Hi, it’s me and a gazillion letters of text!
You may have noticed that I’ve been making a lot more gluten-free recipes over the past couple of weeks and I thought I would talk about why I’ve been doing this.
It’s sort of a long story!
Luckily, I’m jacked up on caffeine right now.
I’ve been experiencing some strange health symptoms over the past 4-6 weeks. For example, I’ve had bad stomach bloating to the point where I look 6 months pregnant (I’m not). I’ve always had bloating on and off all my life, but this is much worse than the normal bloating I’ve experienced in the past. I’m also experiencing bad stomach pains in my abdomen area, round-the-clock lower back pain, fatigue, and pressure in my pelvic area, among other things. The pain in my abdomen and lower pelvic area gets much worse after eating and I often feel really full after eating a normal-sized meal. Lately, I’ve been waking up with mild stomach pain too.
Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (which I’ve mentioned on the blog a while back) and for most of my life I’ve struggled with stomach pain, headaches, and GI discomfort on and off. My stomach is very sensitive to certain foods like dairy, nuts, soy, and beans. I never really know how it is going to react. Sometimes a handful of raw almonds can set it off with pains, while other times it’s fine. IBS is also strongly associated with our emotions, so it’s not surprising that my anxiety manifests itself through my stomach and digestive system.
Since I’m divulging my life story, another thing I’ve struggled with health-wise is my reproductive system. Specifically, my ovaries.
In 2009, a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound revealed that I have multiple cysts on my ovaries as well as an enlarged (they called it ‘bulky’) right ovary. In addition to my regular yearly pap test and physical, I also go for a yearly ultrasound to monitor the cysts and make sure that they aren’t getting larger. Keepin’ an eye on things. Basically, I’m on watch for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
I had another ultrasound in March 2011 and it revealed that my right ovary decreased in size from 17.7 ml to 10 ml. My left ovary is also smaller in size. Apparently, this is encouraging news, but I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t really received a proper explanation. I’m thinking about asking for a referral to a specialist soon.
Fast forward to the symptoms I’m experiencing today. They could be the result of a mild or more severe illness, like most symptoms. And trust me when I say that I’ve Googled them all! I think Google has told me I’m going to die of a horrible illness about 654 times during my life, so I’m trying not to self-diagnose or draw any conclusions until I have the proper tests done. It could be something as minor as an ulcer or as major as Ovarian cancer. That’s why I always say it’s important to listen to your body and be your own health advocate if you think something is abnormal for you.
This brings me to tomorrow, my next ultrasound appointment. I pretty much had to beg my doctor for this ultrasound since my last one was only 6 months ago, but I’d rather ruffle a few feathers than to have a health issue go undetected for months. Bring on the 5 large glasses of water and bladder-bursting hour wait time!
The results of my ultrasound will determine my doctor’s next steps. I had blood work done in May which all came back normal, but I will probably have to get my blood checked again.
So, this brings me to the gluten-free recipes.
My doctor suggested that I try eating gluten-free for a while to see if I have any relief in my symptoms. I really do not think it’s gluten causing the issues, but I’m willing to try anything at this point. I’m also going to see a naturopath on Tuesday for a general consultation and food-sensitivity testing the following week. I’ve heard from many people who have had great relief from their digestive issues when seeing a naturopath, so I figure it’s worth trying out.
At this point, I just want to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible, but in all likelihood, it could take a while to figure out. I will try to post an update or two on the blog as I get more information.
PIZZA makes everything better.
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Gluten-Free Almond & Buckwheat Flour Pizza with Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto
A thin, crispy, flatbread-like crust filled with a nutty and lightly sweet flavour that will keep you coming back for more and more. Top it with Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto, some fresh herbs, Daiya cheese, and roasted tomatoes for a pizza that will be gone before you know it.
Yield: 3-4 servings
Inspired by Roost.
Pizza Crust:
- 1.5 cups almond meal (155 grams)*, made from ground raw almonds
- 1.5 cups raw buckwheat flour (205 grams)*, made from ground raw buckwheat groats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (I used oregano, thyme, parsley)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, mixed)
- 2-3 tbsp water, as needed
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, optional
Notes: I ground raw almonds in my blender to make the almond meal. You can also use a food processor. To make the buckwheat flour, I ground raw buckwheat groats in my blender. I strongly prefer the taste of freshly ground buckwheat flour to the store-bought kasha flour.
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Mix flax eggs and set aside for 5 mins. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and mix well with hands until you can form a ball.
3. Place ball of dough on a non-stick mat or on parchment paper. Place another mat or more parchment paper over top. With a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is as thin as you can get it. Transfer to baking sheet (dough may rip a bit and that is ok). Gently patch rips of dough with fingers and spread on a couple cloves of roasted garlic (optional). I left the crust looking very rustic, so don’t worry it’s not supposed to look perfect!
