Here's some background before my Q: I began my GF journey in late September, and also went (what I thought was) lactose-free at the same time. I didn't understand then that just because something is made of goat or sheep milk doesn't mean it is LF, especially if it's a soft cheese, so the D continued unabated. Someone mentioned that I might be allergic to casein, so I quit cheese, and the D gradually stopped.
Then I ran across a website saying that LF people can eat cheese made with cultured milk and/or cheese with zero carbohydrates. I discovered that the cheddar that I buy qualifies on both counts, so I began to eat it again, and a hard goat cheese. Since then, I have even begun to eat mozzarella sticks with less than 1 g of carbohydrate without a problem.
So my question is: Is it likely that I am not lactose intolerant or allergic to casein? Or just not lactose-intolerant but the jury is still out on casein? I realize that testing will provide the ultimate answer, but in the meantime, is there a likelihood that am I goofing things up by continuing to eat cheese? Or... would the SCD be a good option for me?
Sorry, that was more than one question.
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Most aged cheeses can be tolerated by someone who is lactose-intolerant, because they contain very low amounts of lactose. (You are correct - the soft cheeses contain much higher amounts of lactose). Even the aged cheeses are loaded with casein, though, so if you can eat cheddar cheese without any problems, then you are apparently not casein-sensitive. Only proteins can cause an autoimmune reaction, so lactose cannot cause an autoimmune reaction, (since it is a sugar). What doctors refer to as "lactose intolerance" is not really an intolerance, (at least not in the same sense as food sensitivities that can cause autoimmune reactions). The commonly-accepted medical definition of "lactose intolerance" simply implies the inability to digest lactose in a normal manner. In lactose-intolerant people, instead of lactose being digested in the small intestine, it passes into the colon, where it is "digested" by the process of fermentation, resulting in gas, bloating, foul-smelling flatus, etc. Of course, if it is digested in the colon, then virtually all of the nutrients are lost to the bacteria, gases, etc, since they cannot be absorbed from the colon, anyway. (Only water and electrolytes can be absorbed by the colon).
Here's the way that "lactose intolerance" enters into the picture for someone with MC:
Any type of enteritis, (whether due to an IBD, celiac disease, or even the flu, causes the brush border region of the small intestine to lose the capacity to produce lactase enzyme. (Lactase is necessary to digest lactose). As the production capacity for lactase diminishes, the individual will be able to digest smaller and smaller amounts of lactose, before developing the symptoms of lactose intolerance, (bloating, diarrhea, etc.). If the enteritis is severe enough, or if it lasts long enough, lactase production can almost totally cease. The result is what everyone calls "lactose intolerance", but it is a temporary condition, because as soon as the enteritis passes, the small intestine will regain it's ability to produce lactase enzyme in normal amounts, again, (assuming that the patient was not "lactose intolerant" to begin with, because of a genetic problem). With the flu, "lactose intolerance" usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. With MC, lactose intolerance can last indefinitely, (as long as the inflammation is present). Once remission is achieved, though, the ability to produce normal, (or close to normal), amounts of lactase enzyme should slowly return.
IOW, that is why you may be currently "lactose-intolerant", even though you apparently are not casein-sensitive.
Goat and sheep milk lactose and casein amino acid chains are very similar to the corresponding amino acid chains for cow's milk, but there are slight differences in certain locations in the chains, resulting in slightly different peptides. This means that some people who cannot use cow's milk, can safely use sheep or goat milk. In general, though, most people find little difference in their response to sheep or goat milk, compared with cow's milk.
Since you don't appear to be casein-sensitive, that suggests that you should be able to utilize the SCD. If you decide to do that, please keep us posted on your progress.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Aha, so I had it just backwards. I will likely be lactose-intolerant at least until remission, but at this point, apparently I am not casein-sensitive.
The SCD seems to have many similarities to the Paleo diet, which I am also researching. I will let y'all know. Like Mary Beth, it's hard for me to live without cheese...
Thanks so much, Tex!!
Just for the record, it's hard to type with a sleeping grandbaby on my arm.
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
NEWBY here...I have had unrelenting diarrhea for four and a half months. Now on my second GI doc as the first was a disappointment. I've now undergone a plethora of the usual screening tests with my new doc finding nothing. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for later this month; it's looking more and more like this will confirm MC. My life is utterly changed and I am impatient to begin to try to minimize symptoms because tiny meals are not failsafe and Imodium is clearly not a magic bullet. I'm in my early 70s and have had IBS for many years, a couple of intestinal surgeries over my lifetime, but never with life changing symptoms. After reading on this site I am both ecstatic to find community, and depressed as to what my future may hold.
