The other day I was shopping in Whole Foods when a woman asked an employee where the wheat-free bread was. The employee had no idea so I offered to help. As I led the woman to the alternative bread section she told me that she didn’t feel well when she ate whole wheat, and tries to limit it by eating white bread or wheat-free breads like spelt. Then she told me that she has fibromyalgia.
I asked her if anyone suggested that her symptoms might be caused by gluten. No, she told me. She is on several different therapies, but no one ever said anything about gluten. She ended up passing on buying any gluten-free bread because it was too expensive. She is on disability. The whole situation saddened me, because it was clear that she was trying as best as she could given her financial situation and the information available to her.
We parted ways in the store after I showed her some more products and gave her some suggestions for eating gluten-free. I think she was too overwhelmed to accept any more of my help. We bumped into each other again in the bakery section, where she was searching for something to eat. I showed her the gluten-free options (all expensive) and she reached in a bin and grabbed a muffin. “You know that has wheat in it, right?” I thought maybe she was confused. “Well,” she said, “I have to eat something.” And so she will continue to eat the very thing that is making her sick, because she doesn’t really know any better and can’t afford to try a gluten-free diet.
After this encounter I wondered if a connection between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and gluten intolerance was well-known. I found that although people in forums and in their own personal websites report how much better they feel after cutting gluten out their diet, some actually being diagnosed with celiac disease after years of suffering with these other diagnoses, the main websites for fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) make no reference to the possibility that gluten could be the cause. Instead they list about 20 different treatment options, with no mention of a gluten-free diet.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia, gathered from several websites including the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins include:
- Body pain
- Fatigue
- Non-cardiac Chest Pain
- Sleep Disturbance
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic Headaches
- Rhinitis
- Depression
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Impaired coordination
- Muscle Twitching
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Numbness and Tingling Sensations (Peripheral Neuropathy)
- Brain Fog (Poor Concentration)
- Morning Stiffness
- Chemical Sensitivity
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Skin Problems
- Joint Disorder
- Urinary Problems
- Widespread Pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Nausea
- Memory Loss
- Vision Problems
- Weight Gain
- Dry eyes and mouth
Almost every one of these symptoms has been associated to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, yet none of these websites mentions that people should be tested for celiac or try a gluten-free diet. One website says that people with fibromyalgia are at a greater risk of developing a number of other disorders, such as:
- Fertility problems
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Endometriosis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Anemia
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- GERD
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Yeast Infections
- Bruxism
- Low Cytokine Levels
- Hypoglycemia
Again, almost every one of these conditions has been associated with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, another disorder with no known cause, report the following symptoms (according the CDC website):
- cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
- postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours (exhaustion and increased symptoms) following physical or mental exercise
- unrefreshing sleep
- joint pain (without redness or swelling)
- persistent muscle pain
- headaches of a new type or severity
- tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
- sore throat
- irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating
- chills and night sweats
- brain fog
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- chronic cough
- visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)
- allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
- difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)
- psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)
- jaw pain
- weight loss or gain
Almost all of the above symptoms have been connected to gluten’s effects on the body. Compare to the list of symptoms related to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, and it is astonishing. Also astonishing is the fact that people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue aren’t immediately tested for celiac and, EVEN IF THE TEST IS NEGATIVE, put on a gluten-free diet.
I know someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She told me that she had already tried the gluten-free diet. Except that she had wheat sometimes. And that several of her 20+ medications that she took every day contained gluten. She continues to live in pain and on drugs (she is 38 years old).
Tell me, anyone out there who suffers from Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome… Have you been tested for celiac? Have you tried a 100% gluten-free diet for an extended amount of time?
Debbie E. says
THANK you for this information. I have suffered from Fibromyalgia for thirty years, and only recently have I even considered that wheat intolerance might be an issue. My massage therapist who has Graves Disease (also), said it worked for her. I told her that my ‘test’ for it last year had come out negative. She asked if I’d had it while I was eating a substantial amount of wheat products, and I didn’t know. Now, looking back, I see I was probably eating a lot less wheat as it was summer when I had the test, and I eat a lot of salads and veggies. In Fall and Winter and I eat a lot of wheat items in soups, and with hearty soups. I love bread, all sorts, but especially coarse thick crusted breads. This summer I tried a wheat free diet, and did much better. I ‘returned’ to wheat a few weeks ago, and at first, no problem. But as time goes on, ‘my fibromyalgia’ symptoms have returned, including blurred vision and headaches, but especially mild depression and achiness.
I am going back to wheat free and we’ll see if they clear up.
Thanks for the comparison lists. I am going to print them out for my physician. IF he can’t help me, maybe it will cause some food for thought, and he’ll eventually help someone else.
Thank you for taking the time to do this site!
Debbie
Oswego, NY
Amanda says
I was diagnosed with fibro about 3 years ago after about 2 years of escalating pain and problems. I’ve also always had problems with IBS and GERD and have taken meds for that off and on since childhood. I’ve also suffered from environmental allergies since childhood and a year ago I decided I should probably start getting allergy shots again (had done so in high school, but stopped in college) and I also was tested for the first time in my life for food allergies. The results for the environmental were the same as when I was younger – mold, grasses, trees, horse – but the list for foods was extensive and surprising. I have worked on elimanating my main cluprits (gluten, dairy, chicken, potatoes, salad, and fish) and am now totally off my fibro meds, I’ve had no problems with IBS or GERD in about 6 months and the rashes I would regualrily get on my hands, arms, feet and neck are gone. I haven’t felt this good since I was much younger (I’m only 28, but at my worse I felt much older). I think that I was probablly misdiagnosed with fibro and am in no way saying that the condition is not real – I’ve met so many wonderful people in the past few years who struggle with this condition. My personal experince though would lead me to think that maybe people who are suffering with CFS or fibro should maybe get tested for food and environmental allergies. It might not lead to a total solution, but it might be worth trying.
Sherry says
Does anyone know of a good doc to do the testing in the Pittsburgh area?
