Digestive related fertility problems?

[jo_white83]

Hi Tasha,

I too have symptoms like yours, but have tried living GF (my m-i-l has CD) and unfortunately that didnt help any of my symptoms... I try to just stay away from fatty and overly processed foods where possible- i find that is when my bloating, cramping etc, is at its worst! I also understand what you mean by having little to no time to prepare foods! The thing that works best for me is to just make sure that i have fruit on hand for snacks during the day, prepare my lunches the night before and try to have dinner organised the night before so all i have to do is cook it...

Eating GF though doesn't mean you can't have your favorite foods, it just means finding alternative ways to cook them and maybe substituting some ingredients! You would be surprised at some of the things you can still have!

[Em_325]

Tasha I hope you don't mind me hijacking your thread momentarily with a question but it has me wondering....

The link with coeliac disease and infertility/mc is that just for females with it or can it have an impact on a males fertility as well? I ask because DH was diagnosed with coeliacs disease 7 weeks ago and we have been TTC since Apr 10 and we have had one BFP in that time which resulted in mc. Prob not related at all but can't help but wonder....

Tasha I will add that I found it extremely difficult cutting out gluten at the start esp as I do all the cooking and I have no issues with gluten (there was no way I was going to cook two separate meals) but once we saw a dietician and got some advice it actually isn't that bad. The time factor was my biggest issue as well as like you I work a crazy amount of hours every week so I brought a thermomix and it has made it all so much easier.

[Amaunet]

Well I suppose I could try.....but I have to find substitutes if needed. Any idea's on the following:

Special K, mini wheat's, weetbix crunch, cheerio's.
Wholemeal roll, ham, cheese, avocado, tomato, carrot and lettuce.
Banana's and grapes

And what about dinner? What the heck will i cook? Some favourites are:

Shepherds pie (with pastry)
Chicken stir fry
Taco's or enchiladas
Tuna patties
Meatballs and mash

I can't possibly give them all up!!

Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley (and a different type of gluten in oats) I highly recommend the App from the Coeliac society if you have a smart phone, well worth the price and it explains how to read labels so you don't have to rely on something being marked "Gluten Free" as many regular products are GF by ingredient, as for your list, don't panic

Special K, mini wheat's, weetbix crunch, cheerio's. I like the Freedom Food Cereals, I like the "Berry Good Morning", it reminds me of the Special K with fruit variety, they also have others.
Wholemeal roll, ham, cheese, avocado, tomato, carrot and lettuce. You have to substitute bread, this is by far the hardest part. The new version of Country Life brand bread is the most like real bread I have found, but still not the same. I also have the corn or rice thins with yummy toppings
Banana's and grapes All fruit is gluten free

And what about dinner? What the heck will i cook? Some favourites are:

Shepherds pie (with pastry) There is gluten free pastry in the freezer section, blue box, not quite the same, I personally wouldn't bother and would just do the mashed potato
Chicken stir fry EASY! There are stack of GF stir fry sauces, the Ayam brand if making your own sauce (ie Oyster sauce, Doy sauce etc or the pre made marinades and sauces by Masterfoods are good too - not necessarily marked GF but none in the ingredients.
Taco's or enchiladas- most Taco stuff is GF by ingredient and you just have to get the Corn Tortillas instead of the flour ones.
Tuna patties Do you make your own? You can get GF bread crumbs etc and Tuna (and all meat/fish/poultry) is GF, there are very few cooking ingredients you can't get a good GF substitute for
Meatballs and mash Again if you make your own, so easy and potato (and all veg) is GF

Eating GF though doesn't mean you can't have your favorite foods, it just means finding alternative ways to cook them and maybe substituting some ingredients! You would be surprised at some of the things you can still have!

This is great advice from Jo I really struggled at the start, but 21 months since my diagnosis, it's second nature and I feel so much better. For me, feeling so much better makes it all worth it!

If you decide to go GF, ask as many questions as you need, there's a few BB members who are GF