Omg...i Might Be On To Something

[rinne]

Does anyone know if yams can help with weight like potatoes do?

Rachel, yams - the orange ones, are wonderful for us, low on the glycemic index and high in vitamins plus being delicious! I like to bake them until they are very well done, that really brings out the sweetness in them. I have used them steamed but they don't have nearly the flavour. They are great done on a barbeque, peel, slice thickly and brush with olive oil and fresh garlic, grill on medium heat till browned and tender. Yum, these are incredible with a chilpotle mayonaise, just add ground chilpotle and lime juice to mayo, as a dip.

As I mentioned earlier I went to the Gluten Free store and bought treats and one evening of a few led to a day of indulgence. All gluten free but some additives and sugar, lots of sugar. Someone had posted earlier about the Salem witch trials and I remember hearing that the real reason they were tried was that they objected to sugar and what they saw it doing. I've never researched this but the question has stayed with me. There was a program I saw on TV not long ago called Big Sugar, funny fact: The reason the English ended up with Canada had to do with sugar and the fact that Canada had none, just furs so the French walked away from Canada in exchange for an island that produced sugar.

I am paying for my indulgence with gas, bloating, constipated even though I have had two cups of laxative tea over the past two days, burning pain in gut and back, I'm on fire again. I don't think this is cross contamination, the store is the only store in the city that sells these products and I am confident that others more experienced with knowing a gluten reaction would have identified it and the product would not have been there. There was a little milk chocolate so dairy could be one issue, I've cut out dairy except for ghee and will let that go too if I need to. What I keep coming back to is sugar, I am wondering what would happen to me if I just ate the amount of sugar that was in the treats. How would I feel if I ate maybe 6 Tablespoons of straight sugar? What would that do to me? In addition to a body that is hurting I am feeling dull and hungover and this morning my mouth was dry and I was very thirsty.

In another way I am O.K. though because I have learned that over-indulgence, as in 1 piece of cake, 4 cookies, 1 nut bar and 2 rice tortillas over the course of the day is just way more than I can handle. And I've had the lid down so tight on what I have been eating that if that is as bad a binge gets I am changing and I am learning. The next time I feel up to challenging myself I am going to experiment and see if pure sugar does this to me.

[Rachel--24]

In another way I am O.K. though because I have learned that over-indulgence, as in 1 piece of cake, 4 cookies, 1 nut bar and 2 rice tortillas over the course of the day is just way more than I can handle. And I've had the lid down so tight on what I have been eating that if that is as bad a binge gets I am changing and I am learning. The next time I feel up to challenging myself I am going to experiment and see if pure sugar does this to me.

Rinne, don't feel bad....I've over induldged with the gluten-free foods many times. Anything sweet or not good for me and I go overboard. Its hard to stop. Its the only way to learn whats ok or not ok for us though...trial and error.

Here is a link for you to look up any food, it gives what vitamins and nutrients and calories each one has, I posted a while back but it's lost in the pages somewhere... this has helped me many times:

Thanks for the link Floridian,

I actually have a link to a site similar to that but I guess I'm just too lazy to look.

Yes avocados are a good food...they have lots of good fat, so they have a nice calorie count. I have to watch my weight or I'd eat the whole darned avocado, lol

I think I have trouble digesting fats. I dont know for sure or why this would happen but whenever I eat anything high in fat I get real bulky stools. If I use any oils for a salad dressing or like the other day when I ate alot of coconut butter...I can actually see like an oil slick on top of the water after my bm. I dont think this is right.

This is nothing new though....its been like this a long time. I usually dont eat foods high in fat for this reason but I need to so I dont lose weight. Thing is...if I have malabsorption of fats I'm not gonna gain weight from eating it anyway...right??

[Rachel--24]

YAY....I finally found a lettuce I'm not having problems with! Its a romaine lettuce and although I'm not 100% sure yet so far I've bought it twice and havent reacted. I just ate a big salad.

I eat my salads w/out oils though cuz of the fat problem. It would probably taste better with something on it but I'm avoiding citrus so cant do lemons either. I cant think of anything else to put on it so plain will have to do.

I'm really excited....I went clothes shopping and got lots of new summer clothes. I have too many clothes already and I probably need some kind of "clothes addict" therapy but thats besides the point.

