More Digestive Issues Following Gluten Free Diet

[fiveftjen]

Hi. I just found this forum. I was diagnosed with celiac by a naturopath earlier this summer through blood tests. I had the diagnosis confirmed by a Gastroenterologist and a biopsy. We are all a little shocked because I have no stomach symptoms. I went to the naturopath for insomnia.

I've been gluten free since August 1st and now my stomach gurgles, I have gas and constipation, and a little discomfort as well. These are new symptoms, my stomach was fine before going gluten free. And now the insomnia is worse thanks to the never ending tummy gurgles.

I just started a probiotic today and I take a Betaine HCL Pepsin capsule with breakfast. It's definitely not hunger pains. Is my body just learning how to digest again? I also went gluten-free for a month 2 years ago and did not experience these symptoms. Unrelated to celiac (pre diagnosis) we tried it for my Autism Spectrum son.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Wolicki]

YEs, exact same thing. I was so gurgly, it was embarassing. And my entire GI tract FREAKED out. It took a few months and elimination of some foods to get it all to stop. I think it does have to "re-learn."

[cassP]

i went to an alternative doc before getting tested for celiac- and he diagnosed me with Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). he prescribed the Betaine HCI & Pancreatic/Digestive Enzymes to take with meals- and he specifically told me to expect all kinds of NEW sounds & gurgles as my whole digestive tract would be activated and learning how to digest again.

things should normalize of course. glad you had a pretty smart Naturopath who suspected Celiac

[ravenwoodglass]

For me the stomach gurgles signal that I have gotten some gluten somewhere. How strict are you with the diet? Are you eating mostly whole unprocessed foods? Are you avoiding CC by using a dedicated toaster, getting new pans if the old ones are scratched, a new colander or strainer for any gluten-free pastas? Also don't be real quick to add specialty gluten free baked goods and when you so add them in add them one item at a time. Many will have ingredients you are not used to eating and some of us have issues with stuff other than just gluten. Soy and dairy are two that are the most common but some react to tapioca, sorghum and bean flour etc. Also check all your meds and supplements. Supplements with barley and wheat grass are not safe even though the label will say gluten free so avoid them and read all labels carefully.

[cassP]

Supplements with barley and wheat grass are not safe even though the label will say gluten free so avoid them and read all labels carefully.

question- so does Barley Grass & Wheat Grass contain Gluten???? im so confused... my first thought would be to avoid them BUT i used to buy this green drink powder (KYOGREEN)- had Chorella, kelp, barley grass, wheat grass... and the bottle specifically said "Gluten Free"

?????

i'd really like to know the answer to this confusion for sure- cause i need to know if i can never buy that stuff again. this last time i just bought 100% Spirulina powder just in case- but i DO love that Kyogreen... ???

[sahm-i-am]

Hi. I just found this forum. I was diagnosed with celiac by a naturopath earlier this summer through blood tests. I had the diagnosis confirmed by a Gastroenterologist and a biopsy. We are all a little shocked because I have no stomach symptoms. I went to the naturopath for insomnia.

I've been gluten free since August 1st and now my stomach gurgles, I have gas and constipation, and a little discomfort as well. These are new symptoms, my stomach was fine before going gluten free. And now the insomnia is worse thanks to the never ending tummy gurgles.

I just started a probiotic today and I take a Betaine HCL Pepsin capsule with breakfast. It's definitely not hunger pains. Is my body just learning how to digest again? I also went gluten-free for a month 2 years ago and did not experience these symptoms. Unrelated to celiac (pre diagnosis) we tried it for my Autism Spectrum son.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Oh yes! In fact, I just went back to the GI dr. today to see if it was something I was eating. I never had stomach issues before - now it is worse than ever, started feeling very, very tired again and I feel nauseous. He prescribed Align digestive enzymes, 2 fiber pills a day, and to take out creamy sauces, raw vegetables and salads, no alcohol and my 1 caffeine a day! Have to do this for 2 weeks and see how I feel. And, I've been gluten free 4 months 2 weeks. I have taken ALL gluten out. Symptoms are getting worse but hopefully this will help. He said if it doesn't work he will give me steroids and then send me to get a second opinion. What kind of faith do I have in this doc????? I feel like he's ready to give up on me.

[lucia]

I noticed that lactose in dairy products hasn't been mentioned yet as a possible culprit. Celiac usually destroys the digestive enzymes for lactose in the small intestines along with the villi. People are commonly not able to eat dairy products in the early stages of healing. Try removing them from your diet and seeing how you feel.

[lucia]

question- so does Barley Grass & Wheat Grass contain Gluten???? im so confused... my first thought would be to avoid them BUT i used to buy this green drink powder (KYOGREEN)- had Chorella, kelp, barley grass, wheat grass... and the bottle specifically said "Gluten Free"

?????

i'd really like to know the answer to this confusion for sure- cause i need to know if i can never buy that stuff again. this last time i just bought 100% Spirulina powder just in case- but i DO love that Kyogreen... ???

Barley grass and wheat grass technically do not contain gluten, but the seeds often cross contaminate the grass. I got glutened early on from a bottle of Naked Spirulina drink with wheat grass. You'd have to trust that the manufacturers of the drink powder are extremely careful to avoid cross contamination from seeds. If you haven't reacted to the drink powder (assuming you do react with symptoms to gluten), it's probably safe. If you're a "silent celiac" though who doesn't have symptoms, it's hard to know if it's safe.