Update: Was Gluten Free The Way To Be?
| October 25, 2011 | Posted by Katy under Health Tips |
Since February, I have been suffering with some stomach issues. The issues included a lack of appetite, feeling sick after eating, feeling full after a few bites, being able to only tolerate liquids like smoothies, or soft foods like yogurt, fatigue, and headaches.
The only time I did not have any problems was during Spring Break when I was in Costa Rica. I had not lost any weight, but knew that something was not quite right.
In May, I went to my doctor, who thought that I may have had gastritis. He ordered blood work, but the results came back negative.
The summer continued and as I was training for Chicago, I starting having a lot of stomach cramping while running. For weeks I dealt with intense cramps that could stop me mid run.
At the time, I was unsure if the stomach cramps were related to my other stomach issues. I began watching my food intake a bit more closely and started figuring out what foods upset and were less appealing to me than others.
Surprisingly dairy did not upset me (except immediately preceding a run…duh 
) nor did soy products, or nuts. Not knowing what else could be the culprit, I started focusing in on other known food allergies.
In July, I decided to try going gluten free, thinking that I may have a slight sensitivity. I never went to a doctor, but figured it would not hurt to try to eliminate it from my diet as best as I could to see if anything changed.
I substituted whole wheat/ grain bread for the gluten free variety and rice cakes, swapped out my oats, and religiously read nutrition labels. I made my best efforts when dining out to avoid gluten (but did not go as far to notify the chef since it wasn’t life threatening).
It has been over three months since I have monitored my gluten intake and wanted to give a little update.
So hows it working out? Well, I’ve noticed some differences, but not much.
I should preface this that I have tried my best to eliminate gluten, but there have been times when I’ve A) forgotten to check a label to find out later that it did have gluten in it or B) want to experience an event/ restaurant without having to nitpick everything. (This was especially true in Philly!)
I would say that I’ve followed a 95% gluten free diet. Overall, my energy levels have increased and I don’t get nearly as many headaches as I used to.
Could it be from the cutting out of gluten? Yes, but I’m more convinced it is because I have cleaned up my diet a lot more. I am more mindful of what I eat and where it comes from. I also read labels more closely and make sure I can pronounce everything on the label. I’m also eating foods that are a bit easier to digest and less rough on my stomach.
As for my lack of appetite and only wanting soft foods- this has come and gone. There are times when everything is normal and I can eat what I want, but then there are other times when I only want soft foods for weeks at a time.
The stomach cramps have been nonexistent since going (nearly) gluten free *knock on wood*, BUT I have to keep in mind that I didn’t run for a long time because of my ankle. Frankly, the stomach cramps could have been more related to training in the Florida heat coupled with poor nutrition and hydration.
My conclusion? I’m on the fence.
There is clearly not enough evidence for me to say that I have a gluten sensitivity and it is causing all of my problems. The only way I am going to get an answer is if I go to a doctor, which I will in time.
Did I feel better and more energetic on a (nearly) gluten free diet? Yes, but I’m sure this also resulted from cleaning my diet up more and being more cautious of what I ate. (I did gain weight in the past few months, but that is an entirely different subject.)
I’m still having stomach issues, but they are not as bad as they were in February. I can live with them until I can get more answers, but I’m not going to stress out about them.
Am I going to continue to eliminate gluten? Sort of.
I’m going to monitor my intake and avoid it when possible, but if I really want a piece of bread or a granola bar, I’m going to eat it. I’m not going to micromanage and be too picky, but if there is the option of gluten free, I will take it over another option.
When traveling, I’m going to allow myself to experience the city, food and all, even if it means some stomach upset at the end of the day.
Experimenting with a gluten free diet has opened my eyes to new foods that I would have never tried before and will keep as a permanent staple in my diet.
I think many people view a gluten free diet as “trendy” (for people who don’t NEED to eat gluten free) and if I later find out that I don’t have a medical reason to go gluten free, I won’t continue. For now, I will be more mindful, but not 100% gluten free until I get answers.
