Should I Be Concerned?

[adamissues]

I just want to start this off by saying this may be TMI but I need some advice. I’ve been gluten-free for about a month now, and while some of my symptoms have changed (more normal bowel movements, less brain fog, no more numbness and tingling), some have gotten concerning. I’ve started getting a LOT of mucus in my BMs. Is this normal going gluten-free? I’m hoping to have an appointment soon with my GI. Should I be concerned? One of my main symptoms before going gluten-free was chronic diarrhea. Is this a factor?

[trents]

No. The mucous in the stool is not normal for celiacs who are truly eating gluten free. Its an indication of inflammation. I suspect you are still getting gluten and are actually eating lower gluten rather than gluten free. There is a real learning curve involved in truly eating gluten free since wheat/barley/rye are found in so many processed foods - in things you would never expect to find it. And if you are still eating out it is nearly impossible to avoid gluten. Even when you order things from the menu that are advertised gluten free or should be naturally gluten free they are likely being cross-contaminated with gluten in the preparation, cooking and handling by the kitchen staff. Would you expect to find gluten in Campbells tomato soup? It's there. Read the label sometime. In soy sauce? It's the second ingredient. Read the label. In chocolate syrup? It's found in some brands. Wheat can be found in medications and supplements. Spices. On and on. It's a cheap and abundant thickener and texturing agent.

[Scott Adams]

If your diet has been 100% gluten-free, it can still take much longer than a month to heal, depending on the level of villi damage you have. The average time to recovery is 2 years, but definitely double check everything in your diet. It's also possible you have additional food intolerance issues, and you may want to keep a food diary to identify them.