Observant readers (my mom) might have noticed me complaining more about digestive issues lately.
I’ve had ‘em since college, though they’ve been a lot better in the past few years since adopting a healthier lifestyle and finding a probiotic I loved. Well, that probiotic is now unavailable, and my stomach is just a hot mess as of late.
In the past, I’ve gone in a frustrating circle of: regular doctor, allergy doctor or gastro, invasive test, told it’s IBS and not given much guidance on how to treat it, repeat. COOL.
I went for a physical a few weeks ago to make sure I was healthy overall, and everything came back fine, but I still felt crappy. Literally.
Too many meals out and too many Starbucks/Dunkin’ breakfast sandwiches have shown in my waist and on the scale, so I figured they haven’t helped my digestive system either. I knew I should take a look at what I’m eating, figure out what works and what doesn’t, so I decided to see an RD yesterday. I found her through ZocDoc, of course, and she even takes my insurance!
She looked at my blood work, we talked about past medical tests and their results, and we talked about what I was doing now and how I felt. I told her that I’d been tested for celiac a few years ago, and she said if my levels were high enough for them to give me an endoscopy, it was likely I was gluten-sensitive even though the celiac test had come back negative.
“Would you consider trying a gluten-free diet for three weeks?†she asked.
“Sure, why not?†I just wanted to feel better.
She worked with me to come up with several types of options for each meal time and for different scenarios, including a late night that involves wine (she gets me already) or a early night at home.
Reading my old post about celiac testing, I can’t believe I cried. Although I did let loose a whole string of curses when Leticia reminded me of the lack of bagels that would be in my life. From having lots of gluten-free friends, I’ve seen that it’s easier than ever to be gluten-free in NYC, so if this is a lifetime thing, I’ll just never leave NYC.
I made a promise to the RD and to myself that I’d try this for 3 weeks, so here goes nothing! It really hasn’t been too bad too far. I’m also going to try my best to stay away from all of the processed gluten-free substitutes.
Gluten-free people: any advice?
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Same thing happened to me almost exactly. I bit the bullet and have been totally gluten free for almost 6 months now (with the exception of one dinner out where I accidentally ate something I should not have. That was a rough weekend.)
The best advice I got when I started this was to never...EVER...eat any gluten free bread product without toasting it first. It's really the only way to make it edible. Also, coconut flour is delicious.
@Annie: And you're feeling better?? I rarely eat regular bread without toasting it too :)
@Theodora Blanchfield: It is really remarkable. It took maybe 7 to 10 days or so, and I still have the occasional off day, but nothing like what I'd been going through. I'm by no means an expert, but if you've got any questions or want some good (simple) food blog recommendations feel free to shoot me an email!
Best thing I ever did. I never had stomach issues but did it for issues related to my thyroid. The best advice is to eat as little "gluten free" replacement food as possible. Much of that is processed and not great for your health. Granted might be good at helping your stomach issues. I really just eat real food. The biggest difference i found was no cravings for food and less interest in sugar. I realized I was eating a ton of wheat or grain products. I will eat quinoa on occasion but really stick to protein, veggies and fruit and healthy fats. You will do great and I cannot wait to hear if you feel better.
I was diagnosed with celiac just about 6 months ago and haven't looked back since! Of course it is excellent advice to avoid all of the gluten free processed junk, but go ahead and look at your new diet as a cause for celebration rather than mourning. The day after I got my test results my friend took me to Babycakes on the lower east side for gluten free cupcakes. I almost cried because it actually tasted like a real cupcake!! I realized that I would be just fine without gluten.
Not only does my stomach feel better since going gluten free but so many other random things with my body have improved. My fingernails are growing faster, my hair is thicker, my skin is less dry... it's just crazy!
Good luck to you!! Hope you find some answers too :)
Slowly, more people are gluten free. I have been doing Medifast and many of their meals are gluten free. I've lost some good amount of pounds without much exercise. So, I am slowly getting more gluten out of my diet. I have no stomach or food issues (though I do not like dairy/milk nor coffee) as I can eat Chicago pizza for breakfast. My coworkers wife owns Rose's bakery in Evanston, Il which is all gluten free. Blaze pizza near me in Chicago (think Chipotle with pizza concept) has a gluten free dough option. Djorvak (tennis) became gluten free and won lots of tournaments. I have a student as I am a teacher who is gluten free and a coworker.
I've been toying for awhile now with the idea of a gluten-free trial for my belly issues (if I eat gluten-y things, I feel lousy...kind of an obvious solution, but I heart bread), so I'll be curious to see how this goes for you!
You can do it!! My advice would be to not try to replace your favorite gluten filled things with gluten free versions. They wont taste the same (although some are still good!) and will leave you unsatisfied. Instead find naturally gluten free alternatives. Like sweet potato noodles instead of rice noodles. Or ice cream instead of gluten free cake. Those are bad examples. But maybe you know what I mean anyways.
My advice is to avoid the "gluten free" substitute baked products, at least during this first 3 weeks. Concentrate on REAL food: veggies, protein, fat, fruit. Do not forget your probiotics: kraut, kombucha, etc. There are some great local brands out there!
GOOD LUCK! You can do anything for 3 weeks!
You can do it! It's a good experiment, I hope you find something that will be helpful. I've been wanting to suggest the book The Plan by Lyn-Genet Recitas. It's about finding foods that cause you inflammation. It's not unlike going gluten free if you're sensitive to gluten--find the few foods that cause you problems and your life gets so much better! And trust me, when you find them, eliminate them, get cocky and have something and have a reaction after having felt so good, they won't seem the least bit appealing anymore!
Good luck!
Try http://www.nobreadnyc.com - My friend Nicole runs the website and does an amazing job of providing gluten free options at NYC restaurants - so you can still have fun and eat out! :) good luck!