The point is....last year I had a hard time finding stuff that fit me. I was getting size 1, 0, or even 00 and they were still a little loose on me. I ended up getting alot of my clothes in the little girls dept.

Now I am back up to size 3!!!

Before I got sick I was wearing 3's or 5's so I'm almost back to normal! I didnt go anywhere near the kids dept this time.

I can tell you from my experience though that getting clothes from the kids dept. is cheaper. I remember getting shorts identical to what was in the juniors dept. for like $20 cheaper.

Anyways I love all my new clothes and I got 2 cute summer dresses that dont hang on me like they would have last year. I always wanted a summer dress....I'm pretty tomboy so dont wear too many dresses but these were really cute.

[miamia]

Rinne, don't feel bad....I've over induldged with the gluten-free foods many times. Anything sweet or not good for me and I go overboard. Its hard to stop. Its the only way to learn whats ok or not ok for us though...trial and error.

Thanks for the link Floridian,

I actually have a link to a site similar to that but I guess I'm just too lazy to look.

I think I have trouble digesting fats. I dont know for sure or why this would happen but whenever I eat anything high in fat I get real bulky stools. If I use any oils for a salad dressing or like the other day when I ate alot of coconut butter...I can actually see like an oil slick on top of the water after my bm. I dont think this is right.

This is nothing new though....its been like this a long time. I usually dont eat foods high in fat for this reason but I need to so I dont lose weight. Thing is...if I have malabsorption of fats I'm not gonna gain weight from eating it anyway...right??

Rachel-

I ahve a really hard time with fats too- it is so frustrating because I want so badly to gain weight. I have found I can use olive oil though.

YAY....I finally found a lettuce I'm not having problems with! Its a romaine lettuce and although I'm not 100% sure yet so far I've bought it twice and havent reacted. I just ate a big salad.

I eat my salads w/out oils though cuz of the fat problem. It would probably taste better with something on it but I'm avoiding citrus so cant do lemons either. I cant think of anything else to put on it so plain will have to do.

I'm really excited....I went clothes shopping and got lots of new summer clothes. I have too many clothes already and I probably need some kind of "clothes addict" therapy but thats besides the point.

The point is....last year I had a hard time finding stuff that fit me. I was getting size 1, 0, or even 00 and they were still a little loose on me. I ended up getting alot of my clothes in the little girls dept.

Now I am back up to size 3!!!

Before I got sick I was wearing 3's or 5's so I'm almost back to normal! I didnt go anywhere near the kids dept this time.

I can tell you from my experience though that getting clothes from the kids dept. is cheaper. I remember getting shorts identical to what was in the juniors dept. for like $20 cheaper.

Anyways I love all my new clothes and I got 2 cute summer dresses that dont hang on me like they would have last year. I always wanted a summer dress....I'm pretty tomboy so dont wear too many dresses but these were really cute.

Rachel-

this is so exciting- you are giving me hope. I would give anythign to wear a cute summer dress. I am still way to thin for that though. Good news on the lettuce too!!!

Miamia

[AndreaB]

I won't shoot you Andrea I struggle a lot with these relatively new theories about paleo diets versus neolithic (grains, legumes, dairy). I support everyone doing what they think is best for themsleves 100%, but I personally have a hard time believing all of these things that grow from the earth are not meant to eaten by the human body. Just like in the 80s "no fat" craze/fad, nuts, avocadoes and coconut oil, the horror if you consumed these things! Now it's things like beans, apples, carrots, beets, and rice?

Gelatin in baking/cooking is used as a a thickening agent.

And carageenan is bad There are some posts re this way way back in the thread several pages.

Julie,

Thanks! I'll leave it out or use something else. I have arrowroot as well as clear jel and instant clear jel. Instant is used for cold foods to thicken. They are derived from corn and if I remember correctly you can't have corn so they wouldn't work for you.

Rachel,

That's great that your food list is growing.

Miamia,

I understand about the indulgence. We've been buying enjoy life cookies and lately breyer's ice cream. I have custom breyer horses so why not breyers ice cream.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

YAY....I finally found a lettuce I'm not having problems with! Its a romaine lettuce and although I'm not 100% sure yet so far I've bought it twice and havent reacted. I just ate a big salad.

I eat my salads w/out oils though cuz of the fat problem. It would probably taste better with something on it but I'm avoiding citrus so cant do lemons either. I cant think of anything else to put on it so plain will have to do.

