This is working for me!

After my GP diagnosis the dr prescribed Reglan. The side effects were too risky for me so I went ama. I didn't know what to do, but my symptoms, like those that so many of you are sharing, needed treatment.

After lots of research into alternative therapies for GP I found Betaine, aka HCI with Pepsin. It's a natural version of hydrochloric acid made from beets, and I take one or two tablets whenever I eat. After bloating for eight LONG years, I don't bloat now. The Betaine digests my food for me.

Granted, I have changed my diet dramatically. I gave up carbs in addition to taking the Betaine. It made sense that if GP is often an off-shoot of diabetes, then perhaps foods that trigger insulin would trip the vagal nerve and cause the bloating/nausea reaction. To make up for what I don't eat in carbs I take supplements that are pure form in gelatin capsules. (Cellulose doesn't digest.) So far so good too, as the dr says my blood work and cholesterol, etc., are perfect.

So this is what's worked for me. Of course I'm not assuming it will be the case for everybody, but I can't help sharing because the pain and debilitating impact of GP was so awful. Maybe my simple suggestions can help someone else.

I also found out that gelatin helped coat the gut and eased up digestive irritation. Now I eat it every day.
If I do happen to go into a flare (stress is a trigger), I stick to meat and eggs until it goes away.

I feel like I've tamed the beast!

Cheering for all of you,
Cath

By GeorgiaCath
Posted August 14, 2009 at 11:54 pm
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Hi dear!
I've been traveling with my company and have not been on the website lately. My apologies.

I've actually changed the smoothie recipe so it;s even easier. I started buying coconut milk, unsweetened, and am using it instead of almond milk. (No, it doesn't taste coconutty.)

For the smoothies, make sugar free jello. Add 1 c to your blender or smoothie maker, with 1 c coconut milk or almond milk, ice, then whirl away to yummy-land!

If you do need to make the almond milk, do it like this:
Soak 1 1/2 c shaved almonds in 3 c purified water overnight (or six hours minimum).
Drain the water, but set it aside.
Put the almonds in the food processor and with the s blade, process for about 3 or 4 minutes, adding about a cup of the saved water in a slow, steady stream.

Pour the almond/water mixture into your saved water, run it through a strainer, and viola, you've got almond milk.

Let me know how you like the smoothies!
Cath

By shamrockmom
Posted August 5, 2009 at 7:47 pm
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I am on a liquid diet. My diet consists of protein shakes/smoothies made with Organic Vanilla Soymilk, but you mentioned you make smoothies with the jello and almond milk and ice, and it really hits the spot when my sweet tooth acts up! Do you have a recipe? How do you make your own almond milk - You said it's an easy thing to do - Please can you share the recipe?

By GeorgiaCath
Posted July 2, 2009 at 5:20 pm
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Allie!!! You have made my day. To have any amount of decreased pain is awesome news for folks like us!

Gosh where do we start... What's foremost here is that the symptoms of low acid are the same as high acid, and you're right, you've got to have acid to digest food. (argh! Why don't dr's address this?)
I get the Betaine HCI with Pepsin from Vitacost because there are no fillers in it that exacerbate our problems. Rice flour is common which of course feeds bad bacteria that lingers in our slow-moving guts, causing candida symptoms (flu-like). Cellulose is another filler, which is made by fermented vegetable fiber. This becomes a natural gum, which is another digestive nightmare for us.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle was originally written for those with Celiac (which I also have), but over the years gained international attention for relieving the symptoms of all types of gastrointestinal disease. I know people on it with GP, Celiac, Crohns, IBS, diverticulitis, etc., and all have found symtpomatic relief. It's been around for a long, long time. It's written in the old-style-wordy way, but it's full of good information.

As far as dropping the wheat, I say, YES!!! I'd drop all the grains and starches at least for a while and see how you do. Switch to egg drop soup, hamburger patties, chicken, and if you want veggies, stir fried, peeled zucchini, etc. Figure on anything leaving residue stirring up trouble in your gut (the infamous fiber that's supposed to be so good for everybody).

