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

Extreme Fatigue After Eating

Ingrown

By Ingrown
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Ingrown Newbie
Ingrown
Posted

Hello. I'm curious to see if anyone has or has had my symptoms.

The symptoms I've had for the last 3 years are extreme fatigue after eating and after bowl movements along with dizzyness, headaces and heavy breathing, like my body is exahusted and working hard to digest food. The fatigue is the worst after I wake up and each episode can last 2+ hours, sometimes it can last for most of the day. 4-5 hours before I go to bed is usually when I feel symptom free and then I feel good untill I wake up the next day. I'm pretty much usless for about 4 hours after I get up because I have absolutly no energy. I also usually have to take a nap after I have a bowl movement because I'm so exhausted. (I don't have cramps or constipation or any other bowl issues)

It took me about a year to notice the patterns and conclude that my illness was digestive related, thats when I made a visit to the gastrointestinal doctor and had the test's done.

I believe I've been gluten free for about 4 months now and I understand that it can take up to 2 years for my small intestine to fully heal. It seems like most people with this disease have different symptoms than me. Does anyone else feel like me or is there somthing else wrong with me beside the celiac? Any suggestions to increase my energy? I usually workout on my eliptical for 1/2 hour every day and I don't smoke, drink alcohol and I'm not over weight. Thanks. :)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


sadeew Newbie
sadeew
Posted

It sounds like you may have something called "pancreatic insufficiency". Pancfreatic enzymes are the treatment but I don't know anything about the dose, etc.

Pancreatic insufficieny is commonly found in Celiacs. It would explain the fatugue after eating.

The rest of your symptoms...I don't know. Have you had your ferretin (blood iron) checked? I know Celiacs can affect the liver, too. It may just take time.

You may also want to look into something called bacterial overgrowth.

Good luck to you.

Ingrown Newbie
Ingrown
Posted
  • Author

Thanks I will look into the pancreatic insufficiency and mabye I'll get some tests done to see how healthy my pancreas is. I'm a former alcoholic so this could be a possibility.

I feel a little better since I began the gluten free diet but not much. It did cured my insomnia though. I used to wake up every night after only sleeping for about 4 hours and I wouldn't be able to go back to bed until about 3-4 hours later.

I've been gluten free for 4 months now and I was really hoping to feel better. I've already spent around $4,000 on medical expenses and my insurance sucks. First the doctors thought it was Hyperthyroidism until I had my thyroid exrayed. Tests have confirmed that my liver and blood suger are normal.

I'll try probiotic enzymes to see if that will help. Does anyone else have any ideas? thanks.

  • 2 years later...
Phantom Newbie
Phantom
Posted

I have had the same symptoms for the past couple of years and have developed a serious reaction to amoxicillin, So serious it got me an open heart surgery (get a second opinion!!!!) When I eat it makes me so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, I have fallen asleep during a mouse click at work. I have been suspecting that I was having a reaction to MSG....Now I am suspecting Gluten. Thanks for sharing I have been very worried that it was something serious. Not that this isn't serious, but its something I can deal with! My Trust in the medical profession is hovering around 0% so anything I can do myself is a good thing.

eatmeat4good Enthusiast
eatmeat4good
Posted

I had all of your symptoms too. My disease process included the heart palpitations and the falling asleep and extreme fatigue. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Fast forward 7 years and I found Celiac disease here. That is what I had. Even had the DH rash. But just wanted you to know that your symptoms are consistent with Celiac and if it is Celiac, the malnutrition and vitamin deficiency can make you feel extremely lousy and can take a long time to heal. I am in my second year gluten free. All of my symptoms have disappeared. The rash easily re-activates with gluten, but I think you should pursue the gluten free diet and see if it helps your symptoms.

I wish I had gone Paleo right away, but I messed around with gluten free baked goods, and rice, potato's and corn for a long time. Then I took the plunge to go full Paleo and my healing really took off. I cannot believe my muscles are back and I feel good again. I really thought I'd stay that way forever. The weakness was horrifying.

