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

New To The Gluten-free Diet


my3girls

Recommended Posts

my3girls Newbie

Hi All,

I decided to try the gluten-free diet, despite a negative biopsy for Celiac and negative colonoscopy. I have very low ferritin levels (7) and am extremely tired most of the time w/ IBS that's been going on for 10 years now. I thought I'd give the diet a try anyway, since it could only help.

I'm on week 2 of the diet and am not feeling any better at all and am not eating very much b/c I seem to be having issues with dairy products that I am able to eat.

I was initially thinking of giving it a month or two and then having my blood work done again to see if my ferritin has improved. Does that seem like enough time for any improvement to take place or am I expecting miracles in so short a time?

Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



ShayFL Enthusiast

2 weeks is def. too short. AND most have to eliminate dairy for awhile too until they heal. I would eliminate both for a good 3 months and then re-evaluate. Ferritin can take a long time to improve. I started at 11 and am now at 19. You will likely need supplements. But focus on gluten-free and CF for now.

my3girls Newbie
2 weeks is def. too short. AND most have to eliminate dairy for awhile too until they heal. I would eliminate both for a good 3 months and then re-evaluate. Ferritin can take a long time to improve. I started at 11 and am now at 19. You will likely need supplements. But focus on gluten-free and CF for now.
my3girls Newbie

Thanks so much for your quick response. I am taking iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) twice a day, as well as a multi-vitamin. How long did it take for your ferritin to improve from 11 to 19 and are you feeling better as a result?

Thanks!

Archived

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

  • 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. - Sheila G. commented on Jefferson Adams's article in Other Diseases and Disorders Associated with Celiac Disease
      3

      Celiac Disease Patients Face Higher Risk of Systemic Lupus

    2. - ShariW replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

    3. - Scott Adams replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      My journey is it gluten or fiber?

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Publications & Publicity
      1

      Today Dec15 2025

    5. - Flash1970 commented on Scott Adams's article in Skin Problems and Celiac Disease
      1

      Celiac Disease and Skin Disorders: Exploring a Genetic Connection

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,689
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    EndlessSummer
    Newest Member
    EndlessSummer
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • ShariW
      I have found that in addition to gluten, I am sensitive to inulin/chicory root fiber. I wondered why I had gastrointestinal symptoms after drinking a Chobani yogurt drink - much like being glutened. Happened at least twice before I figured out that it was that chicory root fiber additive. I do not react to ordinary dairy, yogurt, etc.  For the holidays, I will only be baking gluten-free treats. I got rid of all gluten-containing flours, mixes and pastas in my kitchen. Much easier to avoid cross-contamination that way!
    • Scott Adams
      It's great to hear that your gluten-free journey has been going well overall, and it's smart to be a detective when a reaction occurs. Distinguishing between a gluten cross-contamination issue and a reaction to high fiber can be tricky, as symptoms can sometimes overlap. The sudden, intense, food poisoning-like hour you experienced does sound more consistent with a specific intolerance or contamination, as a high-fiber reaction typically involves more digestive discomfort like bloating or gas that lasts longer. Since the protein bar was the only new variable, it’s a strong suspect; it's worth checking if it contains ingredients like sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, sorbitol) or certain fibers (inulin/chicory root) that are notorious for causing acute digestive upset, even in gluten-free products. For your holiday baking, your plan is solid: bake the gluten-free items first, use entirely separate utensils and pans (not just washed), and consider color-coding tools to avoid mix-ups. Additionally, store your gluten-free flours and ingredients well away from any airborne wheat flour, which can stay in the air for hours and settle on surfaces. Keep listening to your body and introducing new packaged foods one at a time—it’s the best way to navigate and pinpoint triggers on your journey.
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • jenniber
      thank you Scott! This is very helpful. I have a message out to my doctor and i think this guide will help me interpret the results! its very thorough. 
×
×
  • 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.