Gluten Exposure and Your Body: Here’s What Happens
For most people, eating wheat is no big deal; in fact, for many people, a bagel, muffin or toast is the first thing they reach for at the breakfast table. But for people with celiac disease, even a tiny particle of gluten can cause a cascade of painful reactions that can persist for days afterward. Gluten exposure is of constant concern for celiac folks, but just what happens when our bodies are exposed to gluten?
The symptoms a person with celiac disease may experience after being “glutened” can vary, but for the average person, it goes something like this:
Almost immediately after the gluten is consumed, the reactions begin, often as a feeling of becoming flushed with a drop in blood pressure. Shortly afterward, symptoms of reflux may occur followed by intense fatigue and stomach pains, gas and bloating which persist for the remainder of the day. At night, insomnia is not uncommon, and the following day is often marked by gut pain and cramping and frequent bowel movements which are often loose or runny. Moodiness, irritability and anxiety are pervasive, and many people experience problems thinking which they describe as “brain fog.” Itchy rashes and joint pain are not uncommon. For most people, the symptoms persist for two to three days before finally clearing up: A hefty price to pay for consuming a minuscule bit of gluten.
As a person suffering from celiac disease, you probably are familiar with your own set of symptoms. But do you know why they occur? Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s going on inside your body when you get “glutened”:
The primary mechanism causing gluten reactions is gliadin, a protein found in wheat. There are three primary “varieties” of gliadin, two of which have been associated with celiac disease. The amino acids found in gliadin are what trigger the autoimmune reaction that precipitates celiac disease and its effects.
When someone consumes gluten there is a complex cascade of events including the innate and adaptive immune systems resulting in the production of autoantibodies. This results in the eventual destruction of the villi, the tiny, fingerlike projections that line the small intestine. Villi are critical to nutrient absorption. Thanks to their shape, villi vastly increase the amount of surface area that’s able to absorb nutrients: As a hollow tube, the small intestine would have a surface area of about 5ft2; the villi increase that area to an amazing 3,200ft2.
Two primary anti-gliadin antibodies are associated with celiac disease: immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). In a healthy immune system, immunoglobulins identify and neutralize foreign bodies like germs, but in an autoimmune disease like celiac disease, they turn on the tissues they would normally protect. In blood tests for celiac disease, IgA is found far more commonly than IgG, and there’s a good reason: IgA is directly involved in the immune processes of mucosal tissues like the lining of the small intestine, and in mucous membranes, it’s found in abundance. When celiac disease is triggered, these antibodies attack the villi instead of providing protection from foreign invaders.
At first, the damage to the small intestine can be minor and may go unnoticed. But over time, the villi become more and more damaged, eventually flattening out so their ability to absorb nutrients is decreased. By that time, most people have experienced some of the “side effects” of celiac disease caused by nutritional deficiencies. Several of which we’ve covered in previous articles.
Of course it is always best to avoid gluten altogether. Easier said than done when eating food that you have not made yourself. To control their gluten exposure more and more people are opting to test for gluten in their home or place of work. We found GlutenTox Home test kits so impressive we decided to make them available to our customers. We are currently offering the Home test kit on our website and on Amazon.com/ GlutenTox Each kit contains five tests making it easy to test multiple foods. For more information about cross contamination and how to control it read Is My Food Really Gluten Free? and Is My Cookie Really Gluten Free?.
Every person’s experiences with celiac disease will be different. And can be a cause of much anxiety for those who are learning about how gluten effects their bodies. We encourage you to share your own experiences in the comments section to help others find the support and comfort that comes from knowing they’re not alone. What does it feel like when you get “glutened”?
This original article is made possible by Gluten Free Therapeutics. Our mission is to educate, inform, and provide the most effective nutritional products possible to allow those with celiac disease and serious gluten intolerances to heal their bodies. CeliVites complete line of superior gluten free supplements includes multivitamin/multimineral supplements, iron supplements, and calcium supplements for people living with celiac disease. All CeliVites products are designed to help you heal, restore and rebuild your body, because going gluten free isn’t enough!
Comments ()
Great article! As I have celiac also I like to read as much info as I can..I have been accidentally glutened on a few occasion and it is the worst feeling ever!! Keep up the good work!!
