Waiting For Celiac Disease Blood Test Results

[Connielynn38]

Hello , I am new here and still learning my way around. I have had FMS and many other thing for many years. I am 38 now. I have been sick many years. I was told I had IBS and many other stomach problems many years ago.

Now my new doctor says she thinks I have celiac disease. I don't even know what kind of blood test she did. I do know now I should not of quit eating some bread and stuff a while before my test. I hope I did not mess up the results. I did try to eat as much as I could before being tested. I got very sick. See at first I did not think she was going to test me, as she just said I had gluten intolerance.

I feel sure I am getting some forms of hidden gluten. I have had such a rough time. I am trying to keep my weight up, it is hard. I can't eat dairy. I get sick when I take vitamins.

I have the most awful pains in my legs, feet and ankles. I had a bone dentisty test a few years ago. I think I need another one.

I can't eat a lot of foods due to migraines. My migaines are under control since I cut out MSG and I take topamax. I am supposed to take 100 mg of topamax in the morning, but usually I break it in half and I take 100mg at night. I take klonopin at night too, 1 mg. I stopped taking a bunch of my meds.

I have to get outpatient laser surgery the 6th of next month for mild obstructive sleep apnea and snoring on my throat. I will then be on antibiotics, steriods, and strong pain meds for a while. B/C some ppl can lose 10 to 15 lbs recovering from this surgery and I weigh a healthy but barely 120 now. I am struggling to keep that weight. I have lost down to 100 with stomach problems before and do not want to do that again.

I am even going to try to make some homemade yogurt to see if I can tolerate it. I would take any ones ideas and suggestions. I really need some help. I know of no support groups here in the rural area of West Virginia, USA I live in. I have a couple books,but I really am confused about what to eat!!!!!Also you can't buy much here that is gluten free and I am on a budget!!!!! We have a 17 year old and we take care of an 18 year old. They go to College next year. I can't afford to really order much stuff. Plus b/c of migraines I can't tolerate much any way.

I found this site through a book!!! I have so much to do before my surgery yet I am so weak. I have had to have so much bloodwork and stuff lately to check for lupus and other things, still waiting for results. I really need more help at home. How do you get stuff done when you are so sick. I take imodium almost every day now!!!!! I wonder if I need more tests for my stomach? But in the past the stomach doctor was no help!!!! Can my regular doctor do any of them?

I hope to be able to read and post here more soon. Looks like such a great Board. Thanks!!!

Confused in WV,

Connie

[Carriefaith]

If you were eating gluten free or even slightly gluten-free before the blood tests, then your results could be false negative. If gluten is making you that sick and it would be devastating to go back on gluten again to get tests done, then maybe you should go 100% on the diet. If you want to see results on the diet, you must check for gluten in everything that goes in or near your mouth including make-up, shampoo, suncreen, other cosmetics. You also have to have your own toaster, condiment jars, and deep fryer and make sure all counter surfaces are cleaned before placing food on them.

Eating gluten free does not have to be expensive. You do not have to go out and buy all the expensive items. Some suggestions:

Meat/potato/vegetable dinners

Veggy or Fruit salads

Chili

Corn Tacos

Stir Fry and rice

Soup

Stew

omelettes

Going 100% dairy free can be tough as well. Check for whey and lactose in chocolate, butter, margerine, candy, chips, ect. A little bit of dairy, like in candies and chocolates can sometimes make me quite sick.

Hope this helps

[cornbread]

Hi Connie,

I have to eat gluten and dairy free too, and I basically stick to the basics: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and fruit. I don't like nuts so I don't eat them but if I liked them I would. I eat pumpkin seeds though. And dark chocolate. If you want a bread type item, corn tortillas are naturally gluten free, and of course rice too. For snacks, corn chips can't be beat! All these things are regular price items, not marketed as 'gluten free' because they are just naturally gluten free.

