I Feel Like Dr. House Detoxing From Vicodin :(

[Meggielynn13]

I just started my journey 5 days ago and I feel like House when he's detoxing from vicodin. Nothing is making me feel better. I eat and I'm so tired because I haven't been eating nearly as much junk(bread,pasta,cookies,cake etc). I then take a nap for a little while, wake up and I'm starving and nothing gets rid of it. I've been eating fruit, veggies, rice, meat, salads, soup and anything else that is not processed Gluten Free foods. I did buy some of that stuff but at this point I know I'm better off not eating it because processed foods aren't that good for you and they probably don't taste as good as my favorites .

I know its only been 5 days but I had a break down last night, I knew it was coming it was just a matter of when and where. I was shopping in walmart and I was so hungry that I couldn't see straight or think. All of the labels on the packages were blurry and couldn't even figure out what I wanted to eat because I was so hungry. My dad went with me and was like well why don't you eat these crackers, you said you just can't have bread right? UGH. That is another reason why I lost it last night. People just don't get it. I was so happy when I found out I came up positive on the DGP IgA test but now that I actually need to follow through with this lifestyle change I feel like I can't. I feel like it's a little soon for this to hit me but who knows, I guess it can happen at anytime. On top of it all I have bronchitis and I can't hear out of either of my ears so I'm going back and forth between fevers and chills from being sick and not being able to eat my yummy comfort food. I know this will pass but I am at a loss for what to do as I am a 24 year old who works full time and is taking 6 classes (18 credits) in school and trying to get into the Disney College Program. Hopefully some day I'll be okay but right now I'm lost and alone

[IrishHeart]

Honey!

(hugs) You are NOT lost and alone. You just feel like crap.

To be sick with bronchitis on top of it makes it worse, I know.

Many of us had gluten withdrawal symptoms and they will pass. Keep hydrated.

I gave you that list of gluten-free comfort foods you CAN have -- so you can get through this hard time. Go to either of the two bakeries we discussed and get some things. They are both celiacs and can help you.

You have my phone number and email (and I do not do that liberally!!) I am right here!

hugs,

IH

[Meggielynn13]

I just emailed you about 10 seconds ago . I knew you were gonna reply to this though.

[Takala]

Eat more fats such as olive oil and coconut milk.

[GFinDC]

I felt like there was nothing I could eat at first too. It took a while for me to realize I was feeling that way because of my habit of eating certain foods was being interrupted. There were lots of alternatives but I just wasn't used to thinking of them as food. If it wasn't in a box ready for the microwave or at a fast food joint it wasn't something I would usually eat.

Remember you are not on the gluten-free diet to lose weight, but to heal your body. So you need lots of protein to help your body heal faster. you can eat as much chicken or hamburger or eggs or peanut butter or whatever as you want. There is no need to be hungry.

Maybe you could get some lemon-ginger tea and drink it with some stevia? Some people cheat and just add lemon juice to their tea, or powdered/grated ginger. I hope you feel better soon.

[IrishHeart]

I just emailed you about 10 seconds ago . I knew you were gonna reply to this though.

oh you did, did you? :lol:

You're right!

I told ya, kiddo, I'm here for ya.

To other members--she and I discovered we live pretty near each other!

See, hon--they are telling you everything I told you in that email--about good fats and plain foods.

It helps to hear it from lots of us, though!!

You're going to be all right, it's just rocky at first!

Okay, I'll check your email right now. hang tight, hon. REST today--curl up with a good book or some movies.

[Cathey]

Feel better Meg, it does get better with time. In a few months you'll look back on this time and it will be just a memory.

You will feel better, look better and have a better outlook. Please try and keep yourself hydrated and eat several little meals during the day. I know with your work, school and homework schedule your stressed as it is. Take care of you.

You've already educated yourself as to the whole foods and avoid processed ones.

Oh and in case you didn't know already, you have an Angel looking out for you, her name is Irish Heart.

Feel better.