Had I only known years ago that the gluten was causing my issues…my life would have been so different. The migraines were the worst of all the symptoms.
I was diagnosed with Celiac 2 yrs ago. For close to 30 yrs I’ve had chronic diarrhea & severe migraines. Took handfuls of meds. Told every Dr my symptoms, finally one listened. After diet change, pills gone & not the 1st migraine. Not all my symptoms (diarrhea) have disappeared, still learning everyday, especially the cross contamination. I’m now 59 & making the best of it all. I hope u find some relief, wish there was a cure.
Anita,
Your story is all too common in terms of the slow progress to diagnosis. If you have been gluten free for two years now you should see some improvement in your symptoms if you are not getting contaminated with hidden gluten. It can be a long road to recovery but there are many people with celiac disease who have found good health and are living a fabulous lives. Take care and don’t give up. You say you with there was a cure, there is eliminating gluten is the cure.
I have been told for years that I have IBS..everytime I eat, it just runs right thry me in explosive diarrhea & its just got worse every year. About six years ago I started a gluten free diet, dairy free, nut free, fruit free…still had a lot of problems with diarrhea & frequently would have “accidents”. Now I’m on taking Lotronex..It has helped some, but not all the time. I know I’m not retaining nutrients & have been loosing a lot of weight. I’m 5″
I’m 5 feet & three inches tall & right now I weigh 109 pounds..I’ve lost about 10 pounds in the last six months…I don’t want to go out anywhere because I don’t Know if I will have problems…:(
‘
Phyllis, I am so sorry…I know how you feel.Total gluten free lifestyle can be a challenge.. Cross Contamination is a real problem . I am gluten free with all my food and also personal products. hate the price of the GF products, but the option of being glutened is so much worse! I have found that restaurants are a real risk, even ones with GF food choices. I buy Gf lipstick online. Contacting companies is time consuming also but I want to KNOW a product is really gluten free. At home.. separate toaster, I keep my food in separate containers with pink lids
Also keeping jams , butter and the like separate helps too. There are some good gf flour mixes for baking and sometimes the cookies are a bit crumble, but good. When I make a cake I ad a dollop of sour cream to the mix, comes out moist. I really hope to begin to feel better! I had lost 30m lbs before my doc diagnosed Celiac. (other doc was no help at all!)
Consider other proteins that can also bind the same receptor. I found that soy was a big problem for me as well as coffee, chocolate, and egg. I completed an elimination diet protocol and systematically picked out the foods that I had a problem with. What it means for me is no processed food at all and no eating out. I am the same height and have finally leveled out at 118 lbs. It took me a while to figure everything out, including changing my toothpaste!
Chocolate… I too suspected chocolate, until I found out that some chocolate have a soy ingredient in them “Soy Lectin” and some chocolates do NOT have the soy. The non-soy chocolate seems to be ok with me. Have you thoughts on this?
Phyllis I am still working through some issues myself, have you considered SIBO? Read this article, I hope this helps you.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11020/10-signs-you-have-small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth-sibo.html
Phyllis – I would pursue further testing. I kept having issues and it turns out I also have Crohns. Once I cleaned up the cross contamination and got treatment for the Crohns, I feel good most of the time.
you should go on a paleo diet, which I primamrily gluten, dairy, and soy free…. it’s way better because most people don’t realize soy id just as bad for you as dairy…
I just read your post from a year ago. I am just like you in that I have taken some form of GI med for the last 18 years to help control IBS or “dumping syndrome” as I’ve been told. Just recently I have discovered my intolerance to gluten. However, I took Lotronex also. I am a surgical nurse and work with GI physicians that have seen ischemia of the bowel from LOTRONEX. In fact, the day my GI doc found out I was taking the medication he made me promise to stop taking it that day!! The last I knew it was not FDA approved and you must sign a waiver to take it. Just wanted to share the info with you if you weren’t aware.
You may want to look into trying an elimination diet, such as the AIP diet to see what your sensitivities are. That would give you the opportunity to clear out any possible allergens and then slowly reintroduce items back to see if you are reactive. There is lots of information online and on Pinterest about the AIP diet. The best of luck to you!
Phyllis,
I’m sorry that you have this too. I’ve had problems since 10 years ago….mild at first, then so bad I thought I was going to die. I’m better now as long as I avoid all gluten.
