Why So Tired After Going gluten-free?

[MLB]

I am about a month into my Gluten-free Casein-free diet. I've started feeling much less abdominal pain and better digestion. But I am soooo tired. I've never been a very tired person, never took naps, etc. but now I can't seem to get the energy to do anything. I just want to lay on the couch and sleep ( i have 4 small kids so not really an option!). What do you think is going on here?

[Ursa Major]

A lot of your energy may be going into healing your gut. You are recovering, try to get plenty of rest! Our body repairs itself primarily during sleep, so now you likely need more sleep.

Can you get some help, or somebody who can watch your kids for an hour or two in the afternoon so you can have a nap?

Have you had your levels of essential nutrients tested? There are several that are often very low when you have celiac disease. You may need to supplement to bring those up.

I suggest going to your doctor and ask to be tested for your levels of ferritin (iron), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and B6, magnesium, vitamin K and potassium (somebody jump in if I forgot any).

Especially low iron and vitamin D are extremely common with celiac disease, and those can cause you to lose all your energy.

[brendygirl]

I agree with the low iron. I am borderline anemic and cannot donate blood, as are lots of celiacs. Several times, when I've been tired all day--at night when brushing my teeth I'll see my vitamins sitting there--I had forgotten to take them! They really make THAT BIG of a difference!

Most of a person's energy comes from CARBS!! What do runners eat before a marathon? Pasta!

When going gluten free, we tend to stick to what I call "nuts and berries diet". Lots of fruit, veggies, and some beans and meat.

Make sure youeat lots of carbs: rice, potatoes, pancakes, bread, etc. Plus, lots of gluten free bread products are fortified with vitamins we tend to miss out on. I read it in an article in Living Without Magazine. I didn't like the idea of eating refined gluten free products, but now I see why they recommend eating that stuff.[/color]

[Ursa Major]

I disagree with lots of carbs. When I eat too many carbs, I get tired, sluggish and bloated. My energy comes from meat and fat. If I don't get enough protein and saturated fat I can't do anything. Plus, of course, meat is what gives you iron and vitamin B12 (which is also in eggs).

[purple]

A lot of your energy may be going into healing your gut. You are recovering, try to get plenty of rest! Our body repairs itself primarily during sleep, so now you likely need more sleep.

Can you get some help, or somebody who can watch your kids for an hour or two in the afternoon so you can have a nap?

Have you had your levels of essential nutrients tested? There are several that are often very low when you have celiac disease. You may need to supplement to bring those up.

I suggest going to your doctor and ask to be tested for your levels of ferritin (iron), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and B6, magnesium, vitamin K and potassium (somebody jump in if I forgot any).

Especially low iron and vitamin D are extremely common with celiac disease, and those can cause you to lose all your energy.

You can get these supplements cheap and fast at www.swansonvitamins.com. They have been in business for 40 years. Prices are sometimes 1/2 compared to a health food store. My daughter takes complex B and magnesium but her trouble is she can't sleep even when she is exhausted. She has a mild case of gluten sensitivity though. Weird how everybody's body reacts differently. She is also still a teenager, that counts against her b/c she wants to stay up. oh well...

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I also disagree with lots of carbs, especially gluten-free bread products. Brown rice and potatoes are fine in moderation, but should not be the core of your diet! Your diet should be based on fresh veggies, fruits, fish, chicken, meats, eggs, and legumes and nuts if you are not allergic. The carbs are sides, not the whole meal!

Make sure you are getting enough protein (eggs for breakfast, not toast!) and healthy fats (fish, olive oil, etc).

[ShayFL]

I crash on too many carbs too. Go into a coma. So I disagree with adding a bunch of carbs.

I do best with meats, veggies, fats (nuts and oils) and small amounts of carbs (whole grains and fruit).

[RiceGuy]

I agree with the recommendation of B12, and since there is no level of overdose, you don't need to trust a test. Just buy some and see how it goes. There are actually energy boost products designed around the fact that B12 helps a lot with energy. The best form to take is methylcobalamin, such as the one from Open Original Shared Link.

The other nutrients mentioned are good recommendations too.

[MLB]

Thanks all! Feeling pretty good today as the family let me sleep in till 9:00. I would like to get the vitamin testing done in the near future, there's just some insurance issues I have to work out first. I'm seeing a naturopath that's not covered by insurance so I'm paying out of pocket. I have an appt in a few days so I will ask him about that. I'll look into the b12 as I'm sure I need that anyway with my leg issues and all. I'm glad summer is around the corner and I won't be rushing kids to and from school, practices, etc.