When boys are hurt, we tell them to ‘rub some dirt on it’ and get back in the game. So it comes as no surprise that men have a tough time admitting weakness, especially to something as innocuous as a slice of bread. Perhaps this explains why celiac disease is considered a women’s issue, when in reality the male-to-female ratio is closer to 1:1.
Today the Gluten Free RN discusses the large numbers of men in the US who go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, sharing several anecdotes of patients whose symptoms resolved on a gluten-free diet. She covers the particular social challenges for men with celiac disease, the laundry list of symptoms men may encounter, and the specifics of nutrition she recommends for gluten-sensitive patients.
Through it may be difficult to give up pizza and beer with the guys, it is worth the effort to go from sick and struggling to happy and healthy. Listen in and learn how to make going gluten-free simple and easy, even for men with limited culinary skills. Add bacon fat to your greens AND regain your abs with advice from the Gluten Free RN!
What’s Discussed:
The myth that men are less likely to suffer from celiac disease
- 3 women diagnosed for every man
- Actual ratio of men to women is 1:1
- Huge numbers of undiagnosed celiac patients in US
The addictive nature of gluten
- Morphine-like effect
- Difficult to give up pizza, beer
Case study of man diagnosed with pancreatitis
- Athletic entrepreneur in 40’s
- Tested positive for celiac disease
- Adopted gluten-free diet
- Pancreatitis resolved
- Fatigue and throat-clearing went away
Common symptoms of celiac disease in men
- Fatigue
- Thyroid issues
- Anemia
- Osteoporosis
- Bowel issues
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic cough
- GERD
- Gastritis
- Hemorrhoids
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Irritability
- IBS
- Urinary incontinence
- IBH
- Erectile dysfunction
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
- Facial ticks
Why men with osteoporosis and anemia together should assume they have celiac disease
- Review labs for red blood cell count
- Check for hemoglobin and hematocrit in right range
Nadine’s patient with a climbing PSA (lab indicator of prostate cancer)
- Patient had difficulty sleeping, snoring issues
- Had to eat bread or cereal before coffee to avoid abdominal pain
- Suffered from chronic belching, brittle nails
- Adopted variation of Paleo diet, symptoms resolved
How Nadine’s doctor had a change of heart around celiac disease
- Nicknamed her ‘Gluten Insufficiency Nurse’
- Called to request consultation
- Endoscopy report indicated he had celiac disease
- Symptoms resolved on gluten-free diet
- No longer needed Cialis
The lack of celiac understanding exhibited by healthcare practitioners in the US
Doug’s story
- PA diagnosed with atypical Crohn’s
- Three trips to ER with GI bleeding
- Endured surgery to resect bowels
- Followed Nadine’s instructions for gluten-free diet
- No longer has Crohn’s, rectal bleeding
- Feels significantly better
How gluten causes excessive gas, explosive diarrhea and constipation
- Gluten can trigger paralysis of intestines
- Normal BM with diet change
Nadine’s advice around nutrition for gluten sensitive patients
- Super-good, high fat diet
- Paleo, whole food diet is ideal
- Incorporate meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds
- Eliminate all grains, legumes and processed foods
- Replace starches with potatoes, rice
- Make choices based on preference and nutritional value
- Select fewer processed, more fresh foods
- Don’t just replace gluten-containing foods with gluten-free version (processed = nutrient deficient)
The benefits of bacon
- Can use bacon fat to sauté greens
- Body uses fat to heal, keep brain and nervous system healthy, prevent neurological disorders
Why men may be more resistant to diet change
Nadine’s advice for men on eating fresh, gluten-free food
- Find a few easy-to-prepare recipes you like
- Use a Crock-Pot
- Incorporate fruits and vegetables
- ‘If it’s hard, you’re doing it wrong’
Why subsidized ingredients are found in countless products
- Government pays food manufactures to incorporate
- Wheat, corn, soy and peanuts in surprising foodstuffs like catsup, tuna
The social challenges for men with celiac disease
- Don’t want to be perceived as needy, weak
- Others may be unkind if express special dietary needs
- Especially difficult if others cooking for you, at special events (e.g.: wedding)
How switching from vegan or vegetarian to Paleo has affected Nadine’s male patients
- Realize healthy weight
- Able to gain muscle mass
- Pain issues resolve
- Improved mood
Resources:
The Whole 30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig
Connect with Nadine:
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Books by Nadine:
Dough Nation: A Nurse’s Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
