Celiac Disease and Atkins

[ladyhairg]

My sister was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease (basically, a gluten sensitivity) and she's on this kick to get the rest of the family diagnosed because it's genetic. Our other sister gave up all wheat products (and therefore most carbs) as a self-test and discovered the pleasant side-effect of (drum roll, please) no farting.

Which made me think. Hmm. A few years ago when DH and I did Atkins together, I noticed near the end of Induction that I had stopped passing gas. Hmmm. So . . . I'm wondering if flatulence is a natural by-product of wheat products or carbs or if I possibly have Celiacs as well.

Either way, the sister who was diagnosed with Celiacs was put on a doctor-prescribed eating plan that sounds a lot like Atkins. A lot of her medical literature sounds awfully familiar, like the part about food sensitivities and addiction. And I'm trying so hard not to say "I told you so" because she was the sister who gave me such hard time about Atkins being unhealthy. And now she's basically on an ATkins knock-off. Tee hee.

Any thoughts? Anybody know anything about Celiacs and Atkins?

[Outback Jess]

My mother nearly died from celiac disease, until she was diagnosed and then got completely OFF all wheat products. It is a disease of the small bowel. It usually exhibits in either constipation or diarria (sp). She had the diarria for over 7 months, lost 65lbs, lost alot of bone mass, screwed up her blood levels and wow, nearly killed her.
she ate out 1 time after that diagnosis, a salad and meat in a local steakhouse and somehow there was cross contamination, where wheat was prepared in some form nearby, she had another bad cycle and never ate out again.
They can eat sugars and rices and other things we cannot, but it is similar. Very similar!

[ladyhairg]

So have you been tested for it? It's my understanding that it is genetic.

My sister had to say no to so many things at our Christmas party, but she made this AWESOME hummus and ate it on raw veggies and crispy little rice crackers and really seemed to enjoy it. I want to find out more about both the hummus and the rice crackers, carb-wise.

She's a marathon runner and one of the hardest things for her was understanding that she can't "carb-load" before a race with a big spaghetti dinner anymore.

[yhalifax]

I'd be curious if you got tested.
I first did Atkins 6 years ago and felt FANTASTIC while doing it. I thought it was just the carbs but turns out I had inadvertently put myself on a gluten free diet. I came off the plan after losing 30lbs thinking I could keep it off.
After that I not only put on weight again (to date 25lbs) but also starting feeling sick again. It was then I was diagnosed with Celiac....no wonder I felt so good on Atkins!
I just started back on Atkins 4 days ago and though it hasn't been the amazing change I felt the first time (since I've been gluten free for 2.5 years anyway) I do have more energy. It just proves to me how right this way of eating is . I already lost 1 lb and am in ketosis and thrilled with knowing I'll lose the weight again and have so much energy!
I can't wait to get back into my "skinny" clothes!

[Outback Jess]

I did not get tested, as I do not exhibit any of the signs of intolerance. My sister does, with years and years of gastro issues, constipation and other stuff. A few years back the only test was a biopsy of the small bowel, now, there is a blood test I believe and she was going to be tested. I am not, since I don't feel I have any symptoms at all.

[yhalifax]

I was actually asking about ladyhairg since it sounded like she did get some relief doing Atkins. Celiac or not though I truly believe this is the way to eat