Recently Diagnosed And Feeling Dehydrated And Unusually Tired

[jebach]

Hello:

Ten days ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Since that time I have adhered to a strictly gluten free diet as directed by my doctor. Additionally, I have continued with my exercise program (although I have slowed it down a bit), but what I am noticing more than anything lately it that I am increasingly tired (less energy) and I have cotton mouth quite a bit.

I haven't been drinking caffeine or really anything but water since my diagnosis. I normally have a good 4 - 8 20oz bottles a day.

Is there any significant connection between being gluten free and increased dehydration lack of energy during the first weeks of recovery?

My symptoms prior to being diagnosed where mild at best. I went in for a routine physical, complained of some gas and pressure from gas and was ultimately diagnosed with Celiac.

Thanks in advance for you help...I am finding that I have lots of questions that my doctor has not answered.

[mamaw]

Hello

your body could be going through the transition period & making you tired after you are removing a poision from your system ( wheat). This is a big change to your body.

Try drinking lemon water ... There are other things that can make you feel dehyrated ie: diabetes, sjogren's, thyroid are a few examples.

And be sure you are not getting hidden gluten in something ie: malt flavoring, soy sauce.

some get tired & a headache when they eat MSG but that has nothing to do with gluten.

If things do not get better for you , you may want to try an elimanation diet & reintroduce one thing a week

hth

mamaw

[Lisa]

mamaw's suggestions are good. I have heard some time ago and long since lost the source, that we absorb 70% of the fluids we drink in our small intestines. If the villi are damaged, it would hinder the water absorption. Do what your body is asking for.

[RiceGuy]

In addition to what others have said, you may have an electrolyte imbalance. Sports drinks such as Gatoraid are designed to help with this, so I'd suggest trying that. Last I knew, they are gluten-free, but always check the labels. You can alternatively take potassium and sodium, in orange or other citrus fruit juice.

Until I started taking potassium, I was constantly thirsty.

[Jenny (AZ via TX)]

I was really dehydrated when first dx'd. Before dx'd I remember going to the doctor for a sinus infection. She told me I was dehydrated. I told her it was impossible since I was drinking about 15 cups of water a day! Now I know why. I couldn't absorb it. I also had to urinate all the time.

I am no longer dehydrated and I don't have to urinate so frequently. I think once you start absorbing everything, things start to fall into place.

I did drink Gatorade at first. I had a lot of "D" in the beginning. You will have to give it time. I agree with Rice Guy about the electrolyte imbalance.

[mamaw]

I forgot to mention this in my first post, sorry. Here is a quick way to check to see if you are actually dehyrated. Pinch the skin together & slightly pull upward & let go, if your skin stays in that upward place & does not return to normal that is a sign you are dehyrated.The longer it takes to become normal the more you need fluids. Also coffee tea & smoking also can make some dehyrated. I was told a very long time ago that when drinking water for dehyration you should drink about five swallows at a time about every15 min. to a half hour, this way your body can use that fluid properly. When you drink an 8 oz glass of water all at once your body cannot utilize all the fluid . That is why most just are running to the bathroom constantly.....

hth

blessings

mamaw