There you have it… going (nearly) gluten free (sort of) worked for me.
Do you eat a gluten free diet? Have you ever tried eliminating something from your diet for a brief period of time? I have respect (and sympathy) for those who have to eat gluten free! It isn’t easy!!!
My name is Katy and I am a 23-year-old living, running, and cycling in and around the Washington, DC metro area. This blog chronicles my life, inner musings, and fitness adventures as I try to navigate this crazy thing called life!
Gluten free is certainly not easy- my mother has had celiac disease for the past 16 years. I also have symptoms of celiac but have yet you be diagnosed (blood test & endoscopy say not yet)-lol.
If you are going to get tested be careful about cutting back on gluten- you do not want to get a false negative or a false positive.
Oo thanks for the heads up! I didn’t even think about that! If I still have issues in December, that is when I’m going to try and get tested (since that is the next time I am home for a good length of time).
I’m a gluten free girl! I agree, it is difficult at first because you have to be so so careful. I do think it can help anyone really zone in on their diet and like you said, “clean it up” a little bit, but I don’t think it’s necessary for everyone! Glad you’re feeling a little better.
Thanks Chelsey! Lots of your recipes have become a staple in my diet.
This is one of the more level headed, grounded posts I’ve read on the idea of gluten free eating. There seems to be a rising number of gluten-sensitive people in the world, which makes me a bit skeptical as to whether or not this is a fad or not. I’m glad you are able to be realistic about your findings (clean eating vs. gluten free) and not automatically jump on the gluten-free bandwagon! I hope you are able to keep searching until you find the right solution to your digestion issues! (maybe it’s excess gluten WHILE running that gives you problems?)
I’ve been a vegetarian for over a decade- it’s really cleaned up my eating habits. I think that’s the reason why I have such an “iron stomach” when it comes to running. Though maybe I haven’t run fast or long enough to have stomach problems
Definitely! And I definitely wanted to make it clear that I’m not jumping on any bandwagon!!!
I can understand your post completely! Having had many digestive issues and being diagnosed with IBS (aka – we have no idea what’s wrong so we’ll just say you have IBS), I tried a gluten-free approach as well. Has it cured me? Not in the least. But do I feel better 93% of the time? Yes. I still have the occasional gluten-filled foods (and sometimes pay for it) but for the most part, I’m fine. I feel that it’s what my body needs for now – and that may change in the future! I’m glad you are finding what works for you – that’s the most important thing!
I’ve had the IBS diagnosis thrown at me too by my parents, but I’m not 100% sold on it. I’m glad that you are getting some relief!
I’m glad something seemed to work for you and that you’re going to try eating some things that aren’t gluten free again. if you really wanted to find out you could get a test though, and then you could really eliminate that out of the equation to find out what’s wrong, ya know? Anyhow…I’ve eliminated dairy from my diet all together because I know for sure it results in a very upset intestines….
I definitely plan to get tested, but I want to do it with my doctor at home verses a random doctor up here. I haven’t gone home for a few months and I won’t go home again for a long length of time until December. However, if I still have issues come December, I’m going to go get some tests done.
My sister in law was diagnosed as having celiac disease and her doctor told her it could take up to 3 or 4 months of eating gluten free before her stomach would be totally healed.
Hmm interesting! I’ve never heard (or even thought) that! Thanks for sharing!
I agree that this is a very well-written, pragmatic post to what has become a polarising and emotive issue.
I try to avoid gluten due to IBS – it’s suspected that I am coeliac, but in order to get a proper test I had to include wheat daily, for 14 days minimum. I’ve tried twice, but never managed beyond day 6 due to the hideous GI effects (which I shall spare you a detailed description of!) I couldn’t handle the pain any more, so my gluten ‘issues’ shall have to remain a mystery. I’m still having problems though, probably because I keep eating oat bran…
xxx
Ugh that sounds awful!!! I hope you figure out something!