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Is Constipation And Gas Common When Giving Up Gluten?

sandooch

By sandooch
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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sandooch Newbie
sandooch
Posted

My 20-year-old daughter gave up gluten about 3 weeks ago. Almost all of her symptoms went away after about a week, but just the last few days she has been having constipation and gas. Is this something that can happen even after a few weeks after giving up gluten? If so, when can she expect it to get better? I've told her to try to eat more fruits and veggies.

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Strawberry-Jam Enthusiast
Strawberry-Jam
Posted

I don't know how common it is, but I myself am at around the 3 week mark and have had terrible gas for the past two weeks, and constipation with 2 bouts of D a while back (one of which may not be celiac related).

Gas-X helps a little (gelcaps are gluten-free), as well as taking digestive enzymes with meals. I'm also drinking fennel tea atm to try to help but I dunno if it'll help or not yet as it's my first cup. Others also say peppermint tea helps, but I cannot take it as it aggravates my acid reflux.

Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted

My son became constipated the week after he went gluten free. This child was only constipated 2-3 time as an infant due to his reflux. So for him not to go for 4 days was miserable for him. I ended up having to give him a mild laxitive to get things moving. After that I concentrated on making sure he had plenty of fluids and fiber. For him I made him salads with lots of spinich and raw veggies and he was thrilled. He hasn't had any problems since.

Kre8sioN Newbie
Kre8sioN
Posted

At my 2 week mark and quite constipated, eating a salad for lunch every day and taking centrum multi, but aside from fruits and veggies what other forms of safe fiber should I be looking for, I havent been diagnose yet and Im sure I need to see a nutrition specialist.

ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted

When I first went off, I had diarrhea and severe gas ON gluten. I went off, and for months, struggled between constipation, diarrhea, and gas, and then other weeks, I felt great. It took months for my gut to heal. Now, I rarely have any issues, unless I've eaten gluten. So it may just take time to heal.

Terri O Rookie
Terri O
Posted

When I first went off, I had diarrhea and severe gas ON gluten. I went off, and for months, struggled between constipation, diarrhea, and gas, and then other weeks, I felt great. It took months for my gut to heal. Now, I rarely have any issues, unless I've eaten gluten. So it may just take time to heal.

Glad to have read your post Ciavyn...I think if I just keep reading what others write I will never have to start my own topic! I was wondering if it is possible to feel constipated and still have the water running out! And the GAS--oh my! The only thing that has changed for me (bowel wise) since being gluten-free is that my guts dont hurt as bad and I dont go as much. I will keep on keepin'on and wait to heal I guess...Terri O

(PS) anything that speeds up the healing?

sandooch Newbie
sandooch
Posted
  • Author

Sorry I'm so late to reply to my own thread. I am glad to hear that it might just take some more time for you to heal before the constipation and gas go away. She hasn't been complaining about it as much, so I guess it is improving.

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Macbre Explorer
Macbre
Posted

Sorry I'm so late to reply to my own thread. I am glad to hear that it might just take some more time for you to heal before the constipation and gas go away. She hasn't been complaining about it as much, so I guess it is improving.

I've experienced the same thing and have been gluten free since Dec. For constipation I take Magnesium Dioxide, which really helps and I do the Natren probiotics daily. I truly believe in the probiotics. They are pricey, but worth it. When I've got gas pain I take Charco Caps. Nothing else does the trick for me. I don't have the lower abdominal pain, mine is all upper (under my ribcage).

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