Tammy says
I happened upon this website a week or so ago when researching gluten free candy. Then again tonight when looking for info about my fibro. I was so struck by the article Alison wrote about the connection between fibromyalgia chronic fatigue and celiacs/gluten intolerance. I have been on disability for 6 years my symptoms are so bad and medications don’t seem to help in the least, and god knows I’ve been on them all. I have been to what seems like a steady parade of doctors since I was 14, and I’m 42 now. Family doctors, gastroenterologist, endocrinologists, allergists, pulmonary, rheumotologists the list of specialists just goes on and on. Each one offering little more than a new diagnosis without a cure. All standing I have 18 current diagnosis and take 14 prescription medications. Can you say I wish just one of those doctors had thought to mention that diet may be contributing to the problems? Yet, not one of those doctors ever suggested going gluten free, until recently when my family dr, as a last ditch effort, said lets eliminate gluten and see what happens. Still she didn’t mention a connection though. Just a …well I don’t know what else to do so let’s try this rx. Evidently I had been tested 6 yrs ago for celiacs but had tested negative, however, the test most likely would have been a false negative back then as i was barely eating anything with gluten in it as i was anorexic at the time of the testing. Since she started me off gluten before telling me this though, I would now need to return to eating gluten to be retested. Funny though, I started to feel better after going off gluten. I screw up, alot. My memory is so bad, I forget and pop something my two year old hands me into my mouth before I even think about it and whammo. Sabotaged myself. And boy do I feel it. I swell right up and my muscles knot. You’d think it’d be hard to forget that! Anyway, I was to my allergist the other day because my allergies and asthma are so bad, along with the whole body inflammation and unexplained headaches. Worst in years. I asked if he thought gluten could be contributing or other food allergies intolerances and he laughed at me. He told me foods don’t have lasting effects on the body and that what you ingest acts within minutes if you allergic and would not give me the symptoms I have. While he sympathized with my “extremely broad range of severely life distrubring symptoms” he was sure the none of them related to food. He refused to even test. I wanted to smack him.
I live in a very rural area and I find that finding any doctor that is willing to listen is very difficult here. they are very closed minded. I haven’t figured out how to find a doctor nearby that is savy in all three areas. Any suggestions? I would dearly love any help available? Does anybody know what the testing is called that is done for food intolerances? My family doctor doesn’t have experience in this area but may be open to my request if I know what to ask for.
Tammy says
I don’t know how helpful it is but celiac.com lists this doctor as recommended from pittsburgh
Anthony Colatrella, M.D.
David Limauro, M.D.
David Glorioso, M.D.
Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Tel: (412) 232-8104
Anne says
Hi all, Your posts are so inspirational. I just read The UltraMind Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman and started to go gluten free on Monday. I feel more tired, have more anxiety, trouble breathing, rapid heart rate. Feels like I’m going through withdrawal! But I am so hopeful now. I have had severe fibromyalgia and IBS/constipation, severe brain fog, and haven’t been able to work much in 8 years. Depending on how much relief I get, I will also eliminate dairy, soy, etc., if I need to. Thanks for everyone’s comments!
T says
I have no doubt that gluten plays a huge roll on my Fibromyalgia. It was the Fibro that lead me to finding the gluten issue and several food allergies. I wish I could say that it was my doctor who found it, but it was me. I was on many medications, exercising, eating a whole foods diet, taking my 10 supplements including 2000IU of VitD…”Optimal treatment”, were the doctors words. Then why, after 3 years, was I feeling worse? My doctor told me to “join a support group and learn to live with it”. Sorry, NO.
I did an elimination diet, which gave me not only my life back, but a sense of vitality I have never felt. I still have Fibro flare- up’s but thay pale in comparison to the gluten years. They are also not back to back, and they are clearly defined: from too much activity, too much sun, too little sleep, weather changes, etc. I am now only on 2 meds, at small doses as needed for muscle spasms, and my supplements. That’s it!
I feel so deeply for those of you that can’t just stop eating gluten, and not look back. Instead of focusing on things you can’t eat, think of everything you CAN eat, and eat it!
Just focus on fresh meats and fish, tofu, many sausages, bacon and hot dogs, eggs, veggies of all kinds, fruit of all kinds, dried fruits, nuts, sunflower and most snack seeds, beans, rice, salsa, peanut butter, jelly, many progresso soups, pasta sauce on inexpensive Asian rice noodles, applesauce, almond joys, snickers, butterfingers, MnM’s, tollhouse chips, kozy shack pudding, jello, cheese, yogurt, many potato chips, ranch doritos, fritos, corn tortillas and chips, pop corn, grits, polenta, tamales, tacos, olives, pickles, and find one gluten free cold cereal. I find many store brand rice chex are gf for half the cost!
When you can, add in Pamela’s Baking and Pancake mix, and use it just like Jiffy or Bisquick, and as a cookie, muffins, and baking base. There is only one gluten free bread in the country that tastes like bread should. It’s called, Udi’s. The rest are not worth your money. Buy the Udi’s and put the chips and dip back. Eat each sandwich and be thankful we have it 🙂 Don’t eat out until you have a grip on things. It’s just not worth it. Bring food with you everywhere you go from work or school, church, pot lucks, to run errands, to the soccer game, the wait for the bus.
If you give yourself 1 month 100% gluten free, you’ll want 1 more, and so on. I have never once intentionally eaten gluten since I stopped. I live on a very tight budget and manage well as long as I eat simply and don’t buy premade side dishes, snacks, junk food or sodas. I actually spend less per week on groceries than I used to eating out and using quick foods in the pre-gluten days.
Tell yourself every day, I am worth more than this food craving, because YOU are!
Shellie says
Hello, it’s so comforting to read that I am not the only one dealing with these types of issues. I have so many varying symptoms but lack the patience to stick with doctors, they have NEVER been able to explain all the weird stuff going on with me so I never go back, then after a year or two when a “new” problem arises, I try again but as usual my ailment(s) go unexplained and I leave discouraged.
My journey started with a goiter on my thyroid, filled with an ugly fluid. Same fluid can be expressed from my breasts. Tests came back neg. for cancer so they put me on Synthroid. No change, no cure. Next came the immediate need to find a restroom after a meal which I just dealt with for several years. As time progressed I realized I was having severe muscle tightness in my shoulders and neck, I chalked it up to a need for a massage so I scheduled my first appointment. During the session she asked if I had been diagnosed with fibro., said my muscles felt like it. I didn’t know what that was so pretty much ignore it, very arrogant of me to dismiss her, just like Dr.’s do to patients! Anyway, next came SEVERE PAIN, a few of my upper teeth felt like they were being pulled out of my head. I went to ER they said go to a dentist but I knew it wasn’t a tooth problem, went to four dentists who couldn’t find anything but offered to perform a root canal just in case, (noway). A neurologist sent me for a brain scan, nothing found, Doc. suggested I was having panic attacks and took me off the Synthroid because he said my labs came back ok! After about a week or so the pain subsided and “a friend of a friend” said I was having displaced pain and sent over a book on trigger points….this has helped me tremendously when I feel it coming I can usually stop it with these techniques.