Can you eat avocados? Maybe you could puree one and mix it with al little rice or almond milk and drizzle it on your greens? Or maybe raspberries or strawberries?

[Rachel--24]

Can you eat avocados? Maybe you could puree one and mix it with al little rice or almond milk and drizzle it on your greens? Or maybe raspberries or strawberries?

Hmmm...that sounds yummy. I cant have any store bought rice/soy/almond milks. I just drink water. I dont eat any berries but lots of other fruits. I just stopped all grains including rice but I wonder if I could do some homemade rice milk?? That would be perfect.

What do you think Jersey? I'm asking you since you're off all grains too.

Does homemade rice milk count or is it alot different than actually eating a bowel of rice?

[AndreaB]

Hmmm...that sounds yummy. I cant have any store bought rice/soy/almond milks. I just drink water. I dont eat any berries but lots of other fruits. I just stopped all grains including rice but I wonder if I could do some homemade rice milk?? That would be perfect.

What do you think Jersey? I'm asking you since you're off all grains too.

Does homemade rice milk count or is it alot different than actually eating a bowel of rice?

Rachel,

Here are some milk recipes for you to try if you decide to try them. I realize you probably won't be able to use them....but just in case.

Morning Millet Milk

1 c hot, cooked millet

1 c raw cashews or almonds

6 c water

1 tsp salt

1-2 tsp vanilla

1Tb honey

Simmer 1/4 c millet in 1 cup water for about 45 minutes, or until soft.

Put millet and all other ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Blend 2-3 cups at a time until very creamy and smooth.

Chill and serve.

Creamy Cashew Milk

1 c well cooked brown rice

2/3 c raw cashews

1/3 c unsweetened coconut

1 Tb vanilla

1 tsp salt

2 Tb honey

Grind cashews and coconut in a blender.

All all ingredients and blend until very frothy and creamy in about 3 cups of water.

Pour into 1/2 gallon container, add water to fillm, and chill in refrigerator.

Shake well before each use.

For richer, sweeter milk, add less water. Makes a great thick cream over pies.

Leave out the honey and vanilla to use this recipe to make great mashed potatoes.

The above two recipes from Guilt Free Gourmet by Vicki Griffin

Sweet Nut Milk

1 quart water

2/3 cup clean, raw cashews or almonds

4 pitted dates

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp vanilla

Process all ingredients in a blender with about 1 cup of the water until very smooth. Pour into a pitcher and stir in remaining water. Strain, if desired. Cover and refrigerate. Shake well before using. This milk is excellent on cereal and for cooking.

Variations: (1) For Grain Milk, add 1 cup cooked millet or brown rice and process until smooth; (2) Substitute 1 Tbs honey or 1/3 cup coconut for dates.

From Newstart Lifestyle Cookbook by Weimar Institute

Cashew-Rice Milk**

1/3 c cashew nuts

2 Tbs honey

1 1/2 cups well-cooked rice

3/8 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

Approximately 6 cups water

1. Place cashews and rice in a saucepan or microwave container and cover with water. Bring to a boil.

Hint: We generally use left-over rice for this, or we keep portions of rice in the freezer for blending. Cold rice doesn't blend very smooth, so it is important to bring it to a boil with the cashews and water for smooth blending.

2. Place hot cashew and rice mixture in the blender with the remaining ingredients except the remaining water. Turn on and blend thick and smooth, adding a little more water as necessary for efficient blending. Blend for at least 1 minute until no graininess can be seen or felt.

3. Add enough more water to make 5 to 7 cups of milk, depending on the richness desired. A thicker cream can be used over desserts, but thinner is more desirable on cereal or as a drink.

**This can be made thicker by adding less water in step 3 as desired for a very fine non dairy "cream".

Hint: You may use either brown or white rice. We prefer brown for better nutrition and though the color of the milk is a shade darker, it is hardly noticable.

From Five Loaves Deli & Bakery by Neva Brackett.

