Getting "glutened" For The First Time

[GFLindsey]

I was glutened for the first time since going gluten-free in late January. I ate some shelled sunflower seeds that were produced in a facility with wheat products (ughh.. didn't look closely enough at the label!). Anyway, I felt nauseas the first 12 hours. Then had really bad case of D and bloating. I was so nauseas I could barely breathe and my heart was pounding for a half hour (also have a heart condition). Barely ate that whole day. The next day my lower back and gut were just sore. And today, the fourth day in, my back is still bothering me and every time I eat I feel like I could throw up. How long do your reactions typically last? I am asking on an individual basis since I know everyone reacts differently. Anyone have similar symptoms to mine? Also, can I expect to have a similar reaction in the future when I get glutened?

[tarnalberry]

My symptoms last up to a week. The chemical reaction occurring in your body is somewhat self-sustaining, and can last up to two weeks, but some folks experience symptoms longer than that as their body recovers from the two-week long auto-immune rampage.

[sandiz]

I did some baking at work on Saturday, didn't eat any and had a reaction. I had nausea Sunday barely ate and bad headache with swollen eyes. Still today Monday my tummy is "tender", feels like my IBS symptoms. Since going gluten-free the beginning of Jan, I have had reactions that only last a few days. I hear you on the reading the labels better, I am always checking. Good luck and hang in there.

[Reba32]

length of time of your symptoms may depend on how much you got glutened I think! Cross contamination that might only have some flour dust on it may affect you differently than eating some actual gluten containing product. And the longer you're gluten free, I think the longer you'll notice the symptoms when it does happen.

I've noticed symptoms anywhere from 2 days to over a week.

[Wolicki]

GI symptoms, 3-4 days. Muscle pain, exhaustion and weakness, up to 2 weeks

[WheatChef]

Good luck getting through it. The two times I've been glutened the problems have lasted for 3 days for simple cross contamination and 6 days from actual gluten product consumption. I'm starting to get to the point where I end up getting frustrated with certain companies for unclear labeling and end up just stop buying their products.