What Is Gluten Withdrawal?

[shayre]

Hi. I saw you all talking about gluten withdrawal. What is it?

[Dixiebell]

Hi shayre.

Withdrawal

Consumption of gluten triggers production of exorphins, which are opiate chemicals with similar results as endorphins---promoting feelings of calm.

-in some people, gluten and/or casein can mimic opiates, such as morphine and heroin. When these foods are removed, intense cravings and even drug withdrawal-like symptoms can result.

Read more: Open Original Shared Link

[luvs2eat]

Well then... almost 10 years after going gluten free, I'm still having withdrawal. Awesome husband is so good about hearing me WHINE about wishing I could have a sausage egg Mcmuffin or a Pizza Hut pizza or a Big Mac or a myriad of other things!!

[mushroom]

I think wanting and physically craving are separate things

[confusedwife]

my husband went gluten free six weeks ago and was complaining he was feeling like he was going thru withdrewls or the flu...are you saying that this is a true symptom of the celiac as hes going thru this transition?

[mushroom]

Yes indeedy, we are. It is a very real physical reaction when gluten is removed. Generally doesn't last beyond a couple of months at very most. Gluten acts like an opioid

[Kquad]

I went through 6 weeks of terrible withdrawal. I had weakness, fatigue, depression, nausea, dizziness, and achiness. I have only come out of it this past week. It is finally looking worth it. My so called IBS is gone. Months on Nausea gone. Still have a little fatigue, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. If only they have given me the celiac panel 8 years ago, when they first told me I had IBS. I have very little craving for gluten now, as I associate it with the past 6 weeks. I will see if the craving returns!

[cahill]

The withdraw when I went gluten free was HORRIBLE but it passed in about 6 weeks. The cravings only seem to happen on the rare occasion that a bit of gluten sneaks in to my diet and are a signal to double check my food sources for gluten. Gluten is a VERY sneaky thing.

[navigator]

This is interesting; - I've been gluten free for five days and have a dreadful headache for two days. The only time I've experienced this is before is when I gave up coffee. Never considered that it may be gluten withdrawal.

[pricklypear1971]

I guess I'm lucky because mine lasted a week. I was pretty much a raging lunatic, though. Dangerous because my brain was working again for the first time in forever....

I was obsessed for about 6 weeks with trying every gluten-free processed food. Got over that when I glutened myself.

[RedRockChicka]

Hi, everyone. I'm newly diagnosed, and on my second day of gluten free. I know this thread is over a year old, but it's still giving me hope. I was about ready to think I was going freaking crazy. 

 

The first day of no gluten was great. I had energy, I felt better. I wasn't all bloated (well, not as much) and looking like I should be the poster child for UNICEF. 

 

Today, however, I feel like I'm going nuts. Certifiably so. My stomach has been a wreck all day, from bloated and constipated in the morning to a veritable fountain now (sorry to be gross). I have zero energy, and I feel like ripping the head off anyone who asks me even the most innocuous request (like, "Tell me how your day was?"). I also feel seriously out of it. I was driving earlier, and luckily, made it home without driving into a telephone pole (that would have been interesting. Officer: "Ma'am, have you been drinking?" Me: "No, just going through some major gluten withdrawal."). 

 

Thanks for this thread, old as it is. I feel a bit less nuts just knowing I'm not certifiable (at least not completely). Oh, how I hope this doesn't last for months, though! 

[nvsmom]

For most, withdrawal only lasts a week or so. I hope you are well soon.

 

Welcome to the board.