4. Bake in the oven at 350F for 15-17 minutes until golden along the edges. Remove to cool slightly. Set oven to broil on medium heat setting.
Pizza:
- Pre-baked crust (above)
- 1.5 cups Roasted Tomato Basil Pesto
- Daiya cheese, as much as you want
- 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped herbs
- 3-4 leftover roasted tomatoes
1. Spread the pesto onto pre-baked crust. Sprinkle on cheese, fresh herbs, and chopped roasted tomatoes.
2. Broil for 2-3 minutes over medium heat (3), watching very closely so you don’t burn it. Slice and serve immediately. I served this with a big salad to round out the meal.
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This crust turned out much better than I expected. The dough tasted amazing!
I spread on a couple cloves of leftover roasted garlic before baking.
After pre-baking, I spread on the mouth-watering pesto.
Followed by Daiya cheese, chopped roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Then I broiled it for 3 minutes over medium heat.
Crispy, ultra-thin, packed with nutrients, and oh so good.
This pizza did not last long!
If you are a thin-crust fan, you will love this pizza.
The crust is one of the most flavourful crusts I have tasted and the toppings went really well with it, but of course you can top it with whatever you see fit.
p.s.- See my new Fall header image? Hold down Control + F5 to refresh the page if you can’t see it.
p.p.s.- I have an exciting mushroom challenge & recipe post coming up Monday! If you love pesto, you will go crazy for this recipe.
We’re off for a day of hiking on this gorgeous Fall day…have a good one!
Love the new fall header!
Sending healthy, healing vibes your way :)
Hey! I read your blog all the time, and never comment :-( However, I do suffer from PCOS and I will be crossing my fingers for you. Not only is it physically painful, but mentally and emotionally as well. I hope you continue to share as to what WILL make you better :-)
Holy smokes! I hope you find some answers soon. The waiting is always the hardest part but we’ll all be thinking of you. It sounds as though you are staying positive through it all :)
Hello!
I hope you get to the bottom of this! I know its not fun… I notice you have been using Daiya cheeze in your recipes lately and for some time. I was having the same problem that you are and was considering getting tested for IBS and celiac (I have a casein allergy and my sister has a wheat allergy so this would not be far off). But, after some time and thought and elimination, it turned out to be DAIYA! I am not sure what it is, perhaps the tapioca flour or something, but I googled this and found several other people commenting about severe abdominal pain and swelling (similar symptoms) from this. I stopped eating it- at all and every bit of the problem went away within a short time! I just wanted to share this with you since I am sure you are exhausting every option, but for me it turned out to be a very unlikely culprit. Thanks for all the delicious vegan recipes and inspiration and I hope you feel better!
Wow that is good to know. I aactually had a big salad the other night and threw in Daiya (which I normally don’t do) and I had really really bad bloating afterward and couldnt figure out why as it was ‘just’ a salad. Interesting. Thanks for passing that along.
I wonder if its the xanthem gum. I know I put that stuff in a smoothie once and just about died from gas pain and had severe bloating. Elise from Hungry Hungry Hippie is doing a series on the low FODMAP diet, which if you have IBS could help.
You’re welcome, I hope you feel better!
Good luck to you!! I also get crazy bloating like that!
Love the new fall header!
I have experienced bloating and tummy discomfort as well for many years. It got a little better when I first went vegetarian. But after awhile it actually got worse. I have been experimenting and decided to strictly avoid grains/legumes and I can confidently say I think I found them to be the culprit. Even my beloved oatmeal, I gave it up. The bloating has really gotten better and I wake up with so much more energy than I used to. However that meant I needed to reintroduce organic meats into my diet a couple of times a week. As much as I didn’t want to, my body feels incredibly more balanced.
I hope you find the solution! It can be very frustrating to not know where the problem lies.
If nothing else, it is SO COMFORTING to know that other extremely health conscious people sometimes experience health concerns. Sometimes I feel mad at my body for having issues (a flu that wouldn’t go away for 2 weeks, ovarian cysts, etc.) because I think it ought to be functioning perfectly. I feel embarrassed sometimes to tell people about my issues because it’s like a bad advertisement for healthy living. “She’s a whole-foods munching vegan who exercises and she’s still not in tip top shape!” But it’s really helpful to see you being open about this. Thank you!
Thanks Katie! I can relate to how you feel. As my husband put it the other night, ‘Ange, everyone has health issues they struggle with…everyone.’ That really made me see it in a different light.
That looks so good! I should try it but I am so bad at making anything with dough. But practice makes perfect!
I am in love with your new header! It is so beautiful and makes me so happy that it’s fall.