I would suspect that a lot of your medications might contain gluten, so see if you can get them checked at the doctor or call the manufactuer. Vitamins too often contain gluten - make sure you get a brand that says 'does not contain gluten or dairy' on the bottle. You can probably purchase them on the internet if there is nowhere near you with the right kind.

If you live with people who are eating gluten foods or sharing your kitchen, make sure that all work surfaces and hands are clean of gluten foods. It's amazing, but you can get 'glutened' from someone picking up bread (for example) and then touching your food. Or kissing someone who ate gluten, or even just letting them taste your drink. Our bodies react to the tiniest trace amouts of this stuff, so be extra careful. It seems overwhelming at first, but you will get used to it very quickly and once you start feeling the benefits of going gluten free (and dairy in our case), all the extra effort will be worth it.

Good luck and I really hope you feel better very soon!

[FaithInScienceToo]

Hi, and welcome -

I just privately sent info to another newbie about a supplement I find to be very useful - I think it might be of interest to you, too...so, I am copying and pasting what I wrote about it below for you, and others, to read:

====================================================

I use a great gluten-free powdered supplement product that I found on the Net, called "Alpha ENF" - It is easily mixed with water or juice (I use juice), and it provides not only protein, but many other important nutrients, and it is instantly absorbed...there is no 'digestive process' needed....It's from Canada. I loved it after my first order, so I ordered a dozen containers last time (since you get a discount per dozen). It needs to be refrigerated after opening, and should not be stored in hot temps...I get Vanilla flavored, and like it with apple or grape juice. I have also tried unflavored and it is fine, too. They offer a nice "Gluten Rescue Starter Pack"

The web site for it is:

Open Original Shared Link

The Rescue Pack is on this page:

Open Original Shared Link

====================================================

Maybe it can help you, too?

Best wishes in your recovery process,

Gina

PS - It can also be mixed with a fiber supplement - I use Konsyl original formula - this is a product recommended by my doc, since it has twice as much fiber per spoonful than other brands. The original and the Konsyl easy mix formulas are gluten-free (from the info on their web site...their other products are not gluten-free).

I found Konsyl at Long's drugs.

[Connielynn38]

Thank you for the replies. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, but it can be hard. I have been through a lot the last few years, well over the years. I hope this is my last surgery next month. Over many years I have had to have 1 major surgery and 2 minor ones and countless tests. The expense has been very hard on my family.

And our family has had a lot of hard times. I know you all know what I mean when I say how hard it is being sick and not nowing what is going on. But then I think of so many that have it so much worse right now.

I knew something else was wrong but could not figure it out for longest time. Now I am sure.

I wonder if I should get my 17 year old daughter tested now too? She does not have stomach problems but she is very thin but healthy. Well she does have narcolepsy. But the provigil keeps it in check, she is lucky it works for her. I pushed for the the right tests for this, the overnight sleep study and the testing the next day is actually what found it though.

She had problems over a year before she got diagnosed. She is lucky she got diagnosed so soon. But she is so smart. But it messed up her grades for a year, she still did well though, but would have done better had she not had to come home and teach her self trig, etc..

Due to her falling asleep in class, etc..Well falling asleep all the time!!!! I knew something was wrong. I wish I had got her tested before. But did the best I could. She did not want to go for tests, as even most teachers were insensitive to her. One was concerned. I knew something was wrong. We just had to figure it out. I talked to my husband, I told him something is wrong here. I read and got her to the neurolgist and we got this figured out. NO way was she going to suffer any longer. The way I have suffered with stuff so long!!!!!

She has had severe hives before (she has kind of out grown), we had allergy testing but never could figure it all out to be honest. She still gets some weird rashes sometimes. I wonder if this can be a sign of celiac?

I guess I just don't want my beautiful daughter to suffer through all that I have and all that I am suffering through.

I was wondering how long it took you to heal? I have read it can take different amounts of time I think for different ppl? Do I call the pharmacist or the doctor about my meds to see if they have gluten? To be honest I really need them both. I am worried if they have gluten. I have been on konopin for years, it could be really hard to get off of.