Anyway, my next attempt for health was to start eating better so, I started eating farina for breakfast every moring. Wheat bread, wheat pasta…wheat everything. Instead of the expected increased health my results were extreme fatigue, hair started falling out, teeth began breaking and heart palpitations.
This I couldn’t ignore so I went to a Cardiologist and he set me up with a 24 hr monitor. After reviewing the labs and monitor results he said that I was clearing having very frequent heart palpitations but couldn’t explain why, he said some people just get them (at 37?) The only lab issue he found was that I was borderline anemic and my good cholesterol was bad, he said to exercise to correct it.
I came across an add about celiac disease/wheat sensitivity online and read a little about it…as well as the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency and found that I fit into both categories. I immediately stopped the wheat consumption. After a few months I made an appt with an Allergist to be tested for a wheat allergy (tried to avoid a gastro) he didn’t believe me and didn’t want to test me for wheat allergy but finally agreed and when I showed a reaction to wheat he tried to dismiss it as mild and said for me to see a gastoenterologist.
In the mean time I started taking magnesium supplements to see if it had any effect on my heart palpitations, thank goodness it has, but every time I stop taking them the palpitations come back, so the asnwer is to not stop :).
Back to the other, the gastro. Dr scheduled the upper & lower scopes, I told the nurse I had been gluten free for a few months and she said it was ok. When I went back for results the Dr said they found one area with inflamation in the lower intestine but couldn’t explain why and that the gluten test came back neg. I told him about the conversation with the nurse and he said that she gave me incorrect info and that I would need to have the scopes done again to be sure.
So I know I have at least a mild wheat allergy. With the elimination of wheat products my fatigue has disappeared, along with the runny stool and bloating. No more hair loss but I still have severe muscle knots and tightness. I’m exercising but my range of motion is pretty restricted
and the goiter/fluid is still present.
I don’t want to do the scopes again if I can help it but I’m wondering if I’m still having the muscle problems because I’ve only been avoiding wheat and not all gluten? Has anyone else read about the connection with celiac disease and magnesium deficiency? Anyone have any info they can share about anything else that may be causing the other problems?
Annette says
I posted a few months ago about how my fibromyalgia was linked to dairy intolerances/allergies and that I was considering giving up gluten. I finally gave up gluten and have seen amazing results. When I gave up the dairy, half of my fibro problems seemed to disappear. I didn’t have the severe muscle pains but I was still suffering from some digestive problems. I still had some emotional problems such as extreme PMS and mild depression. Since being dairy-free and now gluten free, I feel like a completely different person. I do have to add that it is important to fix the GI tract with a good probiotic. I also wanted to add that I believe my family’s gluten/dairy intolerances came from over-exposure to antibiotics. In addition to my “new person” feeling, my son (who had severe learning disabilities/anxiety) made the honor roll for the first time. He experienced the same things I did. Removing the dairy took away half of his problem. He could read but he couldn’t comprehend. He still suffered with anxiety. Two days after removing gluten, he and I had a conversation for the first time. It was amazing. Since then, my mother/stepfather have gone gluten-free. My stepfather’s diabetes is in check now and my mother’s fibro is gone as well. My frustration now is convincing other sufferers that they can help themselves. Has anyone had success in helping others without sounding insane? And, does anyone have a good gluten-free hair care line? Since giving up gluten, I’m having a really difficult time with hair care products that contain wheat.
alison says
Kelly,
Celiac can cause any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and brain chemistry problems. Wondering how you are feeling now?
Debbie,
Sounds like you need to be 100% gluten-free. Good for you for educating your doc!
Amanda,
Congrats on your new health! I agree, everyone should consider food and environmental allergies instead of hoping that meds will mask symptoms (they rarely do).
Tammy,
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard about doctors laughing at their patients for their crazy ideas about food affecting the body. ARGH! Of course food can have lasting effects!! Would he say that food doesn’t have lasting effects on our muscle and bone development? Brain development? It’s ridiculous to say that food can’t have lasting negative effects. It sounds to me that you should just be gluten-free, but if you need a test, you can do Enterolab testing via the mail. Go to http://www.enterolab.com.
Anne,
Stick with it! Some people do go through withdrawal from gluten. Hope you feel better soon — keep us posted.
T,
Thanks for the story and the encouragement. People will really appreciate it!
Shellie,
It seems obvious to me that you have some form of gluten intolerance. You should be avoiding ALL gluten, 100%. If you do have intolerance to it, each time you eat even a little, your body is going to react. Your body will never heal completely. Celiac disease has been associated with any vitamin or mineral deficiency because the intestines are damaged and cannot absorb. Thyroid problems are also closely associated with celiac disease. Go gluten-free and don’t look back!
Annette,
That is so wonderful about you and your son — wow. Congratulations to you for taking the plunge. I wish more people would just do it (go gluten-free) and see the amazing results that you have. Regarding hair care, there is a site that lists GF cosmetics (but it costs money to join): http://www.glutenfreecosmeticslist.com. I haven’t used it but it looks pretty comprehensive.
elaine says
Over the years been diagnosed with migraine, tmj, ibs. Had a polyp in my rectum and after it
Was removed still had ibs symptoms. I have had a lot of other symptoms of fibromyalgia though never dxed.. Really when I get migraines I get brain fog (I have a hard time speaking/formulating thoughts) and pain all over my body and also nausea/vomiting. Got frustrated with migraines and though skeptical Tried gluten free for a month and felt great. After a few days all my symptoms were gone, usually had daily migraine like headaches and then nothing whole time I was g free. I would still get headaches with normal migraine triggers (dehydrated, etc) that didn’t feel like a migraine– completely different not excruciating feeling, what I think a normal headache might feel like. No migraine during my period even and that’s never happened in my life. No vomiting or ibs and less gas. Went off it for a bit (yes it is hard!). Felt shitty, then tried to become vegetarian… Noticed when I started eating all the wheaty protein burgers I felt like I was hit by a truck every day. Gave into gluten free really works. Felt great again since-just about a week but I’m convinced. Its more expensive but a lot of things are cheaper corn rice etc and it is worth a try for me it literally takes only one day to feel better. Admit the hardest thing for me to give up is beer, gluten free beer isn’t the same 🙂 also it is frustrating my mom brother and uncle all have terrible migraines too but not willing to try gluten free.
alison says
Elaine,
Thanks for the story. My husband used to have migraines also until eating gluten-free. I wish more people would try it!
