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Common Symptoms
Gluten triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease.
The reaction damages the lining of the small intestines, preventing nutrient absorption and leading to malnutrition.
People with celiac disease often experience a delayed reaction to eating gluten.
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However, gluten can still damage the intestines without causing any symptoms.
When you do experience symptoms, gastrointestinal problems are typical.
Every person has a different reaction.
What to Do If You Get Glutened
It is not always possible to completely avoid gluten.
When this happens, there are certain things you might do to help reduce your symptoms.
Flush It Out
Drinking water can help flush the gluten out of your body.
venture to drink at least 64 oz of water each day until you feel better.
Try not to overexert yourself and double-check you’re getting enough sleep at night.
Take a Probiotic
Probiotics may help you digest gluten proteins and prevent symptoms.
They may also help protect your gut from the immunogenic peptides that trigger the autoimmune response.
Overthinking can lead to stress, and that can interfere with your body’s ability to recover.
However, the symptoms that do appear generally come in the usual order.
Still, all in all, a glutening major or minor is an extremely unpleasant experience.
Summary
Most people with celiac disease experience gastrointestinal symptoms after accidental glutening.
These may include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
It’s also common to experience symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
If you’ve accidentally eaten gluten, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and rest.
Taking a probiotic may also help you recover.
University of NebraskaLincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.Celiac disease.
Yelland GW.Gluten-induced cognitive impairment (“brain fog”) in coeliac disease.J Gastroenterol Hepatol.
2017;32 Suppl 1:90-93. doi:10.1111/jgh.13706
Chibbar R, Dieleman LA.The gut microbiota in celiac disease and probiotics.Nutrients.
2013 Dec;22(4):391-6.