If you want to write more off-line, go for it. cathycanen@gmail.com

I'll pray for you!
Cath

By GPAllie
Posted July 1, 2009 at 11:03 pm
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Cathy,

Thanks for your post. I'm newly diagnosed with GP. I'm losing weight rapidly - well over 25lbs since April (this is the only time that I am glad I had extra weight!) And quite shocked as I never heard of it and thought I might have IBS at most. My symptoms include nausea, full feeling, pain at sternum and behind ribs on right and left sides, left side abdominal pain.
I'm taking Domperidone (just started 1 week ago) Prilosec OTC (about 1 month) and Miralax (about 6 weeks).

This whole GI thing started with constipation after having diarhea during withdrawal from an SNRI antidepressant. In responding to the antidepressant withdraw, I went on the BRAT diet for diarheah - Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast/Saltines.

I am at risk for type 2 diabetes. The diet of saltines and applesauce was a lot of carbs for me. I'm wondering if I caused some stomach or insulin problem.

Since my GP diagnosis, I've been eating carbs like so many docs and books recommend for GP because they break down easily. I've was eating 1 or 2 plain waffles a day -- that's my entire day's food.

After reading your post yesterday, I decided to be brave and try protein. Today I ate only canned chunk chicken (about 1 ounce each time -- ate it 4 times). I also ate lime sweetened jello (didn't have unsweetened on-hand). I noticed that the right and left pain under ribs did not happen today and that at the end of the day, beginning in the evening, I was burping very naturally.

I think today was an improvement and since I am used to a low carb diet and have done no carb diet, I'm willing to give this a try.

My question is about the book you recommend
Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet. Is this book helpful for GP? The reviews I read makes it sound like the book addresses Crons and IBS.

I'm also wondering if I might have a sensitivity to wheat since the rib pain was better today when I went without wheat.

Also, I'm not happy about taking prilosec since the acid is needed to break down food. I tried skipping a day and ended up with severe heartburn while sleeping. Burned my throat. I was only on prilosec because my doctor thought it could be helpful. I had previously not had heartburn complaints. Do you know if it takes time for acid production to normalize after stopping a PPI? Also, do you know anything about taking the Betaine supplement while on a PPI? Does anyone have experience with PPI, PPI discontinuation and PPI/Betaine use?

Thanks for your posts. This thread has been my light at the end of the tunnel, a tiny flickering light but at least some hope and better than doctors that throw pills at you and tell you all the wrong things about diet. Long term use of pharmaceuticals always makes me sicker.

I could write a ton more questions. Any answers that you could provide would be most appreciated. I especially would like to know about the book and the Betaine supp.

Thanks so much!
Allie

By GeorgiaCath
Posted June 21, 2009 at 7:03 pm
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Terry, Judy, Gina and all,
You have become so dear to me. I know we are hit and miss in our correspondence, but I want so desperately for you all to get better. Your notes absolutely make my days.

I work two jobs right now, one is with dying patients in a hospice house. Daily I see people who would rather die than listen to what I say about their diet. What does that tell us? What's most scary is that the people dying of cancer want more and more sugar and starch the closer they get to death. If someone gives them a cupcake they only eat the frosting. They refuse all protein and vegetables. The cancer takes over their bodies - and their minds.

For people to underestimate the power of food is foolish.

That's why I appreciate you all. You are willing to step out and try the unconventional. Kudos to you.

I am living proof that it works to cut down the carbs. I completely cut them out, except as I said in my last post, to bring up my blood sugar. Even then I limit it to under 40 carbs per day. I do feel so wonderful, though, it's worth it.

love to you all,
Cathy

By Terry1966
Posted June 20, 2009 at 8:43 am
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Cathy,

I have just read a lot of the posts between you and Crystal. I am going to look at all the sites you have recommended and look into the betaine. At this point I have nothing to loose and everything to gain by trying something new. Thank you so much for all the information you have provided. I am also going to share it with my Dr. She is always interested in new ideas to help with the pain and also help keep my blood sugar stabelized.

By Gajudy
Posted June 18, 2009 at 8:32 pm
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It turned out that I had Thrush for a month. I stayed on mostly protein & that helped. Every time I dropped my guard I ended up with a yeast infection. I have been afraid to go no carb entirely because of the diabetes & too much protein can cause kidney damage. I'm in a catch 22.

Today I know I was not kind to my tummy. I ate shrimp marinara for dinner & I like it hot. Now my tummy is rebelling! It's my own darn fault, but I haven't had that in a long, long time. Sometimes we're our own worst enemy.

