6-weeks Gluten Free: Overwhelming Fatigue

[glutenfreeinchicago]

Hi all,

I'm approaching six weeks gluten free, but I've been hit with a new, extreme fatigue; even worse than the fatigue I had when I was eating gluten.

I'm wondering if this could be a sign that my body is actually starting to heal, absorb nutrients, etc.

I've been very careful to avoid gluten, and seriously don't think I've been glutened.

Another new symptom is heart palpitations, especially after eating. The fatigue, too, is especially bad after eating.

I'm wondering if anyone could lend some insight, primarily to the increased fatigue; although the palpitations are curious too.

Thanks much!

[Jenny (AZ via TX)]

glutenfreeinchicago,

Everyone heals differently and at a different rate. I had extreme fatigue. I took 2-3 hour naps each day and was still tired. I ended up having my thyroid tested and found that I was hypothyroid. Also, my ferritin level was really low. I know now that many people with celiac also have thyroid problems.

You may want to get tested. I had a TSH test, a free T3 test and a free T4 test. Many also get the antibodies test as well. I would never have been diagnosed if I had just had the TSH test done - it was my T3 that was the problem.

There are some thyroid threads out there and many on the forum that know so much more about this. I'm sure someone will chime in and help you. There is a great website that has been recommended: stopthethyroidmadness.com. You may want to check it out.

[Mrs. N]

I had heart palpitations, too, for a while, but I discovered recently that I have a problem with Canola oil.

It is possible that you need some supplementation. Make sure you are getting enough nutrients and adequate levels of them. My son and I started taking a liquid multivitamin a couple of weeks ago. That seems to be helping, but I'm still having some fatigue.