Gluten Free? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

parisiancat · 09-28-2007, 02:38 AM

Hi all,

This is going to seem like a silly question since I'm one of the people on a gluten free diet, but I wondered if others, who are on the diet, know the reasoning behind it?

When MS was first mentioned as a possible dx, I started researching, read that a gluten free dairy free diet helped some people, and immediately started on one.

Now, 7 months later, I've feel like I understand a bit more about this disease, and also about nuitrition so I don't want to do something just because I read about it, I want to understand it and believe that it might work. I absolutely believe that dairy free is the very best dietary change that I could have made (along with the fish oil supplements). And while I have felt better (more energy, fewer stomach problems) since going gluten free, I don't know that it has any effect on the ms. I haven't found any firm explaination as to why it might help, except in the case of an allergy, which I have been tested for and don't have.

I was 100% gf for 5 months but I've slipped recently. I still don't eat processed breads, cakes and pastries, but I allow myself pitta bread and good quality bagels (and beer

). ButI would go 100% free again if I thought it would help.

Does anyone know why / how 'gluten free helps in some cases'?

Cat

MSJayhawk · 09-28-2007, 07:01 AM

My wife is gluten intolerant. She can have very little gluten. We live next door (countryside next door) to my mom who makes everything from scratch with 100% whole grain. My wife became wheat gluten intolerant. It is difficult because wheat gluten is found in nearly everything including some medicines. I found a cookie recipe that works for her: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 egg, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup oatmeal and bake at 325 degrees F. (I also add a handful of MMs, Chocolate Chips, or other items she likes).

One good substitute is Amaranth. In South America the Indian Tribes used it in various foods. They even popped it like popcorn. Amaranth has a good source of protein and can be added to breads. My mom buys Amaranth flour. I think it makes the whole grain bread taste "smoother" and changes the flavor slightly- It is delicious.