How do you manage the proteins when you're on the road? That's when I have the most trouble finding food I can eat. I've been having a lot of those Atkins Shakes. I bring a cooler almost everywhere I go.

I really apreciate your posts about the carbs. It has really helped while I fought this battle with Candida.

I'm so glad you are able to go on & have a relatively normal life with GP. Not many of us have managed to do that, so you must be doing all the right things for yourself. I'm still staying away from carbs as best I can, & I feel the difference when I have too many carbs. I never realized they made that much difference in energy levels & over all well being.

Thanks again, Cathy. Love & prayers, Gajudy

By GinaB
Posted June 18, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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Hi GeorgiaCath, Thank You so much, I too am on a mainly protein diet, after reading one of your posts, I also bought the Betaine and I am doing so much better than the initial start of Reglan which I hear may be removed from the market, lots of lawsuits. I have quit dairy, I used to love milk but the bloat isn't worth it. I can, however still eat fage yogurt? I will look into the carb specific diet you recommended on another post. Keep up the good work and please keep us posted on what is working for you. Warmest Regards
Gina

By GeorgiaCath
Posted June 18, 2009 at 7:27 am
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Terry,
thanks for your note. I have to get ready for a funeral and then work out of town this weekend, so I'll send you a note sometime Sunday.

I'm glad we're friends.

cath

By GeorgiaCath
Posted June 18, 2009 at 7:25 am
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I've been away on business for about 2 months Judy, going like gangbusters. I can't complain though - at least I'm ABLE to work. I'm truly so thankful.

The candida beast is really tricky. I had a situation about a month ago, on the road, where I started feeling badly and couldn't pinpoint the cause. After praying, I figured it out: it was my blood sugar level, way too low because of not eating any carbs at all. So I ate a little piece of chocolate (that was weird - it's been years) and almost instantly felt better. Since then I've recognized that weird feeling many times, which I now rectify by eating a tiny bit of fruit or other monosaccharide to stabilize it. This just one more thing I've learned in the gp circus!

be well, good friend.

cath

By Gajudy
Posted May 12, 2009 at 8:45 pm
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Cathy, thanks for the recipe. I'm not big on dark meat except for the turkey legs, but I did almost the exact thing except we did it on top of the stove. I can't remember where I learned this (maybe my first allergist in regards to mold), but we really aren't supposed to use pepper or herbs because of the chance that the drying procedure could cause a tiny bit of mold. I just can't use no seasoning, tho. I used the pepper, garlic, & sea salt that you grind. I also used a bit of the salt substitute because I'm really not supposed to use salt. Also, you'd be amazed to find out how much sugar is in common seasonings.

I'm happy to report that over the weekend I lost 2 and a half pounds. Part of it is from all the walking I did. The other thing is maybe the low carb thing is working. The sugar cravings seem to have abated, thank heaven. This weekend my mind was kept busy, too. We went to an Indian pow wow & helped the man who flies the Hawks & Falcons. Every time I got a bite of food, somebody would ask me a question about the birds. I't not easy to over eat under those circumstances!!

I am so glad that you wrote about the Candida thing. I think you saved me from a lot of misery. Thank you again.

Love & prayers, Gajudy

By GeorgiaCath
Posted May 12, 2009 at 3:28 pm
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Tami,
You sound good. Your whole tenor is greatly improved, and I'm encouraged by your story.

Hooray for the victories! (I *secretly* envy your ability to eat bread!)