Susan says
Thrilled to find this sight. A long time aquintance of mine was just diagnosed with Celiac Disease after being told she had fibromyaglia for twenty years. She had so many days of work lost and she lived in severe pain. She was better within two weeks of going on a gluten free diet. What is wrong with the medical community? I suffered for years with severe abdominal cramping, bloating and untamed bowels and I too have the gluten intolerance. I feel so much better.
alison says
Hi Susan,
Thanks for adding yet another story of gluten being the cause of fibromyalgia (for which doctors say there is no cause!)
maryann says
My mom completely cured her fibromyalgia by going gluten-free (and milk and corn free). She also did a candida cleanse that she says contributed to her recovery.
alison says
Thanks Maryann for yet another success story! You have some interesting articles on your blog too.
Robin says
Hi,
How wonderful I have found this site (thru Stephanie-the crockpot lady). I have struggled with ‘symptoms/flare-ups’ for years. So many tests with no answers! A couple of years ago I started having tremors (mostly head but all over my body at times)along with other major MS type symptoms. Neurologist finally did a spinal tap after all other tests were negative. Well, nothing showed on this test either. He suggested a second opinion at Mayo. No allergy tests have been done. Could allergies actually be causing all my issues for these many years??
Thanks for all the insightful information given.
Alison says
Robin,
Yes, food sensitivities — particularly gluten — are to blame for so many health issues! Be sure to get it checked out and please keep us posted!
Bth says
Hello Allison,
I read your story on another site and decided to take your invitation to comment on this.
Yes, I have Fibromyalgia and Yes, I tested positive with Celiac Disease not gluten intolerance. I had the SI biopsies performed and it showed a severe reaction to gluten. I have been 95% GF for about 2 years now.I say that because I find that as hard as I try to be GF, I occasionally get some unknowingly. I am currently off of all medications mainly due to the change in insurance carriers that the company that I work for experienced but also because of the severe effects that I experience when I take the medications. There are so few that treat FM around here. Everyone mostly wants to send me to Chiropractors and Massage therapists, as well as physical therapists. All of which are helpful but not long term.
My symptoms of Fibromyalgia are consistently the same on the diet as off the diet. The symptoms of Celiac are significantly improved since the adoption of the GF Diet. I am no longer anorexic and my liver chemicals have returned to normal, my kidneys are functioning properly now as well. I am no longer anemic, pernicious or Iron. I am told that I now have a heart murmur that I didn’t have before, but it is probably from the extended period of time when I was in malnutrition.
I find that the weather changes significantly affect me and those are what I term as my BAD days.
I have been on MANY different medications but it is my understanding that when Celiac goes undetected for long periods that it can permanently damage the SI, which when even on a GF diet I would have compromised absorption of medications and so forth. I still experience adverse reactions to most medications, simple analgesics like Tylenol put me to sleep for several hours. I am scheduled to see the ‘new’ doctor in April. I fear that I will have to start all over and that this new process will feel as if it never will end. I am hoping that this new doctor is open minded and can wrap his mind around all that I have going on. Maybe…I am just expecting/wanting too much.
Thanks for your story. Beth
Alison says
Beth,
Have you ever had your vitamin levels checked? Thyroid? Celiac can cause a host of other issues.
s worthington says
I have suffered from pain for a long time. Since diagnosed with fibro I bought the book what your dr may not have told you about fibro and thought Guai was the cure. Now I through reading found the I have celic disease. Also I decided to take only herbal remedies instead of meds, and Stinging nettles helps the wheat allergy so the headaches arent so bad. And Dandelion,Burdock and Licorice combo are excellent for pain. I emailed the author of the book and she said nothing. Im sure they are in big business from the books. I hate the ups and downs though. I took a multi vitamin and had a huge micky fin.
Alison says
s worthington,
Are you now gluten-free? Do you feel better?
Cameron says
What are the tests for this called? In 2003 I got IBD and I have some joint pain. What has caused this? I never had these problems before? Thanks cameron109@yahoo.com
Alison says
Cameron,
You should be tested for celiac disease – especially with the symptoms of IBD and joint pain. Even if you test negative, you may have gluten sensitivity and it would be worth it to try a gluten-free diet.
Debbie says
I am totally of the same opinion as you. Yes, it is OBVIOUS that there is a connection. And, yes, financially, and in every other way, it is very difficult to live gluten-free. But, after having been down that road, I am absolutely astonished when I encounter people like the lady in your story. Why can’t they understand???….it is WORTH EVERY PENNY IT COSTS & IT IS WORTH EVERY AMOUNT OF EFFORT IT TAKES!!!! ESPECIALLY when it is a CHILD who might be celiac. If I had a child who might possibly be celiac or gluten intolerant, I would do whatever it took to keep them healthy and safe. I would have the WHOLE FAMILY go TOTALLY gluten-free immediately…..it would be beneficial to everyone and it would show love and support for the child who is at risk. I know quite a few people (including children, and adults with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia) who I know would benefit from a gluten free diet….and it could possibly totally solve their whole problem. But, they have every excuse in the book for not getting the proper testing….or even trying a totally gluten-free diet for more thatn just a couple of weeks or so. Yes, it’s hard (to begin with) BUT IT IS WORTH IT. It breaks my heart to see them suffering needlessly….and to know that every day that goes by they are incurring more damage to their body.
If I had only known what my problem was sooner, I could have avoided 25 years of damage to my body and I would be so much better off today….physically AND FINANCIALLY.
I’m sorry for such a RANT….but, it just drives me crazy to see people take this issue so casually….especially when their children are at risk…..PARENTS ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN AT ANY COST. PLEASE everyone….take this seriously.
Kelly says
Hi, The information on this page seems very helpful I jsut wondered if you can help me.
I was diagnosed with CFS 10 years ago after a viral illness. I have one child and am pregnant with my 2nd. I spend all my precious energy either working or playing with my kids. I have none to spare for my husband and I feel guilty for this.
2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Gluten intolerance (My mum and brother are also gluten intolerant). At first I was seriously angry that it had taken 10 years to find out considering how many times I have sought help. Anyway, I have been gluten free 2 weeks and I don’t really feel any better yet. Given that I am 11 weeks pregnant I expect to feel tired. How long would you expect it to take to start feeling better from eating gluten free? I am happy to live gluten free if that’s what I need to do but I had expected to feel slightly better already.
I met a lady in the super market today who said she was gluten intolerant and felt better within a week!! I feel slightly disheartened.
Kelly says
in addition to the comment above. Sorry, I pressed send before saying thank you for any help.
I know my body will have been damaged from eating gluten my whole life so i will contiue to eat gluten free. But there is still the question in my mind that what if my problem is not gluten.
