Full Gut Recovery from Celiac Disease Can Take Up to Two Years

Wait ... Does this mean that someone with celiac disease can follow a strict gluten-free diet for two years and not have to worry about possible cross contamination after that? I was under the impression that just a hint of gluten in my diet will return my gut to the complete villous atrophy state instantly and that my villi would never be as strong as they once were. This article leads me to believe that information may have changed. Is that right?

Wait ... Does this mean that someone with celiac disease can follow a strict gluten-free diet for two years and not have to worry about possible cross contamination after that? I was under the impression that just a hint of gluten in my diet will return my gut to the complete villous atrophy state instantly and that my villi would never be as strong as they once were. This article leads me to believe that information may have changed. Is that right?

This does not mean that you can eat gluten after recovery, only that full recovery can take up to two years for many celiacs.

Wait ... Does this mean that someone with celiac disease can follow a strict gluten-free diet for two years and not have to worry about possible cross contamination after that? I was under the impression that just a hint of gluten in my diet will return my gut to the complete villous atrophy state instantly and that my villi would never be as strong as they once were. This article leads me to believe that information may have changed. Is that right?

No. If you have celiac disease, you must maintain a gluten-free diet. The study analysis means that, even on a gluten-free diet, people with celiac disease can take up to two years to see full healing in the gut. That fact may help doctors and patients adjust their expectations, and to better understand and treat celiac disease.

Thanks for the perspective. I can believe this as 14 months post gluten challenge, I still am not where I want to be or have been in healthier days. The One year mark clearly was not realistic for me personally. I am grateful that the joint pain has subsided and that my liver, pancreas, gallbladder have improved as bile and enzymes seem to have fired back on. I still struggle with inflammation and neuropathy so I know I have a ways to go.