Although I know that every person is different…what helped me when it was really bad, and may help you is:
For one day, eat only applesauce, as much and as often as you like. Applesauce has pectin, which absorbs impurities (toxins) and also returns the bowels to regular movements…stops diarrhea and clears up constipation as well. Drink purified water, and drink regular tea with one teaspoon honey added for taste (and healing). And take a probiotic every day, which helps to get the good bacteria in the digestive system to fight the bad bacteria (which also causes diarrhea)
Day two and day three…continue with the above, but now you may try adding cranberry juice. I like Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate 100% juice, no added sugars. It is sweet and you may like to add purified water to it, to suit your taste. (Note: my son is allergic to cranberry juice. It gives him a stomach ache, even though he doesn’t have gluten problems! Like I said, every person is different.)
On day two and day three, you may also add cooked white rice to your diet.
Hint: buy a couple of GLASS jars of applesauce, so you don’t run out. Get the kind that doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup if possible. Also try to avoid plastic containers, as they have toxins in them.
Wishing you healing and good health!!!
We love the generosity of the community in sharing their experiences. We do want to add one important note here. Taking probiotics is indeed a personal decision between you and your health care provider. The insight that all people are different is an important distinction. There has been much scientific investigation regarding the use of probiotics for celiac patients. The data questions the wisdom of celiac patients using probiotics. There is also evidence that most if not all probiotics have some level of gluten in them. Please proceed with caution if you decide take them. Do your due diligence and talk to your doctor.
My sister experienced this and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. It’s awful but she now takes medication and continues to liv with disease with less stress. All the best.
your house need to go full no gluten if you are a true celiace Iam one for 5 years nothing come in to are home if it is not gluten free no eating any where but home
It depends on how much gluten I get. Large amounts, like salad dressing on a salad….I get severely sick like food poisoning. Took bread off a sandwhich ones, got severely sick like food poisoning. There are times where I think I get just a tiny trace, and I have the more common side effects like cramping, diahhrea. I wish I never had it!!!
I get all my salad dressing from ALDI’S food stores
For Salad dressing, I squeeze a wedge of lemon over my salad, sprinkle with salt and pepper and eat! Very fresh tasting and healthy.
Nikki, I have the same kind of reaction to gluten…I was just diagnosed 3 years ago, and it seems the more I get gluten out of my diet, the more senssitive I get with any tiny exposure. If I get a good dose of it, I end up so sick (like food poisoning) and eventually end up in the ER for rehydration…it is horrific! I try to cook at home always, except for a few restaurants I have been successful without getting sick…its a crap shoot though, and even my husband now hates to go out anywhere, because since he started eating ONLY my gf food, he feels so much better and then feels bloated and sickish after eating restaurant food. Fortunately, I love to cook, so making the transition to gf eating has been simpler for me…I use Better Batter gluten free flour blend, (or a blend of my own flour alternatives) and I can make any recipe I used to make, from garlic cheddar biscuits, to cream puffs or banana bread…sky is the limit! Its more diffficult when you don’t like to cook…or if you have a lifestyle that requires travel and regular eating out in restaurants. All I know, is that this is certainly the most difficult health challenge I have ever faced in my life of more then 5 decades! Blessings to you on your journey!!!
LOOKING FOR RECEIPES CANT eat anything
There are a lot of gluten free recipes out there, I use this one for bread, I used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 flour and it turned out excellent! http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/finally-gluten-free-bread-that-doesnt-suck.html Also check out Bob’s RM Website they have recipes on there that go with their flour, and I have had success with Pintrest having Great GF Recipes… Here is one for hamburger buns too, I used Coconut oil in place of palm… http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/05/recipe-nut-free-sesame-hamburger-buns.html
I have just started gluten free, dairy and egg free also tomato free diet the past 3 months. Feeling some better. But, having a hard time finding eatable recipes for breads, cakes,pies and tasty foods. I’ve had a lot of expensive flops. Can you help with any recipes? I appreciated your story. Thanks so much. Priscilla
I make my own salad dressings…LOTS of good recipes on Pinterest and on the Internet,
I make my own salad dressing by sprinkling 1 tbsp of green olive juice and 1 tbsp of rice vinegar over salads. It’s amazingly delish.
