Gluten-withdrawal?

[Jonesy]

I've been gluten free for only 2 weeks. My intestines are feeling so much more comfortable and I'm grateful to have found the answer to my weight loss and inability to gain it back. My villi were totally flat. I am 77 years old, and Dr. would not even venture a guess how long I've had this, or what triggered it.

I went gluten-free 2 days after the diagnosis, to the best of my knowledge. I had excellent help from a member of the local Celiac Support group, who spent 2 hours with me going over literature, making recommendations and teaching me the basics. Since then I purchased the CSA Gluten-Free Product Listing and the Guide through the Medicine cabinet. I also have Danna Korns book Wheat-free, Gluten-free.

My problem is that ever since avoiding gluten I have felt very very tired. I get sleepy and weary. I've had to slow my activities down, and have trouble getting my daily duties accomplished. I'm wondering if this is a common reaction.

I seem to feel full enough after the evening regular meals, which have always been free of gluten, because DH is a plain meat and potatoes man. We always add a healthy portion of veggies to that. I've had to make changes in the breakfast and lunch foods, and that's been a trial because I was eating cereals, toast and flour tortillas. refried spaghetti and other food laden with gluten.

I think I am getting enough protein and a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates because I've been on a heart healthy diet since a heart attack 6 years ago.

I'd like to hear what other reactions people have had to the absence of gluten. My Dr. assured me that on the gluten-free diet I would gain weight and have more energy. So I am mystified why I'm having less energy instead of more. There must be a reason - and of course, there is the chance that it's totally unrelated to the gluten-free diet.

Thanks for any comments.

Maryellen

[KaitiUSA]

You can have gluten withdrawal symptoms. It is quite an adjustment for your body to go through and it takes a little time to get used to that. Also, it may take a while for symptoms to go away so definitely don't think it will be a quick fix because you don't want to set yourself up to be disappointed.

When I first went gluten free I was really tired and I was moody alot I guess because of the lack of gluten and that my body thought it needed gluten.

[Guest nini]

I most definitely had gluten withdrawal symptoms... it was almost like my body was addicted to it even though it was truly poison to me. I had 34 years of damage to undo, so although I am much better 2 years into it, I still have symptoms. Even with my best efforts I still manage to get glutened on occasion. You just do the best you can

[ianm]

I had some withdrawal symptoms but they did go away.

[steve-o]

I had some major withdrawal problems too. It put whole new meaning to the phrase "carbohydrate addict". For me, the withdrawal lasted about 3 to 4 weeks.

I was also really tired all the time, but I found that I felt much better after I started to take a good multivitamin. Getting some exercise also helped quite a bit...it's hard to get started with exercise when you feel so lousy, but you'll feel much better for it.

Also, make sure you're eating enough. It's easy to take in too few calories on a gluten-free diet.

Good luck!

[ianm]

Exercise is a big help. It was real hard for me to get going with it in the beginning but I now experience fatigue if I don't exercise.

[Jonesy]

Thanks to all who responded.

This is a great support site - everyone is so helpful.

It helps a lot to know that others have felt withdrawal from gluten in the same way and that makes me feel better already.

My best to all of you.

Regards

Maryellen