[Meggielynn13]

Thanks Cathey! Irish Heart is the best. We actually live quite close, so it's nice to have someone near me that I can talk to. I'm hoping soon this will all pass and I know it takes time. I just happen to want the time to go by so I can feel better now . I'm going to start carrying fruits, veggies and little snacks with me so I don't get too hungry or to the point I did last night. I never want to get back to that low again!

[IrishHeart]

I carried LaraBars with me the first few months. And bananas and apples. Baggies of nuts from nutsonline (safe/ gluten-free)

I could not each much at first, my GI tract was in flames and I had NO appetite. I made myself eat proteins--meat and chicken.

You need protein, hon.

You need WATER right now --so drink up! Probiotics to replenish your gut. (read the email I sent. I am a "pest" about probiotics but they are essential )

Rest up, you've been through a lot and your body is trying to re-boot itself.

[UKGail]

Wow you seem to be doing everything right, and you are getting some really good advice from Irishheart and all the other posters above.

I know what you mean about being hungry all the time though - I went through a short phase of this too - and I am convinced it is your body telling you that it is ready for the healthy food that you are now giving it, and it wants to catch up with all the nutrients it had previously been missing while you were sick.

You might find yourself hungry until you find the balance of protein, healthy fats, veggies and good carbs that is right for you (and what is right for you now may not be the same as what is right for you in a year or so's time once you have fully recovered). I tend to lose weight when I am eating a strict version of what feels good for my body. I counteract this by chopping up into small pieces some of my starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, beets, (can also be done with onions, carrots, squash, pumpkin, anything really) basting them in olive oil, maybe adding salt,garlic and some herbs, and baking them in the oven for 30-45 minutes. It tastes great and is very filling. I have to be careful with quantity when I do this as I find it difficult to digest too much fat, but it may not be the same for you.

I also find it helpful to have a couple of safe treats, something with as short an ingredient list as possible. My personal favourite is a bag of Thai sweet and spicy tortilla chips by R W Garcia.

[IrishHeart]

I know what you mean about being hungry all the time though - I went through a short phase of this too - and I am convinced it is your body telling you that it is ready for the healthy food that you are now giving it, and it wants to catch up with all the nutrients it had previously been missing while you were sick.

You might find yourself hungry until you find the balance of protein, healthy fats, veggies and good carbs that is right for you (and what is right for you now may not be the same as what is right for you in a year or so's time once you have fully recovered).

Me, too---I went from not wanting to eat much of anything for two years because I was so sick and my entire GI tract was in flames-- to wanting to eat several times a day and then, I balanced out. And I agree completely with your thoughts here.

[catsmeow]

I wish Irish Heart lived near me.....you are a lucky girl! You have an angel on your side!

For my purse: My favorite protein bar is "Quest bars" I order them from their website or from vitamin Shoppe (free shipping). Those bars are delicious, gluten free, and provide 20 grams of protein. They are expensive, but worth it to me. I also like the Ostrim pepper flavored meat sticks, the pepper one is the only one that is gluten free. It provides 14 grams of protein. I get them at GNC, Cost plus, or smoothie king, HEB carries them too.

I remember the early days of feeling hungry and lost. It's so hard at first. But. it gets easier, and navigating the gluten free world becomes second nature after awhile.

Can you have dairy? Because you can make Mac and cheese, which is a comfort food. All you need is Tinkyada pasta and blue box velveeta cheese. I've also heard that the cheese packet in the kraft mac and cheese is gluten free. I've heard people just throw out the pasta and replace it with gluten-free pasta. I would be washing the outside of the packet though before opening to prevent cross contamination. I've also heard you can buy the cheese packets by themselves at Walmart. Anyone want to weigh in on this? I've never tried it though, because I make my own cheese sauce with veleveeta, or whatever cheese I happen to have.

I also like to salt and pepper chicken thighs with the skin on, stick them in the oven, in 35-45 minutes, you have juicy hot chicken.....so gooooood, so filling, and so comforting!

