Extreme Fatigue

[codyb87]

Hey everyone. I am not diagnosed for celiac yet, seeing the doctor tomorrow, but last friday when i cut gluten out of my diet completely, I have been suffering from extreme fatigue, and its really harsh. I remember being droopy and fatigued when I was anemic last year but this is a whole lot worse. It seems I can only get it under control by literally doing nothing and staying well fed. Even sitting upright at the computer is tiring me out!

Anyone know whats causing this? Ill be asking my doctor tomorrow as well, but since he'll just probably send me for tests Ill have to put up with this feeling until then maybe. any ideas on how to deal with it myself?

[RiceGuy]

I think the fatigue may be part of the gluten withdrawal. Many report having this experience at first, but it will pass. You can help your body recover faster, not only from fatigue, but the healing process in general, with a few supplements. Some of the ones often recommended include sublingual methylcobalamin (active form of vitamin B12), magnesium, B-complex, vitamin D3, iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3 and other essential fatty acids, and probably a few others I'm not thinking of ATM.

Additionally, if by avoiding gluten, you've eliminated a notable portion of your carbohydrate intake, that can also effect your energy levels. So you may want to look over your diet, and make sure you haven't left any important nutrients out. Carbs are easy to get gluten-free, like rice, millet, buckwheat (not related to wheat), and other grains, potatoes, tapioca, squashes, etc. There's also Tinkyada rice pasta, which is very good, and very popular too.

Some of the most nutrient dense grains include buckwheat (the roasted kind is often called Kasha, which is very tasty IMO), teff, and amaranth. So you can not only get some carbs, but all sorts of minerals and other nutrients. Just 1/4 cup of teff or amaranth has as much protein as an egg.

[MNBeth]

Hang in there. When I went gluten free I definitely got worse before I got better, and fatigue was a big part of it.

I'm curious about your decision to go gluten free before being tested, although I can fully understand getting to the point where if you think it might give some relief, you just can't wait any more to try it. Do be aware, though, that being off gluten can get in the way of obtaining a diagnosis.

[one more mile]

Withdraw. Gluten can set up an addiction cycle in your body. It makes you sick but you crave it. Hang in there it gets better.

One more mile