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I just confirmed that gluten-free oats give me problems. I posted about this in the health forum when I wondered if it was the summer heat making my joints stiff. As I was typing that post, it occurred to me that I had been eating a lot of gluten-free oats since introducing them earlier this summer (after being completely oat-free for 5 years). My symptoms improved when I removed them and are back full-force this morning after feasting on oat waffles yesterday morning.

So now I'm wondering if they might have an adverse effect on my son, and we just haven't pinpointed it yet?

Jamie,

Are you having celiac/gut type problems or just joint pain? What about rice - does that give you the same problem? The reason for asking is that it might not be related to the gluten-free oats. It could be more of an "itis" problem from eating a higher acid (vs. alkaline) food. Sometimes my body feels better without the rice/grains and better with potatoes. Are you familiar with the PRAL list and the acid vs. alkaline concept?

Carol, I'm fine with rice. I went gluten free with my son who was experiencing tummy aches over 5 years ago. I've never had gut problems with gluten (although I could now since I've been off of it for so long), however I had fatigue and other issues that cleared up when we removed gluten from our diets.

Oh good. While I don't have any gutt issues with gluten (it's all skin related), I do have joint problems sometimes. In order to reverse that, I will do white rice over brown because it's so much lower in acid or I will cut the grains out completely. Seldom do I have GF oats for breakfast anymore...I just prefer them "in" things I guess.

But glad to hear you are doing well.

Thanks Carol. You know, your question about rice has me thinking. I haven't noticed any problems with rice, but then I didn't realize I had a problem with oats for several months. It was only by chance that I figured it out. I know I should do an elimination diet at some point, but the thought of it is intimidating!

What about a slightly modified elimination diet Jamie? If you are seeing a pattern of having symptoms with a bunch of grains/gluten, you might want to try cutting them out completely just to see if you a difference. I did the full elimination diet, with cooking. I needed to because my intestines were so inflamed at the time.

I have discovered that all grains, nuts, and seeds, (even quinoa- although this is the least offending grain for me) cause me some skin inflammation and sometimes intestinal pain. These reactions are sometimes subtle, and often take time to show up, but they are definitely there. Most days now, I stick completely to root veggies (yams, potatoes etc.), squashes (although I rarely buy these and prepare them), fruits, and veggies. If i really am feeling deprived or over-hungry, i will sometimes have a bowl of quinoa (no more than once or twice a week right now). I don't know if I will continue that long-term or not. I also drink one cup of decaf coffee each day (i cut out caffeine/coffee on the elimination diet, but even after 6 weeks, I craved the warmth and routine of my morning cup. The compromise was drinking decaf in the morning). I know I feel best and look best (skin clear, energetic etc) when i consistently stick to a very simple diet of roots, veggies, and fruits. My results seem very consistent with Burgess' and it sounds like maybe Carol's too??

If you are not suffering from intestinal issues, you could probably avoid cooking the foods for now (as you need to do in the official ED), and you could keep your intake of fruits/veggies more varied than the elimination diet. I did not have any reactions to fruits or veggies (although i still haven't tested in raw cucumber or tomatoes). Dr. McDougall does talk about doing a modified elimination diet, just by cutting out the suspected foods for a time to see if symptoms subside when they are gone. Might be worth trying?

I'm so glad we have this forum to share our experiences. I love reading your posts because you have so many of the same issues as I do.

take care
lfwfv

Hi. I "googled" oat allergies and was told that oats have a protein, avenin, that is like the gluten in wheat. I find it interesting that celiacs (I am one too) seem to have a hard time with proteins, i.e. gluten, avenin, the protein in eggs and the protein in milk. Isn't that interesting? I know we are all different, but it seems we are allergic to protein - maybe???? It might be because in the past, most of us have probably eaten too much of it? I don't know but just a thought??? I get scalp problems eating oatmeal and think I am like you, lfwfv. I think I will have to give up all grains. Do you still have trouble with seeds and nuts? I hope I don't have to give those up too. I am empathetic with you; this is rough. Thank you for sharing what you have done. I agree about giving up the warm drink coffee/tea. We have given up a lot and I love my morning tea. I didn't mind giving up meat at all. Giving up cheese was a little hard, but giving up tea, I am not quite ready for that. Hope you are still doing well. bhm

