Can Going Gluten Free Cause Dehydration?

[vorsilva]

I went gluten and sugar free 2 weeks ago for mental health issues. I'm feeling great but I'm having some strange symptoms. My eyes and mouth and hands are extremely dry. My lips are chapped and I'm thirsty all the time. This has been going on for about 10 days. Can giving up gluten and sugar cause severe dehydration? What can I do about it? Thanks for any advice you can give.

[LauraTX]

Gluten- no.  Sugar- Maybe.  If something is amiss with your blood sugar, thirst can be a symptom.  Other things to look at are your medications.  I don't want you to divulge more personal info than you want to, but certain psychiatric medications, along with many other different medications, can cause excessive thirst and dry mouth.  Also, since your dietary habits have totally changed recently, you may be eating more salty foods to make up for the lack of sweets and baked goods, if you ate them frequently before (probably unlikely, though).

 

If you can't pinpoint a certain food or medication, you may want to go see your doctor if it doesn't resolve itself, to check on your blood sugar and other possible causes.  If you aren't sure if any of your medications can cause dry mouth, you can call your pharmacist or the doctor who prescribed it.  

[frieze]

as laura mentioned, some meds can cause dry mouth, and perhaps you are absorbing them better now.  good luck

[vorsilva]

Tested my blood sugar and it's perfect. Actually eating less salt now because I'm cooking more at home. I've been on my psych mess for a while, but I'm going to check with my doctor to see if perhaps frieze is right about absorption. Thanks for the fast response! I'll keep you posted.

[1desperateladysaved]

Coconut water seems to really help me with dehydration. I seem to absorb it better than water. Have you had your nutrient levels checked.  Are you taking vitamin B?  I believe that cracked lips can be a sign of low vitamin B.

 

D

[SMDBill]

Is it possible when you went gluten free, your salt intake dropped a lot due to the change in diet? If so, you may not be retaining the amount of fluid your body is accustomed to retaining. Just a guess. I supplemented with vitamins and minerals when I went gluten-free and found improvement in the skin on my feet,  hands and elbows. Seems odd you'd be so dehydrated just due to being gluten-free, but there has to be an underlying reason. Vitamin deficiencies can cause skin issues, but not sure about thirst and other signs of dehydration. Keep hydrated because headaches from dehydration are brutal.