How To Recover After Being Glutened?
Discover effective strategies for recovering after accidental gluten exposure. Learn how to alleviate symptoms and get back on track with this helpful guide on gluten contamination recovery. If you’ve been glutened, taking quick action to minimize the damage to start feeling better as soon as possible is very important!
symptoms of being glutened
The symptoms of being glutened can vary depending on the person. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Others may experience skin reactions, such as a rash. And in severe cases, people may have neurological issues, migraines and extreme tiredness, to name a few.
Celiac disease VS gluten intolerance
There’s a lot of confusion about celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Both involve an immune reaction to gluten, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s a quick rundown of the difference between the two:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrients properly. Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, is a sensitivity to gluten that can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and skin rash.
So, what’s the best way to recover if you have celiac disease? You’ll need extra care to heal your gut and follow a strict gluten-free diet to avoid further damage.
This means following a strict gluten-free diet and working with a healthcare professional to monitor your progress.
If you have gluten intolerance, you might be able to get away with some trial and error in terms of finding gluten-free foods that agree with you.
As per Celiac Disease Association, you might also want to try a low-FODMAP diet which can help reduce symptoms for people who continue to experience IBS-like symptoms.
Whichever route you choose, stay hydrated and listen to your body!
Why should celiacs never eat gluten?
If you have celiac disease, eating gluten can damage your small intestine and prevent it from absorbing nutrients.
If untreated with a gluten-free diet, as per Mayo Clinic it can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, lactose intolerance, osteoporosis, nerve damage and even cancer. Gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease.
Is processed food labeled gluten-free actually gluten-free?
The term “gluten-free” simply indicates that food contains less than 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten.
For the average person, consuming less than 20ppm of gluten is not an issue. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, even trace amounts of gluten can cause serious health problems.
How long does it take to recover from being glutened?
Once you have eliminated gluten from your diet, the symptoms will typically go away within a couple of weeks. However, some people may experience lingering effects for months afterwards.
The first few days are the most critical, and you’ll likely feel worse on day three. During this time, it’s important to rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids.
With time and patience, your body WILL heal from being glutened. But keep in mind, your body needs time to recover.
Why is it important to heal your gut after gluten exposure?
There are a few reasons why it’s important to heal your gut after being glutened. The first reason is that when you have gluten in your system, it damages the villi in your small intestine.
Villi are tiny, finger-like protrusions that line the small intestine and help with nutrient absorption. When they’re damaged, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption.
The second reason is that gluten creates inflammation in the gut. This can lead to a leaky gut, which is when the spaces between the cells in the gut wall become larger, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to escape into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and cause a host of other problems.
The third reason is that damage to the gut lining can allow bacteria and other pathogens to enter the bloodstream, leading to possible infection.
And finally, as per Orlando Health, healing your gut after being glutened is important because the gastrointestinal system is the main “portal” for taking in and processing nutrients. A healthy gut plays a vital role in your overall well-being.
If you are unsure how to heal your gut, see a dietitian or a naturopathic doctor.
Can you reverse gluten intolerance?
If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease or have gluten intolerance, unfortunately, you can’t reverse gluten intolerance. However, most people find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet.
The first thing to do after you have been glutened
The first thing you should do is to drink plenty of water. The water will help to flush the gluten out of your system and keep you hydrated.
What to eat after you have been glutened
It is important to replenish your body with nutrients and fluids. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, easy to digest vegetables and lean proteins. In addition, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are feeling nauseous, try eating small, frequent meals rather than three large meals a day. Bland foods may also be easier on your stomach and decrease high-fat foods.
Another option is to consider the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, gluten-free bread). Brat diet can be helpful for the first couple of days when you are trying to calm an upset stomach after being glutened. However, its nutritional profile is limited and not recommended for the long term.
Some people find that taking probiotics can help with recovery after being glutened. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains.
best remedies for stomach pain after being glutened
You can do a few things to help ease stomach pain after being glutened. Follow these tips, and you should start feeling better.
Drink plenty of fluids.
This will help to flush the gluten out of your system and rehydrate your body.
Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods.
Think rice, bananas, potatoes, and soups. Avoid anything greasy, spicy, or high in fiber.
There are some digestive enzymes formulated to help digest gluten.
These can help to soothe your stomach and aid in digestion. Some people have reported having success with GlutenEase. This is a digestive enzyme designed to be taken after accidental gluten exposure.
Get plenty of rest.
Your body needs time to heal after being exposed to gluten.
See a doctor if the pain is severe or persists for more than two days.
Recipes To Help With Gluten Recovery
30-Minute Immune Boosting Chicken Soup
Immune Boosting Chickpea and Parsley Soup
Turmeric Ginger Immune-Boosting Tonic
Garlic Lemon Broth
Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon Apple Swirl Yogurt Bowl
Gluten-Free Creamy Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup
Vegan Dirty Rice
Peaches and Cream Chia Smoothie
Gluten-Free Baked Yam Falafel
Tandoori Faux Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa Power Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
30 Minute Healthy Chicken Stew
Moroccan Vegetable Stew
Low Allergen Bread
Quick Tips on How To Recover After Being Glutened
Drink plenty of water, water assists of the removal of gluten, and waste from your body. So hydrate and hydrate more!
Drink bone broth, it is rich in minerals and other nutrients that are soothing to your digestive system and nourish your entire body.
Add Digestive enzymes to your diet, they help with digestion and may help to digest your food and help alleviate your symptoms of bloating or gas.
Have Epsom salt baths, the sulphate minerals in Epsom salts are detoxifying.
Drink Ginger or peppermint tea, both relieve nausea and soothe the digestive system.
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, easy to digest vegetables and lean proteins.
Avoid dairy, anything artificial, processed foods, sugar, fats, red meats, alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee!
And most importantly, get extra rest and sleep because when you sleep, your body repairs itself and does natural detoxification.
How to avoid being glutened in the future?
It’s vital to take steps to avoid being glutened again in the future. Here are some tips:
– Avoid restaurants that don’t have a dedicated kitchen for preparing gluten-free food.
– When eating out, always inform your server about your gluten intolerance and ask about the ingredients in each dish.
– Be careful when eating at buffets or potlucks, as cross-contamination can easily occur. (I recommend never eating at buffets)
– When cooking at home, use separate pots, pans, and utensils for gluten-free and non-gluten-free foods.
– Always check food labels carefully before purchasing or consuming anything. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer.
Another subject I would like to touch on is Lectins, Phytates and Gluten Free Diet. Find out their potential effects on nutrient absorption and digestion.
By following these tips, you can help prevent another episode of being glutened and the associated symptoms.
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Many thanks!
Kristina xx
This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to offer medical advice