How Long Do I Do A Trail Run Of Gluten-free Diet?

[DaCat]

I realize some people notice a difference sooner than others, but what is a general time frame that I should shoot for to determine what gluten is doing to me and/or affecting me? How soon have some of you noticed relief of symptoms.

The symptoms I am dealing with are chronic fatigue, brain fog, bloating, constipation (never diahrrea!), sinus/ear issues and muscle joint pain - that is very unnerving at times.

Thank you so much for your time!!!

~Shelly

[par18]

I realize some people notice a difference sooner than others, but what is a general time frame that I should shoot for to determine what gluten is doing to me and/or affecting me? How soon have some of you noticed relief of symptoms.

The symptoms I am dealing with are chronic fatigue, brain fog, bloating, constipation (never diahrrea!), sinus/ear issues and muscle joint pain - that is very unnerving at times.

Thank you so much for your time!!!

~Shelly

Hi Shelly,

All I can tell you is that from my own personal experience I started noticing improvement in a couple of days. That said we are all different. Have you ever tried to do something like a gluten free diet before? The reason I ask is that you must make sure you identify any potential sources of gluten before deciding whether or not to eat/drink something. I would stick to naturally gluten free foods such as (meats, fruits, veggies etc ) at least in the beginning. As far as soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc I would check the internet for those things you question. I will tell you that the body is an amazing thing in that if you are doing something it does not like and then correct it sometimes it lets you know pretty quick. I have been gluten free for over 18 months and I continue to have no previous symptoms whatsoever. I am very compliant. Good luck.

Tom

[Guest cassidy]

It took me 2 weeks to tell any type of difference. Then I had good periods so I could tell when I glutened myself, which was quite often in the beginning. After about 2 months I had found all the hidden gluten and I wasn't glutening myself regularly. My reaction when I'm glutened lasts about 3 weeks. I feel better and better but it is 3 weeks until I'm 100% again.

So, based on my experience, I would say at least a month. I also agree that a basic diet is very helpful. Not only does your system need to heal, but there is gluten in a lot of places that you wouldn't expect and reading labels and worrying about cc is difficult in the beginning.

Just remember that if you only give it a half-effort try, then you may not see any difference even if gluten is your problem. So, please keep that in mind as well.

Good luck and there is lots of great info here.

[CarlaB]

Is there a reason you don't want to be tested? Many eat gluten-free because of a positive dietary response, I was just wondering. If you'd like to have the testing done, it has to be while you're eating gluten. You might want to at least have the blood test done.

Also, if you have no response to the gluten-free diet, keep your options open as those symptoms fit other problems as well. I responded to the gluten-free diet, but not completely. Now I'm going to be seeing a specialist to find out if I have Lyme Disease. I just want to encourage you to keep your options open if you don't see enough results from the diet. Then, on the other hand, if all your symptoms go away on the diet, you know what the problem is!!

[tarnalberry]

At least a month, three would be better. But you must be *strictly* gluten free during that time.

[DaCat]

Thanks everyone. Having a "window" of time helps me a lot. I don't think it will be too hard for me to go 100% gluten-free really. My diet has been really strict considering my food sensitivities and I'm used to hunting for offensive ingredients. I did copy the forbidden and allowable food lists off this site and have been double checking my kitchen. I eliminated a great deal of gluten approx. 5 months ago, so getting the rest of the hidden ones out shouldn't be too hard. We'll see.

Question: what kind of cereal do y'all eat? I am used to eating homemade granola made with oats, obviously, but now I will not be eating that at all. I have found that cereal has been an easy way for me to get flaxmeal in my diet, so I'd love to find one (or make one) that I can eat. Any ideas out there?

Blessings,

~Shelly

[daffadilly]

just me and my opinion, but for three months I would give up the flax meal and the cereal. I would eat fresh fruit, nuts, leftovers, scrambled eggs, ham etc for breakfast - for three months it would be ideal if you eat as little grains as possible, except for some rice and maybe corn if corn does not bother you,

[Nancym]

For my neurological stuff it took getting rid of dairy products too although a chunk of it was due to gluten. But some of the digestive issues cleared up very fast. Within 2 days of going gluten-free my crampy diarrhea ended. But other things are still improving and I've been gluten-free for over a year now. Good luck! You might want to try a "paleo diet". It is very basic, probably very like our ancestors ate: Meat, veggies, fruit, nuts. I'm on this and find it suits me well. I don't eat any grain except an occassional cheat on rice or corn. Very occassional!

I don't do cereal for breakfast. Usually I skip breakfast or have some coconut milk kefir or have something left over or have eggs.

[burdee]

I SECOND cutting out dairy. Before I abstained from dairy, I had chronic sinus problems (infections, post nasal drip, congestion, many colds, etc) as well as constipation. After Enterolab tests determined that I had CASEIN (milk protein) allergy, rather than lactose (milk sugar) intolerance, I completely cut out all sources of dairy. Since then I have NEVER had one cold, flu or sinus infection. I sometimes get a scratchy throat like I'm coming down with a cold, but that never progresses to my sinuses. Also cutting out dairy really improved my 'regularity'. However taking high dose probiotics FINALLY made me 'normal' no matter how much fiber I eat, how many fluids I drink or any of those other constipation remedies. I always envied my normal husband who was 'regular' no matter what he ate or drink. Now I'm on of those normal 'regular' people.

BURDEE