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    Ten Things to Try if You Accidentally Eat Gluten

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    Accidentally exposed to gluten? Been there. Done that. More importantly, we've got you covered. Here's how to manage gluten exposure for people with celiac disease.

    Ten Things to Try if You Accidentally Eat Gluten - Image: CC--Stephan Harlan
    Caption: Image: CC--Stephan Harlan

    Celiac.com 06/22/2023 - Living with celiac disease requires strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to prevent uncomfortable symptoms and long-term complications. However, accidental gluten ingestion can occur, causing distress and discomfort for those with celiac disease. When that happens, there are steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and support your recovery. This article combines the best home remedies for accidental gluten ingestion, as submitted by members of our forum, and from comments by readers of our articles.

    Accidental gluten ingestion can lead to a range of symptoms in individuals with celiac disease such as upset stomach, inflammation, diarrhea, bloating, and skin rash. Recognizing the consequences of gluten exposure is essential for implementing effective management strategies.

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    Officially, beyond simply waiting it out, there is no clinically accepted treatment for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who accidentally eat gluten. However, there are things that many people claim will reduce the suffering and promote healing when this happens.

    So what works? Or, what do people say works for them? The remedies listed below are not ranked in any particular order of importance or efficacy. This list is not intended to be authoritative or comprehensive. Nor is it intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice. As with any health remedy, do your research and make the choices that are right for you.

    Immediate Steps to Alleviate Symptoms

    Taking immediate action is crucial to minimize the impact of gluten exposure. Hydration, rest, and the application of heat can help alleviate symptoms like stomach pain and cramping. Avoiding additional irritants in the diet is also important.

    Fasting

    Fasting—Studies indicate that fasting for a couple of days can help to reset the immune system, which might be beneficial for those suffering from an adverse gluten reaction. Be sure to check with a doctor before fasting, just to be safe.

    Return to a Strict Gluten-Free Diet

    Recommitting to a strict gluten-free diet immediately after accidental exposure is paramount. Emphasize naturally gluten-free foods and avoid processed or spicy foods that may further irritate the digestive system.

    Digestive Enzymes for Bloating Relief

    Digestive enzyme supplements, such as GliadinX, Eater's Digest and Gluten Defense, can provide relief from bloating. These enzymes are known to assist in the digestion of gluten and may help alleviate symptoms, especially when exposed to small amounts of gluten.

    Herbal Remedies and Medications

    Herbal remedies like green tea, peppermint tea and echinacea have been reported to offer soothing effects for digestive discomfort. Additionally, antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec may provide relief for some individuals. Marshmallow root is known for its potential to soothe stomach and gas pain.

    Probiotics for Gut Health

    Incorporating probiotics into a general gut maintenance program can be beneficial both before and after accidental gluten exposure. Probiotics help promote a healthy gut microbiome and may aid in reducing symptoms.

    Nutrient-Rich Broth for Gut Healing

    Nutrient-rich broths, such as beef, chicken, or fish broth, contribute to gut healing and provide essential nutrition. Incorporating these broths into the diet can support recovery after gluten exposure.

    Long-Term Strategies for Intestinal Health

    Rebuilding intestinal health is crucial for managing celiac disease. Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet, including supplements such as L-Glutamine, coconut oil, fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, and K), calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, and probiotics, can aid in the healing process.

    Personalized Approach and Seeking Medical Advice

    A personalized approach to managing accidental gluten ingestion is important. It is advisable to seek medical advice and consult healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, to develop tailored strategies and receive personalized guidance based on individual needs.

    Coping with Emotional Challenges

    Managing accidental gluten ingestion involves addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional challenges that may arise. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support from loved ones or support groups, and engaging in activities that promote overall well-being are essential for navigating the emotional aspects of living with celiac disease.

    Tummy Rescue Smoothie

    • 1 cup hot freshly brewed nettle leaf tea (anti-histamine, anti-spasmodic)
    • ¼ cup Santa-Cruz pear juice (flavoring/sweetener - pears are the least allergenic of fruits)
    • ¼-½ teaspoon whole fennel seed (reduces gas & bloating)
    • 2 Tablespoons slippery elm powder (healing & soothing to mucous membranes and the gut)
    • 1 Tablespoon flax seed oil (soothing, anti-inflammatory)
    • ¼ - ½ cup rice milk (hypoallergenic, use to thin to desired consistency)

    Directions:
    Purée in blender until smooth, and slightly thickened. It is most soothing when consumed while still warm from the hot tea.

