Healing Process- Fatigue, What To Do?

[MegRie]

Hi,

I have been gluten free for about 3 weeks now. I am a self diagnosed celiac, but I am really sure that is my problem. I had been having all sorts of problems all my life (had my first migraine when I was in 2nd grade!) Recently (the past 4 1/2 months) I have been having constant nausea and actually threw up a couple of times. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. My mom was the one who discovered celiac disease and thought it was what was wrong with me. The thing that really convinced me were these forums. I felt like I was reading things that I had written. Like my thoughts that I didn't even share with anyone were posted on these forums.

I have now been gluten free (at least I think) for three weeks. After about 3 days I felt AMAZING! I literally felt the best I have ever felt. I had so much energy and the brain fog was substantially less, my anxiety was almost non existent, no headaches, no nausea, and few stomach issues. BUT THEN yesterday and today I feel so tired and fatigued. I have also had a few bouts with some pretty intense nausea.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal, or do you think I might have ingested gluten unknowingly? I also can't decide if I should just let myself nap or force myself to do something.

Any suggestions and thoughts are welcome. I absolutely love this site and the forums!

Thanks,

Megan

[sandsurfgirl]

It takes time to heal and your body goes through withdrawals. I always suggest newbies do a search on here for withdrawals and read old threads.

You could have vitamin deficiencies. Usually iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D are the ones people have trouble with. You could ask your doctor to run a basic panel and also check electrolytes. You don't want to take too much iron, but you could just try it for like 3 days. Sublingual B12 is what most people like.

My doc said celiacs can get dehydrated easily so drink plenty of water. I also drink Gatorade for electrolytes. I tried the natural electrolyte powders and drops but they all made me sick. Gatorade works great for me. Just one small bottle when I'm feeling dizzy or fatigued. If you want to try the natural ones, there are tons at Whole Foods and Sprouts.

Maybe your body is just healing and you need to rest. Your working overtime setting things straight right now.

Make sure you are eating a clean diet for healing. Lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats, eggs, nuts, etc. And eat regularly throughout the day, every couple of hours or so.

Hang in there! It gets better!!!!!

[RiceGuy]

Fatigue is very common when first going gluten-free. It can be due to gluten withdrawal, nutrient deficiencies, or both. Some other possibilities may include additional food intolerances. Hidden gluten can also be a culprit.

Avoid scratched non-stick pans, cast iron pans, wooden utensils and cutting boards, strainers, colanders, and other items which have porous surfaces, creases or crevices where gluten can hide. If you intend to toast gluten-free breads, you'll need a dedicated gluten-free toaster. Do not share peanut butter, jelly, or other condiments with those eating gluten, as contamination is very likely.

Best I know, is to nourish the body with whole, naturally gluten-free foods. Fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, etc. If you eat meat, choose plain ones to avoid possible hidden gluten or other offenders.

Many find it helpful to avoid other top allergens while the body heals. Dairy is often a culprit. Soy, corn, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish are others to watch carefully.

Some nutrient supplements can help quite a lot, as sandsurfgirl said. A co-enzyme B-complex can be very helpful, as can a sublingual methylcobalamin (active form of vitamin B12) tablet, magnesium, vitamin D3, iron, and omega-3s. Potassium is a very important mineral, and it is also a major electrolyte.

Last but not least, give it time. Your body may need awhile to substantially heal.

I'm sure others will offer helpful advice.

[Skylark]

Hi, Megan

It sounds like you got into a little gluten, or maybe you're even fighting off a virus. Avoiding all the gluten all the time takes practice and most people make mistakes at first. Any time you eat food someone else has prepared, including eating out or buying commercial processed foods, you have to be sure you know all the ingredients and that it wasn't cross-contaminated.

Drink lots of water, eat foods like rice and applesauce that sit well, and you'll probably be back to feeling better soon.

[MegRie]

Thanks everyone-

I realized that my hubby drank out of the milk carton last night after drinking beer. The same milk I used in my coffee this morning. I think that might have had something to do with it as well! We are definitely gonna have to make some rules so I don't end up eating contaminated thing. I'm also going to try the vitamin thing, I think I have had a little problem with iron sometimes.

Thanks again!