Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Gluten-Free And Constipated - Help

Melindaki

Recommended Posts

Melindaki Rookie
Melindaki
Posted

I have been recently diagnosed with Celiacs via genetic test. For the last 2 years I have had increasing problem with distended pregnant-like stomach and terrible constipation. The symptoms grew worse and worse until my stomach was always distended by 10-12 inches greater than normal and I was incapable of having a BM without a laxative. Finally I began vomiting every morning from overwhelming nausea. Of course, my doctor thought I was pregnant despite my knowledge to the contrary. :rolleyes:

Now I've been gluten-free for over a month. I have been quite vigilant. My stomach is now flat and I'm able to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear in over a year! B) However, I am still incapable of having a natural BM. My C. is uncomfortable and chronic. My doctor recommended I take Sennekot, but when I do I get terrible D. I just want some natural movement. I'm meeting with a dietician this week to see if I can change my eating habits to help. Right now I eat yogurt and fruit for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and dinner is variable.

My doctor thinks I need a laxative with stool-softener...but when I take it I have D. I think it's more of a motility issue rather than stool consistency. But if I don't take a laxative or drink Sennea tea, I can go over two weeks with no movement. :blink: Any ideas???

Kind of a icky topic, but I needed to vent to someone...

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Matisse Newbie
Matisse
Posted

I have been recently diagnosed with Celiacs via genetic test. For the last 2 years I have had increasing problem with distended pregnant-like stomach and terrible constipation. The symptoms grew worse and worse until my stomach was always distended by 10-12 inches greater than normal and I was incapable of having a BM without a laxative. Finally I began vomiting every morning from overwhelming nausea. Of course, my doctor thought I was pregnant despite my knowledge to the contrary. :rolleyes:

Now I've been gluten-free for over a month. I have been quite vigilant. My stomach is now flat and I'm able to fit into clothes I haven't been able to wear in over a year! B) However, I am still incapable of having a natural BM. My C. is uncomfortable and chronic. My doctor recommended I take Sennekot, but when I do I get terrible D. I just want some natural movement. I'm meeting with a dietician this week to see if I can change my eating habits to help. Right now I eat yogurt and fruit for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and dinner is variable.

My doctor thinks I need a laxative with stool-softener...but when I take it I have D. I think it's more of a motility issue rather than stool consistency. But if I don't take a laxative or drink Sennea tea, I can go over two weeks with no movement. :blink: Any ideas???

Kind of a icky topic, but I needed to vent to someone...

When I eat any dairy, including yogurt, I get constipated. I notice that you eat yogurt. Magnesium supplements help me with the constipation I get from calcium supplements (or in the past dairy), as I have not had dairy in several months. I stopped dairy at the same time as gluten. You do need to learn how much magnesium you can take because too much can also cause diarrea.

You said you were diagnosed with genetic tests. My understanding is genetic tests alone do not diagnose gluten intolerance. If you have the DQ2 or DQ8 gene you are at higher risk of celiac, but many people have those DQ genes and don't have celiac/gluten intolerance. Did you also have blood tests?

Fey Rookie
Fey
Posted

I have the same issue. I'm trying magnesium supplements, Pearls acidophilus, lots of fruit... and when it gets too bad, I try Target brand's women laxatives. They're easier on my system.

burdee Enthusiast
burdee
Posted

If you had normal regularity before going gluten free, your gluten reactions (softer stools) may have masked other intestinal problems which you now experience. I agree that taking magnesium supplements will help, because many celiacs are magnesium deficient. I also encourage you to take daily probiotics. If those contain FOS (prebiotics), you may suffer even more bloating. So avoid probiotics with FOS. You can try all the usual constipation solutions (more liquids, more fiber, more exercise, etc.). However magnesium will draw more fluid into the colon for softer stools and probiotics will increase motility.

Also consider whether you have dairy or other food allergies. An ELISA blood test can tell you tha more easily than guessing or trying to eliminate all the possible foods which may cause allergy reactions. (You could be allergic to almost ANYTHING, including the supposedly 'harmless' or no reaction foods.)

If you have eliminated all sources of gluten, taken magnesium and probiotic supplements and diagnosed and eliminated any possible food allergies, then consider getting a stool test for pathogenic intestinal bacteria, parasites or candida. All those can cause constipation, as well as diarrhea.

SUE

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

Try some prunes every day. Adjust amount you eat, 3 to 5 a day should be enough.

