Why is it so Important for Someone with Celiac Disease to be Gluten-Free?

For more information on Celiac Disease, see my previous post: What is Celiac Disease?

For people with Celiac Disease, a gluten-free diet isn’t a fad or a preference. Celiac Disease is NOT like lactose intolerance. When someone with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, it does more than cause an “upset stomach.” The effects of gluten ingestion can be felt hours, days, and even weeks after it happens. If it happens more than twice a month, the effects can be multiplied.

The Reaction of Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is NOT a food allergy. While the symptoms may be similar, the reaction is different.

Also, not every person with Celiac Disease will have all of the symptoms of gluten ingestion all of the time. I knew someone that would have NO symptoms whatsoever for 3 days. Sure enough, three days later they would get a rash on their arms and legs (that their doctors had misdiagnosed as eczema their whole life). 

The following symptoms are how I personally know that I’ve been glutened. Other people’s symptoms may differ.

My Immediate Symptoms After Ingesting Gluten:

• Bloating - Right away I feel full. Uncomfortably full.

• Stomach pain - Sometimes I don’t have other gastro-intestinal symptoms right away.

• Anxiety - I will have a panic attack within 24 hours.

• Itchy rash - This is also called Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH). Mine feels like I am being attacked by ants.

• Insomnia - I can’t sleep the night of being glutened, and I am restless for around 3 days.

Gluten Ingestion Symptoms in Next Week or So:

• Stomach aches and uneasiness with certain foods. For about a week after getting glutened, it is hard for me to eat dairy, nuts, or grains. I don’t each much grains, but after a 

• Acne/Breakouts. My face breaks out around my chin, cheekbones, and hairline in a very distinct pattern. It’s super itchy and I usually itch it by accident / while I’m sleeping and I make it worse.

• Joint pain and swelling. After I get glutened, it feels like my legs, shoulders, elbows, and wrists have gravel in them. Moving hurts. I can’t wear my rings or smaller bracelets.

• Migraines. This can also happen to me if I ingest an allergen (like accidentally having almonds).

• Dry skin. I have more noticeable wrinkles on my face and body. The rash also spreads, peaking around days 3-5.

• Fatigue. The next week or so, I am exhausted due to not sleeping. Even if I do manage to sleep, it never feels like enough.

• Brain Fog.

• Bags under my eyes.

• Earaches / Ear Infections.

These are just some of the symptoms I have, after ingesting a fragment of gluten that can be as small as 1/16th OF A BREADCRUMB. Some people can have Gallbladder attacks, end up in the Emergency Room, or even be taken off of an organ transplant list!