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gluten-free self diagnosed journey so far as well as what triggers. Eye crying like peeling onions?

xxnonamexx
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xxnonamexx Contributor
xxnonamexx
Posted

I have been on this gluten-free journey a few months now and I work in a deli so I'm around gluten all day. I noticed sometimes once a day my eyes tear as if I am peeling onions. I think it is an allergy to gluten. Anything to take for this issue? I heard it might be low vitamin so I started to take a multi vitamin that I found from consumerlabs and started a vitamin B complex for energy issue. As I continue my journey 2x this month I have been careful with gluten and ate out 2x that wee gluten friendly and had no issues so now I feel better when I go out the few places I can eat gluten-free and not get sick. However I have been trying to track what triggered me the 2x this month where one time I introduced a gluten-free pretzel PB filled and no other ingredient in it bothered me. The other time I think it might have been due to high fiber intake due to introducing mission gluten-free tortilla wraps. Next week I will be on vacation to LBI and I already scoped out 2 places gluten-free so I am hoping I have a good time with the family. In August we plan on going to Aruba and I found a few gluten-free places as well but I am nervous for any cross contamination especially during flights to and from which makes me nervous. ANy help suggestions. Thanks

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Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

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! 

xxnonamexx Contributor
xxnonamexx
Posted
  • Author

1st trip completed LBI in New Jersey. Found gluten-free restaurants and took gluten-free snacks like Snyder pretzels, Tates cookies, Veggie Stix, made my own gluten-free granola and took Silk almond yogurt. Dinner Steak at a gluten-free place, Salad at another place and Burgers from a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. So far so good. I am researching in Aruba I know the Hilton hotel has safe items. Do you think I should try claritan every day I am exposed to gluten at work?

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Claritin is an allergy medication which can help with allergy symptoms, but may not be helpful with gluten exposure.

  • 1 month later...
xxnonamexx Contributor
xxnonamexx
Posted
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Checked into Gluten free in Aruba FB groups on places to safely eat so I hope I have a good experience in a few weeks in Aruba.

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