How Long To Feel Better After Going gluten-free?

[Sandyo]

My blood test was neg and I'm getting a copy from the Doctor today. I thought I had this figured out despite the neg test results....but after going gluten-free for about 1 1/2 weeks now, I'm starting to feel bad again. Even though I'm not eating gluten, I still get naucis every time I eat gluten-free or gluten-free free. My stomach just churns and I have a strange sensation in my chest like my heart is beating differently. I'm also tired and just feel yucky. I'm fine in the morning and can run 13 miles no problem. But as soon as I eat, I feel bad. It just feels like my stomach is raw.

Is this normal? Will I feel better, than worse, then better after going gluten-free? If gluten is my problem then why does my stomach feel yucky even when I don't eat it?

I just ordered my Enterolab Stool test on Sat night. I wasn't going to because I thought I was having a positive dietary reaction. But now I just don't know anymore.

How long should I stay gluten-free to know if that's my problem? The only thing I eat in question over the weekend was jello and cool whip. Is there gluten in either of those that I'm not aware of? I'm so new, it's hard to know where the hidden gluten is.

Oh, and is there a list of foods that we shouldn't eat that have hidden gluten? And how do you know what kinda starch it is if it says modified food starch?

Thanks for any comments you might have to help me know which direction to go.

[minibabe]

I have been trying to stay gluten-free for about 1-1/2 now. the only time that I get a reaction is if I go out to eat and they Gluten me. I never feel good, but I do feel better if I dont eat. the only time that I feel good is if I dont have any food in my stomach. It is so frustraing because I dont need to loose anymore weight and plus I am hungry. But since I get such negitive results from eating I hate doing it.

I am really sorry that you feel this way, I can totally understand.

As for the modified food starch, my rule is that if it does not state it then I will call. I dont want to take a risk.

I wish you the best of luck

Amanda NY

[StrongerToday]

You might want to stick with a bland, starchy diet for a while. Are you eating dairy or soy - some people are very sensitive to other things too.

[jenvan]

Sandyo-- Go here to see safe and forbidden ingredient lists--very helpful when shopping: https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=12

It is hard to say on your question--some folks experience immediate improvements, some of us do get worse for a bit, myself included...and for me it has took several months to notice any initial improvement. What lead you to think you had Celiac or gluten intolerance initially?

[hungryforlife]

Sandyo ~

When I went gluten free (for a week like you) I noticed that simple carbs and sugars made me really ill. Dizzy, neaseated, etc. All of my CBC blood test came back normal except my blood sugar which has been gradually rising since I started eating oatmeal three years ago. My colestorol went down by 57 points though! Now, I notice if I don't eat regularly, or I have simple carbs (or high glycemic foods) that I still get dizzy and nausea. I started adding orange juice to my morning routine to balance out the blood sugar, and then maybe adding some more protein to your diet (especially in the morning) will level out the blood sugars further. Gluten-free (especially prepared products) can be higher in sugar than regular gluten breads products.

Hope you feel better soon.

[erin24]

Sandyo,

I am in the same boat as you...negative blood tests and I have just begun the gluten-free diet. I have only been gluten-free for 3 days but there has been absolutetly no improvement. I know it takes a while so I shouldn't really be expecting results so soon but it's hard not to get too excited.

Let me know how it goes for you and I will keep you informed about me too that way we can use each other as an indicator for one another.

[Sandyo]

Sandyo,

I am in the same boat as you...negative blood tests and I have just begun the gluten-free diet. I have only been gluten-free for 3 days but there has been absolutetly no improvement. I know it takes a while so I shouldn't really be expecting results so soon but it's hard not to get too excited.

Let me know how it goes for you and I will keep you informed about me too that way we can use each other as an indicator for one another.

Will do. I got so depressed last night that I had a piece of a desert I made my son with Angel Food Cake in it. It just got to me. All these things I can't eat, special trips to the health food store and $90 each time. Making gluten-free bread and a whole seperate shelf in my pantry....and I still feel like crap!! Of course 1/2 hour after I ate it, I felt worse!!! Guess I had a little tantrum!

I'm being good today and feel a little better. Still some dizzyness. I'm also trying to eat less each time I eat. I think that will help. I'm going to look into the blood sugar comments above. That's kinda ringin a bell with me.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

Sandyo ~

When I went gluten free (for a week like you) I noticed that simple carbs and sugars made me really ill. Dizzy, neaseated, etc. All of my CBC blood test came back normal except my blood sugar which has been gradually rising since I started eating oatmeal three years ago. My colestorol went down by 57 points though! Now, I notice if I don't eat regularly, or I have simple carbs (or high glycemic foods) that I still get dizzy and nausea. I started adding orange juice to my morning routine to balance out the blood sugar, and then maybe adding some more protein to your diet (especially in the morning) will level out the blood sugars further. Gluten-free (especially prepared products) can be higher in sugar than regular gluten breads products.

Hope you feel better soon.

You might be on to something here. Know that you mention it....I do feel worse and dizzy after eating sugar. I started boiling some eggs to eat after my morning workout. I'll ad in the OJ and see if that makes any difference. I did eat meat and potatoes the other night and no sugary stuff and I felt fine!. Maybe reducing the sugar and increase protein will help. I've been worried I haven't been getting enough protein (cause I'm a runner and need it after a hard run) that's why I started with the boiled eggs. I used to eat oatmeal everymorning and protein shakes and raisin bran cereal....but I think my increase in grains is what triggered this intolerance response. Thanks for your help. I'll look in this direction. Appreciate it very much!!!

[loraleena]

It is normal to good and then bad and then good again. It can take a long time for your digestive system

to get better. Also you could be having withdrawal symptoms. I was nauseous in the beginning to. Make sure all your cosmetics and toiletries are gluten free also.

[jenvan]

I also had to adjust my eating post gluten-free on blood sugar... Absorbing more has changed some of the foods I like. I used to love candy, now I have no desire for it--too sweet and gives me a headache! So listen to your body--absorbing and healing does change how it reacts to foods.