[jerseyangel]

Rachel--I could not do the rice milk--homemade or store bought. Rice, and all the other grains that I've tried give me D very soon after eating. The milk (I've only used Pacific) goes thru me even quicker . I think that's because it's so concentrated. I can't remember what your grain symptoms are, but if you are sensitive to rice, I would think that it would be worse with rice milk. Of course we know how symptoms are unpredictable, so who knows

Im racking my brain to try and think of something you can use on your salads. Can you do tomatoes? Finely chopped ones would be good, and add moistness. You could mix that with the pureed avocado...Another thing I've heard of (but never tried) is to use chicken broth in place of oil in a dressing recipe. I believe that people on low-fat diets use that trick--could be tasty with a little apple cider vinegar and spices.

[dlp252]

I think I have trouble digesting fats. I dont know for sure or why this would happen but whenever I eat anything high in fat I get real bulky stools. If I use any oils for a salad dressing or like the other day when I ate alot of coconut butter...I can actually see like an oil slick on top of the water after my bm. I dont think this is right.

This is nothing new though....its been like this a long time. I usually dont eat foods high in fat for this reason but I need to so I dont lose weight. Thing is...if I have malabsorption of fats I'm not gonna gain weight from eating it anyway...right??

Yep, you're probably right. Although, I'm thinking your gut must be starting to heal! You've held on to this weight for a while now and so hopefully once the intestines heal enough you'd be able to handle more fat. Then again, if your intestines heal enough you probably won't need the fat because the food you eat will stay where it's supposed to.

Some people just can't eat a lot of fat...kind of the same way some people can't eat a lot of starch, or a lot of sugar, or a lot of protein...God made us all so different.

Rinne - I have a problem with sugar as well, I just tend to ignore it, but I pay every time I eat too much. One of the things I notice is that I retain lots of water when I eat too much starch of any kind, sugar adds a queasy feeling. I think my joints get stiffer too...maybe the extra water retention??? Anyway, I did the same thing as you...I found a new store that carries a large selection of gluten-free stuff and needed to get some dairy free chocolate chips so went in. I ended up buying a bunch of stuff there, plus found some dairy free brownies at Whole Foods so bought some of those, plus two new chocolate bars! So far, I've been doing okay with just having a bite here and there, but my past experience has been that within a day, they'll all be gone, lol.

[rinne]

Rinne - I have a problem with sugar as well, I just tend to ignore it, but I pay every time I eat too much. One of the things I notice is that I retain lots of water when I eat too much starch of any kind, sugar adds a queasy feeling. I think my joints get stiffer too...maybe the extra water retention??? Anyway, I did the same thing as you...I found a new store that carries a large selection of gluten-free stuff and needed to get some dairy free chocolate chips so went in. I ended up buying a bunch of stuff there, plus found some dairy free brownies at Whole Foods so bought some of those, plus two new chocolate bars! So far, I've been doing okay with just having a bite here and there, but my past experience has been that within a day, they'll all be gone, lol.

That's interesting, I hadn't associated the water retention with starch but the joint pain with sugar, YES. I know that sugar is a problem for me and I am beginning to suspect that if I want any treats at all then they should come from my kitchen and be made with maple syrup, it doesn't seem to bother my joints. Eating store bought sweets seems to loose a sugar monster, the part of me that knows reason just shuts down and I find myself continuing to eat when I no longer even want to be eating it. Does anyone else have this experience?

[Rachel--24]

Ok...I'm getting worried.

The past few days I've had very loose stools in the AM. It seems like I'm not absorbing so good. Some lettuce from my salad was undigested. What could be causing this all of a sudden? I've been eating the avocados and like I said earlier...I dont digest fats well. Does that mean that when I eat alot of fatty foods I wont be digesting my other foods as well either? Its been a long long time since I saw lettuce undigested so somethings up. Too much fruit maybe? Any suggestions?

[dlp252]

That's interesting, I hadn't associated the water retention with starch but the joint pain with sugar, YES. I know that sugar is a problem for me and I am beginning to suspect that if I want any treats at all then they should come from my kitchen and be made with maple syrup, it doesn't seem to bother my joints. Eating store bought sweets seems to loose a sugar monster, the part of me that knows reason just shuts down and I find myself continuing to eat when I no longer even want to be eating it. Does anyone else have this experience?

YES! I've told a few people that I'm like an addict with sugar...it's almost uncontrollable after a certain point! Just last week I ate some Hershey's Kisses, and started to feel ill, but it was like I just HAD to eat more. Hum, I'll have to experiment with the maple syrup thing. Agave nectar also seems to be okay, but I've never experimented with making sweets with either one of them.

