Gluten intolerance (coeliac disease) and cramps

[Fugazi]

I recently learned that I was gluten intolerant (blood test, then gastroscopy). I'm a new man since changing my diet a month ago. The thing is, gluten intolerance is supposedly associated with muscle cramps, which I had a lot in tennis and squash tournaments for the last 20 years. Always thought I got dehydrated faster because of very salty sweat or something, but it turns out that gluten intolerance induces malabsorption of nutrients (including electrolytes I believe), which in turn could explain the cramps.

I just thought I'd share this here because most people don't suspect to have gluten intolerance (I had no clue until recently). Mild gastrointestinal symptoms can mistakenly be interpreted as some form of IBS. Don't be fooled by the impression that you digest wheat easily, that's what I thought until recently. If you have a history of not gaining weight easily and have a varying degree of gastrointestinal problems (especially in the absence of constipation), then you may have gluten intolerance. It is believed that 1% of the population is gluten intolerant, but only 10% of coeliacs are diagnosed.

Hopefully my new diet will help with the cramps... Feel free to discuss, ask questions or add your own experience.

 

[charliefedererer]

Djokovic seems to have done well since going gluten free before the season started last year:
Is Novak Djokovic’s new, gluten-free diet behind his win streak?
http://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/blog...free-diet-behind-his-win-streak?urn=ten,wp706

 

[GuyClinch]

My g/f seems to have trouble with gluten as well. It doesn't bother me but I don't eat much of it anyway. The wheat belly writer seems to think its a massive issue. Not sure I buy that but it something people should try...

 

[Soul]

I eat gluten free, and noticed an improvement in my health and energy levels after doing so, which was nice obviously.

Not a tennis player, but saw on the Wheat Belly sight news commentator Bill O'Reilly tried a wheat free diet recently and found he lost weight and his allergies went away.

"Panic in the Heartland"

http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/06/panic-in-the-heartland/

 

[chrischris]

I eat gluten free, and noticed an improvement in my health and energy levels after doing so, which was nice obviously.

Not a tennis player, but saw on the Wheat Belly sight news commentator Bill O'Reilly tried a wheat free diet recently and found he lost weight and his allergies went away.

"Panic in the Heartland"

http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/06/panic-in-the-heartland/

Sounds good . But did his humanity and sanity perhaps return somewhat ?

 

[basil J]

I have been Gluten free for over a year and my overall well being, recovery and endurance has improved, body fat has gone down as well. I went this route to combat arthritis and it has helped quite a bit.

 

[Fugazi]

I have been Gluten free for over a year and my overall well being, recovery and endurance has improved, body fat has gone down as well. I went this route to combat arthritis and it has helped quite a bit.

Good for you. I already see a huge difference, especially in the gastrointestinal department (duh), but also, like you, I feel I have more stamina even though I train a bit less than usual.