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Gluten or not gluten that is the question!

Sun, August 27, 2023 2:40 PM

I am 68 years old. I was diagnosed with Crohn's a year ago and had surgery in December 2022. Started Entyvio a month ago.

Frustrated with food! Before I was diagnosed, I was already on a no-gluten diet. I had found during a Fodmap elimination diet 5 years ago that I was sensitive to gluten. A few months ago, 6 months after surgery, I tried gluten foods, and it seemed that I was not sensitive anymore. No new symptoms!

Because of increased symptoms during the past 2 weeks, I feel that I need to go back now to a non-gluten diet. Eating gluten-free and bland foods gets me frustrated. It is so boring! I also have a hard time preparing dinners for myself and finding a good and interesting selection of meals

Would like to hear from others that been in and out of a gluten free diet and how symptoms chnaged.

Thanks!

pwstamps
Joined Aug 27, 2023

Fri, January 26, 2024 5:44 PM

Reply posted for pwstamps.

(Sorry for the length here; food intolerance gets complicated.) Apparently food intolerances, especially gluten, lactose (dairy) and soy, are pretty common with Crohn's disease. I had none for many years and then multiple food intolerances hit and took awhile to recognize, identify, and eliminate. For me they seem to have come and gone more than once, probably related to level of inflammation or cumulative tissue damage... or just for spite.

I have read that if you consume lactose or soy and react, it does no harm to your system other than the symptoms and maybe some associated inflammarion. In contrast, though, eating gluten with a gluten intolerance can in some cases subtly harm your health even without symptoms (research it yourself of course, but the sources seemed reputable). If so, it may be best to just avoid it for good once you know it's an issue.

As far as keeping the menu interesting, cooking is a skill that takes time and intention to learn. One fix for me was getting a breadmaking machine. Now I love bread again... gluten free!

TheIleumOdyssey
Joined Jan 26, 2024

Fri, January 26, 2024 4:24 AM

Reply posted for pwstamps.

I have found that my symptoms have shifted as I have gone on and off a gluten-free diet. I used to be gluten sensitive but went through a time of apparent tolerance after surgery. However, my symptoms have been getting worse, so I'm rethinking my diet.

quackkindly
Joined Jan 26, 2024

Fri, January 26, 2024 4:24 AM

Reply posted for Agaire.

I have found that my symptoms have shifted as I have gone on and off a gluten-free diet. I used to be gluten sensitive but went through a time of apparent tolerance after surgery. However, my symptoms have been getting worse, so I'm rethinking my diet. burrito craft

quackkindly
Joined Jan 26, 2024

Sun, January 07, 2024 4:12 AM

Reply posted for charliessaav.

I think it may bother you because your body has gotten used to eating gluten-free, I think you should continue to eat gluten-free foods without putting too much stress on your body, the taste of life comes out when you eat.

charliessaav
Joined Jan 7, 2024

Wed, August 30, 2023 11:28 PM

Reply posted for pwstamps.

While I don't have personal experiences to share, I wanna say everyone's experiences with gluten-free diets can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to listen to your body, work closely with your healthcare team, and make choices that support your individual needs and preferences.

Agaire
Joined Aug 30, 2023

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