Gluten Free Diet

I started a GF diet a week ago. Not because of my Uc, well part for my Uc I guess, but I was having other issues (random D and C - Uc is in remission, itching, headaches, joint pain, major fatigue, brain fog). So I thought I would give it go. I'm doing a two week trial to see how it goes. Overall, I feel better - I don't know if it's mental or not, but I'm enjoying it :)

I was afraid to start because I have never been on a diet in my life - except for a short stint at SCD (stopped because I lost way too much weight). It's not really that bad to be honest. The craving is what is getting to me the most. I am dying for good ole wheat toast and peanut butter! lol But I have found some GF bread that is pretty tasty (Rudis).

But my first suggestion would be is to read labels. Stay clear of wheat, rye and barley products. Most grocery stores carry GF products that are quite tasty. Eat more meats such as beef, chicken and fish. I've been eating a lot of rice and potatoes lately with my meals.

The really true main reason I decided to go GF is because I was having a deep agonizing itch on my upper arms. For nearly a month and a half I got little or no sleep because of this itch. After the process of elimination, I could find no cause. So I decided to try GF. I became itch free after 3 days being GF - it's been awesome! lol But in the process of going GF, I noticed that my bm's are more solid - I never have truly solid bm's because of my other gut issues, but it's been better than it was.

I believe research shows gluten and sugar can cause inflammation. I am currently tapering off prednisone I was on for a flare up. My hope is to be able to come off the prednisone okay by going gluten free. It is hard to do, but I am following it at least 90% of the time.

I've been gluten free for 18 months and it has been terrific for me. Please don't do a "gluten free" trial unless you plan to do it 100%. Gluten is a complicated protein and will take days to clear your system. If you're eating just a bit of gluten every few days you are not "gluten free." I was "gluten lite" for a long time but noticed no improvement until I was truly gluten FREE.

The 2nd week that I was on the GF diet my belly bloat went away completely!
I feel 10 times better and I know that I definitely have a sensitivity to the gluten because after my colonoscopy recently I was SOOOOO hungry that we stopped and I had some really good soup and a grilled cheese on regular bread and it totally affected me. I also had dairy recently and it immediately gave me a cramp in my tummy so I know that both of those things are triggers.
So far, eliminating dairy, gluten and sugar from my diet have helped me tremendously. Along with good probiotic (in a capsule form AND in my food (kimchee and kevita coconut water), stress management, and just an over all positive attitude. I placed 2 affirmations on my mirror to recite to myself every AM and PM and they both have been a great help to me! My BM's have gone from 5-6 a day to maybe 2!
You have to be 100% committed to doing this to achieve results!

Brinda,

I totally agree with kazbern.

I started off with SCD, and slowly gravitated towards Paleo, which I think is great.

I'm Gluten and Dairy free and feel great.

IMO, it's definitely worth a try.

Let us know how it works out for you.