I was on Sertraline (for Zoloft) for years before my then doc, switched me to 10mg. of Escitalopram (for Lexapro). She said it was just good to switch it up however they are both SSRIs. Exactly coinciding with onset of D, I was switched to 20mg. of Escitalopram by a psychiatrist with whom I was consulting to help me wean from Klonopin 2mg./bedtime which I've been taking for years. (I'm now at a very low dose of .25mg Klonopin) wondering if the switch to 20mg.of Escitalopam to compensate for the wean process of the Klonopin, kicked me over the top and could have been a causative factor in the MC, and whether my years on Zoloft could be a major causative factor as well. (Do symptoms sometimes delay?) Because of the change from 10 to 20 mg. coinciding with the D, I went back to 10mg. which the shrink said was a very low dose and can be stopped without a lot of fanfare. As of this morning, I am cutting those in half and plan to stop altogether in about a week. Doctors do not pay much attention to the role of meds or diet in all of this and I am prepared to take a major role in my treatment and to stay respectful of docs who seem to know or care less about these aspects than is helpful and appropriate. For example, because I have been losing about a pound a week over these last months, my GI guy told me to eat lots of sugar which is contraindicated for my osteo-arthritis. I did, however, put a generous heaping of sugar into a morning shake (8oz.Lactose free milk, strawberries and banana.) I know this post is long and I'm uncertain as to how exactly to use this site. I will check back to reread the FAQs etc. later today as I'm pretty much obsessed and eager for your advice and experience. Also how does one ever travel again?? I'm finally retired, widowed a year and a half ago, had begun to do some traveling. I've recently had to cancel just about everything! Thank you so much for being here. I don't know if this matters but I do not drink or smoke and was a regular exerciser till this happened. (My muscle strength is greatly decreased, and I'm now testing somewhat low in protein.) Yikes!
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
Welcome to our Internet family. Yes, many members here blame their MC on an SSRI or some other antidepressant. But depression is a symptom of chronic magnesium deficiency and although this has not yet been proven by a research team, in the book I'm writing I show how a chronic magnesium deficiency can cause the type of inflammation that leads to the development of MC. That's probably why so many MC patients are on or have been on antidepressants. Magnesium deficiency may be the link between the two syndromes. At any rate, although it may be difficult, you may have to stop taking an SSRI (or some other antidepressant) in order to resolve the MC symptoms. There is a chance that doing so may stop the symptoms before you develop any food sensitivities, in which case you might not have to change your diet. Magnesium can be used to treat depression symptoms. Otherwise, it's necessary to change the diet to avoid certain foods in order to stop creating the inflammation that causes the symptoms. Once triggered, it's almost impossible to reverse a sensitivity, whether it be food or a medication.
A high-protein diet (being careful to avoid certain proteins) is the key to healing the intestines. Most of the sugar we ingest typically just ferments in the colon (causing gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea), because when our intestines are inflamed, we are unable to produce enough of the proper enzymes to digest more than small amounts of most sugars. Besides, sugar is either immediately burned for energy or turns into fat. Fat is not the ideal way to gain weight. If we eat protein, it can be utilized to make new muscle cells. It's much healthier to gain weight by forming muscle rather than by adding fat. Your GI doc's advice leaves a lot to be desired. It's common to lose weight with MC. The inflammation has to be stopped so that the gut can heal. You'll regain the weight after you begin to heal.
Don't worry about traveling now. By the time you recover from the disease (if you have it), you'll have learned how to go about it. It may require a few preparations and precautions, but you'll be able to travel again. You need to recover first, by stopping the inflammation and allowing your digestive system to heal.
Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
My dentist wants me to use M I Paste. I'm hesitant because of the fact that it is made from casein. I'm avoiding cow's milk but I do use some cheese - mostly cheddar. It may be okay but I'm hesitant. Don't want to add any new problems!
Jean
You might think you understood what I said but what you don't realize is that what I said was not what I meant!
If you are eating cheese, you are already eating casein. Aged cheese is loaded with casein.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I figured it was but I was stupidly hoping different! My dad bought a goat when I was little because I was allergic to cows milk. And here my dad was a dairy farmer! But I am not really sure if I am still allergic to cow's milk but I never really liked it anyway. When I got my test results from Texas I was told to be permanently off of gluten and off of dairy products for up to a year and that was long ago . I am at least temporarily much better than I was but I'm never sure. So I guess I could try the dental paste and see what happens. I am still having too much with decay. I just dread going to the dentist because they always find something.
Thanks,
Jean
You might think you understood what I said but what you don't realize is that what I said was not what I meant!