I’m always exposed inadvertently or accidentally and usually in restaurants (even those that offer GF items!) or private homes. What I experience is: a dull pang on the left lower abdomen that begins within 15 minutes after ingesting and continues on through all the other symptoms–it’s also the last symptom to go away. Then i experience slight or some nausea followed or along with a dizzy spell, my thinking becomes muddled. Then serious lower abdomen pain that comes and goes. Whether a bathroom run is needed or not, the dizzy spell becomes a fainting spell and I sometimes lose consciousness. Diarrhea begins and is often non-stop for anywhere from 12 to 36 hours. For several days–worst case a week, I’ve flu-like symptoms and am not able to do much other than rote stuff–no problem solving, do decision-making. It’s a miserable state that only gradually moves on–until the next accidental intake. I’m very cautious about what I eat or drink anywhere and question servers and chefs as much as possible even coming across like some kind of nut but it appears my recourse for avoiding these incidents is to eat only my own or my family’s cooking. Puts a damper on a social life since I find myself declining invitations pretty much in self-preservation.
Nic, we are so appreciative of you sharing your story. We know from our own experiences and those of our customer that your description is all too common. Eating gluten is a huge drain on your system not to mention the social and work aspects that you so accurately describe. As far as sounding like a nut in a restaurant, if those servers had to endure what celiacs do when cross contaminated they would not think nut, they would admire you for taking such good care of yourself. Thank you so much for sharing and we at GFT wish you and all of our customers the best of health.
You are the only person, so far, that has been close to what I go thru. I have been lucky, tho, I have found something I can take and it has taken away my problem….I am so thankful that I can now handed my problem without over the counter meds.
What OTC meds are you taking?
Hi Nic,
Your symptoms are very much like mine! I pass out, too, especially after eating eggs. Almonds, soy, eggs and gluten are all off my list of things I can eat. Dairy only in small doses. I got tired of turning down invitations, so I usually just have a cup of tea, tell folks I have many food allergies and that I could be very sick if I eat the wrong thing, and tell them I’m perfectly comfortable having a cup of tea and so they should be comfortable, too. For pot-lucks, I bring my own and serve myself first, so even if someone uses a spoon from the macaroni and cheese in my gluten free whatever, I don’t get sick. My friends are even aware by now, so if they are serving food they’ll let me take mine first. I’ve eaten a lots of restaurants, and been sick several times, even from something as simple as a tossed salad. There are two local places I go, and they know me and are always very careful. Never been sick at either. I consider this an opportunity to grow- I am pretty shy, and have had to learn to be my own advocate. It gets easier! And as I eat more naturally gluten free foods like fruits and vegetables, the rest of my health gets better, too. The hardest thing is the Holiday season, when everyone is eating so many goodies at parties that I can’t have- but in a few weeks that will be done. Be the nut, Nic- people in restaurants are there to SERVE you, not the other way around!
How do you make gluten free foods taste better?
The best way to make gluten free food is to not eat it, make everything..My friend has celiac also and thought that gluten free food was the way to go..To me gluten free food is good in a pinch..like a sandwich..I make my own gluten free waffles, etc..otherwise a lot of fruits, veggies..If I want a cake, and HAVE to have one, I take a regular recipe and change the ingredients.
I love udi’s products(freezer section), I find they taste great and I love RP’s GF pasta!!!! and I cook mostly everything else!!!
I know I have been “glutened” when my heart races and I get a dull but persistent knot right below my sternum. I never had any of the classic celiac symptoms like diarrhea, but joint pain, migraines, heart palpitations and stomach pain were constant for me. I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a result of an exploratory endoscopy because the doctor thought I had stomach ulcers. I can usually tell the next day when I go to the bathroom, because the color and smell are off (sorry, I know that is gross).
Laura,
Like you, I have the rarer celiac symptoms. I was recently diagnosed after having strange symptoms for many years. Racing heart, nervous anxiety, joint/nerve pain, headaches, and eczema on my hands that leave open cuts. I’ll also have nausea when “glutened,” but I don’t have the severe diarrhea and flu symptoms.