I hope you get to the bottom of your symptoms soon. I am glad to hear your are pushing to get to the bottom of it. I think you will also have luck with a naturopath. I saw one a couple years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. Good luck with everything!
I hope you figure out what is making you feel so bad and that you get better soon. I know how frustrating it can be to deal with unknown stomach issues.
Hey Ang! I also have IBS and had severe stomach bloating for many years even on a vegan diet. I know this is now what you probably want to hear but all my stomach issues/bloating vanished when I went primal. That means avoiding grains, beans, soy, dairy and processed foods (including fake/mock cheese and meat as well as sugar) I love to read your blog and adapt the recipes to my lifestyle but I’ve never felt sicker than when I was vegan and eating a carb-heavy diet… Now I’ve given up my morning oatmeals and bean salads in exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables, organic and pastured meats, wild fish, nuts and seeds, organic farm-fresh eggs and loads of healthy fats (coconut, evoo, avocado..etc) I dropped body fat and water weight instantly and I have so much more energy these days. I also can go longer without meals than when I ate grains…I was hungry every couple hours and breakfast never seemed to fill me up enough…now I can even skip breakfast some days and be perfectly satisfied for hours…I don’t crave sweets anymore either..which is a miracle.
Whatever lifestyle choices you make, I hope you find relief from your problems and quickly. Not everyone HAS to suffer from health maladies.
This sounds amazing! I love thin crust. I’m going to have to find some buckwheat groats somewhere, pronto!
The roasted tomato pesto keeps reminding me of refriend beans, which makes me think Mexican pizza. Now I seriously want Mexican pizza.
Ange, we are all with you through this! <3
Been going through something similar myself lately, in the form of bloating/abdominal and back pain plus eczema. Finally trying to cut gluten as a last ditch effort. It's hard to have something amiss with your health and not be able to figure it out. I hope it comes to light for you as soon as possible.
Ang, you are my hero yet again for being so honest and real to us all. I think it is so important you speak up and this allows for so much more to come up for others to share. I want to tell you that I have had oviarian cysts too (and many friends and family members) and they have all gone away. I know you are going to be just fine and I wish you all the positivity in the world.
By the way I adore this recipe and the new header. ;)
Good for you to be so on top of your health, no one else will do it for us. :)
Angela I hope you get answers! good luck tomorrow
my sister and I going through another bad health spurt, and we read a new book called Diet Wise, and it has opened our eyes to hidden food allergies. we have been trying our best to follow an elimination diet, but it has been hard. we are not sure where we stand on everything, as we have not seen major improvements. I feel like a failure, but trying to keep learning what works for my body. it can be tough.
thinking of you, HUGS
Michelle
Please make sure you are comfortable with your physicians answers regarding what is going on. I highly recommend second / third opinions as necessary. I’m sure yours is probably nothing too serious but in the event it is you want to know sooner than later. My husband was told he had an ulcer and was treated for it for 1 year before we found a doctor / surgeon that was able to diagnose and operate in time. Not to scare you but his ultimate diagnosis was devastating and we only wished we received the right answers a year earlier. The GI system is mysterious and Dr. Google can be scary. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.
hi there – you might also want to have your pelvic floor checked out. i have had major bloating, abdominal pain, constipation/loose stools…finally saw a GI doc who specializes in motility and it turns out your pelvic floor can be so tight that it interferes with elimination and then you get all backed up with no where for food or gas to go. even if you are eliminating some every day, the symptoms can be severe. and then your digestion and colon can slow way down because your body becomes confused about the need to go. and ibs, crohns, fertility disorders, etc. can cause those muscles to become tight the the original problem and symptoms and the pelvic floor problems become intertwined. i am starting an intensive physical therapy program in a week to help treat it. but since i never would have figured my internal pelvic floor muscles could become uncoordinated and cause all of these seemingly unrelated issues, i thought i would share. i wish you the best, and hope your doctor is open to exploring the pelvic floor as a possibility of your trouble. a manual exam and a motility test will tell you what you need to know.
Is there any way to resolve these issues without physical therapy or doctors medications/invasive techniques? This sounds like me. Is diet a problem? Im not vegetarian, but don’t really want to be. I feel extremely backed up with gas and elmination for me is fluctuating and frustrating. I’m low weight though, so I can’t intentionally eat less. So I feel pounding in food makes it worse…but I have to gain weight. Thoughts? Please email me or respond if you can. Thks.
Hope you feel better!! Given that your bloodwork came back normal, I think going to the naturopath will be really beneficial. Since they take a much more holistic perspective than do allopathic doctors, I find that they’re much more open-minded to possibilities of what might be out of balance instead of honing in only on their specialized area (though it sounds like the doctor you’re seeing is great and is offering you good options). In any case, sending you positive thoughts!