Hey Linda,
I can only give you a small experience I had with this. Actually it wasn't in an attempt to go gluten free either, but I was actually on Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. For 2-3 weeks, I ate no wheat products as I followed this "fad" diet. My results were that I lost 15 lbs. and my pain was "lessened". I had more energy and my digestive system worked better.

However, after the first 2-3 weeks, I moved to phase 2. I went to whole grains and brought back the wheat. Didn't gain back the weight (actually I haven't in 3 years) but I noticed that the pain went back to it's old self again. Energy...well, that slowly went down hill as I went back to a more 'normal'diet.

I 'think' there might be something to gluten free. HOWEVER, I also think it's very individual, will work for some not others and may not be foolproof.

Just mho, but I feel that fibro makes us sensitive to alot of things AND it's different for each person and/or group.

I hope you get some more 'substantial' answers...

Love and hugs,
Morus

I was forced to clean up my diet due to severe bloating caused by food senstivities and intolerances. I'm amazed at how much better I feel, just didn't realize all the things my body couldn't handle.

I've had all the tests for celiac disease--stomache biopsy, blood test, etc., etc. and they came back showing I don't have it. Maybe so, but when I eat gluten, I wake up in the middle of the night bloated and stuffed up. Easier just to avoid it.

I don't think a change of diet is going to eliminate all pain as fibro is such a complex illness, but not overburdening your body with things it can't handle is bound to help.

I had to do gluten & wheat free and really should still. Part of the reason I don't stick to it is time and money. It is a lot harder to find food, especially when you have a busy life and it is more expensive. I am not all that good at planning meals out consistanly so...
I did feel a lot better when I was eating wheat and gluten free and my pain seemed to be less.

I do still eat some food that are wheat and or gluten free though. My local grocery stores seem to be carrying a little more than they used to.

I also had more energy when I stuck to that diet.

I did the south beach thing too. Lost some weight but didn't have any luck getting pain free and the weight I lost was not significant enough.

hmmmm.....I really need to check out this gluten thing!

I came across a 53 page list of everyday foods that are gluten-free a few years ago. You might try Googling various word combinations and see what you can find.

I know Best Foods Mayo is gluten free as are a few candy bars including regular M&Ms.

Recently tested positive for Celiac Disease, so this is 3rd day of "almost" gluten free diet. It is a huge change for me, as I do love my bread, crackers, etc.

Was flaring, so, did not do well in planning for the first week of groceries, suffering because of it.

When I do get it "right" I will let ya' know, and how much do the fibro symptoms change if any.

I believe they will, as gluten can cause aches, pains, etc., just like fibro, so, maybe I was getting a double dose:)

Not fun yet, but I feel like I will get to a point that I'll be encouraging everyone (esp. those gluten intolerant, or worse) to at least "try it". You still have to be careful of the carbs and sweets you take in tho, even if they are gluten free, lol.

Hi All,

Just a quick warning for anyone new to the GF diet. Many of the foods tauted as gluten free aren't.

Many celiacs or people who are gluten intolerant react to any foods that are processed in a plant that handles gluten. Eating out is out the question for many celiacs / gluten intolerant people too.

Companies that are safe and completely gluten free are Kinnickkinnick, Pamela's, Enjoy Life, Glutino's ... that's all I can remember right now.

I'm not saying not to try those foods, but if you get sick, suspect them first. I was eating Kettle baked Chips and Back to Nature Rice Thins that had gluten in them and I didn't figure it out for a long time.

I just started the Paleo diet myself since I read that it normalized the blood glucose levels in all the participants after 12 weeks. In case you are hypoglycemic too. Um, Many of us are ...

http://www.newstarget.com/022215.html

Best wishes .. Marcia

Just wanted to encourage you all to at least try the elimination diet or better yet, go to www.enterolab.com. They have at home testing available to test for gluten sensitivity.

If you have a gluten problem as the root problem of the fibro, then your symptoms would get much better on the gluten free diet. It's worth finding out if it means you feel better!

Here's info from Celiac.com about the connection of gluten problems and fibromyalgia:

Elimination Diet May Ease Fibromyalgia

Celiac.com 01/14/2002 - Researchers led by Dr. Joel S. Edman of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania recently conducted a small and preliminary study that suggests that people with fibromyalgia may experience reductions in their symptoms if they eliminate one or more foods from their diet.

The results were presented in October 2001 at the annual meeting of the American College of Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. In the study researchers reviewed the medical charts of 17 fibromyalgia patients who agreed to eliminate items such as corn, wheat, dairy, citrus, soy and nuts from their diets for at least two weeks.

After the elimination of the foods, nearly half of the patients reported a significant reduction of pain, and 76% reported a reduction in other symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, headache, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Two patients, however, reported an increase in symptoms.

After the two-week period the patients were re-introduced to the foods one at a time every 2-3 days, and many of their symptoms returned.

The most common problem-causing foods for the patients in the study were corn, wheat, dairy, citrus and sugar. Dr. Edman emphasized that the findings of the study are preliminary and more research in this area needs to be done.

P.S. to the gluten connection and the cost of and finding of GF foods. If you check out celiac.com, they have lists of safe, gluten free foods that will help in shopping.

Most of the food labels now will say whether there is wheat in something under the allergen warnings.

There are lots more things that are gluten free in the regular grocery store than you might guess, you just have to do a little research to know what to buy and read all the labels.

As for specialty GF foods, there are LOADS of great stuff to buy and eat that are gluten, corn, dairy, soy, and egg free - or a combination of the above. It is a little pricier, but if you plan well, it won't ruin your budget.

Thanks Jette for your info. It is "just another change" the way I look at it - and, a change for the better if it will ease the IBS, tummy aches and pain! I'm looking forward to that wonderful day!:)

About the "juice" and "cure-alls" that have been floating around this site and the world at large...Is anyone else reminded of the wild west days were the guys would roll their wagons into town with so and so's miracle cure all elixir? HA!

I mean, Ketchup was first developed as a cure-all way back in the day!

I don't discount that everyone has different things that help them manage their lives and their pain better and that each person has to find the specific treatment that works for them! But I remember a few years back when Noni juice was the "cure-all" of choice!

When something tends to spout about being a magic cure for everything, it 9 times out of 10 ends up just being a fad! Just a get rich quick scheme to fool people into false hope that those with real valid diseases don't need!

There is no magic pill or elixir! There is only a tried and true planning of how to manage your life with your specific disease or diseases! When you hop on the bandwagon and pray for a miracle cure, you end up causing your diseases more harm then good, pinning your dreams on false promises!

There is nothing in life that is instant! Once we learn that...then we don't have to be scared of our new lives and what we are faced with! But instead we can start the path towards integration of our diseases into the life we have now and in turn living fuller richer lives!

Take care,
Stay sane!

Are you saying that "gluten free" is a fad? Not trying to be negative, just trying to clarify your response.:)

FWIW, I am dairy, wheat and largely sugar free. I haven't lost weight and my pain has not lessened...lol. But geez my stomach sure is happier.

It is definitely hard to start and stick too, but when you get sick on the stuff...well I could stick to it and have for over ten years.

Not too helpful eh?

Actually, very helpful to one that has just been dx'd and is looking at a lifetime of this or risk the chances of other things that really can KILL you, besides putting you in a bucket full of pain. Any relief at all would be welcome at this point.

I don't recall anyone saying it is a cure for fibro, but, hey if it will lessen the pain just a notch, I'll go for it.

Besides the fact that I don't have a choice, lol.