Abdominal Pain

What is it?

Well, I think that's fairly obvious, but maybe you want to know if it's a CD flare or something else.

There is a two-pronged set of possibilities, as it regards CD/NCGS.

1. It's gut-related pain.

If this is what you're experiencing, it might be self-explanatory. As GI distress is the hallmark of CD/NCGS, it is expected that pain coming from the belly might happen.

It may put you in mind of food poisoning. Well, technically, it is, as gluten is toxic to our systems.

2. It's flu-like.

A tell-tale sign of some autoimmune disorders is feeling like you've got the flu...all...the...friggin'...time. You might feel like you've been pummeled in the stomach/hit by a Mack truck/been beaten with a stick while you slept. You'll likely feel it in your back, too. Yes, just like the flu.

What else may it indicate?

As usual, other autoimmune disorders may have a component where you feel like you have the flu. Or, you may actually have the flu.

Other intestinal issues cause lower and mid-abdominal pains. It's good to let your doctor know if it's new pain or if it seems like the other times of being glutened before, if you're on a gluten-free diet, keep a watch and see if it passes. If not, it might be a good idea to see the doc or go to the ER, to make sure it's not something else or more serious than it seems.

It's easy to say, "Oh, I've been glutened; this too shall pass." But really, we need to be on guard. Being hypervigilent isn't great, either, but if there are changes, make sure to let your medical support team know.

How can I treat it at home?

There are several methods, which are not necessarily "doctor approved," but you will want to discuss with your doctor to make sure they are, at the very least, safe. Effective is nice, too.

1. Hydrate.

Universally, everyone, everyone says: Drink LOTS AND LOTS of water. This helps to flush the system, and keep things moving, and in the case of diarrhea, keeps you hydrated.

You can overdo the water, so occasionally, you'll want to drink something else. When I need to switch drinks, I can tell, because I get "slosh," in my stomach and small intestines. The small intestines contain liquid digest material, so when you hear the weird noises with diarrhea, high in the gut, that's your small intestines.

You can also drink warm water, warm lemon water, cold lemon water, green tea, white tea, and if caffeine gives you issues, get the decaf variety. If you have diarrhea or Restless-Leg Syndrome, steer clear of the caffeine.

2. Enzymes.

Papaya enzyme (papain)
Pineapple enzyme (bromelain)
Gluten Cutter, Gluten Aid or another brand ---These are NOT recommended for celiacs. The only valid reason to use them at all is to help lessen the effects of an accidental glutening. They are not appropriate to use to in order to indulge in gluten-containing foods. No, not even for holidays, birthdays or going out to your favorite pizza place.

There is no guarantee these would work, but they might help augment the effects a little.

3. Activated charcoal.

Again, this comes with a caution, to use ONLY on rare occasions, where you mistakenly bought a brand of spaghetti sauce that you forgot to check for gluten ingredients. Frequent use or bad timing can interfere with nutrient or drug absorption. You'll want to make sure to take it separately from eating times and plan around when you normally take your medications.

So far, activated charcoal is showing to be generally safe when used occasionally. Still, it's best to let your healthcare team know that it's one of the methods you've chosen to treat yourself. In children, speak to a medical professional, before administering.

4. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

From what I've read, so far, Ibuprofen is the safest of the NSAIDs, regarding gastro-intestinal bleeding. If you have had any bleeding at all, speak to your general practitioner or GI doctor, to make sure dosing is safe.

At lower doses, NSAIDs are mostly useful for pain, not inflammation. Inflammation is the major thing with autoimmune disorders, and it is likely what causes the rapid stop to the GI tract after a glutening. If your mode is generally diarrhea, you won't have the rapid stop, but you'll likely have inflammation.

If you need or want to treat inflammation, speak with your doctor about a medication, and see if ibuprofen or another regimen would work for you.

5. Pedialyte, Gatorade, Powerade, SmartWater, coconut water, homemade sports beverage....

This is part of the hydration regimen. But, as stated before, you will want to alternate or, at least, inject something besides water, on occasion, particularly if you have diarrhea. You need to replace your electrolytes.

Coconut water is supposed to be a great way to replenish electrolytes. I hate coconut, so I'll leave you to decide.

If you want to control the amount of sodium or other electrolytes, check out this article, and make your own:

http://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/homemade-sports-drink-recipes/

If you have edema with all of this pain and stuff, having foods high in potassium can help to reduce it.

6. Juicing

If you have little or no appetite, or food is just sitting like a rock in your midsection, try juicing. A very friendly drink, which you want to sip slowly and "chew," is:

2 large, 3 medium carrots
1" piece of fresh ginger
1-2 stalks celery (good for potassium)
1 apple

Ninja or Juicer it. If you don't have a proper juicer, you can use a coffee filter and funnel to strain the pulp out of the juice.

Get well, soon!

RG