New here...celiac/gluten intolerance and anxiety issues

[KristineJ]

HI everyone...I'm new here. I just wanted to say that....I'm 30 years old, and I've supposedly had anxiety since I was about 8. It's been a long painful road. In the past two years I've discovered a possible thyroid disorder with possible adrenal problems, that i can't eat the protein gluten it makes me sick, and now possibly something called salicylic acid sensitivity. I have been scared of throwing up since i was 11 because i got sick around that time and never really found out what it was...it went on for months. All i know is i had an upper GI and nothing was there. But i still handled myself well in junior high except for other anxiety problems...around GRADE 11....my grandparents who i am very close to ended up in the hospital...they are both still alive today but it was a hard time and the summer before grade 12 i found myself having severe panic attacks constantly because i was having derealization/depersonalization or whatever it's called. I was able to go to school for the first half of the year the second half i spent in bed. For the past ten years or so i've had a lot of stomach upsets and my anxiety about throwing up etc got worse. Next thing you know i find out about these food intolerance's...

I've been gluten free as of may of 2012. I had an incident just after christmas that seems to be connected to the salicylic acid and i've been practically bound to the bed since new years. I cry all the time....and I can't tell anymore what is actually a physical sickness or my anxiety and i'm going out of my skin

The only thing i can say that makes me wonder if it's anxiety is that my favorite time of the day has now become bedtime. Me and my husband crawl in bed a few hours before going to sleep. Lay in the dark and talk etc and I find it's the most relaxing time of the day for me...I wake up and i feel depressed and scared ...my diet is very limited right now...i am having to re-introduce foods one at a time and give it a few days to make sure no reactions pop up...and I'm being driven up the wall. I feel like a hypchondriac but at the same time i DO have some very real worries going on...now I can't tell the difference between them

Anyone else have this sort of issue?

[Tam0630]

Hi Christine, and welcome!

You and I are very similar. I am gluten free, have multiple digestive issues and I too struggle from emetophobia (vomiting phobia) and at times, have barely been able to eat at all. At my very worst I basically ate enough to not end up in the hospital.  I also have a thyroid issue.

I am so sorry you're having such a rough time, but please know that you are not alone. It is frustrating, debilitating and disheartening, but good news, it can and for me, did get better. I still struggle from time to time, but I am doing much, much better.

As far as food goes, I had to stick to a very bland diet for a while, to reintroduce myself to eating. Mashed potatoes, apple sauce, yogurt, plain rice, cottage cheese and toast. I would suggest not trying to eat anything too heavy or fatty for a while and don't eat any fried foods. I stay away from most fried foods. I boil, bake or broil almost everything.

Also, if you aren't drinking enough water, I would suggest fixing that. We need half our body weight in water (in ounces) a day (100 lb person needs 50 ounces  a day) and if we don't get it, digestive issues can be made worse. I found that once I increased my water intake, I started to feel better.

Keep your chin up, girl. I know it's hard. I cried so much over these issues and sometimes still do, but I promise it can get better. It's not hopeless! Keep posting, keep talking. You are NOT alone.

Take good care.

[Cheesus]

Though certainly not a forgone conclusion, mental upset and digestive issues are often inextricably tied up. Have you ever heard of the term 'leaky gut syndrome' or 'candida/candidiasis'? These are digestive disorders can directly cause, or at least significantly worsen, anxiety. They do not only have a psychological impact, but also a direct biological impact.

It might be worth seeking the advice of a qualified and experienced naturopathic practitioner. They will be able to advise you of whether or not your symptoms are linked.

[Motorbreath603]

I spent 2 years COMPLETELY agoraphobic. Not even leaving my house until I found out I had celiac disease as well as intolerances to casein, soy, and corn. Changing my diet I was out again in 6 months. It sounds unreal and I wouldn't of believed it if I didn't live it. I was bed bound for 2 damn years of my life to out in the world again with just diet change and I was able to go out again and cut down on my klonopin. Absolutely amazing. Try to find out if you have any other intolerances. A lot of people with celiac can't do casein or soy. Which can also effect the CNS and brain chemicals.

[camel]

Another thing when going gluten free is to make sure your medications are all GF too. There is a good site www.glutenfreedrugs.com where you can check your meds. You will be surprised at how many medications contain gluten or cross contaminated with gluten.

[KristineJ]

Thanks everyone. Yup i'm on the up & up about all of this..leaky gut, gluten free drugs etc. I'm currently taking clonazepam by teva. All my body products are gluten free as well. I've been gluten free since may but since december i've been horrible. I sniffed essential oils from the bottle after someone told me it was safe and ended up really sick. According to poison control you don't do this...especially with mint like i was. Instead of mint helping my stomach i got worse. On top of this i might have a salicylic acid problem and mint is very high in it. Dunno what to think anymore. I spend every day upset I'm only eating boiled potatos and goya black beans right now. I want to try tinkyada gluten free brown rice pasta to get more calories into me but i'm scared. I've become terrified of eating I'm very emotional right now...

[vardnas]

Kristine, are you seeking any real treatment for your anxiety? A therapist? A counselor? Would you consider taking a drug for depression? How about at least a nutritionist who can help you figure out your eating problems? Boiled potatoes and beans does not a healthy diet make, and in order for you to feel at least somewhat better, your intake needs to be improved. I'm glad you've found this forum, but you need to seek out some real help before you can hope to feel better.

[KristineJ]

Kristine, are you seeking any real treatment for your anxiety? A therapist? A counselor? Would you consider taking a drug for depression? How about at least a nutritionist who can help you figure out your eating problems? Boiled potatoes and beans does not a healthy diet make, and in order for you to feel at least somewhat better, your intake needs to be improved. I'm glad you've found this forum, but you need to seek out some real help before you can hope to feel better.

Just started adding a small amount of gluten free brown rice noodles last night. Let's see how this goes....

[wegngis]

Just started adding a small amount of gluten free brown rice noodles last night. Let's see how this goes....

I went gluten free in January cold turkey.  It's really not that hard, and it's kind of fun exploring new foods to eat and prepare.