[IrishHeart]

okay, you guys are making me blush now.

I am NO angel, I assure you.

just ask my parole officer. (kidding)

I just want Meg to know there is hope, help and all kinds of resources available to her. This is not a death sentence, it's an answer! I sent her to my doctor and we have

3 gluten-free bakeries in the area. One is a restaurant--totally dedicated--run by a fellow celiac, where she will find safe foods and people who care! It's a real blessing to have a safe haven to eat.

The first time I ate there, I cried. (apparently, that happens a lot)

I watched a little boy eat his first brownie one day and we all had tears in our eyes. That kiddo was so thrilled. It was magical.

[Jennifer C]

Honey!

(hugs) You are NOT lost and alone. You just feel like crap.

To be sick with bronchitis on top of it makes it worse, I know.

Many of us had gluten withdrawal symptoms and they will pass. Keep hydrated.

I gave you that list of gluten-free comfort foods you CAN have -- so you can get through this hard time. Go to either of the two bakeries we discussed and get some things. They are both celiacs and can help you.

You have my phone number and email (and I do not do that liberally!!) I am right here!

hugs,

IH

Irish Heart,

Would you mind giving me the list of gluten-free comfort foods that I can have? I am knew to the gluten free diet myself and I am also struggling with detoxing from gluten, but for me I am nauseous and vomiting and have no energy. I have lost 6 pounds in 9 days and am having a hard time finding food that I want to eat, let alone food that will stay in my stomach.

Thank you,

Jennifer C.

[Meggielynn13]

CatsMeow,

I'm hungry just reading your post. Chicken with skin on is my favorite next to steak . I bought a box of gluten free mac and cheese the other night and I think I might make that tonight. Dairy has been easier to eat the past few days. I'm not gonna jump in and have a glass of milk just yet. Almond milk is great though. I'm not sure how good that would be in mac and cheese though. Maybe I will just get the Velveta and use that. Last night was the first meal I have had in almost a week that made me completely full. Who knew I wasn't getting enough protein or calcium! I just started taking my probiotics (even though my bf's mother has been telling me to take them for almost 4 years ) I'm hoping that will help things along as well.

After I get out of work today I'm going to get some chicken with skin and eat it all . I need to make up for lost time because of not eating a lot of protein

[catsmeow]

The first time I ate there, I cried. (apparently, that happens a lot)

I watched a little boy eat his first brownie one day and we all had tears in our eyes. That kiddo was so thrilled. It was magical.

You made me cry!!!!! LOL....anywho, I cried the first time I ate at our local gluten-free bakery and cafe (Little Aussie Bakery & Cafe). It was so delicious and so coooooool to be able to order anything on the menu and for the first time in forever, be able to stuff things in my mouth without thinking...like the rest of the world does!!!

[catsmeow]

CatsMeow,

I'm hungry just reading your post. Chicken with skin on is my favorite next to steak . I bought a box of gluten free mac and cheese the other night and I think I might make that tonight. Dairy has been easier to eat the past few days. I'm not gonna jump in and have a glass of milk just yet. Almond milk is great though. I'm not sure how good that would be in mac and cheese though. Maybe I will just get the Velveta and use that. Last night was the first meal I have had in almost a week that made me completely full. Who knew I wasn't getting enough protein or calcium! I just started taking my probiotics (even though my bf's mother has been telling me to take them for almost 4 years ) I'm hoping that will help things along as well.

After I get out of work today I'm going to get some chicken with skin and eat it all . I need to make up for lost time because of not eating a lot of protein

MMMMMMM...now I want some juicy chicken thighs....LOL...I'm hungry for them too! They are soooo goood! I like that they sell them in the meat department already thawed. It makes it easier to pop into the oven right when you get home from work. Have you tried the Tinkyada pasta? It is superior over the other gluten-free pastas. I hope you get your fill of good protein tonight...(((((hugs))))) I've used almond milk in cheese sauce before and it tasted fine. I did it because I was out of regular milk. Know one in my house new any better. What brand of boxed gluten-free mac and cheese are you making? Let me know if it's good, I've never tried any of those.

