Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Stress And The Celiac

2wheels4eyes

By 2wheels4eyes
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

2wheels4eyes Explorer
2wheels4eyes
Posted

Glutened again... third or fourth time in about 10 days and not sure what the problem is, just that it sucks to be me tonight.

I'm under rather extreme stress (work + family + personal) just now though so I'm not sure if:

a) stress makes a run-in with gluten more severe (that whole gut-as-the-2nd-brain connection)

B) stress makes a run-in with gluten *feel* more severe (The "I can't deal with one more thing right now" reaction.)

c) stress makes a run-in with gluten more likely (The last thing on a stressed mind is what's getting put one's mouth.)

d) it isn't gluten at all but just stress!

e) it isn't stress at all but just gluten!

Anyone else notice a stress/symptom connection? And which of the above, or combination of the above, or other than the above, do you think causes it?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

2 wheels,

I hope that you start to recover soon...I agree, it is no fun to be you right now. UGH! Have you found out the source of your reactions? I hope that your gluten reaction subsides and that your "other" issues lessen their burden on you.

I'm not sure about others experiences, but for me, it is a clear cut reaction. If I have gluten, I'm horribly sick. If I don't have gluten, I'm perfectly fine. For me, it doesn't matter what my situation is....I can't react without gluten. However, when it happens at a particularly "inconvenient" time, yes, I definitely find it mentally/emotionally tougher to deal with (i.e., I can't deal with this too!)

On the other hand, stress is implicated in heightening many people's responses to pain, as well as aggravating other autoimmune disorders, so, it certainly woud make sense.

Something I noted about your post though---you said that this was your multiple glutening in a short time span. Mine get progressively worse if they happen like yours have-short time frame-I guess because I hadn't healed from the previous one, so each kept getting worse. That may play a role in it, especially now, on your multiple glutening.

I hope each day gets better. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Take care,

Laura

StrongerToday Enthusiast
StrongerToday
Posted

My stomach has always been sensitive to stress. It's always the first thing to "go" :rolleyes: when I have something major going on. My dr. reminds me that the gut is our "second brain" and has the same chemicals/hormones as our brain does, so if our brain is stressed it makes sense that the stomach feels it as well.

SchnauzerMom Rookie
SchnauzerMom
Posted

Stress always hits me in the stomach too. Being gluten free helps but I still have problems sometimes.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Stress can be a factor for me. In fact, stress was my trigger for Celiac..

I hope things will "settle" soon.

elonwy Enthusiast
elonwy
Posted

Stress has been shown in studies to weaken the immune system. They did a study on the common cold, and showed that stress was the biggest factor in whether or not people got sick when exposed to cold viruses. If you expand on that, it would make sense that this would apply to gluten. I know that stress makes everything worse for me, and makes me feel run down to begin with, so if I did have a gluten episode, it would be way worse, since I was already funky to begin with.

Feel better,

Elonwy

Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted

Stress, stress, stress.....it can make *anything* worse.

Stress affects me everywhere....starting with my stomach. :(

The immune system is extremely vulnerable to stress so it makes perfect sense that if you've been glutened at the same time you're dealing with stress...the reaction will hit you harder. It most likely would be that much harder to recover while under stress as well.

Its also possible that you're not continuing to gluten yourself but that you're misery is intensified and prolonged due to stress.

Stress can trigger all sorts of problems so try to take some time to relax and pamper yourself. :)

I know...I know...easier said than done...but it really is important to try to avoid too much stress.

I cant stress it enough. :P

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted
Stress has been shown in studies to weaken the immune system. They did a study on the common cold, and showed that stress was the biggest factor in whether or not people got sick when exposed to cold viruses.

Yup its true. My Dr. told me that more people get sick after the holidays than any other time of year. Its because they wear themselves out with the preparations, shopping, cooking.....all of the stress that we go through getting ready for the holidays. When its over our immune system is run down...and we get sick. Stress is proven to cause illness of all kinds due to weakening the immune system.

Also...something I recently learned.

Chronic stress causing an overproduction of stress hormones which need to be broken down and eliminated by the body. Continual stress from physical, mental, or emotional sources overburdens our systems and allows for the gradual build up of toxins in our organs.
  • 2 years later...
lkonya Newbie
lkonya
Posted
Glutened again... third or fourth time in about 10 days and not sure what the problem is, just that it sucks to be me tonight.

I'm under rather extreme stress (work + family + personal) just now though so I'm not sure if:

a) stress makes a run-in with gluten more severe (that whole gut-as-the-2nd-brain connection)

B) stress makes a run-in with gluten *feel* more severe (The "I can't deal with one more thing right now" reaction.)

c) stress makes a run-in with gluten more likely (The last thing on a stressed mind is what's getting put one's mouth.)

d) it isn't gluten at all but just stress!

e) it isn't stress at all but just gluten!

