Inner Disturbances: Irritable Bowel or Celiac Disorder
Problem:
Rick and his wife came in for a consultation for nutritional support at the request of their physician for celiac disease. Rick's main complaint was frequent watery and occasionally bloody stools. He related that he often had cramping, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. My initial observation of him indicated a very pale, thin man with dark circles under his eyes. His doctor had him on weekly anti-inflammatory infusions and many other medications. Nothing was working to resolve the frequent stools. He later related an odd rash appearing on his arms and legs.
The diet regimen Rick was attempting had a lot of fast food, including pizza, sub sandwiches, cereals, crackers, granola bars and fried chicken. This recitation clearly demonstrated that Rick and his wife had little or no understanding of what it meant to have Celiac Disease.
Discussion:
The celiac phenomenon is related to an allergy to wheat and all wheat derivatives. The small bowel develops immunity (allergy) to a protein that is produced in the digestion of wheat products. This small bowel protein is called "gluten." It is this gluten protein that causes the intense reaction in the small intestine. Because this protein is created in relation to wheat, it is absolutely necessary to eliminate all wheat from the diets of celiac/irritable bowel afflicted people.
The fatigue, muscle aches, sallow facial appearance and headaches are all related to the inability of the body to absorb vital nutrients from the food that is eaten. The development of a rash is further indication that the liver is having difficulty with the extreme metabolic stress the celiac disorder causes.
Wheat and all of its derivative products must be well understood in order to avoid them in the diet. This means gravy, sauces, soy sauce, rye breads, bakery goods, beers, breads, pasta, granola, bouillon, puddings and oatmeal must all be eliminated from the diet.
Plan:
"What do I eat?" This was the first question Rick asked once he had a clear view of the problem. The first nutrient that must be established is the daily intake is water. Because Rick had lost a lot of fluids, he needed to replace them by drinking at least 100 ounces of water daily. Next, we must increase the protein intake to cover the metabolic needs. Often the celiac disordered patient has avoided protein, but we need to increase it. One way to determine adequate protein intake is to allow 1 ounce of protein for every 10 pounds of ideal body weight. For example, the ideal body weight of 150 pounds requires 15 ounces of protein per day.
From there we need to address starches in the diet. Potatoes, rice, corn, beans and corn tortillas are good choices to include in the diet. Remember that wheat and all wheat products must be avoided—with no exceptions! Next, be sure to include fruits and vegetables as tolerated. Butter, cream, mayonnaise and oil should be included as well.
Follow up:
After six weeks Rick came in for his follow up visit. His skin looked restored to a healthy glow and there were no dark circles under his eyes. He related that his bowel function was near normal. He found his energy levels restored and headaches gone. He related that he had found a lot of resources at specialty grocers to provide gluten-free bakery goods. Mashed potatoes and rice provided the starches needed in his diet. He was enjoying eating steak and eggs for breakfast—no toast. He always drinks lots of water instead of colas.
Rick made a wonderful recovery in a very short time. His wife was a great help. They now knew that restaurant and fast food eating was going to present difficulties. More meals were eaten at home because they could be certain of the food content. This trade off was worth the effort.
Most individuals who have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or Celiac Disease have an intense allergy to wheat. The wheat elimination diet can be incorporated into the lifestyle by doing careful planning and food selection. Contact nadine@nutritionalstrategist.com if you have questions or concerns about your nutritional strategy.
" Resurrection. The reversal of what was thought to be absolute. The turning of midnight into dawn, hatred into love, dying into living anew.
If we look more closely to life, we will find that resurrection is more than hope, it is our experience. The return to life from death is something we understand at our inner most depths something we feel on the surface of our tender skin. We have come back to life, not only when we start to shake off a shroud of sorrow that has bound us, but when we begin to believe in all that is still, endlessly possible.
We give thanks for all those times we have arisen from the depths or simply taken a tiny step toward something anew. May we be empowered by extraordinary second chances. And as we enter the world anew, let us turn the tides of despair into endless waves of hope."
—Molly Fumina
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