Ok...I'm getting worried.

The past few days I've had very loose stools in the AM. It seems like I'm not absorbing so good. Some lettuce from my salad was undigested. What could be causing this all of a sudden? I've been eating the avocados and like I said earlier...I dont digest fats well. Does that mean that when I eat alot of fatty foods I wont be digesting my other foods as well either? Its been a long long time since I saw lettuce undigested so somethings up. Too much fruit maybe? Any suggestions?

Okay, I'm trying to remember what I read and where I read it, but I seem to remember reading recently about some people have digestive systems that move things through too fast. I'll see if I can spot it in one of the books I've read at home recently. They had suggestions on what to do. Fruit can definitely cause loose stools for me, but I don't usually see undigested foods any more. I do think the book said that when things move through too quickly it can't get absorbed.

[jerseyangel]

Ok...I'm getting worried.

The past few days I've had very loose stools in the AM. It seems like I'm not absorbing so good. Some lettuce from my salad was undigested. What could be causing this all of a sudden? I've been eating the avocados and like I said earlier...I dont digest fats well. Does that mean that when I eat alot of fatty foods I wont be digesting my other foods as well either? Its been a long long time since I saw lettuce undigested so somethings up. Too much fruit maybe? Any suggestions?

How much fruit are you eating? I can't eat very much fruit at all. I have a banana in the morning, which sits well. But if I try and have another piece of fruit in the afternoon, about a half hour later, I start to get some cramping and have to use the bathroom. I've tried different kinds of fruit, too. About the only one that I can get away with is a peeled, sliced apple--on a good day I eat a salad for lunch almost daily, though and its fine. I do use olive oil and vinegar--just a small drizzle. If you're eating a lot of fruit, coupled with the avocado, that could be it. Personaly, I think too much sugar (even natural) is a big factor for loose stools/undigested foods. (I eat too much sugar, and always feel better when I cut way down--it's my weakness )

[AndreaB]

YES! I've told a few people that I'm like an addict with sugar...it's almost uncontrollable after a certain point! Just last week I ate some Hershey's Kisses, and started to feel ill, but it was like I just HAD to eat more. Hum, I'll have to experiment with the maple syrup thing. Agave nectar also seems to be okay, but I've never experimented with making sweets with either one of them.

Have you ever read Sugar Blues. I forget the author but it is a very good book. We've been overindulging lately as well. I've been buying stuff until I get everything together to bake my own goodies. Sugar in the highly processed form is likened to heroin which is highly refined and very addictive. The body can only handle so many fruits (natural sugar) before we get full, but with sugar we don't have the stop triggered because it is highly refined and doesn't fill us as quickly.

Rachel,

Have you started taking the new med yet? Could that be the reason for the change in bowel habits?

[dlp252]

Have you ever read Sugar Blues. I forget the author but it is a very good book. We've been overindulging lately as well. I've been buying stuff until I get everything together to bake my own goodies. Sugar in the highly processed form is likened to heroin which is highly refined and very addictive. The body can only handle so many fruits (natural sugar) before we get full, but with sugar we don't have the stop triggered because it is highly refined and doesn't fill us as quickly.

I haven't read that...I'll have to look for it. Sugar usually isn't a problem because I haven't had much of it in the last 4 years, but since going gluten free in November I've been like a fiend with it. I can't even seem to get myself back to the maintenance level of my lower carb diet that I was on just before I went gluten-free.

[Rachel--24]

I ate about 6 pieces of fruit yesterday. This is pretty normal for me though...I've been eating alot of fruit for awhile now but I've just introduced the avocados in the last week. I think I'll have to give them up...I've never been ok with them since I got sick but they're one of my favorite foods. They are also high in histamines and I'm trying to avoid all the histamine releasing foods right now since I obviously have problems with histamine.

I'm pretty much avoiding all the foods that trigger histamine reactions. I think the only ones I'm still eating are the avocados and plums and I had one of each yesterday. I had a histamine reaction last night...I wonder if too much histamine can speed up my bowels causing undigested foods. I looked it up and it says it can cause irritable bowel symptoms.

I think I might start my meds tonight but I just pray I dont get too tired. Why do antihistamines cause drowsiness anyway?