Annette says
Hello. I wanted to post a follow up since I haven’t posted in a while. I see so many people giving up gluten on this board and they still don’t feel better. Something to seriously consider is giving up casein (dairy). That was the first thing I gave up and when I did the FMS pain was gone (in about 2-3 weeks). The “flares” stopped, the sinus pain was got better, the IBS went away, and the headaches slowed. When I gave gluten up, the headaches went away, the stomach pain stopped, the depression went away, and I felt wonderful in about 2-3 weeks. In addition, I had to replenish my body with the nutrients I had been deficient in for about 10 years. I had a blood workup done and I was D and magnesium deficient. I take multi-vitamin supplements and extra D. In addition I take a GOOD probiotic to heal the colon that has been so badly damaged with the casein and gluten. I also take odorless garlic capsules to combat the systemic yeast infection that I suspected I had because of all the prescription meds and antibiotics that stripped my system and allowed an overgrowth of yeast.
After 6 months of being completely free from gluten/casein, I joined the gym (imagine doing that with fibromyalgia!)….so far, I’ve lost 17 pounds. I am building those muscles that were lost during the 10 years I sufferred with FMS and the other battery of auto-immune illnesses.
My son, who was suffering from autistic symptoms is now a straight A student and catching up to his grade level. When he does get some accidental wheat, it tears him up. He reverts back to his manic ways until the gluten leaves his body in about 2 weeks time.
I know it seems like a lot to give up both gluten and casein but there are some great alternatives out there. Daiya cheese is the best, almond milk/coconut milk rocks, and So Delicious dairy treat is the bomb! The important thing is to read your labels carefully and educate yourself about what has the problemed proteins…..for example, if you drink wine and have a casein problem, you are going to have problems with most mass produced American clarified wines. And the best advice I can give is to hang in there and keep trying to find your problem…..because chances are its a combination of things.
Alison says
Kelly,
Depending on your level of damage from celiac, it can take a while to heal. Some people feel better right away and some don’t. I imagine since you are pregnant you have a lot of other things going on. I would see a nutritionist and check your vitamin and mineral levels, especially vitamin D. It could be that you are still lacking from having celiac. And I agree with what Annette says that you could have another food sensitivity.
It is lucky that you have been diagnosed now so that you might prevent any complications for you or your baby during pregnancy and birth!
Linda McCormick says
I have not noticed any difference following the celiac diet to relieve fibro pain. I was diagnosed with fibro in 1986. Was diagnosed with celiac in 2010. Have been strict with myself on diet. No difference in pain. The diet is a pain to cook with (particularly in baking) so most of the times I just don’t cook it. The kitchen was never my favorite place to be (rather be gardening or riding my horse. I follow the diet but things are so expensive, hard to find, or take too long to fix (example: several kinds of flour to make cakes, etc.). Tried Betty Crocker yellow cake mix and added other things. My husband said it still tasted like corn bread with icing. I agree!
Alison says
Linda,
I’m sorry you don’t notice a difference. What I’m really thinking is if you had been properly diagnosed 24 years earlier, a lot of damage would not have been done.
kitINstLOUIS says
I, too went through the desperation of trying to find out what caused my CFS and fibromyalgia. When I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease, I started having thyroid symptoms. When my thyroid dipped, my muscle and joint pain skyrocketed to the point of painful misery.
Hashimoto’s disease (and autoimmune disease that causes low thyroid production) is also very common in people who have celiac disease. And it’s one of those problems that is very hard to get diagnosed for because doctors are ignorant or dismissive of the current wisdom on the subject. Those of you fibro patients with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, please get your thyroid tested (TSH, FREE T3 and FREE T4 tests).
Also, there is one more autoimmune disease with a removable trigger: rheumatic fever is caused by a general immune reaction to strep infection. Remove the strep, remove the rheumatic fever. I had it too, when I was 8.
Michelle says
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for posting this on the apparent connection to FB CF and Gluten Intolerance!!!
I’ve been quite bothered by the fact that I wasted 10 years of my life with “Fibromyalgia” when it was really Celiac and other Food Allergies/Intolerances all along!
Long story short I was FORCED to eliminate many foods all the sudden (due to adverse reactions), and have been eating this way for about a year and 4 months now…. I am sooooo much better. NO PAIN OR FATIGUE now (unless an allergin food accidentally gets into my system).
My years and years of other physical, dental and even neurological issues explained – Finally. AND IT IS SO SIMPLE.
I’M BEGGING OUR WESTERN DOCTORS TO PLEEEEEAAAASSSSE WAKE UP AND SMELL THE GLUTEN…. and other Food Intolerances!!!
Alison says
Michelle,
Great that you finally got diagnosed correctly. Sorry you lost those years of your life. It is frustrating!
Giranimal,
Please keep us updated on how you feel being gluten-free!
Kevin,
If you try the diet or go get tested for celiac, keep us posted!
giranimal says
Wow! Thanks for this research and I’m glad I found your blog. I can’t believe I’ve never known this before (I feel like I’ve read the entire Internet some days) but I have almost every single symptom you listed for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome! Very long story short, I’ve had doctors suspecting fibro on and off for a multitude of symptoms and happened to ask my chiropractor what she knows about it. Now I am just about a week into a gluten- and dairy-free diet, and I likely have a whole host of other intolerances and allergies as well. I am hopeful even though today I actually feel pretty rotten!
Kevin says
As a diagnosed Fibro patient I understand how bad the Fibro and IBS are. I was diagnosed 6 years ago and last May my symptoms became so bad I had to leave my job.For years I fought it and ended up sleeping my weekends away.Constant pain,severe fatigue,and generally feeling horrible became my daily schedule.
I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars and still feel no better. I have become numb to the everything looks good on your tests routine.
Sleep does little even when I get some.I never feel rested.I’m also not able to eat dairy products. I often do with lactaid pills and pay for it later.
I’m very intested in going GF and seeing if it helps me at all. As other Fibro patients know we would do anything to feel better.I will let you know how my journey ends. Thanks for the help.
Fat L. Celiac says
I tested negative for celiac with one of the older blood tests, but went off gluten anyway. Really, the IBS had become livable, and I rarely complained about it but the fibro was causing the most pain – muscle and joint pain, foggy brain, poor coordination resulting in many falls that would start that whole pain cycle anew. Though the IBS symptoms went away within days of going gluten-free, the fibro symptoms took a good 6 months before I noticeably felt better, and I’m still not completely pain-free as I approach a year gluten-free. I’d encourage those with the same types of symptoms to try going 6 months to a year before they fully assess whether gluten is affecting their fibro. And I’m positive that being gluten-free will eventually fix my fibro, because that pain comes back full force with an unintentional glutening.
