Celiac disease

[old_cutter_john]

Last Tuesday, July twenty-eighth, I figured out I have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gliadin, an amino acid found in wheat, rye, barley and a couple of other grains. It could account for several health problems I've been having. I previously attributed those problems to old age

Comments

[old_cutter_john]

Yep! I'm aware of maltodextrin. Uniquely flavored sweetener, made from barley. And failing to absorb nutrients has indeed been one of my problems. I've been taking massive doses of supplementary calcium to no avail. Never even gave me a kidney stone.

I look forward to feeling better after meals, and I thank you for your offer of recipes, but I'll continue to prepare food in the simple way I've always done: salads, slabs of meat or fish, fried potatoes - I'll just leave out the bread. Ricotta and spinach covered with tomato-based sauce and Romano. I used to put that on bread, but it'll taste the same without. I'm sure I'll do okay.

[onesoul]

Once A moved here two years ago I right away noticed all the signs. He changed his diet right away and it has been life changing. If you have any questions about living gluten free by all means ask. We live the life and it is better for both of us :)

This is a good thing... promise you will be so much happier and healthier. So congrats on figuring it out and here is to a stronger body .. mind.. and soul!

[nickykaa]

I've often considered going gluten-free. The signs certainly seem to be pointing in that direction right now: your discovery of your celiac disease; a suspicious profusion of encounters in recent months with other people who are gluten-free for one reason or another; my own health concerns (including the synchronicity of our elbows - the inflamation in mine has subsided far too slowly, even though the infection is long gone); and now, finally, the fact that my about-to-be-housemate Rikki has either celiac disease or something like it and is trying to live gluten-free. So I suppose it's time.

Given all the speculation about gluten and autism, I'll be curious to see whether we experience any significant changes in our cognitive functioning.

[old_cutter_john]

I've been curious about possible changes in cognitive functioning too, though I don't expect any.

There's still no noticeable improvement in my absorption of nutrients. That'll take a while: the villi have to be rebuilt. So I don't think the reason for the improvement in the condition of my elbow is that there's more calcium available to repair it, but rather that my immune system is no longer attacking it.

[anais_pf]

I hope you will feel better and better, having made the diet changes. So I guess I shouldn't send you those brownies I was thinking of making for you?

You probably should never assume any health problem you have is attributable to old age. You aren't very old, and you are in wonderful physical condition.

[old_cutter_john]

Thankee!

Tragic about the brownies. But I did buy some gluten-free brownie mix that has a very good reputation. Someday I might even use it.

Fortunately I can still smoke my favorite weed. I don't have any right now, but García is blowing into town Saturday, and he has some interesting friends. Besides me, that is.

[anais_pf]

I can't decide whether it would be fun or scary to blow into town at the same time as García. Probably some of each. Have fun!

I do know a few cookie recipes that call for rice flour. Hmmm. Don't hold your breath, it may be years before I actually make any.

[nickykaa]

There's a really good gluten-free bakery in Oakland. Unfortunately, it's difficult to get to without a car. Maybe next time you're in town we can go there together and both stock up on their products. http://www.mariposabaking.com/

[old_cutter_john]

Sounds worth a try. I even know where it is, more or less. If they're open Saturday, January second, I might even be able to get a few things home before they go stale.

[anais_pf]

They ship.