[Rachel--24]

Heres a list of the histamine containing foods I'm avoiding. I dont think its a complete list cuz I dont see plums on it but other lists have plums as being high in histamine.

Histamine Rich Foods Include:

Anchovies

Avocados

Beer

Canned Foods

Cheeses

Cidars

Eggplant

Fermented Beverages

Fermented Foods

Fish

Herring

Jams and Preserves

Mackerel

Meats

Processed Meats

Salami

Sardines

Sauerkraut

Sausage

Some Oriental Foods

Sour Cream

Spinach

Tomatoes

Tuna

Vegetables

Vermouth

Vinegars

Wines

Yeast extract

Yogurt

Histamine Releasing Foods Include:

Alcohol

Bananas

Certain Nuts

Chocolate

Eggs

Fish

Milk

Papayas

Pineapple

Shellfish

Strawberries

Tomatoes

I get histamine reactions from all this stuff....it sucks.

If the antihistamine starts working I wonder if I can eat more of these foods? If the antihistimine's job is to stop mast cells from releasing histamine wouldnt that mean I could eat the foods and not react....or is it still best to avoid histamine alltogether? Like for someone who gets hayfever and has to take an antihistimine to stop the allergy....do they still have to avoid what gives them the allergy symptoms to begin with...or are they ok as long as they take the med?

Heres what else it says about histimine:

Histamine is a natural substance produced by the body and is also present in many foods. It is released by the body during times of stress and allergy.

In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. When histamine is released from the mast cells it may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

Eyes to itch, burn, or become watery

Nose to itch, sneeze, and produce more mucus

Skin to itch, develop rashes or hives

Sinuses to become congested and cause headaches

Lungs to wheeze or have spasms

Stomach to experience cramps and diarrhea

This chemical (vasoactive amine) is able to create such havoc with the many body functions because it is contained in almost all body tissues. The main body tissues include the lungs, skin, intestinal mucosa, mast cells, and basophils.

The release of histamine can be induced by almost any allergen.

There are many foods that contain histamine or cause the body to release histamine when ingested. Histamine in food may be responsible for some cases of food intolerance.

[jerseyangel]

Rachel--2 things, Probably in your case, the avocado is just too much. If the fruit was ok before, and all that's different is the avocado, then you most likely have your answer.

About antihistimines--you know I have had stomach problems (undiagnosed Celiac) for 20 years, since the c-section birth of my son. Anyway, the doctors were stuck on the diagnosis of sinus/allergy problems--they said that the mucus running down my throat was causing my nausea. Great theory, but I had no nasal symptoms and it never addressed the dizziness from the anemia--which because I was young, they didn't take seriously. All this has a point --they gave me Claritan (when it was first introduced), and it helped with my stomach. I don't know how, but it did, and I stayed on it for about 12 years! I only stopped when I was diagnosed with Celiac last year. For a long time, my main symptom was nausea, and the Claritan did help. I also now believe that it must have had an effect on the foods I was reactive to. I didn't know then that I had food sensitivites, but possibly, the antihistimine was helping with the reactions also. So, in my roundabout way, I'm thinking that your new medicine (if the side effects are not too bad) could be a big help with your sensitivites--blocking the histimine reaction.

[christine 25]

Heres a list of the histamine containing foods I'm avoiding. I dont think its a complete list cuz I dont see plums on it but other lists have plums as being high in histamine.

I get histamine reactions from all this stuff....it sucks.

If the antihistamine starts working I wonder if I can eat more of these foods? If the antihistimine's job is to stop mast cells from releasing histamine wouldnt that mean I could eat the foods and not react....or is it still best to avoid histamine alltogether? Like for someone who gets hayfever and has to take an antihistimine to stop the allergy....do they still have to avoid what gives them the allergy symptoms to begin with...or are they ok as long as they take the med?

Heres what else it says about histimine:

It sounds like you are pretty cautious about what you are putting in your body and you dont want to screw up your progress.

In terms of drugs and diets and foods etc. we read about them all day long on the internet and ask doctors but really you and everyone here all knows that the only way to find out, is though experimentation. You have to just try the drug and see how it works on you.

I wouldnt be afaraid it is going to mess you up, if it does then you can deal with it then, give it a chance to work like several weeks, my doctor says that antihistamines take several weeks to build up in your body to get the full effect.