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

You poor thing! I relate to some of what you said. A strong cup of black tea(esp. loose tea leaves) helps, as does abdominal exercizes-squeeze and release-like pregnancy Kegals. I was SO suprized by my food allergy testing and the following results of dietary experiments. I eliminated ALL(26! what a suprize!) those that I tested pos. to (via skin testing, per allergist's recommendations) for 4 weeks and felt NOTHING after meals- NOTHING at all! It was wonderful and strange at the same time! When I started to re-introduce foods at the rate of one per week or less often, I found that many of them caused GI symptoms. On a good day, free of allergens and irritants, well hydrated, I have several well formed, healthy BM's per day.

Kim27 Contributor
Kim27
Posted

I have had the same problem with C since 2004, that is what started all my doctor visits and finally led to a Celiac dx just this year! I have been through the ringer with C remedies. Laxatives and stool softeners do nothing at all. What has worked the best for me over the years is a combination of Magnesium Oxide Tablets (vary between 1-3 a day) and a dose of Miralax every few days. Along with now the gluten-free diet, that has been working wonders, and it's the best it has been since 2004! Try some Mag Oxide and Miralax (Both are gluten-free medicines) and both are over the counter.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Kim27 Contributor
Kim27
Posted

I wanted to add to that... Mag Oxide and Miralax work more for motility issues, like you think you have!

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I second the prune suggestion. Figs also work and give you some variety. Also be sure to drink enough water.

RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

As others have said, magnesium does help with C. It does draw water into the intestines, so be sure to drink lots of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. You don't have to drink a lot at once. Start with two glasses, then a glass every hour should be fine. It does depend on how much magnesium you take, and how much water your body requires, but you'll get into the swing of it, I'm sure. The effectiveness of magnesium oxide is greatly increased if you take something acidic with it (especially citric acid) like citrus fruit juice. Vitamin C may work too, though not quite as well I think.

Do start slow however. Too much magnesium in the beginning can have you in pain until the intestines "catch up". Around 200-400mg per day should be fine to start with. Then increase by 200mg every few days until you get the right level of relief.

As was mentioned, other intolerance such as dairy can also cause C. If you suspect something in addition to gluten, other top allergens (dairy, soy, eggs, corn, nuts, peanuts, shellfish) would probably be a good place to start.

The right digestive enzymes can also be helpful.

For some folks, more fiber simply doesn't work, or can even make things worse, so watch for that.

Looking for answers Contributor
Looking for answers
Posted

I second mag supplements and eliminating dairy. Dairy causes the same issues with me.

O.N. Rookie
O.N.
Posted

...

My doctor thinks I need a laxative with stool-softener...but when I take it I have D. I think it's more of a motility issue rather than stool consistency. But if I don't take a laxative or drink Sennea tea, I can go over two weeks with no movement. :blink: Any ideas???

I was straggling with bad C for the last 2 years before I was diagnosed with celiac. I was having the same problem for the first 5 months after I went gluten-free. I didn

my.oh.my Newbie
my.oh.my
Posted

What usually helps is enough water, eliminating dairy and adding fiber to your diet. I assume that prunes do a good job as well but for those (like me) who hate them try supplements containing Psylium Husk!

bluebonnet Explorer
bluebonnet
Posted

definitely drink up the water for ease but i have to say if you aren't allergic to them ... chickpeas! lots of good fiber in them and just being honest here, they move things along. throw 'em on your salad or eat them on their own or as a side dish.

here's how i like 'em:

preheat oven to 400

glass pie pan/pryrex baking dish

1 can drained and patted dry chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans)

lightly drizzle olive oil over and sprinkle to taste- cayenne, chili powder and pinch of salt.

bake for 15 min (stir around mid way thru cooking).

dig in! :)

i usually do 2 cans if making for the whole family.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,672
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Mykidzz3
    Newest Member
    Mykidzz3
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.6k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • RMJ
      What might this EMA result mean?

      By RMJ · Posted

      g/L, a weight per volume unit, would be a very unusual unit for a celiac specific (EMA) test.   1.24 g/L would be in the normal range if this was a TOTAL IgA test. Best to ask the doctor.
    • Lieke
      Searching for good MD/PCP in Portland ME Area

      By Lieke · Posted

      Hi Hi! I am looking for a PCP in the Portland ME area. I have been dealing with Celiac disease for 30 years. My specialist Celiac MD is in Boston, but I want somebody closer by. Am thinking of an MD working in functional medicine/integrative medicine who is willing to ‘walk the journey’ with me. Despite a strict gluten-free diet, I still have challenges, am ‘super sensitive celiac’ with at time cross contact issues when going out to dinner.  any suggestions?  much appreciated! lieke
    • knitty kitty
      Food Tasting Salty

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Part of the body's immune reaction to gluten is to release histamine.  This tastes salty, just like tears and snot.        
    • knitty kitty
      Eye irritation 2.5 months into gluten free diet