The first attack felt like I was dying. Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, couldn’t sleep. I was dizzy, couldn’t keep my head up. Everything I tried to eat made it worse! Tea and TOAST…Now if I get sabotaged, I get diarrhea, bloating, and just overall crappy feeling. I am overly cautious when I do eat out and I don’t like to travel to far from home when we eat out! I still spend many hours in the bathroom.
hi arlene i was finally diagnosed in 2000 after going to 4 gastro doctors. i had lost 49 lbs now that i am glutenfree i have gained 40 lbs very hard to lose st. have diarrhea if i get the least amount of something i dont know is bad afraid to go out to eat or go to family affairs i have bms with no warnimg dr. says its IBS NOW .i have to go to have bm shortly after eating .thanks for listening you have any ideas for me thanks P.K BESEMER
I may be able to help you. Contact me
I don’t have celiac but a gluten intolerance and when I get gluten I have the same thing, any ideas what to take to help with the pain . thank you
I was diagnosed at the age of 48. My main symptom was anemia which resulted in various other symptoms. I was severely fatigued and couldn’t sleep because of restless leg syndrome. I had bone pain as well. I feel 95% better since going gluten free. I would never cheat and risk the way I felt before.
Mary Bell has your RLS gotten better? I’ve been gf for 2mos and no improvement.
boy, all these things are sooooo true. Sometimes I go off gluten-free and eat pizza or a bread roll or hamburger and I really pay for it. It hits so hard sometimes, horrible. I am 66 and have a hard time sticking to my own rules NO GLUTEN
After wheat gluten weakened my stomach, thru out the years I have developed allergy also for . SOY , beans ,peas, nuts (except macadamia), black pepper, anything hydro.. preserved, molasses , mushrooms and GMO foods.
Symptoms :
within 12-24 hours : migraine, stomach blows up, gas, than frequent uncontrollable visits to the bathroom,soft and a lot of BM with very bad pain and cramps, lasting up to 20 minute each time, maybe 5x that day. Beans , and mushroom comes with throwing up.Being close to a toilet is a must. Pain is so bad, have to lay down with heat pack on the stomach and sleep.
Can last 2 days, depending on the kind of gluten or soy.
I found soy and SOY LECITHIN just as dangerous for me as gluten.
I was not diagnosed with celiac until I was 58 years old. Had been diagnosed with IBS years before. Had many years of discomfort prior to that. I developed, overnight it seems, migraine headaches, dizziness, weakness in addition to the gastric complaints. After I began following a gluten free diet I noticed the joint pain and numbness, tingling and foot pain, as well as the itchy skin went away. I realize I had been suffering from gluten reactions for many years, but attributed them to other things.
It is so important to read labels. Watch for hidden ingredients (caramel color, modified food starch), and extenders in spices.
I remember the last biscuit I ate. My Mother had made them for my husband and me. My symptoms then were extreme lethargy. I could not stop yawning. My eyes watered and made this stringy crap for days! And the brain fog could only be described as “thick as pea soup”. And those were the ” Good ol Days”!
It progressed from there to, after the first bite of anything containing gluten, my stomach would start making noises that could be heard in the neighboring state! I heard a lot of, My God, Was that you!? Now, mind you, it never went anywhere. The gas just built up til my stomach was distended til it was taut like a drum.
Pure misery
I figured out myself what gluten is and eliminated it from my diet. (sigh)
My symptoms also include topical exposure issues as well. A minuscule crumb on my lips will cause a huge, ugly, painful, slow to heal blister. I have many scars from this kind of exposure.
I will also get raised itchy blotches on my skin from flour on surfaces or that is airborne.
And I am one of those people that gained weight due to vitamin and mineral depletion and insomnia.
I recently started a vitamin and mineral supplement called celi-vites. I’m crossing my fingers that maybe I will start to feel closer to normal soon.
I am blessed that my immediate family does understand the severity and will accommodate my needs.
I pretty much don’t visit other people in their homes any more. I just can’t
I get reflux so bad I feel like I can’t breathe within 10 minutes. Within the hour I usually have tightness in my chest, shoulders and back. It’s not uncommon for me to have an asthma attack, and I always get a migraine. And my favorite symptom: I get agitated and MEAN. Like really mean. Like the dogs leave the room mean. The agitation easily lasts for 12 hours. Then the next day I’m pretty much on the toilet all day.
What fun! All of these awful symptoms just to go out to eat with friends and pretend to be “normal.” Aye.
