Diarrhea Upon Starting gluten-free Diet

[Flairy]

I have been eating low gluten for about 8 months due to a doctor's suspicion that I may be gluten sensitive. Celiac panels came back inconclusive/negative, but protein levels were very low. Thanks to the low gluten diet, my protein levels are now normal.

However, I am still having other issues, like frequent headaches, daily diarrhea, frequent gas/bloating, etc. So after some planning and preparation, I began a completely gluten-free diet on Monday of this week (2 days ago). My gluten-free diet has been meat and vegetables, and a little bit of gluten-free breads (Udi's sandwich bread, Van's frozen waffles).

However, the diarrhea is worse than ever! On Monday it was normal, which I expected. On Tuesday it was more frequent. Today, (forgive the gory details) it's practically an explosion, and my stomach has the diarrhea cramps.

I hate to ask the dumb question, but is this normal? I have read a lot of studies of gluten-free dieters, and most say that their diarrhea issues are resolved within 15 days. None mention a worsening though...

Also, my gluten-free friend has always taken probiotics in combination with her gluten-free diet. I have probiotics, but I don't take them daily. What is the opinion here about probiotics on a gluten-free diet?

Thanks in advance.

[Bubba's Mom]

I have been eating low gluten for about 8 months due to a doctor's suspicion that I may be gluten sensitive. Celiac panels came back inconclusive/negative, but protein levels were very low. Thanks to the low gluten diet, my protein levels are now normal.

However, I am still having other issues, like frequent headaches, daily diarrhea, frequent gas/bloating, etc. So after some planning and preparation, I began a completely gluten-free diet on Monday of this week (2 days ago). My gluten-free diet has been meat and vegetables, and a little bit of gluten-free breads (Udi's sandwich bread, Van's frozen waffles).

However, the diarrhea is worse than ever! On Monday it was normal, which I expected. On Tuesday it was more frequent. Today, (forgive the gory details) it's practically an explosion, and my stomach has the diarrhea cramps.

I hate to ask the dumb question, but is this normal? I have read a lot of studies of gluten-free dieters, and most say that their diarrhea issues are resolved within 15 days. None mention a worsening though...

Also, my gluten-free friend has always taken probiotics in combination with her gluten-free diet. I have probiotics, but I don't take them daily. What is the opinion here about probiotics on a gluten-free diet?

Thanks in advance.

It's normal to have some ups and downs at first. Many of us go through a sort of withdrawl period. Some of the alternate grains they make gluten-free breads from can be a bit hard to digest when you're new to the diet and healing too.

Many of us also find we have another intolerance besides gluten. Dairy and soy seem to be the most common offenders? Keep a log of what you eat. Many food reactions can be delayed, so having a way to connect the dots really helps. Also, while you're new to the diet and healing it's best to stick to whole foods without chemical additives, like fruits, veggies, unprocessed meats, eggs and dairy if you tolerate it.

I thought I would also add..a lot of us are told that if we eat gluten-free we'll feel fantastic. It takes time. For some it takes months to heal and others may take much longer, depending on how much damage you have, and how long you've been intolerant of gluten. Be patient, and you should see improvement.

[Flairy]

It's normal to have some ups and downs at first. Many of us go through a sort of withdrawl period. Some of the alternate grains they make gluten-free breads from can be a bit hard to digest when you're new to the diet and healing too.

Many of us also find we have another intolerance besides gluten. Dairy and soy seem to be the most common offenders? Keep a log of what you eat. Many food reactions can be delayed, so having a way to connect the dots really helps. Also, while you're new to the diet and healing it's best to stick to whole foods without chemical additives, like fruits, veggies, unprocessed meats, eggs and dairy if you tolerate it.

I thought I would also add..a lot of us are told that if we eat gluten-free we'll feel fantastic. It takes time. For some it takes months to heal and others may take much longer, depending on how much damage you have, and how long you've been intolerant of gluten. Be patient, and you should see improvement.

Thank you so much!