Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been strict paleo for almost a year. The few times I've "cheated," and consumed very small amounts of gluten, I've gotten pretty ill. The symptoms included headache, joint ache, and upset stomach, as well as a change in mood. This makes me nervous because I plan on going back into the military after college, and I know from experience that gluten avoidance is near impossible.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar dilemma, and what there means to overcoming it was.

I am currently considering consuming a beer or two per week so that I can (enjoyably) regain some tolerance for gluten, and avoid becoming ill when I am forced to eat it regularly again. I also realize I can resume paleo again once I finish training, my main concern is being able to perform through a rigorous selections process initially upon reentry.

Thanks in advance, and apologies if this has already been asked, I could not find any similar questions.

flag	asked Jan 19 2011 at 22:13 sinn10304 373●3●7

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I'm in the military and have never had a problem avoiding gluten. – jroe Jan 19 2011 at 22:42

I don't plan on having a problem once I'm at a duty station, it's during a certain selections process that I'm worried about. – sinn10304 Jan 20 2011 at 3:23

How did you go? Off to recruits in 3 weeks and would love to know your thoughts/advice. – Aussiebloke Apr 28 2012 at 7:38

Dale · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-20 00:02:18Z UTC

I was just listening to an early Robb Wolf podcast and he addressed a very similar question (the last 5 min. or so of episode 6). I think it was for someone that was getting deployed. He said that maybe they should eat a piece of toast or cookie or something regularly to keep a minor level of gut irritation so they didn't get the trots in the middle of a combat situation after eating an MRE. But that was the only situation he could think of where it made sense to do so. Otherwise it can generally be avoided.

Philosopher · Answer 2 · 2011-01-19 22:21:29Z UTC

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Sinn have you been checked for celiac disease? Your symptoms might well reveal that you have this condition. I am no expert in military issues but I am sure that if you had a disease that forces you to eat gluten free, that would be respected, even at a training period. Someone with a military background could confirm this...

answered Jan 19 2011 at 22:21

Philosopher
4,694●13●31

	I've never been checked. I don't really want to know, since I'm positive that would instantly DQ me from want I'm planning on doing. – sinn10304 Jan 20 2011 at 3:24
	I understand, hopefully you will find out how to manage it! – Philosopher Jan 20 2011 at 14:52

Stephen-Aegis · Answer 3 · 2011-01-19 23:19:28Z UTC

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Celiac is a disqualifying medical condition

(3) Intestinal malabsorption syndromes, including postsurgical and idiopathic (579).

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/intmedstandards.htm

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/abdominal.htm

They will not cater to you.

answered Jan 19 2011 at 23:19

Stephen-Aegis
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	I'm aware. I was in the Army for 6 years, so I know they're not going to make any exceptions. Thanks though. – sinn10304 Jan 20 2011 at 3:25
	Best of luck and thanks for what you do for us. – Stephen-Aegis Jan 20 2011 at 3:30

Purposefully Consuming Gluten Before Going in Military

3 Answers