Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Why Does Gluten Make Me So Sick So Quickly?


Ginger38

Recommended Posts

Ginger38 Rising Star

I’m just wondering why once you’ve eliminated gluten and started the healing process, that if you get glutened or consume gluten somehow people get so sick so quick? Does the inflammation or immune reaction not have to build up over time or is it just instant reaction anytime any trace of gluten is ingested?
I’ve noticed my reactions seem to be much stronger now and not just GI issues.. my whole body aches, I feel like I have the flu, brain fog is bad, my depression and anxiety get really bad and the fatigue is absolutely debilitating. And it doesn’t just last for a few days… it seems to progressively get worse and lasts for a while. Is all this normal? 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Scott Adams Grand Master

I think this can vary quite a lot from person to person. Many people seem to get more sensitive to gluten after they have eliminated it for a few weeks or more, and it sounds like you are in this group. 

After I was gluten-free for a couple of years I recall being less sensitive to it, and I would not notice any reaction to small amounts of accidental gluten. For me this has changed over time, and now I do have stronger reactions if I get any gluten, but I would not call them severe reactions.

RMJ Mentor

The rapid reaction is due to cytokine release:

Cytokine release in response to gluten challenge

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,050
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    NicRey
    Newest Member
    NicRey
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      It seems crazy to me that even when you call a manufacturer they can't, in this day and age, answer the simple question about what exactly is in their product!!
    • Stephanie Wakeman
      Thank you so much for your response! It's been a challenging journey with this condition! 
    • milana
      Thank you very much for your response. Since I got this advice I called Pepsid manufacturer and they could not give a definite answer. Basically,  there is no final testing and they do not guarantee anything. So I went and got farmotidine from Wagmans that was marked gluten-free and also our pediatrician gave us a prescription for farmotidine that was also gluten-free. So there are other options there thankfully. In case someone will come across of this dilemma.
    • Diana Swales
      A nutritionist typically focuses on general wellness, lifestyle guidance, and preventative health. A dietician allowed to provide medical nutrition therapy. When i was diagnosed there was zero support and few dieticians and Dr understood celiac disease.  I typically guide a newly diagnosed celiac to a whole food diet to easily transition to the gluten free lifestyle  
    • Scott Adams
      Your gluten-free journey sounds like a lot of trial and error—especially working in a deli where gluten exposure is constant! The eye-watering issue could be an airborne gluten sensitivity (like flour dust irritating your eyes) or even a mild wheat allergy, since you’re around it daily. A daily antihistamine (like Claritin or Zyrtec) might help if it’s allergy-related, but avoiding airborne gluten as much as possible (masking, washing hands/face often) is key. It’s great you’re tracking triggers—high-fiber foods and certain gluten-free substitutes (like those tortillas or PB pretzels) can sometimes cause similar symptoms due to additives or digestive adjustments. For travel, pack safe snacks (protein bars, nuts) and research gluten-free translation cards for Aruba. On flights, opt for packaged gluten-free meals or eat beforehand. Many gluten-free foods and baking mixes contain xanthan gum or other gums like guar gum. Although they are both gluten-free, they may cause IBS-type issues in some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:   You’re doing all the right prep—trust your research and enjoy your trips! 
×
×
  • Create New...