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      I've had dry eye symptoms.  The eye drops did not help me.  What did help was making sure I was consuming Omega Three fats like flax seed oil and olive oil, and taking essential B vitamins, especially Riboflavin, Thiamin, and Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin A, one of the fat soluble vitamins.   Newly diagnosed Celiac can have trouble absorbing fats and absorbing B vitamins.  Most gluten free processed foods contain saturated fats which the body can't utilize. Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like gluten containing products.  The eyes make a film of healthy omega three fats which keeps the eyes lubricated.  Insufficient omega threes can show up as dry eyes.  Most newly diagnosed Celiac are low in Vitamin D, as well as Vitamin A, both fat based vitamins.   Thiamin Vitamin B 1 and Riboflavin B 2 are needed for eye health and optic nerve health.  Taking a B Complex vitamin supplement is beneficial.  Since the B vitamins are water soluble, any excess that the body doesn't need is excreted easily in urine.  The gluten free diet is low in essential B vitamins because gluten free processed foods that replace gluteny breads are not required to have vitamins and minerals added to them in order to replace vitamins and minerals lost in processing as is required with gluten containing products.   Other things that are helpful is to refrain from using highly perfumed products (hair care, body washes, deodorants, room fresheners, cleaning products, etc.).  These can dry out the eyes, too.   Staring at computer screens can be detrimental because you STARE and don't blink.  The tear ducts that keep the eyes lubricated are in the corners of the eyes.  Take breaks from staring at the computer screen.  Look out of the corners of your eyes to the right and blink several times, then look to the left and blink to help the tears spread over the whole eye.   My eyes have sustained permanent damage because of nutritional deficiencies.  My ophthalmologist and my doctors did not connect any of my health problems with nutritional deficiencies which occurred with undiagnosed Celiac Disease.  My optic nerve shuts down and I lose my vision if I spend too much time looking at computer screens, led lights, and TV.  My vision goes gray and dim.  It's much worse than "optic snow".  It can take  hours or days for my vision to return.  My ophthalmologist said my vision might not come back from that sometime.  My ophthalmologist said the flash rate, refresh rate, is registered by the optic nerve which gets over stimulated and shuts down.  The optic nerve uses lots of Thiamine.  Thiamine insufficiency will cause permanent optic nerve damage unless corrected promptly.  My thiamine insufficiency/deficiency was not corrected promptly and I have this permanent damage and light sensitivity.  I take Benfotiamine, a form of Thiamine that also is beneficial for healing the intestinal tract.  Riboflavin,  Pyridoxine B 6,  and Vitamin A are also needed for eye health.   Thiamine insufficiency can also cause anxiety.  Thiamine and magnesium will relieve muscle cramps. Talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals while your intestines are recovering.  Hope this helps!  
    • cristiana
      Reflux related cough anyone?

      By cristiana · Posted

      UPDATE I've been asked for an update by someone who sent a PM, but It's best to post health info publicly because this means fellow Mods can make sure I'm staying on the straight and narrow path with any advice I'm giving out! Alex...   Yes, my symptoms did slowly improve.  They started around October, from memory.  Approaching Christmas I remember the feeling as if there were feathers irritating my chest in my lower throat and in my lungs, and things like scented candles made things even worse.  I had a endoscopy and they found nothing wrong, I also had a chest X-Ray because of the cough which lasted more than six weeks and nothing showed. In the end I think the end it settled because I was doing the following: following a reflux/gastritis diet  (you can find lots of these diets on line, which focus on a low fat, low acidndiet, avoiding spices etc, avoiding alcohol and coffee etc) not eating three hours before I went to bed, which means going to bed with an empty stomach sleeping with a wedge pillow, which I still do, five years on... taking Gaviscon Advanced before bedtime, and after meals (not much, just a large teaspoon) using a blue Salbutamol inhaler, I think it was two puffs in the morning and two puffs at night. I felt a lot better after about three or four months.  I then only used the inhaler and Gaviscon when I had to, if I started to feel my chest was getting irritated again. I find keeping on top of reflux symptoms the way forward.  My gastroenterologist told me that the cough was to do with reflux/gasses in the gut coming up that can irritate the throat and airways and the fact I noticed improvement when using Gaviscon showed that that was what was causing it, because it provides a barrier that stops this happening. From the Gaviscon UK website: "It creates a protective barrier or raft over the Stomach contents (which is mostly acid, but also pepsin and bile)." https://www.gaviscon.co.uk/#:~:text=It creates a protective barrier,water and other neutral substances. This protective barrier stopped the contents of my stomach from coming up to irritate my throat, as I understand it, and allowed any irritation in my throat to settle. I do still take Gaviscon if I eat a late meal but not every day.  I hope this helps.  Do come back to me on this thread if I can help further. Cristiana    
×
×
  • Create New...