Jessie-
It’s good to see someone else who gets the agitated and mean/angry symptoms! That’s my main symptom- I get frighteningly angry, over the most miniscule things.
And since it takes a couple days for the symptoms to kick in, it can be hard to pin down when/where I got glutened.
Mostly, I don’t get any of the other symptoms, that most folks seem to get. Some anxiety & racing heart.
But mostly, it’s just that my brain just goes haywire for a couple days. And it really sucks when it happens.
Me too! It is horrible. The first time for me it was so bad…I had to vomit before I could breathe free again.
I notice the reflux for me is really bad if:
I’m really hungry and gobble down some food.
It is better for me to sip a little water or warm tea first. And then to chew each bite of food 30 times. My esophagus and tummy are so much happier then!
My symptoms are very much like above, except that I get severely constipated instead of it flushing out. I WISH it flushed out, because of the constipation, and the inability to get rid of the gluten there, my symptoms last up to 2 weeks!
I’ve found taking large doses of magnesium and vit C can help flush my system, but I have to catch it quickly.
My 7 yr old experienced the above earlier this week, because she thought just a couple crackers would be fine, no matter how many times we’ve explained to her it’s not.
I too get constipated from eating gluten. Joint pain, muscle spasms, headaches, stiffness are also part of the reaction. I don’t have an immediate response to gluten. It seems to build up in my system and after a few days of eating gluten the symptoms start. Trader Joes has a fair selection of gluten free products and they are inexpensive
I have the constipation problem also. Last year, after about a year of taking additional magnesium and C, so that I could “go”, I had a very different problem as a result of that. I had two spinal compression fractures. Very painful . After much reading, I learned that too much calcium and magnesium block the absorption of manganese. And manganese is needed to hold the calcium and magnesium in the bones.
So I backed off of calcium supplements and try to eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in manganese, calcium, and magnesium.
Hey there. i get SEVERE constipation as well, but like you mentioned, magnesium could be very life threatening. so as soon as i figure i’ve been glutened, i will take some activated charcoal to localize the antibodies and toxins, l-lysine to start the rebuild of damaged cells, and either drink peppermint tea for the rest of the day or if i dont have time to make tea, i will add a SINGLE drop of peppermint essential oil to a bottle of water to get my digestive track digesting again. after i get that peppermint in my system, i feel 10 times better.
I read over these comments and see a bit of myself in each story. Migraines, joint inflammation and pain, lethargy, additional food allergies, stomach and intestinal pain, diarrhea, etc.
I have always had a slow metabolism, so my reaction time is a little slower, earliest onset being about 3-5 hours later, but the agony lasts for up to a week.
The first diagnosis I got in my 20s was IBS. The medication they gave me for it worked, for a little while. Then it didn’t anymore, no matter what dosage they gave me. They even considered I might have Lupus, but that test came back negative. A childhood friend suggested a gluten free diet and it worked. Until we went on vacation and I ‘cheated’ and went through the worst 48 hours I had since I got food poisoning that landed me in the hospital for dehydration. After that I was ‘NO Gluten’. It was my chiropractor that suggested I might have a gluten sensitivity or even Celiac. I DEMANDED the IgA and IgG test, but had to consume gluten for a month (according to my doctor) for it to be conclusive. She did a blood draw anyway, and I tortured myself by eating something with gluten (even the thought makes my stomach flip while writing this) every other day. It took 10 days for the lab results to come back- after a year of a GF diet the first blood test showed Celiac.
I have noticed that the more time that passes with a dedicated GF diet, even the slightest exposure now can trigger a reaction. I have to have GF EVERYTHING- laundry soap, lotion, shampoo, soap, makeup, etc. I have to search an online formulary EVERY time I get a new prescription for something (I finally have my pharmacist on board with an alert on my file- thank goodness for Electronic Medical Files- to NOT use any formularies that use gluten as a binder), have to know all the possible ‘ingredient names’ for gluten/gluten containing products, and eat out at a very few select and LOCALLY owned restaurants (local folks are a lot nicer about it that the corporate chains) with the exception of our Red Robin here in town. My husband is gradually switching over, simply to help reduce anything accidental here at home.
