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

[xxnonamexx]

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

[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! 

[xxnonamexx]

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]

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