Alison says
Fat L. Celiac,
Thanks for sharing your timeline — people always ask me how long they should go off gluten before they would see a difference. Of course, it’s different for everyone and depends on the issues they are having. 6 months to a year is probably longer than people have tried before they have given up, so this is very helpful information.
Michelle says
Fat L. Celiac – you might want to consider that there are also other food intolerance or allergies going on besides gluten. This was the case with me anyway. It also took a few months for my pain/fatigue to diminish and almost a year before other symptoms completely vanished. I personally have a slew of food intolerance/allergies that were the issue.
Good Luck!
Tanya says
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have chronic undiagnosed inflammation. I recently went to a naturopathic doctor who tested me for food intolerance. The results were that I have a severe intolerance to dairy and eggs and a high intolerance to pineapple, wheat and gluten. I started my g,egg,dairy,pineapple-free diet a week ago. So far some of my symptoms have been eliminated such as all-over tingling, sinus pressure and sharp head pains. However the most severe debilitating symptoms of pain and fatigue are still here. I’m very hopeful though.
I found this article that I think is very interesting and gives me hope that if I continue this diet I will see results.
http://www.healthresearch.com/fibro.htm
Gina says
I was originally sort of diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a child when I was twelve.. 1990 i Believe. They never really were sure what type of MD I had so last summer I got a rediagnosis and the neurologist looked at me and said I was normal and had nothing neurologically wrong with me.
I had to put things together to figure out whats goin on with my body. I had chronic fatigue, bloated belly, irritable bowels, had rosacea, and many other things that just didn’t fit to me as being normal. Put those together and It brought up the words Gluten Intollerance or even Celiac Sprue. So I shut the wheat intake down. I had never ridden a bike a mile before and now I can ride my bike 15 miles a week or more. (Still building up strength from what a neurologist said, save it, because it will waste away.) I have no experience with Phys Ed because I was told to not do that anymore. But I am much stronger than I have been a year ago. I’ve glutened before by accident and I develop quite a temper, and I’m usually sitting on the toliet for more than an hour then want to go to bed.
So if anything comes from me, missdiagnosis happens.
Stephanie says
I think this is very interesting, but at the same time I believe it’s deeper than the fact that they have matching symptoms and that by eliminating the gluten a lot of the issues are relieved. Let me also mention that I have a mother with Celiac Disease and also a sister with Fibromyalgia. Can I see that the two are linked in some cases? Yes.
What is the most interesting thing is that both Celiac Disease and Fibromyalgia (and the symptoms associated with them – including intolerances to other foods) are in fact symptoms of something even bigger. They are both symptoms of an overabundant supply of candida yeast within the body.
I have been so overwhelmed with the sadness of my sister suffering for so long and not being able to provide herself with the nutrients needed to heal her problems. It’s a sad government that we deal with in America where they don’t allow or help with holistic remedies and so the tax payers go on paying for the individuals her suffer from the corruption that they have supported in the food industry.
I will be curing my sister of her Fibromyalgia and my Mom of her Celiac Disease (more accurately of their yeast infections). Follow my blog. I’ll be updating about our journey to health. 🙂
http://www.FamilyHealthNaturally.blogspot.com
(Our posts on soaking grains are especially helpful to those who have a gluten intolerance and not full blown Celiac – although soaking is helpful with any flours.)
Natalie says
My dr. recently put me on a strict diet. He removed many foods including dairy, soy (due to a thyroid disorder) and wheat (since he believes I have fibro). I still have pain and fatigue, but have felt much better since the diet changes. I can definitely tell a difference when I eat wheat.
I recently found a great book at Barnes and Noble/Amazon called The Allergen Free Baker’s Handbook. All recipies are free of wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seseme. This is the only book I’ve been able to find so far with recipes not containing all of the foods my dr. has restricted. I am hoping that the dishes turn out well and that baking them myself will be a little less expensive than Whole Foods. My family is southern and baked goods are a staple of meals ( :
I will say since removing wheat, my cravings for sugar have decreased, my blood sugar seems more even (I feel less gittery), and I’ve lost 3 lbs. in 2 weeks. I haven’t been able to lose any weight for months.
Thanks for the article and info, I wish I would have known years ago…thankfully I’m going to a great doctor now. God bless.
Alison says
Natalie,
Good luck with the diet and the baking. The cookbook you got from Cybele Pascal is a good one, and there are lots of resources on the web too!
jack says
hi all,im 20 years old ,over the last few years,gradually got worse,ive had muscle tension and ache also my joints and sexual impotence,also hypersensitivity to light,smell and sounds witch bring on more tension, i cant bear it anymore,my lifes upside down i find it hard to concentrate and think.
a few doctors have mentioned fibro but ive had no tests for it,then i came across this site,do you think i could have a gluten intolerance,im going to give the gluten free diet a go anyway. thank you!
Alison says
Jack,
All of your symptoms could be attributed to gluten intolerance. There’s no harm in trying the diet. I hope it works for you — please come back here and let us know how it goes.
Kathryn Kellison says
Jack,
You could also have a thyroid disorder, which can go hand and hand with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. It can be dangerous and make you feel miserable.
To check for thyroid, ask for these specific tests: TSH, Free T3 and Free T4. If ANY of these are outside the range of .05 to 2.5, ask for an antibody test (TSI for low TSH, anti-TPO for high TSH).
Where the thyroid is concerned ALWAYS ask for copies of your lab results. Too many docs disregard very important deviations. BTW, the gluten free diet has been successful in getting thyroid levels back to normal, but it’s still of the utmost importance that you get tested, the success rate isn’t high enough to go without medication.
Kit
jack says
hi thanks for the advice,also i read about dairy products can also be affecting me?should i eave them out of my diet too? thanks ever soo much!=)
jack says
sorry another question, i have a friend who has been ill the same time as me also has huge amounts of tension in her stomach area,who has been told by an osteopath that she has a hiatus hernia,shes 18 and hasnt had a period for a year an a half,lost so much weight,looks more like a shadow of her oldself,she has drastically changed her diet, which helped.
right so yesterday i came across a post relating hiatus hernia with celiac desease or gluten intolerance,have u any idea if this is true?id really like to help her out..THANKS
Annette says
I gave up dairy before I gave up gluten and going dairy-free stopped the muscle pain,restless legs, IBS, and sinus issues. Going gluten-free stopped the headaches, fatigue, and stomach pain. At that point, I was able to start going to the gym again to lose some of the FMS weight I had gained over the last 10 years. Gluten and casein are very similar proteins with the same effect so it’s definitely worth giving up dairy to see if you receive some benefit. It’s difficult living without both but we’ve found alternatives and eat much healthier. I’ve helped 5 other people with FMS they had the same experience when they gave up dairy first. Good Luck!!
