Drinking as a new diagnosed celiac

[Michelle Jackson]

Hi,

This May sound like a dumb question, but I was diagnosed with Celiac through blood tests 2.5 weeks ago, I am 21. I have a Tissue Transglutaminase IGA of 19 when it should be less than 4 but have been on completely a Gluten free first for almost 3 weeks now  

 

Let me start off by by saying I am not a big drinker. And in my healing period wouldn’t even have such a question except for the fact I graduate college next month and my boyfriend had planned to have friends come up to celebrate. I wanted to ask if anyone has consumed alcohol during their recovery period (of course gluten free alchohol only) and if one drink causes/could cause catesphropic decline in my recovery. I read that alchohol only flattens villi when consumed chronically and I am aware alcohol is not good for you. I just want to see if I can have one gluten free drink in celebration given I’m pretty sure the stress of college is what triggered my Celiac. 

 

Thank you for any advice and I apologize if this is a dumb question. I have asked it before and I just want to gain more feedback. 

[cyclinglady]

No question is dumb!  Go ahead and have a drink.  It may or may not bother you.  It depends on the extent of your intestinal damage and collateral damage like liver damage (I never had that).  Like you said, stick with wine, cider, or gluten-free beers that are brewed with non-gluten grains.  Do NOT try the gluten reduced beers like Omission.  I like potato-based vodka and I know that hard alcohol is distilled, but sometimes, piece of mind is priceless!  

As a former bar maid....a very long time ago, glasses were washed at the sink (dunked in a chemical wash which is good for removing bacteria, but not gluten).   They still are hand washed,  especially during busy times.  Then I ask for my wine in a plastic or paper cup (I explain that I have celiac disease).  

I sampled several gluten-free beers at Ground Breaker gluten-free Brewery last week in Portland OR.  They were delicious!  I need to find bottled versions now that I am at home.  Of course, I have been gluten-free for 5 years and have forgotten a bit what beer tastes like and I liked ales back then!  

Putting on my Mom Hat now.....drink sensibly.  While we are striving for equality, the reality is that biologically women can not drink as much as men.  There was a recent study released.  google it.  

Have fun and enjoy!  

Edited July 26, 2018 by cyclinglady

[GFinDC]

8 hours ago, cyclinglady said:

...the reality is that biologically women can not drink as much as men.  There was a recent study released.  google it. ....

Yes, but they can eat more chocolate!

I agree, a little wine or Tito's vodka shouldn't be a problem.  But try not to overdo it as you are still early in the recovery process.  Leave the heavy drinking to us seasoned pros! We won't mind! 

Really, you should be fine.