Withdrawal: waves and windows

[Femke]

I quit gluten and experience some betterment of issues. 
 

But my mood is weird. It feels like benzo withdrawal. With waves (severe depression and anger). And windows (moments I feel more calm and relaxed than I did in ages). I spent today experiencing this up and down several times. 
 

Do people recognise this? When did it get better? Was something helpful? 

[Scott Adams]

I'm glad to hear you're seeing some improvement since quitting gluten, but I'm sorry you're dealing with such intense mood swings. This is something others in the celiac community have experienced as well. When you eliminate gluten, your body goes through a period of adjustment, and this can affect your mood and emotions in unpredictable ways.

Here are a few things that might help:

Patience with Your Body: It can take time for your body to fully heal from the damage caused by gluten. These mood swings often improve as your body adjusts and heals.

Balanced Nutrition: Ensure you're getting a well-balanced diet. Sometimes, cutting out gluten can lead to deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, which can affect mood. Consider speaking with a dietitian to make sure you're getting everything you need.

Hydration and Rest: Staying well-hydrated and getting enough sleep are crucial. Both can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being.

Support System: Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Whether it's friends, family, or a support group, having someone to talk to can make a big difference.

Professional Help: If these mood swings continue or become too overwhelming, it might be worth talking to a healthcare professional. They can provide additional support and strategies to help you through this.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many people with celiac disease have gone through similar experiences and have come out the other side feeling much better. Hang in there, and take care of yourself.

[Scott Adams]

PS - You might find this article helpful:

 

[Femke]

Thanks!

That was useful. I decided on a very gradual approach to a healthier diet.

I quit gluten but eat as much gluten-free bread and other carbs as I like. This already helps majorly. My mood is stable. I have felt so angry for a long time and blamed the bad situation and ptsd and myself. But I’m mostly calm and collected.  
 

Next step will be to gradually rid myself of all grains. Then gradually move towards a healthy paleo diet. 
 

Hope it works. 

[Femke]

Uh. @&€!&.

I just had French fries from a local place. They had no gluten. But I notice a response. My belly hates me again. It always does, but now I notice the difference. Turns out frying in oil that had gluten snacks before is also a problem. 

[Femke]

Guys, I really need some encouragement to get through this. A few days longer on gluten-free and I’m very depressed again. 
 

I feel it isn’t unrealistic. It is rather the brain fog lifting and me seeing the reality of my situation again. I’m factually in a very tough situation. I feel gluten kind of drugged me to not feel that. 

I am not sure how to continue this diet. 

[Scott Adams]

Fry oil can be contaminated with gluten, so it's important to be sure they use dedicated fryers. McDonald's uses them, but be sure to ask.

This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:

 

This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):

 

 

[Flash1970]

When I first stopped gluten,  I went thru severe withdrawals.  I felt way worse than when I ate gluten.  Luckily,  I had a good doctor that kept reassuring me that it would get better.  It took about 4 months, but one day I woke up and felt no joint pain and I felt good.  Unfortunately, I still had the brain fog.  When I gave up all grains,  I really turned the corner.  Before,  I felt like I was losing my mind.  After about a month of no grains,  I felt like I could think again.  Haven't eaten them since.  Luckily there are some good companies that are paleo and grain free.  I really do like a cookie now and then. Plus the grain free tortillas from la tortilla factory are definitely acceptable.  So keep going,  it will get better.  Just take a long time.  And no gluten.