Anyone else notice a stress/symptom connection? And which of the above, or combination of the above, or other than the above, do you think causes it?

Yes, there definitely is a connection between stress and being symptomatic for me. I have been under severe tremendous stress for over 5 years now and I have been gluten free for 10 months and I STILL become symptomatic with the slightest little amount of stress. I will even become symptomatic just watching a drama on TV if it triggers me to being stressed. Try to exercise, stay diligent on your diet, add lots of Vitamin B's and all the other essential vitamins as well, and don't watch anything or be around anyone at all that stresses you. I was an Human Resource Manager until 5 years ago and I can tell you to just isolate yourself when you feel even the slightest amount of stress. Do NOT allow yourself to be sucked into situations that you know are going to cause you stress. I can't have a relationship with my own son because he stresses me so much. I have to keep him at arms distance right now for my own sake. Try to get some self-help books and just kick back and relax. The self-help books will really help alot to keep your focus and give you inner strength. I have also found going to Church helps alot...be around people who truly are supportive of you and your disease. Good luck and please feel free to write me if you need help. Hang in there...we are all here to help each other. Thank God for this forum as it is a wonderful thing. Linda :)

hannahp57 Contributor
hannahp57
Posted

if i am very stressed i can eat fresh fruits and veggies all day long and you would still think gluten had snuck in some how. i dont know how many others have this problem but i have always been like that. i have to make myself relax so i am pretty picky about the things i allow to preoccupy my thoughts. it takes some training because stressing over things seems so beyond our control

Lisa16 Collaborator
Lisa16
Posted

Stress gets me too. I remember once (before diagnosis) I crunched my finger in a door (broke it) and before going to the ER, I had to run for the bathroom immediately. Good lord! Celiac stinks. So does stress.

Hopefully you will recover with a little TLC. Cut out as much of the stress as you can. Maybe this means not answering the phone, checking email or calling in sick for a day or two. Drop out for a little bit.

If you have time, here are some nice things to do for yourself:

take a hot bath with nice salt/soap/bomb/ bubbles

ditch your tight clothes and put on your favorite jammies/sweats

curl up with a good book and a heating pad

drink lots of herbal teas like camomile, peppermint and hibiscus

take a vitamin and digestive enzymes if they work for you

rent your favorite old movie

buy yourself some flowers

scarf some chocolate if you can eat (even if it is enjoy life chocolate chips)

get a message with scented oil

put on your favorite celiac disease (EDIT: meant to say compact disc but it read it is celiac disease instead!)and hang out sipping tea

if you have a cat or dog, use their fuzzy selves as a hot water bottle

Good luck!

Pegleg84 Collaborator
Pegleg84
Posted

I totally know what you mean, and am going through a bit of the same thing the past few days. I had some sweet potato fries at a restaurant on thursday, not thinking things through of course, and got some cross contamination glutening. Felt nauseous and crappy for a few hours. Anyway, Friday I was more or less fine, but saturday and sunday I've been nauseous after eating anything! including potatoes, corn, rice noodles, and even a gluten free muffin and a peach i just had. I am under a fair amount of stress lately too, so that could be adding to it. Personally, it feels like when I first went on the diet. I call it a gluten-hangover. And I've been doing so well too. *shakes her fist at her stomach*. I'm going to go eat some rice and take some ginger now. bleh.

Hope you're feeling better though.

  • 2 years later...
Learner01 Newbie
Learner01
Posted

I apologize for commenting on an old thread. I read a comment somewhere recently that alluded to stress, heavy emotional stress, as the trigger for Celiac. Back in the early 2000's my widowed mother decided it was time to remarry. Kept me completely in the dark. It was a very, very difficult time for me as I was already trying to recuperate from a cross-country move and my father's death. Well, after a visit with my family, I began to see new symptoms. First my hair began falling out. Then, the other symptoms trickled in. I was at the lowest point in my life. So, while I've looked back to believe that I've always had 'mild' gluten issues, this stress-that-broke-the-camel's-back really pushed me over the cliff (was positive for Hashimoto's). I've never been tested for celiac. I've been told my a naturopath/holistic doctor that I'm GI. Long story short, I certainly believe that major stress will exacerbate underlying health issues. For me, the path was evident: intense emotional stress-->Gluten reaction-->Thyroid trouble-->Hashimoto's. Since I have managed my stress and been gluten-free, my symptoms have gone away and my hair has come back. It feels so good to know what was ailing me for so many years!

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Because this is such an old thread, the original posters likely haven't been on this forum in a few years. So they won't see your info or respond to you.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,329
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    klkarius
    Newest Member
    klkarius
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.