Two of my 3 adult kids have Celiac. My sister, my aunt, and my cousin have NCGS. My mother died of complicated issues her doctor thinks could be related to undiagnosed Celiac or even NCGS, considering the high rate of issues our family seems to have with gluten.
It sucks, but I have become a much better kitchen wizard because of this stupid disease!
Sometimes my friends still ask; “Don’t you ever cheat?”
And of course my answer is always, “NO! It is not worth it!”
The difference between diabetes and celiac disease, with diabetes you can cheat.
I have CD… diagnosed both by blood tests and colonoscopy. Other than a bit of fatigue, I don’t have any symptoms when I eat gluten. Is this common? My biggest tells are my lab results… I have to have an iron infusion about once a year and my Dr said for me this is more of an absorption issue.
I learned I had it 4 years ago..I had since 2005 ..two autoimmune diseases..Graves and Hashimotos..both thhyroid based…anyhow found out by just reading I probably had Celiac…I started gf and after a year or more my graves disease went into remission..no antibodies..since working on the Hashis..reading I found glutin probably causes Hasimotos..I had I thought IBS most of my adult life..wow were the drs wrong..all the time it was glutin..go gf if you have any kind of autoimmune issues…yopu will be doing yourself a big favor!!!
You so right. We wrote a five part series on the autoimmune connection with CD. here is a link to the hashimotos article if you are interested in learning more. http://www.glutenfreetherapeutics.com/living-gluten-free/medicine-research/hashimotos-thyroiditis-celiac/
learning I had Celiac & Colitis was a blow at my age(71) after years of eating just about anything, especially Italian, I found it a chore to change my lifestyle & eating habits. At first I was very diligent about what I ate, even dining out was ok for a while.but dating became a problem. I did not tell each date I was Celiac as I wasn’t sure how exclusive the relationship would become. So naturally I cheated a lot & luckily for me no symptoms appeared to agitate me & my stomach……..
I will continue to watch what I eat, but not give up what I love forever…….
I was recently diagnosed after my integrative Dr. considered my symptoms and looked at my blood work. My B12 is severely low, and so is my vitD. I don’t have the classic symptoms after being “glutened.” Mine involve a racing heart, feeling very shaky and weird throughout my whole body (nervous), nausea, joint pain, headache, and eczema on my hands that result in open cuts. I also have related sensitivities to soy and corn. When I was nursing my son (for 3.5 years), I would get ductal blockages after eating wheat and corn derivatives (usually at restaurants or underlying ingredients in “healthy” GF foods. I have to cook everything from scratch. My son has similar issues now, but his are related to eggs, almonds, wheat and dairy. I can consume dairy in small amounts. It’s also important for people like us eating meat, to always be mindful of eating grass fed animals or truly free-range chicken.
What can I do to treat my broken skin, itchy and rash skin reaction to gluten? I am miserable. I cant afford to eat gluten free wheat products. I have a limited diet and if bread is taken away I am down to not much available to eat at all. I am in serious trouble here. Please help. Thank you! BTW I also have MS.
Denise, we understand your dilemma. There must be many people who face this challenge. The only way for you treat your celiac disease is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet. There is no way to heal as long as your body is exposed to gluten. There are some very good gluten free breads on the market. You can also find excellent gf pasta. Fresh fruit is always gf and has lots of fiber. MS and CD are related so treating your CD will be very beneficial for you. Try to find affordable gf foods and stick to it. You should notice a vast improvement to your health over time. Just a hint amazon now has a gluten free food store and the prices may be less than a traditional food store. the link is: http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Food-Flour-Snacks-Baking/b/ref=amb_link_425683482_4?ie=UTF8&node=2204829011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-leftnav&pf_rd_r=00SGR5H8MXGS21WQ7VFH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2004658342&pf_rd_i=16310101
You my find it helpful. Two of our favorite brands are ancient harvest (great pasta) and enjoy life (wonderful cookies, bars and lots of stuff).
Thank you for your comment and we all wish you well on your road to recovery.
Denise,
Yep, it’s difficult, but just don’t buy any baked goods. Buy only fruits, vegetables and meat and dairy. Instead of sandwiches, make lettuce wraps. Use big leaf of lettuce instead of bread. For breakfast…2apples with 2 glasses of milk, or 1 cup of yogurt. Don’t ruin your health eating gluten! Buy a loaf of Udi’s GF bread and toast one slice for a treat. It tastes better toasted.