I do feel overwhelmed. I am assuming it is normal to feel this way. I feel quite a bit of anxiety to be honest. I have quit eating all the main foods with gluten. It is the little things I feel that may still be bothering me. I never thought about makeup, hair products, etc.. till I came to the board here.

Also do I have to have my own pans? We don't have a big house. I never thought about a lot of this stuff even though I have a couple books on celiac disease, well I might need more up to date ones.

Also right now I have so little energy, I am hoping this gets better and I can cook more and do more later on.

But I want to get better. So I will do my best. Take care. And thank you.

Connie I try to keep on smiling and make the best of each day. Life is to short to do anything less.

[FaithInScienceToo]

Hi, Connie -

Yes...feeling overwhelmed is entirely normal...

and, Yes....you must get your daughter tested, too. I had hives two times, for the first time in my life, soon before I finally learned about gluten. I also had DH blisters on my back. In fact, I still have a scar from a big one that I scratched too much. Anyway...it's not because she gets hives that you need to get her tested, it's because she is a first-degree relative of yours...

I understand how hard this illness can be on people...I also went through years of tests, like you did (over 20 years)...and had 2 most probably unnecessary surgeries if had I been gluten-free, before being diagnosed with "Celiac Sprue."

This disease can seem quite devastating at times...but, believe me, it gets better...MUCH better...in time...

Please try to stay focused on the fact that you now know how to take control of your health...and be proud...VERY PROUD...that you pushed and pushed the docs to get to where you are now - properly diagnosed, and on your way to vibrant health!

As far as time to heal, it depends on each person, and how bad their damage was pre-going-gluten-free. It has been 9 months for me now since going gluten-free, and I still have floating stools, but it seems like nothing to me compared to the wreck of a person I felt like before...In fact, if my stools continue to float until the day I die, I don't really care, as long as I am Ok otherwise ;-) [Hope that got a little laugh]

About your meds - call the companies, if possible...

Also, there is a data-base you can purchase from "Clan Thompsom" - it's on-line - to help find out if there is gluten in your meds - I bought it...

There is no 'konopin' listed, but there is 'klonopin,' by Roche - It lists it as gluten-free, verified on 10/26/04.

1-800-546-6367 is the company's phone number. I would call to be sure that they are still gluten-free, if that is the drug you are taking.

Get the names of the other meds you will be prescribed post-op and find out NOW if they are OK...if they are not OK, get your doc to find a proper substitute!

About make-up, etc...as long as you keep washing your hands thoroughly with gluten-free soap after putting it on, and keep your hands off your face/out of your mouth, you are OK...But, it is best to begin buying gluten-free stuff when your current stuff runs out...that's my plan of action...

Be careful about kissing, though....'he' must have 'a gluten-free clean' mouth ;-)

[Another laugh? ;-)]

About pans...no, you do NOT need your own pans...

One of the site administrators came on a few days back and replied to a post to clarify that needing your own pans/cutting boards is "an Internet myth"...

He said that as long as they are thoroughly washed/run through the DW, they are Ok to share...the only thing he mentioned is you DO need your own toaster, and to be careful of colanders and other gadgets that can trap gluten-pasta, etc in them...

Hope you are feeling stronger soon! And, glad you made it to this site...

It's INVALUABLE...I don't know what I would have done without it, in terms of not feeling alone in this...

Sounds as if you are keeping a positive attitude...and it's good that you also got out some of the fear...

Remember, it's truly uphill now.

Best wishes with the surgery -

Love from, Gina

PS - you cannot go wrong with the supplement I posted about yesterday...it may be just the thing to see you through in your post-op days...It's worth the money when you figure out the cost of it in terms of per meal pricing...and it's a breeze to mix it into juice :-)

[Rikki Tikki]

Connie:

I just wanted to tell you that I know how totally frustrating this can be and overwhelming. I can say now about 3 years after diagnosis that I am finally feeling better. It will happen for you too. I would have your daughter tested. I just found out my mom has it and one daughter has tested positive but refuses to follow the diet. She's bigger than me so there is not much I can do about it.

