Staying active with celiac: Tips from an Olympian

By Katherine Ramirez Amy Yoder Begley is a middle and long distance runner whose talents took her all the way to Bejjing to compete in the 2008 Olympics.  She’s also a person with celiac disease.  We recently caught up with Amy to learn more about her journey- from diagnosis with celiac disease to racing on the Olympic track. Thriving: Before the diagnoses, how did the symptoms of celiac disease affect your running Amy: I would have bloating and stomach aches.  I had a full ride to University of Arkansas and I was expected to perform but I was doubled over in pain at practice. I kept thinking, “What is wrong with me”? My coach would take me to the doctors but they could not find the source of my pain. They suggested everything from ovarian cysts, to colitis, to lactose intolerant.  My diet was scrutinized daily.  I made the suggested changes but I still couldn’t run more than 30 minutes without using the bathroom, (which made running 5ks extremely difficult!)  I couldn’t even eat within 6 hours of running. It really affected my performance and all I could think was, “I’m a healthy person, what am I doing wrong?” TH: Once you were finally diagnosed with celiac, how did your physical performance change? Amy: Once I took gluten out of my diet the transformation was amazing! Two weeks later my bloating went down- down two jean sizes.  Eighteen months later I felt the healthiest I’ve ever been in my entire life.  Before, all my runs and workouts had to be...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Celiac disease Celiac Disease Program Source Type: news