Johanne's Journal, 04 Aug 14

H Johanne. I just love your bio. I hope you find out which food is causing this. Have you been for some blood test? hugsxxx  

Were you told to go gluten free, or did you just do it because you thought it was a good idea? Gluten free seems to be the flavor of the month the last few years, and its not necessary for most people. The current symptoms you are describing can be from a number of things that range from the summer icks, to depression. A very restrictive diet can make this worse. Go see your MD and get some tests. 

NM. Just read your bio. I guess you WERE told to go gluten free, sorry, should have read that first before giving my two cents worth. MD's sometime can be asses that way. Sorry. Do see your doctor before getting drastic with food eliminations though. You might be dealing with something you need help with. 

That is good advice. I hope you feel better very soon. Sending big hugs ♡ 

Johanne, I went through an elimination diet about two months ago. Just finished the process of reintroducing and testing foods. Found out in addition to gluten and sugar, I react badly to eggs, dairy, and tomatoes. While to many it may seem too difficult to eliminate these foods, or perhaps even "dangerous", I am feeling so much better. That is worth any inconvenience. There are tons of healthy foods I can eat, and so I focus on making my food as delicious and appealing as i can. Good luck, and I hope your detective work uncovers some things that can help you easily shed the weight, and feel much better.  

Yes, ladies. I have blood tests every three months. My GP has no idea what's causing the issues. Frequently, celiacs develop sensitivities to other foods. The elimination diet is the gold standard for finding food allergies. I would imagine the process Yduj57 went through is what I'm doing. The diet is totally balanced, just not fun! The hardest part is giving up eggs, coffee, milk, tomatoes, oatmeal, potatoes and beans! I'm praying none of those is the problem. Hi, Gigi. Hugs back! 

You can do it Johanne. Even if you find out something is a problem, knowing that, along with feeling better can be a powerful motivator to making any changes more permanent. JJ Virgin's book talks about retesting every year. Sometimes, as our gut heals, we can begin to handle some of these foods again, in limited amounts. Any eliminations may not be truly permanent. Wish you lots of healing energy in the coming weeks of elimination. The first few days are the toughest. After that, it does get easier. 

Hm. If it were me, I'd try eliminating the tomatoes first and then the eggs. 

I think my Dr's idea is to get everything out of my system at once to see how I feel. If I keep one of them and don't see any changes it's kind of hard to tell if anything is working. I guess it's sort of a "cleanse", if you will. 

I got almost everything out of my system but eggs, gluten and dairy. The last leg of the elimination is the toughest. I am starting over again, Hang in there, I hope you find out what it is soon, it just takes so much time. I was told the "night shade" veggies could be causing me a problem, that included tomatoes. Geez, my garden if FULL of them:-) 

It is hard to totally eliminate everything, but it is true that the only way you can really assess your reaction is to have your system clean of the possible offenders. The first week is the toughest. If and when you start feeling better, and the weight starts falling off, it is easier! Hang in there. You can do it. And, we do tend to crave the worst offenders. So the foods you are having the hardest time with just might be the biggest problem. And in the end, you will better understand your system and what it needs to run at its best. 

Tomatoes are the hardest! I love them and eat some form of tomatoes every day. By the time I finish, summer will be over and all the lovely homegrowns will be gone. Thank goodness I didn't plant any this year! You have my total sympathies. I'm trying to be religious about this so I WON'T have to start over. This is only day three, so we'll see how strong my mind/will is. 

yduj57, thanks. I've always heard we tend to crave the things we are most sensitive to. I just pray it's not the nightshades. They have always been a major part of my diet. Cheese is also a biggie. The next few months are going to be rough but, at least, it will be over before the holidays. Friends and family have finally accepted the whole "no gluten" thing. It took four years. I hate to think what will happen if I have to add other foods. I may just have to start avoiding "eating with others" situations. 

I have been on the elimination diet rollercoaster too. It was really difficult. I feel as though I ate a truckload of brussel sprouts during that time. I remember crying several times because I was really miserable from being so ill from the foods I used to eat. Now, I have a long list of foods my body does NOT like. Wheat (most of my mom's family has Celiac disease), all animal products except honey (so, no meat, fish, dairy or eggs), all nightshades (another hereditary allergy from my mother!) so that means no potatoes, eggplants, goji berries, tomatoes, peppers, anything with "spices" in it (that almost always means paprika, which is a pepper) and apples. I also gave up a lot of other foods for health reasons to include all GMO's; all safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean and canola oils, conventionally grown "dirty dozen" produce, and anything containing an ingredient made in a lab. So, that pretty much means, I only eat foods I prepare myself. It's a tough road, but it's worth it, because I've never felt better! Hang in there. It does get better!  

Start to feel a lot better about myself! 

I have sooo many belly issues and I know a restrictive diet would be a great way to find the cause - but it's nearly impossible for me, being a vegetarian. I fear that dairy and beer are the culprits. I love these foods. I crave these foods. These foods are my life here in Wisconsin....  

I understand what it means to give up foods/drinks that feel like they are part of your life. I was going to graduate school to become a professional winemaker, and when I came to the realization that alcohol was detrimental to my health, even in small amounts, I was heartbroken when I decided it was best to drop out of school and focus on my health instead. It was my dream for 15 years to become a winemaker, and my dream was over. But now, I'm healthier than I could ever imagine possible! There is light at the end of a dark tunnel, but only if you're willing to travel the distance and stay the course!