Celiac Disease - Celiac Disease Message Board

Kaleigh-Ann · 05-26-2007, 08:58 PM

I am chronically constipated and my mom told me that what always works for her to become regular again is to eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning. So I started making myself a big bowl of oatmeal but instead of relieving constipation it gave me more bowel troubles. It gave me really bad stomach cramps and pains and it made my gas even worse than it already is (I didn't know that was possible). I was reading about digestive disorders when I came across Celiac Disease so I started reading some of the foods that it makes you intolerant to. One of the main things it listed was oatmeal and basically any types of oats. Does anyone think that there is a good chance this is Celiac? Or is it too soon to tell?

Harry · 05-26-2007, 11:12 PM

Celiac is caused by gluten that is contained in wheat, barley, rye and to a lesser extent oats.
People usually get diarrhea just eating bread, cereals that contain wheat and barley malt.

Oatmeal is a good natural fiber-- and when changing diets to include a higher fiber diet -- it usually produces gas along with cramping and sometimes pain until your system ges use to it.Start off more slowly.

If you have been eating sandwiches w/o problems -- you don't have Celiac. Also Celiac is inherited-- does any parent have it??

Chronic constipation is caused by not getting enough fiber and water in your diet.

Kaleigh-Ann · 05-26-2007, 11:42 PM

No, neither parent has celiac but from the way I understood it celiac disease can cause constipation instead of diarrhea when you eat the offending foods. It can cause diarrhea alone, constipation alone, or alternating between the two. I read it on the celiac.org website. I know that something more is going on with me besides just needing more fiber and water because even when I increased my fiber and water intake there was no change. I was taking the highest dosage of Metamucil and drinking water and exercising everyday and there was literally no change whatsoever. I will tell you all of my symptoms and then maybe you can tell me about what you think this could be:

Constant Gas 24/7
Gas Leakage (Incontinence)
Bloating
Stomach Cramps
Chronic Constipation
Sometimes Shooting Pain in Rectum
Straining W/ Bowel Movements

I really have increased fiber and water and exercise and I swear it doesn't do anything for me. I am still only having a bowel movement maybe once a week and I always have to strain to get it out. What do you think?

I would love to hear more feedback from you. Thanks!

Alagaesia · 05-26-2007, 11:47 PM

Try cleansing your liver. It gets rid of the gunk in your body. I started a few days ago and I've been having bowel movements 3 times a day. Milk thistle will cleanse your liver but its taken short term. You can use it up to 30 days. You can do this like twice a year.

Harry · 05-27-2007, 08:49 AM

Kaleigh-Ann,

I am sorry you are having these problems!
Reading your symptoms sorta sound like an impaction of fecal matter?

The only way that you know for sure if you have Celiac Disease is to be tested by a qualified Doctor. The test is an endoscopic exam that tests the villi in your small intestines to see if they are damaged. It is only valid while eating a normal diet. If you cut out gluten -- the villi heal. But cutting out gluten from your diet is rather difficult because it present in lots of processed foods.

As you may know--If you do not have a BM at least every 3 days -- you are considered consitpated.

There are basically 2 kinds of fiber--- Soluble and insoluble fiber. And, a person needs a combination of both for normal BMs -- between 25 to 35 grams daily along with 6 to 8 glasses of water daily along with a reasonable amount of exercise.

Soluble fiber absorbs fluid and bulks up and slows down your stool-- soluble fiber is contained in supplements like that which is the active ingredients in Metamucil (psyllium), Citrucel (methylcelluose), Benefiber (guar gum) and Fiber Choice (chicory root also know as Inulin).

The foods that contain soluble fiber are the inner parts of all grains, peas, and beans, legumes except green bean that are insoluble. Root veggies like potatos including sweet potatos, carrots, beets and turnips. Fibercon is a calcium productand is an insoluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber is the type fiber that does not absorb fluids and cause intestinal contractions (peristalsis) to move digested food through your intestines-- All fruits and veggies including greens leafy types are almost totally insoluble, nut & seeds, the outer part of grains called bran that is used in alot of cereals. Also, the outside part of beans and peas.

All meats, seafood and all dairy products including cheeses contains NO fiber.

This is not a complete list but gives you and idea of the various foods.

The only other thing that I can think of causing chronic constipation is lack of intestinal mobility. That is where you may have intestinal nerve damage. It needs to be Dx and treated by a Doctor.

God Bless--- Harry