I am not new to LC. My first attempt was Jan 03. I started LCing to lose weight cause I have gained 100 pounds over the past 20 years. That is only 2 pounds a year but WOW. I have also had fibro 20 years.

I was in a really bad pain/fatigue cycle lately so I started reading up on liver cleansing . The recommendation was to stay away from all grains for 8 weeks. So I came back here since I knew this was a low carb recommendation. I start on Sept 13/07 and I feel absolutely amazing. MY Pain is completely gone except for some morning stiffness, My energy levels are way up, I sleep better, MY anxiety and heart palpitations are GONE. They were so bad lately I thought I was going to have to go on meds but as soon as I got rid of the Grains I was fine.

I am so glad to be LCing again and know that this time it has to be for life. I have no choice. If I want to stay pain free I have to give up the grains. Debbie

Hello and welcome!

There are many grain-free people who post here who have realized that they're either allergic to grains, or that they just feel 'off' when they eat them in any quantity. They also contribute to bloat and intestinal issues in many.

We're here to support you. Welcome aboard!

Yup, those of us following the paleo diet have found that grains are evil. Wheat in particular, IMHO.

Yes, I learned the first time around (1998) that low carb (no grains) helped my fibro tremendously!

How long were you grain-free before you felt the benefits?

I am not paleo, but I do agree with them that grains are evil. Not for everyone, but obviously for me.

As for when you feel benefits...I would guess after 2 weeks to 1 month you should have some indication. It took about that long for me to notice how much better my stomach felt...no more bloating...a LOT less gas...LOL

Of course, I had beer lat night. First time in months. And it was wheat beer. So yeah...tummy...not good today. Bleh!

That was my first indication of a wheat issue when I was younger. I used to love my beer, but after a night of drinking one or ten, I would have a big bloaty belly the next day, not to mention the gas!

So which alcoholic beverages are gluten free?

Absolute brand flavored vodkas have no carbs....no glutens.

Welcome. I am new to low carb also. I only have one serving of grains per day and that is my oatmeal in the Morn. Diabetic gastropathy hit me hard this year so off of grains and a lot of different fresh veggies. Also have fibromyalgia and not had a symoptom in3 weeks since starting LCing. Lost 14 lbs too. You will do well and seems like you already know your body. cl

Welcome connie!

So vodka isn't fermented from wheat? What's it fermented from?

Usually potatoes.

http://www.celiac.com/articles/222/...ages/Page1.html

Not sure, but my husband said Grey Goose Vodka was made from wheat.....expensive too!

I felt better around two weeks after starting...I just realized one day that I wasn't hurting anymore. DIdn't feel like I needed massauging constantly anymore either. It was way cool!

Grey Goose is made from wheat.

I have a bottle of Stolichnaya "Russian Vodka" in my freezer. A friend bought it months ago and it still hasnt' been opened. Would this be safe for me to drink?

Anyway, I've been off of gluten, dairy, and all legumes (including soy) for nearly 2 weeks and I'm not feeling much better yet. Well, I have far more energy than I had after DS' birthday party when I had pizza (that knocked me out for a week!! but I dont' know if it was the wheat or the dairy that did it). Maybe I just need more time to recover.

I plan to remain GF until Passover, when I'll buy oat or spelt matzah (whatever non-wheat matzah I can find) and I'll test that one grain then. I see no reason start eating dairy or beans before then either.