How Long on Elimination Diet for Results

[RachelCherie]

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease a little over a year ago and have been gluten free since. I feel so much better now that I have been gluten free. However, I still have been having some issues particularly with acne, lethargy, and chronic congestion/post nasal drip. After talking with my doctor and reading multiple forums I have decided to eliminate dairy from my diet to see if I may be intolerant to it. I am wondering how long I should do this before I might expect results/decide if it's not working?

[Galixie]

I suspect, considering how long ago you posted the question, that you have already gotten your answer.

I'm sure it's different for everyone. I ended up eliminating dairy (kind of by accident, but I decided to just roll with it when it happened) and the first thing that happened for me was a splitting sinus headache. I think that was within the first couple of days. Right after that my sinuses completely cleared up for the first time in years. I think it took at least a week for me to notice that it was also helping with my gut issues (maybe longer. I don't really recall now). I did go through some withdrawal (cheesecheesecheesemusthavecheese!) but, once I got past that, I stopped craving any version of dairy. I stayed well away from dairy for about a year and I now find that I can indulge in a meal that has dairy once every few months and have no noticeable effects.

I went dairy free before I gave up gluten and sometimes I wish I could go back to just being dairy free. It's so much easier than having to avoid both.