Going Gluten Free and extreme irritability and fatigue?

[hanakat]

Hello

My partner was recently diagnosed with Celiacs and has said he has had no energy and been incredibly irritable since cutting out all gluten from his diet. (The last 2weeks)

Is this something to be expected when you first go completely gluten free? If so, how long can these symptoms last until you get your energy back and mood more stable?

Thank you!

Any information would be greatly appreciated! 

Hana

[cyclinglady]

Hi Hana!  

How nice for you to ask and to be so supportive! 

Yes, it is common to suffer from gluten withdrawal.  I am not sure if it is due to the loss gluten or the abrupt change in any diet.  Many members do report this.  Fatigue is VERY common with any autoimmune disorder.  This should improve with healing.  

The learning curve for the diet is pretty steep.  Expect setbacks because you both are going to make mistakes.   Healing takes time.  It can be months or a year for complete healing.  But odds are that your partner will not be so grumpy and irritable for that long!  

Every newly diagnosed celiac goes through a grieving process.    Let’s face it, this is a huge lifestyle adjustment.  Huge.  The burden of treatment falls completely on the patient.  This can be rough.  So, be patient.  

Consider going gluten free too at least while in the home.  I can not tell you how nice it is to feel safe.  Or research safe kitchen practices like setting up a designated area in your kitchen.  Be sure to brush your teeth before kissing if you have a beer or eat a gluten-containing Foods.   

We are here to help, so ask questions!  

[philmworks]

When I was diagnosed 16 years ago, I had cravings, mood swings, and all sorts of changes going on.  It's only natural as your body heals itself and adjusts to a new lifestyle.  I can remember vividly how after about a month I had a new control of my temper, slept better, and had much less aches and pains.
Now, I have the added bonus of having to cut out other foods I love for other health reasons and am going through a similar situation, but I know I"ll get through it.
The best advice I can give is to go to a support group.  Talk directly to people in your area that has already made the adjustments and learn from them rather than from making the mistakes by yourself.  If I had done that my wife and I would've had a much better time and probably a quicker recovery.  I joined a group 1 year after going gluten-free, so I speak from experience!!

[Ennis-TX]

7 hours ago, hanakat said:

Hello

My partner was recently diagnosed with Celiacs and has said he has had no energy and been incredibly irritable since cutting out all gluten from his diet. (The last 2weeks)

Is this something to be expected when you first go completely gluten free? If so, how long can these symptoms last until you get your energy back and mood more stable?

Thank you!

Any information would be greatly appreciated! 

Hana

Several aspects here, First many go through gluten withdrawal....symptoms are like a opiate withdrawal. Not much to do but be supportive and help providing safe foods.
Second could be carb withdrawal, bit like the keto flu if you did not replace all normal gluten stuff with gluten-free alternatives, like rice, and sweet potatoes instead of gluten carbs.
Many Celiac suffers have vitamin deficiencies issues, B-vitamins, Magnesium, vitamin D, etc. Gluten foods are sprayed with vitamins (enriched) gluten free foods are not. So you have to eat a varied diet of whole foods and or supplement these.
Go to whole foods only diet, nothing processed and eat a bit of everything with each meal IE meat, leafy greens, carbs, bit of fruit.

Consider making it easier, go whole house gluten free, do not eat out, do not tempt or remind me of the diet. Make it just natural to eat whole naturally gluten free foods. IE eggs, grilled/baked meatds, Steamed/grilled/baked veggies, soups, stews, etc. Avoid gluten-free baked goods for now til you guys forget the gluten flavor (like a month) it makes you more accepting and less judgemental of the gluten free versions.

Do check the newbie 101 thread for cleaning out the kitchen and house, IE new cutting boards, colanders, wooden spoons, replacing scratched pots/pans/utensils/plastic containers and throwing way gluten food, sauces, contaminated condiment jars of butter, jam, etc.

I update a gluten free alternative list quarterly also for when you just got to have something.