If you are interested in Paleo, check out Mark's Daily Apple.com.

It's hard to do but man it is so worth it.

I even make my own beef tallow now!

You may find that trace gluten and cross constamination bring all and I mean ALL of your symptoms back. That is what happens to me. But at least it is short-lived and I know that I can recover. Then I am ever more vigilant about gluten.

Basically the only packaged stuff I eat is A1 steak sauce, Horsradish, (gotta have something to help me get all that meat down!)...and Dove Chocolate. I know, I know...not technically Paleo unless you believe Cacao is a vegetable...I do. :)

My sister was in really bad shape before she went gluten free. Dr.'s couldn't figure her problem out either. She went gluten free and it all disappeared. We couldn't eat gluten again to be able to test. But now the children in the family are coming up positive for Celiac in the testing.

Don't be surprised if you have nausea in the beginning. I did...but it got way better as I healed. I used to push myself to exercise when they said it was fibromyalgia and I was so damned sick. Anyway, since I increased my protein so much, my muscle mass has increased like crazy...and I do very minimal exercise. But mentally and in physical stamina...I am world's better than when I didn't know what was wrong with me.

good luck and I think you are right to suspect gluten may be the problem.

Yeah, and my own rule in my head now is..."Meat makes muscle...so let thy food be thy medicine." Energy way up there too.

Good luck.

TTNOGluten Explorer
TTNOGluten
Posted

I have been gluten free for about 5 months now, and you describe nearly some of the exact symptoms I have, in addition to the extreme fatigue and malaise after eating(and with me it is eating anything, even an apple), I have a constant deep abdominal ache and constant cramp like sensation in my ribs, it just never ever goes away. I am sure the pain is just starting to flat out wear on me. Prior to August I never had any of this, energy level was good, now I barely make it through the day. I have had all kinds of labs, all of which show no other abnormality, I hate deeling with this deep nauseous ache in the ribs, back and belly more than anything, but the malaise and fatigue can be quite diabling as well.

I just keep praying it will get better, heading back for another scope next week with Gastro, he is not sure why I feel this way, he is starting to think I have refractory disease as I have not noticed even 1% improvement while on a strict diet.

I hope you get to the bottom of your situation, I am quickly losing faith that I will ever get feeling better. To be honest I cannot imagine living like this forever, it just flat out sucks

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted

When I'm glutened, I get extreme fatigue 2-3 hours after eating. I literally cannot keep my eyes open.

Have you had a blood panel run lately to check your vitamin levels? Anemia and Vitamin D deficiencies can contribute to fatigue.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


bwcalder1977 Rookie
bwcalder1977
Posted

I feel for all of you. I have similar symptoms in terms of feeling tired after I eat. I also feel sick to my stomach and nauseated after I eat as well. This disease sucks. I have been gluten free for about 4 months and I still dont feel better. I know it can take a while, but i hope it kicks in soon. I havent heard about the Paleo diet, I will have to check that out.

thleensd Enthusiast
thleensd
Posted

What kinds of foods are you eating? Just because it is gluten-free doesn't mean it's best for you.

I didn't turn the corner to feeling better until I started eating only unprocessed foods, then went grain-free/paleo. Now I'm on the GAPS diet which is quite similar to paleo.

As you'll see reading this forum, there are many people with secondary intolerances as well. Maybe start a food journal to track how you're feeling when you eat certain foods (although this is tough, because there are delayed reactions).

Good luck!

  • 2 weeks later...
ElizFost Newbie
ElizFost
Posted

I experience fatigue after eating certain foods that are gluten free. I found out I am fructose malabsorption. They are discovering a growing number of people with celiac and lactose intolerance have fructose malabsorption so I have to avoid the foods on that list.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,548
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Lunaluv
    Newest Member
    Lunaluv
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Taken Seriously

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      Looking for a gluten-free roomie in Denver CO

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Allergy medication: cetirizine by the HealthA2Z is it gluten free?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Protein or fat?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Beverage · Posted

      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • 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.