Tryptophan (a protein building block) whilst undertaking a gluten challenge.

[Charliexxx]

I hope everyone is ok. Sorry, I have not been on for some time and can’t find the original post/thread regarding this particular protein building block (amino acid). Thank you so much to Knittykitty, for your advice. I did invest in some Tryptophan plus had a read around. Now, in my limited understanding, the only piece of medical research I could find was from 1964 entitled, ‘Abnormal Tryptophan Metabolism in Patients with Adult Celiac Disease, with Evidence for Deficiency of Vitamin B6. I noted that inadequate levels of this amino acid impacts on :-

1. Serotonin (linked to happiness but it does so much more like gut contractions and memory)
2. melatonin (sleep wake cycle) 
3. vitamin B3 (lack of it can cause fatigue, skin problems, diahorrea)
4. kynurenine (linked to serious mental health illnesses like schizophrenia, Dr Alessio Fasano has a special interest). 

But it also lessens the damage to the small intestine. Now, I move like an arthritic person which worsened during a gluten challenge but it improves with movement. Twice, a health professional has offered me a heavy duty addictive medication. My own opinion, which others are entirely allowed to disagree with, these are on a par with class A recreational drugs. Just because they are licensed and prescribed does not make them dangerous. There is a time and place for medication, some are truly life saving, others give quality of life and extend life. 

For us, with celiac /non-celiac gluten sensitivity, I strongly believe in detoxing, healing those gaps in our intestines which will have become ‘leaky’. Therefore, we will have ‘leaky’ brains. We need to dampen down inflammation and our whole gastrointestinal tract has to contract at the right speed. We need to have optimal micronutrient levels by adequate absorption and our gut bacteria needs to be balanced. Our bodies need to be nurtured which takes time and having adequate rest enables that repair. All of the above, really is a huge job. 

For this time in MY life, a gluten, dairy, nut free, FODMAPS, low histamine with low inulins (garlic, leeks, onions) and low oxalates (spinach, rhubarb) diet using ginger and turmeric as natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants like quercetin and resveratrol is appropriate. Not forgetting bone broth for gut healing. Now, I doubt a physician would appreciate the complexity of MY own personal genetics, history, gut microbiome and individual biochemistry.  

It really does take time for us to work out what helps and hinders us as individuals. So patience is key. 

😊

[Scott Adams]

Thank you for the update, it's great to hear that you're making progress! @knitty kitty may also want to know.