Even better is baking your own GF bread using eggs, vinegar, and flours such as barley, tapioca, rice, teff. You can google a recipe or check Pinterest. It sounds weird…but I love this homemade bread, tastes better than any other!
I have been living gluten free for about 4yrs now…I was not diagnosed with Celiac Disease but know that Gluten is the culprit for my symptoms….I wish I knew what my threshold was for gluten because sometimes I react and sometimes I don’t, but when I am glutened it can take hours to three-to-five days for sypmtoms to appear and go away. Your article accurately describes what my body goes through even with gluten intolerance.
Can one be tested for Celiac if you are already on a GF diet??
Great info but that’s only half of it. A lack of calcium, one of the main problems, can lead to osteoporosis in later life, also heart problems. A ‘funny’ heart is one of my first symptoms. It can also trigger miscarriage and still born babies. Ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer can be a result of an undiagnosed coeliac condition. My brother nearly died from the former and my niece passed away 6 years ago from bowel cancer. Very scary stuff. Not to be viewed lightly.
Finding doctors that are more aware of Celiac Disease in a small town is tough. Even my dentist said he’d have to research it himself. It kills me when someone says I’m gluten sensitive then goes & orders a hamburger? WHAT?? That burger isn’t worth severe stomach cramps & diarrhea. I never cheat on my diet, can’t afford the consequences. Groceries are easier to find now, if it’s not labeled GF it’s not going in my buggy. Never eat off plastic plates, they harbor cross contamination, glass only. I carry my own salad & baked potato if we go out to eat. Most restaurants approve, also in my purse is note from Dr. Tough disease to have. Learning everyday. Every restaurant is like Russian roulette..yes even now it’s a crap shoot. I still Love Life, challenge me, I’ve been a fun loving fighter all my life.
WI was diagnosed in 2003 after suffering a multitude of symtoms for years.When I am ‘glutened’, the reaction is very severe:
*Violent vomiting for up to 6 hours afterwords
*Painful & intense diarrhea during that dame time
*Gut wrenching pain that has me moaning and crying
Dizziness
For days afterwords, I am sick and barely able to function with continuing diarrhea.
It is difficult to explain to non-celiacs when at work, party or any function where food is served & you are expected to eat. Lets face it, there is a certain percentage of people that think celiac disease is bogus.
My response to being glutened is exactly like yours. I tried riding it out but found that I couldn’t. I had the be taken to the ER via ambulance as I could no longer make it to the bathroom.
My gastroentologist advised me to go to the ER at the first signs which I do now.
The vomiting is nothing like regular vomiting. It’s as if my entire body is throwing up at one time. And the gut pain is horrific.
At the ER, they give me IV fluids, nausea Ned’s, morphine and cramping meds. It seems worse on my body each time. I feel as though my insides are shredded. This can’t be ok for us.
I am so careful but restaurants do not have my concerns. Each time I have been assured a food is gluten free.
Hi Jane,
I am sitting here googling being glutened, because my stomach hurts to much to go to sleep. I have been diagnosed for over 10yrs but my sensitivity is getting worse. I now have symptoms like you. Todays episode is mild compared to some I have had.I was half asleep and accidentally bit into my sons non GF muffin, I spat it all out and tried to rinse my mouth and teeth, but as I was out, I did not have access to a toothbrush.I have had neck and back pain because of the violence of my vomiting. On occasions I have vomited up blood usually then accompanied by bad diarrhoea. I sympathise with you and hope someday we can find something to at least alleviate or prevent the worst of the symptoms.I will follow your gastros advice and prevent myself at the ER when I have had a bad attack, with three children I cannot take days to recover.
I came across this article after being glutened at one of my favorite restaurants today. I was diagnosed with celiac disease a couple years ago after a colonoscopy and bloodwork. At 51, it’s been a huge lifestyle change.
Currently, my joints are aching, running a slight fever, nauseated, itching all over, irritable, headache and horribly fatigued. The big D will come soon enough.
I really go out of my way to avoid gluten, but these things happen, so I try not to beat myself up about it. Lots of fluids and lots of rest are the best medicine. One can only hope they come up with some sort of treatment in the near future.
Wishing all of you the best