Mandy says
At 16 (an athletic, active teen) was told I had fibromyalgia chronic fatigue (and a Mother who reiterated the diagnosis for years). I dealt with it, and assumed it was simply my ‘normal’.
At 30, after my Father was diagnosed as a Celiac (revealed during his cancer treatment), my 3 brothers and I tested, and I, along with two brothers, learnt we had inherited the gene.
Since eating GF, a llllllllllll lifelong symptoms of both fibro chronic fat gone — overnight, in fact.
All skin issues, bowel and emotional issues gone, too.
Poof.
Dana says
I wrote a book to help people get started on a GF diet, especially those who are not gourmet cooks. Here’s a link.
http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-1&search_cat=2&show_results=topics&return_chars=200&search_keywords=&keys=&header_search=true&search=&locale=&sitesearch=lulu.com&q=&fListingClass=0&fSearch=“dana sorrell”
karen barnes says
I truly believe there is a relationship. I became seriously ill with CFS in 99 one day – had noticed slightly bf this that I felt weird/uncomfortable whenever I ate wheat. 8 years later I was diagnosed with asthma (linked to wheat allergy). I noticed my CFS symptoms improved when I ate low carb and no wheat. I also suffered from multiple skin rashes throughout these years that would clear when I was eating low carb/no wheat. This year out of the blue, I developed severe true blue wheat allergy – my tongue swells to the point that I need intervention.
Alison says
Wow Karen – do you have to carry an Epi-pen for wheat allergy?
Ewa says
Fibromyalgia and….
It is not only gluten, but as I am just finding out –FRUCTOSE– and probably sugar, but don’t know about glucose.
So UDIs Gluten Free bread not only costs a lot, but it would also make her WORSE. It has TONS, AND TONS of sugar. Almost all gluten free are SUGAR LOADED.
Kate says
Hello Everyone
What a wealth of information! I’ve been
Complaining of aches and pains and stuff my whole
Life, people in my family call me a
Hypochondriac haha. I’m starting to suspect
a gluten intolerance.
I’ve had asthma as a child, IBS my whole
Life, I’m 30 now, some benign thyroid
Cysts(which the doctor says to ignore), I’ve been
told I was anemic, and now recently, the worst
Thing EVER!!! Is a painful foot that wont
Seem to heal. The doctor suspect RSD,
reflex sympathetic dystropy! Holy Crap are you
kidding me? This is the worst thing in the world
and I’ve been through depression as well
because of it! I’m taking st johns wort for that
Now which has helped
Me tremendously!
I’m seeing a reumetologist now and he
Is testing me for auto immune disorders,
but I only get my results back in 2 weeks.
I started going gluten free four days ago
and I still have pain but I’m hoping that
Over time it will get better. 🙁
I’ve had to quit my job and I can’t even walk
To get the mail. I’m clinging on to this
Diet for hope and I really Do hope it works
Cause I can’t take much more of this!
I want my life back and I’m thinking that
This diet might be a good place to start.
My heart goes out to all of you who suffer
from pain everyday and have found no relief.
there’s got to be an answer! Maybe it’s
Gluten. Wish me luck!
Sharra says
Thank you for this article; I told my support group about the reasons why giving up gluten is important. It helps me with some pain management but it really helps me more with the fatigue, memory issues and ibs. I have been tested for celiac’s and it came back negative. Prior to that I went gluten free as best I could for months and when I went back to cheaper, gluten food I felt ill and my pain went through the roof. I’m still learning as I go and doing my best on welfare and foodstamps as I wait for approval to go on disability. I really appreciate this article.
Anon says
I have been diagnosed with a number of food allergies (dairy mostly), but nothing about gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy.
I have been messing with my diet for a while now and still felt tired. I mean exhausted… just didn’t want to move and I couldn’t concentrate on anything. It made me depressed.
So I said ‘what the heck’… I tried everything else. And I decided to cut gluten from my diet for 2 weeks…
After a few days, I felt very sick. A week, I felt more energized. After two weeks, I felt like a teenager again. I never had this energy! And I felt as though I couldn’t keep up with my head… my brain was going 1,000 miles a minute. Just awesome!
Then I ate a slice of bread… I felt like crap all over again.
Cut it out for 2 weeks, same wonderful feeling. I don’t care about the price involved. I am not touching gluten for the rest of my life and I swear by it! I’d rather starve than feel that way again. It is a waste of a life.
Alison says
Hi Anon,
Glad you feel better! Many people feel like they have woken up after they stop eating gluten.
Nancy says
Hello everyone,
I am gluten, dairy and corn sensitive and have read some of these posts where people are avoiding just gluten (and not dairy and other possible foods they could be sensitive to). So I just wanted to recommend testing for other food sensitivities. A lab in Texas that is popular for gluten sensitivity testing, also does dairy and other things as well. Another helpful test that is 93% reliable is called the MRT that tests for 130 foods and chemicals. There is a program called LEAP that some people do after the MRT test that usually gives great results by eating only your least reactive foods then gradually adding in other foods. That is the test I did, and found I was also sensitive to 15 other things I was totally unaware of. Some registered dieticians do this test (but not enough of them) or you can deal with the lab in Florida directly yourself. They give you a plan to go by after the results show what you are reactive to. Elimination diets can be tricky since sensitivities can take 2-3 days to give symptoms. Often times gluten (and dairy too) cause the initial problems in the body, then you become reactive to other foods as well. That probably explains why just going gluten free or gluten and dairy free isn’t releiving all symptoms. I found out thru this test that corn is a problem for me too, which makes it really hard since many GF products and recipes use corn. I have to make many things from scratch but feel SO much better. I didn’t even have stomach issues, but rather muscle tension issues, tingling, foggy head and sometimes headaches. Avoiding nighshades is another thing to look into since they can cause problems for people (tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers etc.). Also, the gluten sensitvity issue can run in families like CD, so if you are a parent and suspect your child could have issues, test them too! I’m talking about stool tests and/or blood labs. There is more gluten in products now more than ever in history. Regular doctors do not seem to even consider any of this, so many of us have to do our own research and testing to find out the truths behind our un-resolved (mystery) ailments. If you are unable to do testing, a 2-4 wk trial off of dairy for example would be a really good thing to do since gluten and dairy problems often go hand in hand. Good luck! I just can’t beleive the difference I feel after omitting all of my reactive foods that I want to scream this info from the rooftops and tell as many people as possible! 🙂 I wish you all the best of luck…
ProudMary says
I know I’m several years late here, but I wanted to add my experience, because I think it relates, but in a different way. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in May of 2011, and went through the typical antibiotic treatment, but all my symptoms kept coming back. Only when I eliminated wheat gluten, sugar, alcohol and dairy did I experience relief. I don’t know what I have…it could be Chronic Lyme, Chronic Epstein Barr, Chronic Fatigue or Celiac Disease itself, all I know is that it gets much, much better when I stay away from the bad stuff.
