What Supplements To Help Heal?

[Mom-of-Two]

I have been gluten-free for almost 6 weeks, while my GI symptoms have improved (my issues were bloating, gas, cramps) I have not regained any energy and am still fatigued. I have not lost a single pound, despite changing my entire diet and lifestyle- I am not eating gluten-free grains or packaged foods either, only whole foods with meats, veggies and fruits. I was not deficient in iron, and my bloodwork was all normal aside from my celiac panel of course. I was not tested for vitamin D or B12 but my specialist did not believe I was having any malabsorption issues. I think my gut just needs time to repair, but I thought you all could help me with what supplements I should be taking daily to help me heal. I hate taking huge multivitamins, I take D3 and was considering adding a good quality B complex and omega 3 supplement, I do take probiotics. What do you all recommend?

I had a routine TSH test with that bloodwork, my specialist said it may be a good idea to have other thyroid tests done, due to fatigue and not being able to lose weight despite my HUGE diet changes.

While I know I am healing without gluten, I just don't FEEL the positive changes I thought I would- I KNOW it is still early. I was reading about how important supplements are to heal and improve mood and energy when you are healing from celiac, so I want to be vigilant about taking what I need daily.

We also just bought an elliptical machine and have started riding bikes with the kids so I am hopeful those things will help.

[Skylark]

B complex and omega-3 are really helpful for me. The other one I would consider since you suspect thyroid trouble is a selenium supplement with 100% of the RDA of selenium. Thyroid peroxidase is a selenium enzyme and if you are selenium deficient it will make you hypothyroid.

I'm glad your Dr. is following up on other thyroid tests.

[IrishHeart]

Aside from probiotics, which IMHO are essential, I believe good EFAs (which Skylark has mentioned) and a good multivitamin with minerals should do it. If you hate big capsules, how about liquid form? Many celiacs seem to need a boost in Vit D3.

It is very wise to have your thryoid checked, but I would also suggest that while it is great that you want to exercise, be kind to your body at first ---as it is healing and it has been malnourished.

It may take awhile for the fatigue to resolve, but if it does not, I would also suggest having your Folate level checked. Celiacs are often folate deficient and it is one test that doctors overlook while doing blood work. (I mention it because it was what kept me flagging for months, despite being treated with B-12 and D supplements--being deficient in both of those. I finally asked for that test--and that was it! )

Ease into your exercise routine, drink water and relax and know you are healing! Best wishes to you.

[Mom-of-Two]

I have used Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega in the past, is this a good amount of omegas for me to add? I read someplace that those with celiac should have at least 1000mg of each DHA and EPA, but that is a big amount in a supplement. I took between 4000-5000 IU of D3 all winter, I have some multivitamins that I do not have trouble swallowing, they are liquid softgels by Nature Made, for women. They have 100% of B vitamins, I just didn't know if I needed a "better" vitamin or extra B complex on top of the multi.

I was looking at the Raw Vitamin Code B complex, I took their multi in the past but wasn't impressed for the price-- however, I am a big believer in food rather than synthetic vitamins.

Probiotics: I have been using RenewLife for awhile now, been using the adult formula ultimate flora, they are almost gone, since finding out about the celiac, curious if I should try their critical formulas, which are 50 billion. I also have Culturelle in the house since I give it to my kids.

Do I need fiber? My hubby thinks I should be taking psyllium fiber.

[IrishHeart]

They all sound fine to me. I have used both Custom Probiotics 6-strain and Culturelle. They work well.

Unless you have specific B and D vitamin defs, there is no need to mega-dose those! People make this mistake and then wonder why they feel like crap or have "tingling" in their extremities. My doc says it is likely many are toxic from over-supplementing. I had wicked burning sensations for so long and he told me to back off the B vits as my Folate and B-12 levels had come up. And it stopped.

Maybe Sky has a few thoughts?

RE: psyllium fiber. Honestly, if you get enough fibrous veggies and whole grains in your diet, and are not experiencing MAJOR constipation, why bother? Unless someone takes in enough water on a daily basis to absorb it, psyllium can actually clog the bowels and make things worse. This is what I have read and believe me, I know more about the GI tract and efficiently running bowels than I ever cared to. I did not plan to be a "poop specialist"

Supplements can be VERY useful, IF THERE IS A DEFICIENCY, but in the long run, healing the gut and getting nutrients from food is the key.