Keep up the good fight!

[FaithInScienceToo]

Oh...I just realized when I went to brush my teeth -

...about personal care products, you DO need to be sure to use gluten-free toothpastes and floss -

I use Crest products.

I do not use mouthwash, so I do not know what ones are gluten-free -

You can find other dental care products that are gluten-free by doing a search on here - I know this has been addressed before on here, so you can get that info via a search.

Take good care,

Gina

[Connielynn38]

Oh...I just realized when I went to brush my teeth -

...about personal care products, you DO need to be sure to use gluten-free toothpastes and floss -

I use Crest products.

I do not use mouthwash, so I do not know what ones are gluten-free -

You can find other dental care products that are gluten-free by doing a search on here - I know this has been addressed before on here, so you can get that info via a search.

Take good care,

Gina

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks everyone again. Gina, I was looking at your list of PAST DIAGNOSES and I have had a bunch of the same ones!!!!! Right now my teeth are still hurting from all the white fillings I had to get in my back teeth last Monday!!!!!!

About that supplement you listed, I do wonder if it is MSG free. I can't have MSG due to migraines. MSG is found in a lot of things under other names. Also I am getting surgery in a few days, and they may make me wait 2 weeks after my surgery before starting on anything else.

And I had to quit taking some stuff 2 weeks before my surgery. They don't want me taking hardly anything right now!!!! They gave me a list of what not to take, even vitamins, etc.....

[KaitiUSA]

Makeups(lipsticks are a MUST but everything else should be converted to gluten free too), shampoos,lotions, soaps, and really anything that you put on your face, hair, and hands should really be gluten free. I threw all my makeup out because a while being gluten free I got better and then I noticed a correlation with feeling bad again when I used certain products so then I realized that I must also switch that stuff. It is just so easy to cross contaminate subconsciously and it's not worth it because a little bit can cause damage.

And soaps...say you wash your hands with gluten containing soap before preparing food and then touch food and now your food is contaminated. There are so many avenues that need to be looked into and products can gluten you very easily even when you are careful because sometimes you just do things subconsciously.

As far as pots and pans go...they just need to be cleaned. If wooden and teflon things are in good condition and you can clean them and get everything out of grooves that could be gluten then yes they are fine to keep but if they are in bad condition like mine were then they need to be replaced because there was no way I would be able to get the gluten out of that.

It will all get better as you learn more...it will become a natural part of you.

[nogluten-]

Connielynn,

I think getting enough sleep will be very helpful for you in many ways- if you don't sleep, you can't heal and will feel more stressed. Good luck with your surgery. I know it's hard to do all that you need to when you're not feeling well. Try to break down what you have to do into small steps. Maybe do the dishes, rest for a while, then go on to your next thing, add a break, etc. Also delegate some jobs to your family a.s.ap. if possible.

Some foods I have on hand at all times that are inexpensive and/or seem to soothe my stomach are:

gluten free pasta

ragu spaghetti sauce (it has some allergens, but not gluten, at least)

bananas

honey

Success Brand white rice

gluten free cereals and rice milk

Yukon Gold Potatoes (which i peel,cut into about half an inch slices, stick in a pan with olive oil , salt,pepper, a little basil,marjoram,rosemary,sage,thyme and fennel seeds if you like those. (Fennel really helps with digestion.) They're a healthy version of french fries, they're good and pretty filling.

olive oil

fruits you can tolerate

gluten free spices

salad

applesauce

Over time you'll figure out your food sensitivities so these might or might not be good for you. If you think you need to be tested for Crohn's, or another g.i. illness, you definately need to see a gastro. Sometimes a regular endoscopy isn't enough to diagnose a disease. If that's the case they can give you a camera endoscopy (I was diagnosed this way, so I always tell people this , because it literally saved my life.)