Tooth decay is typically associated with gluten. My teeth headed south a few years before my MC symptoms started, and my dentist couldn't stop it. After I cut gluten out of my diet, my teeth stabilized so that I have no more trouble with them. It sounds as though your diet may be cross-contaminated with gluten. At least that would be my guess.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
To the best of my ability I haven't eaten gluten since I first found out several years ago. Unless something is masquerading. I did avoid cheese for a long time. I certainly am mostly better now except for a flare now and then. I think perhaps most kids didn't get to the dentist when young back in the day. I was probably 8 to 10 when I was first taken. I have had lots of decay. Right now, my teeth are covered with crowns and the decay is occurring at the gum line. There is still the bad milk from Bang's diseased cows when I was about two (until THEY were discovered). After that I drank goats milk but I don't know for how long. Probably didn't affect anything. I'm wondering how often restaurant food might affect me.
My dentist told me to quit eating sugar and so I should avoid sugar, fruit, bread. I should eat vegetables and meat. Lettuce and a lot of raw veggies are hard to digest. My diet choices are thinning out! It gets more difficult. He didn't mention anything about gluten affecting teeth. (Not that I expected him to). Of course breads and sugar should eliminate it anyway.
Jean
You might think you understood what I said but what you don't realize is that what I said was not what I meant!
the diet choices may be thinning out but it doesnt have to be difficult -
I have been living for the past near 8 years on limited eating plan, it has been so worth it to get my life back, get wellness back and allow the body to heal the damage of 40 years of excess inflammation and toxins.
I have not eaten raw veges/salad in this time, albeit with sticking with low inflammation eating and taking good supplements I am healing long term issues, one of which is major dental issues. (i have had 6 moler/pre molers removed in the last 5 years)
Not eating enough nutrients isn't the only reason why teeth would decay. They also could decay because the body has become too toxic. We unknowingly ingest these toxins daily. The most toxic substances are drugs, white sugar, breakfast cereals, cheap vegetable oils and hydrogenated oils. There is a complete list of toxic elements below. After years of this behavior, combined with smoking cigarettes, too many medications, and lack of exercise, the liver starts to become weak. The liver is the bodies nutrient store house. The toxic accumulations from cellular metabolism, as well as ingested food products inhibit the bodies ability for normal function. It's very likely that there are deeper health problems than simply tooth decay.
the principles of what is recommended to fix dental issues is basically in line with what we recommend here as foundation of wellness with MC
Vit D3 and magnesium
Good protein and Fats
minimise toxin load on the body (internally and externally)
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Thank you so much Gabes for responding and for your good advice. I had the diarrhea for many years before I was diagnosed. Most doctors don't seem to understand but told me I had IBS and other similar. Even the GI Doctor didn't seem to know.
I had been searching for years and finally found this website on my own. I was started on Cholesterol meds about 40 years ago. Then about 12 years ago found out I had Diabetes. I was on 12 different prescribed meds for a lot of years. Now I am taking 8 daily and 3 of those are twice daily. Also take the low dose aspirin daily. I also take a lot of supplements included Vit D3, magnesium,coQ10, turmeric, Shaklee Osteomatrix, MethylGuard (that Tex uses), Sunflower Lecithin, and a potent multi-vitamin from Life Extension plus perhaps some others.
I use Coconut Oil for cooking -not veg oils. I have never smoked. No alcohol and rarely a soft drink. I rarely eat cereals. On Sunday I eat out with my friends after church. It's usually eggs, bacon,hashbrowns, and since I can't have the bread, they give me small bowl of fruit. One can't always know if it might get cross-contaminated in the kitchen. Denny's has gluten free English muffins so I order that when I eat there.
One thing is hard - what to snack on before bed when I'm hungry.
I'm also trying to avoid histamine foods.
I'm doing the best I can and usually all is well but sometimes not so much!
Jean
Jean
You might think you understood what I said but what you don't realize is that what I said was not what I meant!
with teh supplements, what dosages of Vit d3 and magnesium are you taking each day??
fixing magnesium deficiency also resolved my insulin resistance (pre-diabetes issues
(if you are taking medications you may need a higher magnesium intake to counteract the impact of the meds)
if any of your supps have calcium, this will also impact what magnesium dosage you need.
other toxins can be things like fluride, EMF, ongoing stress, excess chemicals/pollution, excess copper, aluminium etc
one thing i have found, if i eat a large enough serve of protein at lunch and dinner, I do not get hungry.
increase your protein intake to minimise hunger issues.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Gabes, thanks again! I am taking 400 mg Magnesium Glycinate plus 500 mg magnesium oxide in other pills. I take 7000 IU of D3 daily. I take 1000 MG of Calcium in the Osteomatrix from Shaklee.
This is the website for the vitamins I take twice daily.
So many things involved. My parents took very little stuff like that. My mom had extremely high blood pressure and died at 59. I was 20 at the time. My dad also had high blood pressure and so did my brother.
Jean
You might think you understood what I said but what you don't realize is that what I said was not what I meant!
