Has anyone found Ozempic affected their symptoms?

[Rosyjo11]

I’ve been 99% gluten free for over ten years and eating keto.  Any time I ate wheat I suffered upper abdo pain, bloating, itchy outer arms. Even if in small amounts. Eg 5 BBQ shape crackers left me in agony. 
 

I started the gluten challenge a couple of weeks after starting Ozempic. I have a celiac biopsy in a week or so.  
 

I have not reacted to gluten the last two months! I actually extended the challenge wondering if I’d eaten enough gluten each day as initially was in Europe and eating sourdough. Also thought maybe my bowel was healed enough that it might take longer to initiate a response. 
 

I’m so baffled so can’t help but wonder if it’s the ozempic somehow?  
 

Anyone  else have any insight on this? 
 

thanks in advance :)

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @Rosyjo11!

So, for the sake of clarity, you have never been officially diagnosed with celiac disease. Correct? If so, has it occurred to you that you may have been dealing with NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease? They share many of the same symptoms but NCGS does not damage the lining of the small bowel. The symptoms you describe could be due to other things besides celiac disease. The "itchy outer arms" sounds like it could be an allergic reaction. You could be suffering from histamine intolerance/MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) as well. A KETO diet would likely help with any of these conditions. 

But possibly, it is the ozempic. Who knows! Stranger things have happened. Wouldn't that be a kick! You would have accidentally discovered an antidote for celiac disease. Keep us posted about the biopsy results.

[Rosyjo11]

Hi Trents 

yes I am aware of non coeliac gluten sensitivity, the biopsy is for confirmation of one or the other.   I had severe keratosis rubra my whole life, most prevalent on outer arms , until I gave up wheat but the gut symptoms escalated as an adult so potentially triggered by major illness. I have other autoimmune antibodies and one generally leads to another. My daughter also has been diagnosed as coeliac. 

Either way the symptoms have not been evident since starting ozempic which apart from slowing down gut motility, increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing leptin levels (which is why I’m on it as leptin is highly elevated thanks to shiftwork) shouldn’t affect gluten digestion and this is where I’m left confused. 
 

I was hopeful others yet to go gluten free but on ozempic might be able to weigh in. 
 

or an endocrinologist even??

[Holycow]

Ozempic slows down gastric emptying. Your issue may not be with gluten at all but something calling dumping syndrome.

[Scott Adams]

I just want to mention that is well known that sourdough bread has far less gluten in it than regular bread. For a gluten challenge you should be eating regular bread.

Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy:

Quote

"...in order to properly diagnose celiac disease based on serology and duodenal histology, doctors need patients to be on gluten-containing diets, even if they are causing symptoms, and this is called a "gluten challenge."

• Eat gluten prior to celiac disease blood tests: The amount and length of time can vary, but is somewhere between 2 slices of wheat bread daily for 6-8 weeks and 1/2 slice of wheat bread or 1 wheat cracker for 12 weeks 12 weeks;
• Eat gluten prior to the endoscopic biopsy procedure: 2 slices of wheat bread daily for at least 2 weeks;

and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:

 

 

[Wheatwacked]

Could be the Ozampic is masking your expected symptoms.  Like an analgesic masks pain.  Qzampic slows digestion to lower the rate glucose enters the intestine to slow its effect on glucose level.  It seems it might also slow down the gluten entry into the intestine, reducing its trigger level for the antibodies.  Ultimately the damage from gluten is the same, just not as fast so the pain is less. 

Sourdough bread has less gluten.  Ozampic siows its entry.

[Scott Adams]

This is an interesting theory, but it’s important to note that Ozempic, while it does slow digestion, doesn’t change the body’s immune response to gluten in individuals with celiac disease. Even if symptoms seem reduced, the immune system is still triggered, which can cause the same long-term damage to the intestines, regardless of symptom severity.

Regarding sourdough bread, while it may have lower levels of gluten depending on how it’s made, it’s still not safe for people with celiac disease unless it’s explicitly gluten-free. The immune response to gluten in celiac disease is triggered by even tiny amounts of gluten, so adhering strictly to a gluten-free diet is essential for health and healing.

If you suspect Ozempic or other factors are influencing your symptoms, it might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider or a specialist to ensure you’re fully addressing your health needs.