    This smoothie is best consumed in small sips over an hour or so. Magnesium also helps with pain and relaxes muscle spasms, so taking a little extra magnesium may be of benefit. For severe symptoms, drink the smoothie while reclining in bed, with a warm castor oil pack over the abdomen, covered by a heating pad set on low. Do not leave the pack in place for more than an hour.

    Conclusion

    Accidental gluten ingestion can be distressing for individuals with celiac disease. While there is no clinically accepted treatment for gluten ingestion, there are practical steps to manage symptoms and support recovery. By implementing strategies such as immediate symptom relief, adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, digestive enzymes, herbal remedies, probiotics, nutrient-rich broth, and long-term gut healing strategies, individuals with celiac disease can minimize the impact of accidental gluten exposure and promote their overall well-being.

    Living with celiac disease requires vigilance and careful attention to one's diet. Accidental gluten ingestion may happen despite best efforts, but there are steps that can be taken to alleviate symptoms and support recovery. By following these guidelines and seeking appropriate medical advice, individuals with celiac disease can navigate the challenges of accidental gluten exposure with greater ease and maintain their overall health and well-being.

    If you have any thoughts or insights on how best to treat accidental gluten ingestion for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, please share them in our comments section below.



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    Guest TRIED

    For me the best thing that worked was lemon in hot water... I had major thyroid problems additionally, when I drank this for 7 days every morning the doctor asked me if I do self healing, she couldn't believe my numbers.

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    Guest SINEAD

    Posted

    I ate a lot of chips that I thought to be gluten-free but turns out they weren’t. That was a week ago and I still feel sore tummy, brain fog, sore muscles and sooo tired. What can I do, please help? 

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    trents
    3 hours ago, Guest SINEAD said:

    I ate a lot of chips that I thought to be gluten-free but turns out they weren’t. That was a week ago and I still feel sore tummy, brain fog, sore muscles and sooo tired. What can I do, please help? 

    You will get better, it just takes time. But it sounds like you need to educate yourself as to how gluten is hidden in processed foods, through terminology and cross contamination in particular. You may be getting gluten in other things besides chips that is delaying your healing.

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    Scott Adams
    5 hours ago, Guest SINEAD said:

    I ate a lot of chips that I thought to be gluten-free but turns out they weren’t. That was a week ago and I still feel sore tummy, brain fog, sore muscles and sooo tired. What can I do, please help? 

    This article may help:

     

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    Meena
    On 7/3/2015 at 9:29 PM, Guest Carolyn Pandol said:

    I also find the supplement "Gluten Cutter" to be very helpful if I accidentally ingest gluten. It is basically dried mint. Thanks for a very informational article.

    Where can i get gluten cutter from? Can it reduces the symptoms? last week i accidentally ate gluten. it causes diarrhea and vomiting. 

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    Scott Adams

    I don't know much about Gluten Cutter, but out of all the supplements that are designed to break down gluten in the stomach AN-PEP based ones like GliadinX have the best scientific studies that back them up (FYI: they are a sponsor here).

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    Meena

    Do this Gluten Cutter really works for Celiac disease patients? or is it just for gluten intolerant people.

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    Scott Adams

    All of these enzyme products would be marketed towards those who are gluten sensitive. Again I can’t speak to that product, but the one mentioned does have lots of data to support that it can break down gluten in the stomach… At least small amounts of it.

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    trents
    2 hours ago, Meena said:

    Do this Gluten Cutter really works for Celiac disease patients? or is it just for gluten intolerant people.

    Should work for either since it breaks down gluten.

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    Scott Adams

    Sort of, many of these have no studies to back them up. AN-PEP based enzymes have at least a half dozen decent studies that show they are effective.

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    Guest Marti

    Posted

    Why is it such a big deal that digestive enzymes "break down gluten"?  This is not the issue people with Celiac Disease have - they are fully able to BREAK IT DOWN just fine on their own.  The problem comes, not from not being able to break down gluten, but comes after it broken down and the smaller molecule that is the result of this digestion, gliadin, interacts with the small intestine - THAT is what causes the autoimmune response.  So using a product to do exactly what your body already does, and results in gliadin which is the culprit in the autoimmune response, doesn't seem like good advice.

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    trents

    I agree, Marti. Many misunderstand what the problem is with gluten for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

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    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


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