[IrishHeart]

Irish Heart,

Would you mind giving me the list of gluten-free comfort foods that I can have? I am knew to the gluten free diet myself and I am also struggling with detoxing from gluten, but for me I am nauseous and vomiting and have no energy. I have lost 6 pounds in 9 days and am having a hard time finding food that I want to eat, let alone food that will stay in my stomach.

Thank you,

Jennifer C.

Absolutely, Jennifer!

Let me cut and paste that file onto here.

Be right back!

[IrishHeart]

Have you tried the Tinkyada pasta? It is superior over the other gluten-free pastas. I hope you get your fill of good protein tonight...(((((hugs)))))

Tinkyada pasta is good. My cousin told me the secret--13 minutes. That's it. Do not go by the instructions or you'll have mush on your hands.

Another good pasta is BiAglut corn pasta. YUM!!! Cook their pasta as directed--works perfectly.

A word of caution to all newbies though is:

Avoid too much dairy and cheese at first because lactase, which is the enzyme that breaks down the sugar lactose, is produced in the tip of the villi.

When the villi get blunted in celiac disease, sometimes the ability to digest lactose is decreased and you can become lactose intolerant.

This may cause bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. After you go gluten-free, the villi will heal and most people are able to tolerate dairy foods again.

So if you start loading up on mac and cheese, ice cream, etc. and you feel lousy, it could be your problem.

WHOLE FOODS is best for the first few weeks and even months, but if you want some comfort food and snacks, have one.

Don't feel deprived.

Get probiotics on board.

I am a PEST about that --they are a MUST.

[IrishHeart]

Irish Heart,

Would you mind giving me the list of gluten-free comfort foods that I can have?

Jennifer C.

This info was compiled for my family and those with NCGI and newly Dxed Celiacs and is a starting point for information about celiac/gluten intolerance.

For info:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Dietary concerns –LISTS OF safe and unsafe gluten free foods:

https://www.celiac.com/articles/181/1/Safe-Gluten-Free-Food-List-Safe-Ingredients/Page1.html

https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/forbidden-gluten-food-list-unsafe-ingredients-r182/

Good books:

Living Gluten free for Dummies--Danna Korn

Celiac Disease: the First Year by Jules Dowler Shepard

Cecelia's Marketplace Gluten-free GROCERY SHOPPING GUIDE

A quick “get-started” menu for gluten-free eating follows:

FLUIDS: Drink 1/2 your body weight daily in filtered H2O every day. A must! Celiacs are dehydrated from malabsorption. Plus, it helps cleanse toxins from body tissues and organs and keep the bowels running smoothly. Gluten is an invasive toxin.

AVOID too many sugary sodas at first--they wreak havoc on the gut.

AVOID DAIRY for 3 months (or longer if it bothers you). Lactase, which is the enzyme that breaks down the sugar lactose, is produced in the tips of the villi. When the villi get blunted in celiac disease, sometimes the ability to digest lactose is decreased and you can become “lactose intolerant.” This may cause bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc. After you go gluten-free, the villi will heal and most people are able to tolerate dairy foods again.

PROBIOTICS are a must. A good one is from Custom Probiotics, but a less expensive one is gluten-free and DF CULTURELLE.

Celiacs' leaky guts have an unbalanced amount of gut flora.

Open Original Shared Link

SUGAR--too much makes me hyper, so I use stevia, honey, pure maple syrup (not most bottled pancake syrups—they contain gluten!)

Earth Balance soy-free is a good choice if you cannot have butter. You need some good essential fatty acids: Safflower oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil.

Breakfasts:

Erewhon crispy brown rice cereal or Kellogg's gluten-free RICE KRISPIES, gluten-free CHEX corn or gluten-free CHEX Rice cereal, gluten-free CHEX honey-nut or gluten-free CHEX Cinnamon

Add: rice milk, almond milk or coconut milk and add berries or sliced banana.

