problem. For some of us however being completely gluten-free can also uncover other hidden food allergies and sensitivities. You will likely need to heal your gut for a while in any case--so its often important to eat simply at first and then observe your reactions (if any) when you add in new foods.

The other good news is that its very likely your gut will feel so much relief. You may notice other things too like a clearer, less anxious mind, your body feeling fewer aches and pains, improved overall health and stamina, fewer dental carries and improved gums, sleeping better, weight loss etc. etc. So it is way worth it.

[lollipop155]

Oh wow! That is a bit of good news! Thank you x