Hang in there and take good care of yourself so that your surgery goes well. Take care.

[FaithInScienceToo]

Hi Connie -

I understand about being told to not use certain things pre-surgery. The reason I have been able to be on here a lot lately is that I am still recovering from a recent surgery - had to have my nose re-built ;>), due to a bad fall as a kid...it is my third time having the tip rebuilt - I think they got it right this time :-)

Anyway, I was told no Vit E pre-op (along with aspirin and ibuprofen containing products) - as it can increase bleeding...

The supplement does contain vit E, but it should be fine for you AFTER surgery...

It's hyoallergenic, does NOT contain MSG, and contains essential fatty acids, too...It has helped me tremendously, when I need extra nutrition or just do not have the energy to digest large meals.

If you need to check it out with your docs, you can show them the list of ingredients, and info from the Alpha ENF web site, that I have copied and pasted below - just copy and paste it to a word file and print it out :-) Maybe they'll tell you it's not a bad idea...maybe they'll say 'no way'...all I know is that I love the stuff, and it works for me, but everyone's different and we need to keep safe, no matter what!

GOOD LUCK, again!

Gina

===============================================

Here is part of the site's write-up about using Alpha ENF for Celiac Disease, and surgery:

Immune responses to gluten

Immune responses to gluten, the proteins found in cereal grains are a common cause of disease. In celiac disease the gastrointestinal tract is the primary target organ; however systemic disease is an important consequence of cereal grain ingestion in many patients. We think that the people diagnosed with celiac disease are a sub-population of a much larger group with gluten allergy.

Proteins in the cereal grains, wheat, rye and barley are responsible for the disease. The suspect group of proteins are called "gluten." Gluten is a mixture of individual proteins, classified in two groups, the Prolamines and the Glutelins. One component of Gluten known to cause trouble is the prolamine, Gliadin.

The Alpha Nutrition Program is gluten-free and is recommended as the best diet revision strategy for anyone with diagnosed celiac disease, or any person with symptoms suggestive of gluten allergy. The gluten free recipes are found in the Alpha Nutrition Program's Book of Cooking and Recipes.

When symptoms are active or recurrent after initial diet revision, a food holiday on the Alpha ENF meal replacement formula will often lead to complete remission of symptoms. Alpha Nutrient Formulas are gluten free. (Please note that maltodextrin, used in Alpha ENF and Alpha PMX, does not contain gluten and is not related to barley-derived malt.)

---------------------------------------------------------

Surgery and Trauma: Use of Alpha Formulas

Alpha ENF & Alpha PMX supply generous amounts of rapidly absorbed nutrients of high quality in balanced formulas. Both formulas can be used to replace meals or a regular diet to boost nutrient intake levels.

Healing Injuries

Tissue injuries require increased nutrient intake to heal properly. Increased intake of nutrients can be beneficial to injured patients. Often after injuries, as after surgery, good nutrition is neglected or difficult to achieve. Appetite may be suppressed by pain and drugs. Hospital food may be unappetizing and nutritionally inferior. Alpha ENF to the rescue! Hospitalized patients have used their own Alpha ENF kept at their bedside to boost their nutrition.

Padden-Jones et al demonstrated that essential amino acid and carbohydrate (EAAC) supplementation maintains muscle protein synthetic capacity and reduces lean muscle loss in patients who are immobile or confined to bedrest. In young healthy individuals, the combined effect of EAACs on muscle protein synthesis is greater than the sum of their independent effects. They used 16.5 g essential amino acids and 30 g carbohydrate three times daily They stated:” EAAC supplementation maintained muscle protein synthetic capacity and ameliorated muscle loss during 28 d of bedrest. Our data also suggest that there was no change in muscle protein breakdown associated with bedrest or EAAC supplementation."

Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:4351-4358

People recovering at home may find Alpha ENF & Alpha PMX an ideal nutritional supplement to boost their intake of all the healing nutrients. Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains may result in prolonged inflammation, pain, and loss of function. Poor nutrition and food allergy may be hidden causes of slow healing and prolonged disability.

Alpha ENF & Alpha PMX can be used to supply nutrients before and after surgery. Often, pre-operative preparation requires a period of reduced food intake or fasting and Alpha ENF can be used as a completely absorbed and fully nourishing food-replacement. After surgery, eating may be difficult or undesirable and the Alpha formulas can supply much-needed nutrients efficiently. Studies have shown experience confirms that people recover better from surgery if they are well nourished before and after.

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Here are the nutrient values and ingredients:

Alpha ENF Nutrient Values Per 100 Grams of Formula

Calories

360.00

Carbohydrate

75.00

gm

Protein*

8.00

gm

Fat

4.50

gm

Cholesterol

0.00

Sugars

12.00

gm

Minerals

Calcium

270.00

mg

Chloride

600.00

mg

Chromium

0.04

mg

Copper

0.70

mg

Iodine

43.00

ug

Iron

3.30

mg

Magnesium

125.00

mg

Manganese

1.20

mg

Molybdenum

50.00

ug

Potassium

480.00

mg

Phosphate

270.00

mg

Sodium

480.00

mg

Selenium

0.02

mg

Zinc

5.00

mg

Vitamins

Vitamin A

800.00

IU

beta-Carotene

7.50

mg

Vitamin D

100.00

IU

Vitamin C

150.00

mg

Vitamin E

100.00

IU

Riboflavin

4.00

mg

Niacinamide

16.00

mg

Pyridoxine

10.00

mg

Thiamine

10.00

mg

Biotin

0.20

mg

Pantothenate

25.00

mg

*Folic acid

300.00

ug

Vitamin B12

20.00

ug

Choline

50.00

mg

AminoAcids

l-alanine

319

mg

l-arginine

598

mg

l-aspartic acid

598

mg

l-cystine

120

mg

l-glutamic acid

199

mg

l-glutamine

478

mg

l-glycine

996

mg

l-histidine

212

mg

l-isoleucine

478

mg

l-leucine

638

mg

l-lysine HCl

598

mg

l-methionine

359

mg

l-phenylalanine

598

mg

l-proline

359

mg

l-serine

239

mg

l-threonine

319

mg

l-tryptophan

120

mg

l-tyrosine

399

mg

l-valine

399

mg

INGREDIENTS:

Alpha ENF is a high quality meal replacement formula used in critical applications to provide optimal nutrient intake. There are no comparable products available of the shelf in the USA and Canada. The ingredients are all chosen for purity, solubility and low allergenicity. The ingredients are expensive and the formula is expensive to manufacture. Unlike many products, you are paying for ingredient quality and not extravagant mark-ups of cheap ingredients. Elemental nutrient formulas represent the ultimate reduction of food, replacing food intake with a chemically defined set of nutrients. Nutrition is built of basic building blocks. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are typical components of foods. Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients. Alpha ENF is formulated by assembling nutrients into modules that supply energy, electrolytes, antioxidants, phosphate, vitamins, minerals, neurotransmitter substrates and protein building blocks.

Energy is supplied by in Alpha ENF by carbohydrates and fat. The principal sugars are glucose and fructose. These are the simplest carbohydrate molecules, known by their single ring structure as monosaccharides. Glucose is the fuel of all living things, supplying energy to all living cells, both plant and animal. The creation of glucose begins in plants with the magic of photosynthesis. The sun's photons are the original energy source used by the chloroplasts of leaves to drive carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms together to form glucose. Plants then use the newly synthesized glucose to fuel all their other synthetic processes, constructing tissues so that animals have food to eat. Fructose is the first cousin of glucose.