I’m preparing to get tested for Celiac now, and have to eat gluten for three weeks. I’m on day two, and am seeing all my old symptoms return: brain fog, joint pain, headaches. I might say to hell with the test, because this is all the confirmation I really need.
Lynn says
OK, listen up, people. First of all, I have been told by my doctor (an MD) that if you have any sort of auto-immune condition, you should not eat gluten, whether or not your Celiac blood test comes back negative. You could be sensitive to gluten on a very small level and it could be helping to destroy your body and create pain and havoc. Even if you’ve eaten gluten your entire life and don’t think that you have digestive problems….sometimes it doesn’t cause digestive problems specifically.
Secondly, I want to state that if you have gotten off gluten and still have symptoms, GET YOUR THYRIOD CHECKED OUT! And NOT just a TSH test. Tell your doctor that you need TSH, Free T3, Free T3, and both sets of thyroid antibodies. The antibodies are especially important. Insist on them. That test will tell you whether you have auto-immune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto’s!
Undiagnosed thyroid disease is a HUGE reason why a lot of people feel bad, get body pain, gain weight, and have depression. If you have an auto-immune disease, you are getting a double whammy. And if you have all of this and still eat gluten, it’s like sticking yourself with a pin and then complaining that something hurts you.
Many doctors are clueless about this. Please educate yourself. There are two books you should read: “Solved: The Riddle of Illness” by Dr. Langer, and “Stop The Thyroid Madness” by Janie Bowthorpe. I’ve also heard that the book “Wheat Belly” is very good.
If you are found to have a thyroid condition, it is better to take Natural Desiccated Thyroid than Synthroid. But again, many doctors don’t prescribe it, which is unfortunate.
Please educate yourself! If you have a family history or any of this stuff, it is a big clue. Many doctors don’t understand this stuff. You have to be an advocate for yourself!
Just my two cents.
Shelly DeCampos says
Just stumbled across your website. Incredible stuff. When I was 9 mos old I had pancreatic insufficiency. This was in 1950. Was dying of starvation. The doctor hospitalized me and I don’t know what they did but I had to be put on goats milk for awhile. I never liked bread, cereals and pastas. Always had itchy red spots on my skin. Now I am 61 years old and was only diagnosed October 2010. My skin cleared up a month or two after being gluten free. What is wierd is my mother had been diagonsed with colitis, took pills for that and her thyroid. She developed Ranouds syndrom and ended up dying from pancreatic cancer. Nine months later her first cousing died from pancreatic cancer. I beleive they died from Celiac Disease.
jennifer says
I appreciate everyone’s stories and would like to share a little about corn intolerance. It took months to narrow down corn as my pain culprit. Months for the peripheral neuropothy to finally go away. If you do not have a diagnosis, I did for FM, then I encourage you to food journal. You must commit yourself to at least a monthnof writing down EVERY THING you put in your mouth, even gum (you could be reacting to artificial sweeteners too ). Any time you feel different, good or bad you must write that down to. It took me a long time to figure out thatni cannot have corn and night shades, most alcohol, and artificial sweeteners without causing a reaction. Night shades are just stiffness and fatigue, corn is the devil and as little as one corn chip puts me down for a week with flu like aches and pains like I have been beaten with a baseball bat. I have a whole different list of foods I avoid for migraines. I am pretty sure if I went gluten free I would feel better yet, but as it is people ask me all the time, “what DO you eat ?”
I am really not sure I can handle gluten free too. Especially when I saw you have to be careful with beauty products and shampoos, I eat a very limited diet as it is. Gluten free makes me want t cry since half that has corn in it too.
I encourage all of my clients to start with the food journal, it is a cheap place to start and it is usually easier for people to give up one food at a time rather than cut out several. Ideally you would spend a month on an allergen free, anti inflamation diet as I did, but it still took months to add all the foods back in and start to see patterns.
Good luck on your journeys!
Mechelle says
Thank you for the wonderful blog! Jennifer did you know yellow corn in most instances is a Genetically Modified Organisim, but white & blue corns are not? GMO foods have been the victim of gene splicing & one of the largest seed companies has their attorney on the board at the FDA…. No wonder GMO’s got through w/ no testing. For more info on that see http://www.rareseeds.com They are a seller of heirloom seeds which are not GMO, but a wonderful resource of info on GMO’s. I also deal with gluten daily. I however was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 18 years ago & was basically thrown to the wolves by my Dr’s who told me it wasnt food related & there was nothing I could do about it. The pills did me no good and eventually I just stopped taking those. As a child I was Dx with Dyslexia at age 5, then as I got a little older began having issues w/ my knees, hands, & feet itching & swelling. Then when almost 20 yrs of age I began having what was thought to be chronic stomach viruses. At 23yrs old Ibegan having rectal bleeding , passing mucas, & my stool looked like mustard! This of course sent me straight to the specialist where I was Dx but received NO HELP after being given a colonoscopy w/o any anesthesia or pain medication! Dont get me started on that one…. Over the years I became sicker & sicker because modern medicine swore none of it was food related. I experienced depression, acne, facial numbness, cerebral numbness, dizziness, brain fog, various digestive issues, metalic taste in my mouth, tinitus, then chronic fatigue so debilitating it almost destroyed my relationship with my sister because I was bed ridden when she needed me most. During that time my mother suggested I go to a Naturopath she heard about. I had NOTHING to lose. Saw him a few days later. He took me off gluten, explained the immune response, gave me herbal supplements to support my adrenals, repair my gut, & balance my immune system. 3 mo later after slowly figuring out GF & accepting the adjustment I felt alive again! I suggest to anyone new to this to get Gluten Free on a Shoestring so you dont go broke trying to cook! 1001 Gluten Free Recipes for tons of variety. & http://www.glutenfreemommy.com, as well as this blog! You dont have to go broke to eat & feed your family normal tasting food. Most wont even know :0)