Results Of 9-day Gluten-free Trial

[fnord]

On July 30, I posted the thread Open Original Shared Link

I decided to go ahead with a gluten-free trial which I started August 1. Referring to a list of gluten-free foods, I kept a diary of everything I ate. I didn't notice any major changes other than feeling slightly less fatigued, but of course I don't expect magic to happen in only 9 days.

Then on the 10th day, I blew it, but also did it for "research purposes." My partner brought home some beer and we made a vegan pizza (wheat crust). That night, I had 2 small pieces of pizza and 3 bottles of beer (this may sound like a lot of beer to some people, but for me it's not and I was only mildly tipsy).

The next morning I woke up and felt like absolute crap. This was not like a hangover or anything like that - it was more like coming out of a coma. I went back to bed and slept nonstop until after 1PM, which is absurd because I'm normally up before 7am every day without an alarm clock. I lounged around for a couple hours, not having the energy or interest to do anything, and by 4pm I was out again, napping on the couch. I ruined my entire Sunday and felt acutely depressed, as compared to the day before.

I'm going back on the gluten-free trial. Going to do it for a few weeks this time, see if there's any change, then purposely break the trial again and see if the same fatigue hits again. If it does, I think the connection will be pretty clear.

I have a friend who thinks he has a wheat allergy, but drinking beer doesn't affect him. If he eats shredded wheat - terrible gas & bloating. But beer - no problem. Does it have something to do with how much the wheat has been cooked or processed?

I'm reading through some of the other posts here, looks like others have had similar experiences.

[ravenwoodglass]

Well your gluten challenge was postive. You were not on the diet long enough to really notice a day to day difference but you sure did notice what happened when you added gluten back in. Your choice to remain gluten-free is a good one. Be sure to look for all the hidden gluten sources and do be sure to check all meds. Your thoughts on challenging again after a few months are good, but after you have healed a bit bear in mind that it may take up to a week before you react when you challenge again. To avoid confusion when you do challenge you may want to consider using a 'pure' form of gluten like cream of wheat or triscuits. While you are healing you may find it helpful to also eliminate or at least cut down on dairy as well. It will help speed healing and you can add it back in after your symptoms have been relieved.