But you know how sensitive you are to meds, foods and supplements, just give it time and see if it helps you deal with the symptoms, I think it is a good thing your trying it, you will find the answers the more expermentation you do.

Proud of ya for sticking to the diet your on, its not easy. Youve got my support.

C

[Rachel--24]

Thanks Jersey that gives me some hope.

I cant believe you were on that med for 12 years!. It must have really been doing you some good even though you were still on gluten.

My only real symptoms now are caused by the histamine release. I get some swelling, overproduction of mucus which causes stickiness in my eyes. I make myself cry to get the stickiness out of my eyes and I'll end up blowing my nose tons to get the mucus out. Its just clear mucus but way too much of it. Sometimes my ears feel full too and all the pressure can cause a headache. Besides that and the occasional IBS I think I'd be good to go. I really really hope that antihistime can reduce alot of this. Since I'm already diagnosed and gluten-free plus dairy and all the rest I'm hoping reducing the histimine reactions can put way less stress on my body and some real healing can begin. That would be so cool.

[jerseyangel]

Thanks Jersey that gives me some hope.

I cant believe you were on that med for 12 years!. It must have really been doing you some good even though you were still on gluten.

My only real symptoms now are caused by the histamine release. I get some swelling, overproduction of mucus which causes stickiness in my eyes. I make myself cry to get the stickiness out of my eyes and I'll end up blowing my nose tons to get the mucus out. Its just clear mucus but way too much of it. Sometimes my ears feel full too and all the pressure can cause a headache. Besides that and the occasional IBS I think I'd be good to go. I really really hope that antihistime can reduce alot of this. Since I'm already diagnosed and gluten-free plus dairy and all the rest I'm hoping reducing the histimine reactions can put way less stress on my body and some real healing can begin. That would be so cool.

I'm excited for you! Even now, sometimes, I hate to admit, I use my Claritan . It's kind of a comfort thing--I think because I relied on it for so long--if that makes sense. I asked my allergist earlier this year if he would write me a Rx for Zyrtek--I wanted to try that and see if it was any better. It was fine, also, but it wasn't worth the $45 co-pay! I would not be surprised at all if those symptoms you still have are relieved by the antihistimine--here's hoping oh, I thought of another thing. A lot of the Rx antihistamines, especially the older ones, can cause weight gain--is this listed as a side effect on the one you plan to take?

[Rachel--24]

I'm excited for you! Even now, sometimes, I hate to admit, I use my Claritan . It's kind of a comfort thing--I think because I relied on it for so long--if that makes sense. I asked my allergist earlier this year if he would write me a Rx for Zyrtek--I wanted to try that and see if it was any better. It was fine, also, but it wasn't worth the $45 co-pay! I would not be surprised at all if those symptoms you still have are relieved by the antihistimine--here's hoping oh, I thought of another thing. A lot of the Rx antihistamines, especially the older ones, can cause weight gain--is this listed as a side effect on the one you plan to take?

Yeah...I think it does list weight gain as a side effect. That would be such a bonus! The only side effect it lists as being "common" is the drowsiness though. For all the others it says less common or rare so I'll have to wait and see. Did you have any drowsiness or other side effects from the Claritan? I remember when I first got sick and had no idea it was food related I was taking benadryl antihistime for awhile and it seemed to be helping reduce some of the vein swelling and pressure I had going on in my head but it wasnt anything that could fix what was happenning....especially since I was stuffing my face with Big Macs and bean burritos constantly.

[jerseyangel]

Ha--I thought you'd be happy about the weight gain (me, not so happy!). It can make you a little drowsy at first--I was more tired than drowsy. I think they all do to a point. A lot of side effects tend to go away after the first few days, anyway. One thing--the first day you take it, maybe don't plan to drive until you see how it's going to affect you.

[Rachel--24]

One thing--the first day you take it, maybe don't plan to drive until you see how it's going to affect you.

Yeah...thats what the pharmacist said too. He said for the first few days take it only with my last meal so I can sleep off the initial effects and then start taking it for all meals after my body adjusts. My car doesnt seem to want me going anywhere anyways....the service engine light came on so I gotta have it looked at today. Man....how come all this stuff has to happen when I'm on vacation. I also scuffed up the side of it on Friday so it'll be in the shop for 3 days next week. Its turning out to be quite an expensive vacation and I'm not even going anywhere!