cath

By tami6655
Posted May 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
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Hi Cath,
I'm doing very, very well right now. I was living with a pain level of 7-9 every day of my life and not sleeping. Since October I had begun vomiting and fought nausea on a regular basis.
I got the book "Restoring Your Digestive Health" and went on phase 1 (basically vitamins and a chicken vegetable broth) for about a month.
I seemed much better for about 3 weeks and then got worse again.
We were traveling back and forth to Cleveland, OH to the Cleveland Clinic and they found that I had lactose intolerance, a small bowel overgrowth, and eosiniphils in both my small and large bowel that didn't belong there. The doctor at Cleveland Clinic said that the presence of the eosiniphils was probably why I was in pain and she had me go to a rheumatologist and an allergist as an auto-immune disease or allergies can cause the eosiniphils. She said if those came up negative (and they did) I'd have to just accept that the C. diff infection had caused it and there was no help for it other than to hope it would go away eventually.
I went back to my family doctor and reminded him of a week in May of last year when I felt so much better and then the new GI doctor had taken me off of those meds. My doctor was willing to try it and we could see the difference almost immediately. One of the medicines was a pancreatic enzyme. (I also had pancreatitis when I had C. diff.)
Anyway, I still have to stay on the strict diet as if I were a diabetic. I've begun taking natural supplements for my thyroid issues. (All this was advice from Dr. Cowan on gastropareis online.)
I feel so very much better. I only vomit on days when I overeat or make wrong food choices. My pain level is now between 1 and 3 and I am actually sleeping again! My nausea is rare--it happens if I eat the wrong foods. I wish I could give my recovery to everyone who has gastroparesis. I know the diet is an important part in it because if I get to feeling really good and eat "normally"--non-organic, beef or regular bread I am deathly ill again.
The only bread I eat is homemade sourdough and I only eat it once a day. I eat fermented foods and only berries for fruit.
Thanks for checking on me. I'm not battling candida. Fortunately, I've never had a battle with the candida, but I have friends that do. I know it's a terrible battle.
Your original post on here encouraged me when I was just beginning my new diet. Thanks for being here!
Tami

By GeorgiaCath
Posted May 12, 2009 at 1:23 pm
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Gajudy, did you see my chicken recipe from Emeril? It's DELISH! Maybe the turkey would be good cooked the same way? In case you didn't see the post, here is the recipe as used w chicken:
Cover bottom of casserole pan w olive oil
Sprinkle w salt/seasoning
Lay chicken thighs on the OO/salt mixture
Bake at 250 degrees for six hours.

YUM! It's great stuff. Recipes like this make me not feel sorry for myself when I can't eat the unhealthy versions - i.e., fried chicken.

cath

By GeorgiaCath
Posted May 12, 2009 at 10:33 am
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Gina, I feel like I'm standing on the sidelines shouting, "go Gina, go!" It take a lot of guts (pun intended!) to get off the candida feeding foods.

I hated getting off the jello, too, but man I feel so much better. It took forever to nail that culprit, but I'm so glad I did!

cath

By GinaB
Posted May 12, 2009 at 1:15 am
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Thanks for the new info, I quit the tofu in my soups and I am better. Just read your post on sugar free jello, I was so enjoying that, oh well. I am throwing or giving away all carbo food ( lentils, bean, crackers, cereals,processed, frozen food. I have been on a high protein diet for two days and my bloat is going down. I'm relieved and surprised - why won't our doctors inform us about yeast and candida? Maybe they have to make money on pills for diabetes or GP?

By Gajudy
Posted May 11, 2009 at 10:23 pm
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Cathy, I guess I'm some better. I haven't been shopping yet, so all I've been able to do is to up my whey powder & cut waaaay back on any carbs. I'm afraid to cut them out entirely because of my diabetes. I was gone all weekend, so I planned ahead & made a protein mix with whey powder, Carbmaster yoghurt, sugar free Jello, & unsweetened almond milk. I had a hamburger bun minus the lid with shredded chicken on it. Like I said, I cut way back on carbs, but could have made better choices had I been at home. I just did the best I could. I still have a mouth full of Candida 'glue' & my yeast infection in spite of 2 rounds of Fluconazole, Chlorhexadine & "Magic Mouth Wash" & salt water rinses. I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet & get off the milk protein, but like I said, I haven't been shopping. I really appreciate all your help in kicking this 'Monster' to the curb. Tomorrow I plan to get turkey drumsticks to slow cook. Chewing is still a problem due to the new denture & the Thrush making my mouth tender. Just one more hurdle! Oh yes, I'm also taking my probiotics. I haven't needed the digestive enzymes lately. My GP is in a good place at the moment. I just eat very small meals.
Well....that's the long answer. Sorry about my rambling. This Candida is a real bummer. Thanks to you, Cathy, & everybody for your compassion. If I don't get better soon, I may go to my GI or Endochrinologist.

Love & prayers to you all. Gajudy

By GeorgiaCath
Posted May 11, 2009 at 10:04 am
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Dear Jan -
WOW! I feel like I had a drink out of a hydrant!
You are a wealth of knowledge, and we appreciate you sharing. Thanks too, for keeping a positive outlook when you have every reason not to.

Stay with us. You have so much to share...
cath

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