Glutening Before Testing

[jmryan83]

I've been trying Gluten Free for a week now, with much success and feeling really good. 

 

To my question. I should probably keep glutening myself till I get tested to not affect the tests.

How much gluten do I really need to intake? (specifics please)

Also, if I take an enzyme support supplement, will that affect anything?

 

Thanks.

[nvsmom]

Yes. Keep glutening yourself until your testing is done. I recommend eating those foods that you'll have to say goodbye too - have a beer and an oreo for me. 

 

I have heard ranges of 4-8 weeks of 1-4 slices of bread a day (or the equivalent). If you have been eating gluten (except for that last week) I would suggest 2 slices of bread a day; for those who have been off gluten, it's probably helpful, if not more painful, to eat more.

 

I would not start taking enzymes or supplements that will help your gut heal (like glutamine) until after your testing. Many of the blood tests are for detecting autoantibodies that appear in response to intestinal damage, so you want that damage there until testing is complete.

 

Good luck with your tests.

[EmiPark210]

Stay on gluten. But yeah about a slice of bread a day (or equivalent) will be adequate. Some people choose to go full overboard with gluten in every meal, but if it makes you feel super crappy then keep it to a minimum. For blood testing you should be on it for 12 weeks, for a biopsy 3-4 weeks, according to the University of Chicago Celiac's Center (cureceliacdisease.org)