CERTIFIED gluten -free oatmeal w/cinnamon (glutenfreeda brand, Bob's Red Mill are a few )

Eggs and bacon or sausage with gluten-free toast or bagel (Kinnikinnick, Udi's, Glutino Genius or homemade)

Pocono Cream of buckwheat --it's good!! (no worries--Buckwheat is not from the wheat family)

Amaranth pancakes w/pure maple syrup (bottled syrups can contain gluten)

gluten-free packaged pancake/waffle mixes (Pamela's brand is very good as is Bob's Red Mill –we use BRM on the site, for short)

Van's frozen waffles.

FRUITS and VEGGIES—eat plenty of these.

Snack ideas that are safe and handy

Cozy Shack Rice Pudding cups (in the dairy section-contains milk)

All natural applesauce cups

gluten-free cookies or muffins (Bake them or buy them.)

Pamela's Baking Mix is versatile and good for cookies, baked goods.

Bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter and jam . Udi's are pretty good (frozen section)

Pamela's and King Arthur makes a very good brownie mix too!

Chobani Yogurt (if dairy is okay)

Lundberg rice cakes or sliced apples and celery sticks with natural peanut butter or hummus smeared on

Glutino or Scharr crackers with cheese or peanut butter

BOAR's Head brand pepperoni, salami, all their cold cuts and cheeses are gluten-free

I get nuts from nutsonline (gluten-free certified) but some Planter's peanuts, almonds, cashews are gluten-free.

SUNMAID raisins, prunes. Craisins by Ocean Spray. (some raisins and dried fruits are dusted with flour to keep them from sticking but these brands are safe.)

Smoothies- made with coconut milk, fruit, yogurt, etc.

Potato chips----like Cape Cod or Kettle Brand or Utz

Indiana Popcorn--comes in all flavors--the kettle corn is delicious

Glutino brand pretzels—they come in all flavors even chocolate -coated

Coconut milk, creamer and ice cream (Turtle Mountain So Decadent brand is very good)

Ice Cream, if dairy is not a problem for you, most Haagen Das flavors are good, for exmaple. READ LABELS!!!

Organic Corn chips w/salsa, hummus, or Guacamole

Sunflower , pumpkin or flaxseeds

Candy—Hershey's kisses or bars, regular size Reese's cups, Snickers, York peppermint patty, Butterfinger and M &Ms plain and peanut. Ghirardelli squares.

Make some Chex mix with gluten-free chex cereals

gluten-free Rice Krispies treats (recipes are online)

CHEBE pizza and breadstick mixes—very good!

THERE ARE DOZENS OF YUMMY RECIPES ON CELIAC.COM AND ALL OVER THE INTERNET. LEARN TO MAKE UP FLOUR MIXES SO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE BAKING THINGS YOURSELF.

Check the labels of all packaged products-- if they were made with wheat or malt gluten, they will state so on the package.

LUNCH and DINNER:

Leftovers from last night's dinner make an easy lunch

Some Progresso soups are gluten-free. Check the label!

A sandwich with gluten free bread or rolls—UDIs, Scharr's and Canyon Bakehouse are decent packaged breads, rolls and bagels, but homemade is the way to go.

I have a simple recipe for white sandwich bread that is delicious if you want it.

A big salad with tons of veggies and grilled chicken or shrimp and Hard-boiled eggs/ with gluten-free or homemade vinegrette dressing. A list of gluten free salad dressings is available online. Marzettis, and most of WishBone and Ken's are okay. Homemade is best!

Homemade vegetable minestrone ,chicken soup, stews, black bean or white bean chili (gluten-free stock)

chicken or bean nachos (can use corn tortillas)

red beans and rice

almost all mexican food is safe (just no flour tortillas!)

