Post Punk Kitchen Forum

Hi PPK,
I (along with half the world) have been looking into going gluten-free because some of the symptoms seem to match up (for sensitivity, not full-blown allergy). For one sometimes I have unexplained constipation that lasts for days even though I have a really high-fiber diet. Also I've been dieting and exercising and eating healthily, lots of fruits and veggies, oatmeal, beans for protein, I never eat bread and RARELY eat pasta, etc, and haven't lost a damn pound. I read that gluten sensitivity can keep weight on you and make it hard to lose. Does anyone have any experience or advice with this?
Today was my first day without any gluten.

I've heard of other coliacs putting weight as a result of gluten consumed, might be worth a coeliac blood test and gluten free challenge to see. I had the opposite effect though and put on weight when I went gluten free because my body was finally absorbing calories and nutrients properly.

I've read that gluten causes some people to lose weight because of nutrient malabsorption, and causes others to be overweight or obese. The test is pretty cheap and accurate though. I actually just had celiac bloodwork done today.

totally anecdotal and probably not statistically significant: I find I do lose/maintain weight a bit better when I eliminate gluten, but I think that's because I'm replacing my gluten-y/wheaty products with whole-grain alternatives like brown rice etc, and as such I'm consuming fewer calories and more fiber. You sound like you're already on that track, so are you drinking enough water? too much caffeine? Even when I pound stupid amounts of vegetables and whole foods, if I don't really watch my hydration levels it'll mess with my digestion.

I do drink lots and lots of water and the only form of caffeine I consume is green tea, which isn't even every day anyway. I'm only about ten pounds overweight but I've always, always had a bit of a belly, even as a young girl. I'm wondering now if gluten is why. Anyway I've been without it for a week now and while I don't think it's made a difference in my weight yet, I have noticed SIGNIFICANTLY more energy in my get up and go!

I have lost about 9-10 lbs without glueten and yeast product.

yes, lots of water. Good water not bottled or even tap or carbon filtered are important for aiding good digestion and processing of foods.

What's good water?

and what are the ways in which bottled/tap/filtered water hinder digestion and processing of foods?