Sugar has been blamed for all manner of health problems, often without justification. Many people who contact us with sugar concerns are misinformed and confused about the role of sugar in the body. They cannot differentiate among different kinds of sugar. They have not learned that glucose runs every cell alive on planet earth. Glucose, like oxygen and water is essential to life, but too much in the wrong place, at the wrong time can be harmful. The basic principle of life is that the right molecules have to be delivered to the right place at the right time.

This principle is used to formulate elemental nutrient formulas such as Alpha ENF. The idea is that glucose and fructose supply the energy that the body needs; the sugars are combined with all other nutrients following an ideal proportioning plan. If glucose utilization is impaired as in diabetes, then the rate of glucose absorption becomes critical. Small frequent doses of Alpha ENF and PMX will often be better utilized and high blood sugar peaks are avoided. Free sugars in the diet are rapidly absorbed and utilized by body tissues. Some tissues such as muscle require insulin to absorb sugar. Other organs, such as the brain, do not require insulin and are prime sugar consumers. The liver tries to maintain blood sugar levels within a narrow normal range by either absorbing or releasing sugar. The liver and muscles store sugar as glycogen. The liver can produce glucose from fatty acids and amino acids if food does not supply adequate sugar intake. Slow absorption of sugars is better tolerated than the rapid absorption of larger amount. Complex carbohydrates in vegetables are ideal sustained-release sources of sugar.

Maltodextrin is hydrolyzed starch in granular form with glucose polymers of different molecular weights. Presenting energy in this form reduces the osmotic pressure of the formula (an advantage) and provides for variable absorption rates of glucose. Hydrolyzed corn starch is usually tolerated by people with allergy to corn since the protein antigens associated with allergy corn are generally not present. Please note that maltodextrin, used in Alpha ENF, Alpha PMX and Alpha BMX does not contain gluten and is not related to barley-derived malt.

Glucose and fructose: both monosaccharides are derived from corn and are usually tolerated by people with allergy to corn since the protein antigens associated with corn allergy are generally not present. More information about sugars

The electrolyte module consists of salts dissolved in water which form the basis of blood and cellular function. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and chloride are the essential electrolytes which should arrive in proportion to each other and in the right amounts for proper body function. Water is essential and the intake amount determines the concentration of electrolytes in the blood and tissue fluids. The right amount of water is important - more is almost always better than less. The Alpha formulations provide a balanced set of electrolytes. Phosphate is essential to energy storage and transfer.

Canola Oil is now used in Alpha ENF formulas. Canola provides a better fatty acid profile than safflower oil and has solved the quality and supply problems we were having with safflower oil. Unfortunately, there is misinformation circulating about Canola oil, mostly repeating information about euracic acid that is 30 years out of date. Canola oil is quickly replacing other less desirable oils in both commercial and retail food sales. The food business is extremely competitive and normal marketing strategy is to circulate rumors and other misinformation that discredit competitors’ products. After much study and testing over several years we are convinced that Canola oil is safe, effective and offers the best ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids of all the available oils. For those with a strong loyalty to safflower oil, you can order Alpha ENF unflavored 1000 grams with safflower oil instead of canola oil.

Antioxidants are provided in generous quantities in Alpha ENF because of their many potential health benefits. Vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E and selenium scavenge free oxygen radicals.

Amino Acids Instead of proteins, free amino acids are provided in the Alpha Nutrition series. A complete set of the nine essential amino acids is complemented by 10 of the non-essential amino acids. Alpha ENF contains branch-chain amino acids. One of the therapeutic secrets of ENFs is the avoidance of proteins or pieces of proteins known as peptides. Proteins are the most reactive molecules in food allergic disease. Staple foods such as milk, eggs, wheat and meat contain proteins that frequently causes immune responses and are the basic problem in delayed patterns of food allergy.

Alpha ENF avoid the protein problems by using a balanced set of pure amino acids instead of proteins or hydrolyzed proteins. Amino acids are the real nutrients derived from proteins by digestion of food. Amino acids do not trigger immune responses. Free amino acids are much more expensive than protein powders, and hydrolyzed proteins but freeing the immune system from protein challenge is well-worth the cost.

