Platelets and Gluten?

Hey everyone,
So, I have been doing a little research and I recently bought a book titled The Immune System Recovery Plan by Dr. Susan Blum. The book is written for people with autoimmune disorders--any and all, ranging from Celiac's to Lupus to Pernicious Anemia. Not surprisingly, it doesn't mention ITP because of it's rarity but the author insists in the book that enhancing your immune system through healthy eating, cleansing your gut, detoxifying your body, and optimizing your liver functions will lead to a possible autoimmune remission or at least improvement with the autoimmune disorder you have--such as symptoms. I have had severe tummy issues for years and after reading the book and taking in her ideas, I have decided to do a trial run of a gluten-free diet. Easier said than done, but I am giving it a shot. Dr. Blum is an autoimmune specialist (functional medicine) and swears that this is the absolute first step (eliminate gluten) she gives to her patients. The book also talks about eliminating artificial sweeteners like aspartame and "eating clean" in order to give the body the nutrients needed to run smoothly. I have recently gotten off "the crack" I.E. DIET COKE and have never felt better when it comes to less headaches, more energy, and less joint pain. However, I think it will take A WHILE to fully get used to gluten-free eating. But, I will do anything to improve my health and possibly improve my counts.

I recently posted that I came out of my five year remission with a count of 103. I had been around the 220s-250s for five yeras. I decided then and there to do SOMETHING---anything that may make me feel better and improve my health. Even if it didn't outright improve my counts, improving my overall health will definitely not hurt and in the long wrong will probably make me have a clear mind to deal with everything else. I went to the bookstore and found this book I spoke of above. It may just be a stroke of luck but my counts had risen to 110 7 days later. I know that basically that isn't much of an improvement--but hey, I'll take it! They didn't drop and that is all I've wanted. I'm getting them checked on the 23rd as well and will see what they are then. I've eliminated diet coke for 3 weeks now and have been drinking much more water. I just began eating clean for the past week. I know it may seem early, but, like the rest of you, I am willing to do anything to feel better.

Has anyone on this discussion board done research or heard or experienced any improvements with platelet counts by improving your diet and eating nutritiously? Anyone had counts improved by eliminating gluten? Has anyone eliminated gluten and had a fabulous turn around with tummy issues? Even if it didn't improve counts, how did you feel by making this life change? Any other life changes anyone has made that improved your general health well being?

Thanks for reading,
Natalie

Hi Natalie,
Good for you - taking control of your well being.
I went Gluten Free for 5 years after first being diagnosed with ITP. Hard at first but became easier. Family & friends also had issues & we supported each other. These days there are many products in the supermarkets/health food stores & endless recipe books available. The main thing is to know the culprits (wheat, barley, rye & oats) & to check every label. It is also important to get enough fibre in your diet as many gf options are so processed.
Best wishes from Down Under,
mj

Natalie:

I am a believer in the gluten free diet and did it for about 2 months. During that time, I was feeling better, but it did take weeks to get to that point. One bad day resulted in a Big Mac and I blew it, now I have to start over. It is not an easy diet to follow, I agree. I got a good cook book and was making some good foods, but the prep time is unreal. I was also juicing and that is hard to stick to too.

I don't know if it would increase platelets, but it would be healthier in the long run. Too many people are claiming great benefits and you just can't ignore that.

My thoughts differ as to whether or not you are out of remission. The guidelines for ITP have changed and the level has been lowered to counts under 100. Also, not having to treat keeps you at least in the partial remission stage. If you hadn't had a count during this time, you might not have known and if you go to 150 next month, you'd have thought you were up the entire time. Sometimes, it's just a matter of 'catching' it at the right time.

I hope your counts continue to rise...that is possible. It could have been caused by food poisoning. My hemo got sick once and his counts dropped to the 70's. He considered it a normal thing when someone gets sick and most people just never know that it happened because they don't get a CBC.

Good luck with the diet!

Thank you so much for your positivity. It has proven to be very difficult in this week that I have started trying! I am currently on vacation in Myrtle Beach and what does that entail---eating out every single night! It's rough sitting across the table with my grilled chicken and veggies while others have "heaven" on their plates. I just keep thinking of the long term--feeling much better and possibly improving my counts and definitely improving my overall health. I am going to continue to research and read my book...it is very fascinating and I highly recommend it. In the meantime, I will keep everyone up to date with my progress! I hope I don't fall off the wagon! But, my past track record hasn't been that great with other diets...this girl LOVES to eat!

Good luck! You are more self-disciplined than I am. I'm leaving for vacation tonight and although I ate gluten free all week, I am going to drop it for this week and start again when I get back. We don't eat out, everyone takes turns cooking dinner and I don't want to make the meals have to revolve around me.

I am probably a bad example as my itp emerged after going gluten free. My 16 month old was diagnosed celiac this march, our whole family of 5 is now virtually gluten free (though she is the only one with.celiac according to the tests done so far). And my itp came on in end of April, thus for me it didn't really help. But I am also not 100% gluten free as still eat gluten when eating out and not at home and.it really is an all or none thing... And, since going gluten free we have seen positive health things in all 5 of us not just the celiac baby. My 7 year old has had behavior and focus changes, my 4 year old GI changes and the baby a whole new happy person now! My husband and I did also find positives, just the timing of my itp seems strange...

It is a hard diet to follow, a lot of prep and work like you say Sandi and yes if is horrible to try eat out with...not so bad if you are doing it for health and not celiac as you can eat the restaurant gluten free options though where they thanve them at least... Buf still so hard!!! But if you hang in there it gets way easier! We don't even really notice the taste difference of gluten free things anymore.

One thing that helped our transition. Was switching to just whole.foods a few weeks before trying the "gluten free" foods as fruits, veggies, meats et. Are gluten free and taste the same and then after a few weeks things like gluten free bread didn't taste all that strange.

Good luck with it!

Sandi,
I totally know how you feel! My family and I are on vacation and they just ordered pizza. I am eating a "delicious" salad and gluten free pretzels...jealous are you? I completely get what you are talking about and if I weren't with my immediate family, I would probably do the same thing! Good luck and have a restful break!

Thanks MommaBee,
That is surprising! I feel for your son. Celiac's sounds so difficult. At least with ITP symptoms can be somewhat managable (as long as counts are too low). I am giving it a shot and will report any of my results. I go back this coming Tuesday so we will start to see a trend (hopefully a positive one!).
Natalie

Natalie,

Have you been checked for celiac disease? I remember you mentioning that you have been having many gastrointestinal issues, so may be something to rule out.

Several of my co-workers have gone gluten free ( they do not have itp) and say the just overall feel better, so more power to them.....and maybe you will feel better as well....not everything is always scientifically proven and one thing might work for someone but not everyone.

I had asked my doctor about it but he said he only would advise it if you are having gastrointestinal issues, which I have not. And said it will have no effect on my counts

Hey guys,
Good news today! My platelets are up to 120 today! They are trending upward! I sure do hope it keeps going that way! I go back in a week to see if the trend is continuing! In the meantime I am trying to stay away from any and all sickness as well as continue with my gluten-free diet! I have noticed a slight change with my GI issues, but I'm not sure if it is thanks to going gluten free or if it is the fact that I have cut out all artifical sweeteners (that nasty aspartame!), including my beloved diet coke! It's been about 2 weeks of no diet coke! I was an addict and now have stopped cold turkey with it! I'll continue to keep y'all posted!

Natalie

That's good news!