PASTA and sauce w/meatballs (brown rice or corn pasta --TINKYADA BRAND rice pasta is delicious! Cook 13 minutes exactly) and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (just crumble some gluten-free bread and season)

Another good pasta is CORN pasta made by BiAglut or Sam's Hill. Cook as directed.

meatloaf (beef or ground turkey) baked potato or yams, green veggie of some kind

Other proteins: roasted or grilled chicken, turkey, pork, beef, salmon, talapia, scallops, lamb, some sausages are safe, bacon (Check labels)

Vegetarian chili--homemade.

I eat a variety of veggies..whatever looks fresh at the super market or farmer's market or stands...steamed, grilled--- or roasted root veggies in stock.

Sweet potatoes—baked at 350 degrees in a pan for 45-50 mins.--are yummy

Potatoes—roasted, grilled, whipped with milk

Fritattas with veggies and salad

Stuffed peppers—with ground turkey, beef or lamb and rice

ANY recipe can be altered--just use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or rice pasta ---use any flour made from amaranth, corn, bean, etc...just NO WHEAT, RYE OR BARLEY or cross -contaminated OATS. Quaker oats are Cced!!. Bob's Red Mill are not.

Cross-contamination is the bane of our existence. Learn how to make your home safe.

Open Original Shared Link

Hidden sources of gluten:

Open Original Shared Link

Packaged/processed Foods:

A package stating a product is “Gluten-free “ does not always guarantee it was processed and manufactured and packaged in a dedicated facility. You want the GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) circle stamped on the package –it is a big gluten-free in a circle.

Some DEDICATED gluten-free facilities are:

Bob's Red Mill

1-2-3 Meredith's Marvelous

Authentic Foods

Pamela's

Cause You're Special

Udi's

The Cravings Place

Andean Dream

Kinnikinnick

Organic Nectars

Orgran

Foods by George

gluten-free FULL FLAVOR Gravy

Prana Bar

Enjoy Life

EnergG

Gillian's

They make all kinds of ready made mixes and flours to make it easy to start baking.

The cooking and baking section on the forum has thousands of great ideas—these guys are amazingly creative!

That should get you started. No need to fear eating!

Best wishes!

[catsmeow]

Tinkyada pasta is good. My cousin told me the secret--13 minutes. That's it. Do not go by the instructions or you'll have mush on your hands.

LOL...I almost included that bit of advice, but decided against it because not everyone likes pasta the way I like it cooked, but you are right,good point, know one likes it's mushy, so 13 min. is correct. That is exactly how long I cook it for.

[IrishHeart]

LOL...I almost included that bit of advice, but decided against it because not everyone likes pasta the way I like it cooked, but you are right,good point, know one likes it's mushy, so 13 min. is correct. That is exactly how long I cook it for.

I made it too mushy, then, too al dente, and almost gave up on that brand until she told me 13 minutes---she was emphatic!!--13 minutes!!! Came out just right.

and now, I tell everyone, too.

Works every time.

[Meggielynn13]

Catsmeow

I got Annie's rice pasta and cheese Mac and cheese. The only kind of dairy that bothers me is straight milk and too much ice cream( like more than a couple scoops). I haven't had any problems with cheese or yogurt yet. Hopefully I don't cause I love that stuff. I'm actually saving chicken for dinner Tuesday night and I'm having fish and rice for dinner! I need to remember to bring goodie bags of food with me to work and school because i didn't bring enough with me and I'm starting to get to that too hungry point. As I'm typing this I'm eating some gluten-free cereal awaiting dinner . I sound like such a foodie but I'm really just malnourished and looking for something to fill my belly

[Jennifer C]

Irish Heart,

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Also is there any form of pasta that I could eat that would taste like regular pasta? I am Italian and not having pasta is going to be really hard for me.

Thanks,

Jennifer C

[Jennifer C]

Hi Everyone!

I was also wondering if there was a website that would tell me if there was a gluten free bakery/restaurant in my area.....I live in Virginia Beach.

Thanks,

Jennifer C