Hi Simoncat, I agree its hard to give up so many foods!

lfwfv, I can't believe I missed your post! I did a formal McDougall elimination diet a while back. I journaled about it in the journal forum. My stiff fingers did not change at all! I stayed on it for two weeks before I quit. So because of that, I've gone back to eating gf oats. Something is going on with me, and I may have to face the fact that it might not be cured by diet.

Hi, Jamie. I am sad to hear that. You might try to quit coffee, as even decaf has acrylamide in it. "Google" acrylamide and coffee and see what it says. I am now drinking Jasmine Green Tea; I know about the tea/fluoride thing, but so far I feel okay. Some day I'll have to get off of that too. Anyway, do you eat soy or anything with soy in it, etc. soy lecithin. For most celiacs and gluten sensitive people, soy is bad. I know I hurt myself with it; I wasn't doing soy milk but eating Bocca Burgers and Yves products and Morningstar Farms Patties. Boy, it really messed up my digestion for a while and did horrible things to my hair!!!! I read the book, "The Dark Side of Soy" and I have to agree that for myself, it was really bad and hurt my thyroid. Although now, I believe I am getting better; it's taken time. I am not perfect on this diet' I sometimes eat dried fruit and nuts, but I think celiacs on this diet have it rougher since we are more restricted. Poor us!! Do your symptoms just include joint hurting or are there other symptoms too?? Just wondering. Have you checked under "Allergies" and what Dr. McDougall says? I hope you find out and feel better!

Beth

The boca burgers, Yves Veggie products, and Morning Star Farm Patties ALL contain GLUTEN. As well some even have egg and dairy in them. In addition, they are made with isolated soy protein which is not recommended here, unlike tofu, tempeh, and soy milk, all made from whole soy beans and/or minimally processed soy which can be used in some versions of the McDougall program. Yes, some people have problems with soy (it is one of the top allergens), but, if you have Celiac, I suspect that your problems may be due to the gluten in these products (not to mention the animal by-products) That would be my first suspicion before the soy.

I eat soy regularly with no problems, and I have Celiac disease.

RRC

Thanks, RRC. I ate those processed soy products before I realized I was a celiac. Thus, I did not know they had gluten in them. However, and unfortunately, I still have problems when I eat tofu or tempeh; thus, I must have an allergy to soy - even soy lecithin. You are lucky, but a lot of celiacs I've encountered are allergic to soy.

Beth

Yeah, I've encountered others who have problems with corn as well.

RRC

Thanks for your suggestions simoncat. I don't drink coffee. I might have 2 or 3 herbal teas ... a year! I'm gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, in addition to no gluten, animal products, added oils, etc. Dr. McDougall's elimination diet is even more strict (intended only as a diagnostic tool), so I'm back on the regular McDougall plan with my additional limitations. I'm looking forward to warmer weather when I exercise more consistently hoping that will help!!

Yeah, Jamie! I think you will get better. I know that doing this diet has cured me of alopecia like symptoms. If I don't eat any soy, gluten or even fish oil (which Physicians for Responsible Medicine say is bad for you) , as well as meat, dairy and eggs, my scalp does not burn and I am not losing hair like I was. It is totally amazing. I've tried to tell people at the Alopecia site about it, but most are not interested and are waiting for a drug to come along. It's not easy, but I feel better and my hair even feels thicker. I don't think it will ever be as thick as it once was but it looks normal and feels strong! Thank you, Dr. McDougall. It has taken 7 months though; so, I've had to be patient. Now, I have to have my cholesterol checked; we'll see how that goes!

Beth

Good for you simoncat! Isn't it amazing what eating this way can do? Too bad the rest of the world isn't on board!