Did This Happen To You When You Went Gluten Free?

[TheHeartRN]

Okay, so I was just diagnosed on the 22nd. And haven't even been gluten free for 1 week. But still every time I eat I have to go to the bathroom like right after. Is this normal? Does it take a while for your body to get used to gluten free?

[julissa]

This actually did happen to me at first, then it settled down.

[TheHeartRN]

Okay thank you. I have gotten to the point I am afraid to eat. Haha.

[Wahls]

I experience that only when I have an issue with my thyroid. Do you have a thyroid issue? Have you been checked?

[GFinDC]

Hi HeartRN,

 

Yes, it is not unusual to have GI symptoms for months after going gluten-free.  Sometimes years even.  For some people going gluten-free is a big change in diet.  Your GI system has to adjust.  There are bacterial changes that will happen over time since you have changed the diet of the bacteria in your gut too.  That by itself can cause many GI symptoms.  I don't remember if I posted these tips for you or not.

 

Get tested before starting the gluten-free diet.
Get your vitamin/mineral levels tested also.
Don't eat in restaurants
Eat only whole foods not processed foods.
Eat only food you cook yourself, think simple foods, not gourmet meals.
Take probiotics.
Take gluten-free vitamins.
Take digestive enzymes.
Avoid dairy.
Avoid sugars and starchy foods.
Avoid alcohol.

Helpful threads:

FAQ Celiac com
https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/forum-7/announcement-3-frequently-asked-questions-about-celiac-disease/

Newbie Info 101
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/

What's For Breakfast Today?
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/81858-whats-for-breakfast-today/

[smpalesh]

I didn't start having solid bowel movements until 6 weeks after going gluten-free and I had digestive problems after eating for 6-8 weeks.  Give it time, it will start to improve.

 

One tip - do not eat tons of gluten-free products right at the start.  Try to avoid all the gluten-free breads, muffins, etc until your digestive system has a chance to rest, just eat whole foods.