Irritability?

[Jetamio]

I'm new here and just started eliminating gluten the last few days. I did notice my sinus congestion was better this morning but my stomach and head hurts and I feel really grouchy and emotional today. Has anyone noticed anything similar when you first removed gluten from your diet? I'm focusing on simple, whole foods right now.

Thanks!

Jetamio

[Rachel85]

Yup. I had mega bad withdrawals when I went gluten-free. For me they kicked in after 4 or 5 days or so, and carried on for a couple of weeks. The only way I can describe it is that it was like having a big black cloud over my head. I was emotional, had the worst cravings, headache, slept all the time and had no idea what I was doing when I was awake. My poor boyfriend had no idea which 'me' he'd get from one minute to the next.

At times you may wonder why you've bothered going gluten-free, and it may seem like you've just replaced one set of symptoms for a whole bunch of others, but it does get better. Following the advice of others I found my 'crutch' which majorly helped. And stick with it, it will most definitely be worth it in the long run.

[Jetamio]

Thanks for the response. I am glad to know that it will pass. I ate breakfast after I posted and felt better - not as emotional. I feel a little itchy today too and sort of keyed up.

[ndw3363]

I've been feeling that way this week, but I know it's not gluten. I've been gluten-free for a year now - lately I've been having some problems with candida (my wine intake went up a bit over the holidays). This week I've been on a high protein, low carb/sugar diet and I am CRANKY!! But like everything else, I know it will pass. Whenever my body acts up like this, I know it's because I took something away from it that wasn't good for me. It reacts like a spoiled child...gimme sugar now!! Can't wait to get my energy back!

[faithforlife]

I'm gluten-free only 5 months now and also trying a low carb diet to help with that.

[dani nero]

You're just having some withdrawal symptoms, it means you're healing :-) Everyone gets worse before feeling better, so think of them as a positive thing.

[Fairy Dancer]

I am going back into withdrawal again at the moment but the symptoms are are hard to separate from the symptoms I was getting whilst eating gluten anyway.

I did come off it before and went onto a whole foods diet with no grains and limited dairy (modified paleo), had some improvement and was finally able to get out of bed most days (I was bed ridden most of the time prior to that). During that time I had some blood tests at the drs, one of which was for celiac (due to my having a family member with it). They all came back normal so I thought 'ok not that then' and went back to eating processed foods and gluten/grains/wheat again.

3 months later and I was bedridden once again, so regardless of what the blood test said I am going back paleo again...

I only just started in the last few days so at the moment any withdrawal symptoms are merging with my existing symptoms.

Hope your withdrawal passes quickly and you feel better soon.

[Jetamio]

Thanks everyone. It makes sense when I think about it as a withdrawal. I felt cranky on and off this weekend and noticed that my blood sugar was a little more sensitive but my sinus congestion has been so much better already! Before, I would spend half the day not being able to breathe and the other half being able to breathe from one side or the other...LOL My stomach has been hurting a little but not as much as Friday and Saturday. I think I'm on the right path.

[Mom-of-Two]

Very normal!! Hopefully better for you soon! I have been gluten-free 10 days now and am less irritable day by day, it takes time.

Hang in there!

[Missandi]

I actually cried - like tears for no reason! Gluten was comfort food (even though it made me feel uncomfortable afterward - go figure!) Withdrawal is the perfect word. Your body WILL get used to it and adjust and thank you in the long run!! Don't think of it as "living without" - embrace it - gluten isn't good for anyone - you're smart and strong and you can do it! Find something you enjoy doing when you feel that way...I did two things. #1: searched for a yummy gluten-free recipe to try that day (took up time and got me excited vs. focusing on the emotional symptoms) #2: exercise - endorphines naturally boost your mood - use it as a time to give yourself a pep talk and make those natural happy hormones in your body come ALIVE!!! Best of wishes - you will do great!!

[Jetamio]

The irritability has started to get better. I noticed the oddest thing last night. I'm a yoga teacher and I also go to a lot of classes. Last night I was so tight and my endurance was terrible! My joints felt sore - not the achey thing they do that I think is from gluten - just really tight and sore. I made it through and have been trying to drink a lot of water. Perhaps its a detox thing.

I haven't been craving bread or wheat products. But, I am sort of craving meat. It's weird - I haven't eaten meat of any sort for a very long time. I'm watching my protein intake and I'm sure it will pass.

The more I read about gluten the more I feel like this is the missing link for me. My mother was diagnosed with IBS years ago and also has advanced MS and Fibromyalgia - I can't help but wonder if she doesn't have Celiac disease..

[squirmingitch]

It seems that we crave protein after we go gluten free. I know I'm experiencing it. And we need it ~~~ more protein & fat, less carbs. Your blood sugar will thank you for it. It likely has something to do with our body trying to get the nourishment it has been deprived of while we were killing our villi with gluten.