I know it's more than IBS...

by Ashley Ann
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

Two years ago I started having symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, all after eating food.


I lost a considerable amount of weight because I wasn't able to eat food without feeling terrible. At that exact time, I also found out I had infectious mononucleosis and had also become lactose intolerant.

All of this happened within a matter of months, even though before I had been perfectly healthy and strong. Since then, I have been diagnosed twice with IBS, but I'm not convinced that is what is causing all of my symptoms. I still have all of the same symptoms, but now I am constantly fatigued, have no stamina, was told by my dentist that the enamel on my teeth is eroding and my gum line receding, I feel depressed and moody (all the time), seem to catch every cold/flu/sinus infection, recently started having a strange tingling sensation in my arms and legs, etc., etc.


The symptoms could go on forever, but my doctor keeps saying it's IBS. My mother also has IBS (or she thinks she does) but I don't know of anyone in my family who is gluten intolerant or who has Celiacs. Multiple people have told me to get tested for it, but my doctor won't even entertain the idea. He tested me for anemia (which I don't have) and my thyroid is normal. I was thinking about starting a gluten free diet just to see how I feel, but I'm a bit hesitant. Any words of advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Ashley Ann

Comments for I know it's more than IBS...

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You're Probably Right..
by: Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Queen!

Hi Ashley Ann,

I'm so sorry to hear about your issues. Unfortunately, yours is an all too common issue in healthcare. While I know that some people call your problem IBD, or Irritable Bowel Disease, it is widely known as a 'Syndrome' and I'm going to ask you to read a piece that I wrote about 'Syndromes' to explain what they are.
Syndrome Vs. Disease


And while I wrote this piece about Fibromyalgia Syndrome, just insert the term 'IBS' into any spot that says 'Fibromyalgia', it is really the same thing- a way for docs to say, "we don't know what your problem is, but you have similar symptoms as a lot of people."




So, as far as I'm concerned, ANYONE with a digestive problem HAS Gluten Sensitivity until proven otherwise!! There is NO REASON for you to NOT try a gluten free diet. The current nutritional establishment has us brainwashed that we NEED grains to be healthy, but humankind lived without them for tens of thousands of years before the advent of farming.

Most northern European cultures have only had access to grains for a little over 100 years! So, they are NOT necessary for health. You want encouragement to try it out, here is is- Try it Out- YESTERDAY!

BUT, I also warn you that Syndromes often have MANY causes, so gluten may not FIX you like you want it to. It's likely that the tingling you are experiencing is either Vitamin D Deficiency or Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

And many people with gluten sensitivity have intestinal pathogens such as The H Pylori Bacteria. IBS in particular has been shown to be associated with intestinal parasites.


So, while going gluten free is a good start, it's only ONE step and if you make the mistakes that 90% of gluten free people do, ie: go out and replace all of their breads, cereals and pastas with gluten free junk foods that are equally as bad for you, then you are likely NEVER going to get well.


Kerri Knox RN Immune Health Queen

Kerri Knox, RN- The Immune Health Queen
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Easy Immune Health.com


In response to I know its more than IBS
by: Kathy Temp



I recently found a website- Celiac.com that lists all the names of all the different "chemicals" of strange names that are listed on the ingredients list on the food package that contain gluten.

He has Celiacs disease and made this list of safe ingredients and unsafe ingredients. It made it sooo much easier to start the gluten free diet.

It seems like you have to cut out alot of different foods but there are ALOT of foods you can have.

Hope it helps.


Kathy

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