Tried the gluten-free diet, it made me constipated

[superbloop]

Hey everyone, just thought I'd stop by and say hi again. I had visited a naturopath the other day and he suggested I try the gluten free diet. I noticed shortly after starting that I stopped passing gas and was constipated for a week when I finally had a bowel movement it was rock-hard and caused some perianal discharge as a result of my recently lanced abcess. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar problem when on this diet and if there are any modifications I can make to attempt the diet again without the same problems. I replaced my wheat with buckwheet, millet, and oat products.

 

[whysoserious]

I had the same problem. It did help my symptoms a little, for example I never once vomited while I was on the diet. But it wasn't worth the constipation or the hassle.

 

[Crohns08]

Did they even do a test to see if you are sensitive to gluten? I took the test and showed up sensitive, but I find it doesn't really make a huge difference for me.

 

[debjandy]

I found the same thing happened when I went gluten free, but it turned around when I continued to add more fruit, vegetables and whole grain. Plus, I really felt a change when I began eliminating sugar/fructose... Honestly though, the more fruit, veggies and whole grain was the significant change that helped me become more regular then I ever remember being in my LIFE! Good luck!

 

[BecDoll]

I have been on a gluten free diet for over 12 months now. You need to make sure you eat enough fiber though which is difficult. Make sure you are eating wholemeal gluten free bread and pasta and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 

[Sophia]

I'm gluten free, but I've cut out a few other things too, like sugar, grains etc. I'm not constipated, but it is def a lot harder, and sometimes so hard that I start bleeding a bit... :S But I still have bms every day, they are just more normal looking, and no more D, which I consider great! Maybe there are things you can add to your diet to make it softer, like berries and fruits?

I've posted a thread with the diet I use, see "Sophia's diet", maybe you can compare to what you are doing, and try to add or rule out some things according to that? Then again, we are all different, and what works for some of us, is dreadful for others, unfortunately. Really hope you are able to find a balance soon!

Big hugs,

 

[superbloop]

Did they even do a test to see if you are sensitive to gluten? I took the test and showed up sensitive, but I find it doesn't really make a huge difference for me.

My naturopath took some blood and is sending it out of province for allergy testing. Hopefully then I can figure out what foods I can eat without having any of these issues.

 

[Mountaingem]

I also got constipated from the gluten-free diet. You should definitely get tested as the others have said. I noticed that when I eliminated some gluten from my diet it actually worked better than a the total gluten free diet. I was able to get the fiber I needed and stop some gas/bloating issues.

 

[Emma England]

Same here
been doing this wheat free for a month and i feel bloated and fat
and all of the symptom as above gonna stick to it for a while but im thinking better the devil u know
which also means a real slice of toast