Some of these amino acids are not destined to be included in body proteins but will be used as neurotransmitters. Tyrosine and phenylalanine, for example, are converted to dopamine, noradrenalin and adrenalin. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin. Other neurotransmitter substrates are not amino acids. Choline becomes acetylcholine and is provided in Alpha ENF even though it is not considered an essential nutrient. Choline is the substrate for this transmitter. Glycine itself is a major neurotransmitter in the spinal cord. Glutamate is another important amino acid - neurotransmitter.

Ingredient Sources

The idea of an ENF is to present nutrients in a pure or near-pure form so that food source contaminants are avoided. Canola oil is the only food ingredient in its native state; providing free fatty acids is not an affordable option. Maltrodextrin is hydrolyzed corn starch and is generally tolerated by people with allergy to corn since the protein antigens in corn are generally not present. Avicel (microcellulose) is the fiber component from plant sources and provides enough bulk that bowel movements still occur even with prolonged food holidays on Alpha ENF. Microcellulose reduces digestive symptoms overall and there is no known allergy. The vitamin and mineral nutrients are presented with US Pharmaceutical certified purity and are chosen for the optimal solubility in water - this provides quick mixing and maximum nutrient absorption. The amino acids are individually added to an Amino Acid Premix and are the highest quality money can buy, certified as 100% pure, l-form amino acids - i.e. no source or production contaminants.

No hydrolyzed proteins are used in Alpha Nutrition formulations. The formulas are hypoallergenic and have been tolerated by people with sensitivity to many if not most foods. Hypoallergenic means low allergy potential but not zero potential; we doubt that a zero-allergy product is feasible and is not required by people who live in the real world and are exposed to thousands of potential allergens every day

Alpha ENF Ingredient List:

Energy - Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin, Glucose, Fructose. Fat - Canola Oil ( an option is safflower oil available only in 1000 gram jars ENF Unflav.)

Fiber - Microcellulose (Avicel)

Minerals and Electrolytes: Magnesium gluconate, Potassium gluconate, Calcium glycerophosphate, Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, Potassium gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Ferrous Gluconate, Manganese gluconate, Potassium Iodide, Copper Gluconate, Sodium Selenite, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Chloride.

Amino Acids: l-leucine, l-lysine HCl, l-phenylalanine, l-arginine, l-aspartic acid, l-glycine, l-isoleucine, l-glutamine,-methionine, l-proline, l-threonine, l-alanine, l-tyrosine, l-valine, l-serine, l-histidine, l-glutamic acid, l-tryptophan, l-cystine

Vitamins: Ascorbic acid, Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta carotene , Niacinamide, Thiamine, Pyridoxine HCl, Biotin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A palmitate, Calcium pathothenate, Vitamin D 3, Alpha tocopherol, Folic acid,

Misc: choline bitartrate

[FaithInScienceToo]

I have not checked your blog, but I think you should make a new post for the questions about your aunt...to be sure that you get enough replies, since this thread is about something else.

Anyway...all I know is:

To 'prove' Celiac, you need AT LEAST a "Celiac blood panel"...a simple blood test.

It is usually required to have an endoscopy done if the test comes back positive, but if you can get the doc to tell you he will diagnose her as "celiac" with only a positive blood test BEFORE you get her tested, that would be best.

I guess you want to prove 'Celiac' to be sure her feeding tube nutrients are not poisoning her, and so that the end of her life, even in a brain-damaged state, will be less stressful on her body. I admire you for wanting to help her die in the easiest, most comfortable manner...She is very lucky to have you.

About epilepsy, I have very little knowledge of it, sorry.

Not sure why you need to 'prove that'...just trying to make sure she gets the meds she needs for that? If so, her doc should be able to get her checked for that...it might only entail a simple EEG test...(electroencephalogram)? I would think that her doc is now legally responsible to get her checked for it, if you and your family members have seen definite signs of it in her, and have told him so...

Good luck,

Gina