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  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Ten Things to Try if You Accidentally Eat Gluten

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    Accidental gluten ingestion can be distressing for individuals with celiac disease. While there is no clinically accepted treatment for gluten ingestion, practical steps can help manage symptoms and support recovery.

    Ten Things to Try if You Accidentally Eat Gluten - Hope Arriving by h.koppdelaney is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
    Caption:

    Celiac.com 08/27/2024 - With increasing awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is more critical than ever to prevent symptoms and long-term complications. However, despite best efforts, accidental gluten ingestion can still occur, causing significant distress for those affected.

    In fact, data shows that most celiacs are regularly exposed to gluten

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    Moreover, data also shows that most exposure to gluten is silent and ongoing.

    Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and support recovery. This article combines practical home remedies and strategies shared by our community members, along with insights from recent research.

    Understanding the Impact of Gluten Exposure

    Accidental gluten ingestion can lead to a range of symptoms for individuals with celiac disease, including upset stomach, inflammation, diarrhea, bloating, and skin rash. Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for implementing effective management strategies.

    Steps to Alleviate Symptoms

    Taking one or more of these ten-plus steps after gluten exposure can help minimize its impact.

    Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

    Stay hydrated and consider gluten-free electrolyte-replenishing drinks to maintain balance, especially if diarrhea is severe.

    Rest and Heat Application

    Rest and apply heat to alleviate stomach pain and cramping. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle for added comfort.

    Return to a Strict Gluten-Free Diet & Avoid Additional Irritants

    Recommit to a strict gluten-free diet immediately, avoiding processed or spicy foods that may further irritate the digestive system.

    Fasting: A Potential Immune System Reset

    Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may help reset the immune system and reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial for those suffering from an adverse gluten reaction. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen.

    Digestive Enzymes for Bloating Relief

    Digestive enzyme supplements, such as GliadinX (a site sponsor here) can provide relief from bloating by assisting in the digestion of gluten, although this enzyme is best taken before accidental gluten ingestion, for example, before you eat a gluten-free meal in a restaurant. 

    Herbal Remedies and Medications

    Herbal remedies like green tea, peppermint tea, and echinacea are often reported to offer soothing effects for digestive discomfort. Additionally, antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec may provide relief for some individuals. Marshmallow root is known for its potential to soothe stomach and gas pain. However, before using herbal remedies, especially if you are on medication, consult your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

    Probiotics for Gut Health

    Incorporating probiotics into a general gut maintenance program can be beneficial both before and after accidental gluten exposure. Recent research suggests that specific strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum, may be especially beneficial for maintaining gut health in individuals with celiac disease.

    Nutrient-Rich Broth for Gut Healing

    Nutrient-rich broths, such as bone broth, which is rich in collagen and amino acids, can support gut healing and provide essential nutrition. Incorporating these broths into your diet can be particularly beneficial in promoting recovery after gluten exposure.

    Long-Term Strategies for Intestinal Health

    Rebuilding intestinal health is crucial for managing celiac disease. Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and low-FODMAP foods, can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting gut healing. Supplements such as L-Glutamine, tryptophan, coconut oil, fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, and K), calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, and probiotics are also beneficial in the healing process.

    Personalized Approach and Seeking Medical Advice

    A personalized approach to managing accidental gluten ingestion is important. It is advisable to seek medical advice and consult healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, to develop tailored strategies and receive personalized guidance based on individual needs.

    Coping with Emotional Challenges

    Managing accidental gluten ingestion involves addressing not only the physical symptoms, but also the emotional challenges that may arise. Online support groups, teletherapy, and mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, are valuable tools for navigating the emotional aspects of living with celiac disease. Prioritizing self-care and seeking support from loved ones or professional counselors can also help in managing the stress associated with gluten exposure.

    Tummy Rescue Smoothie Recipe

    This smoothie is designed to soothe the digestive system after accidental gluten exposure.

    • 1 cup hot freshly brewed nettle leaf tea (anti-histamine, anti-spasmodic)
    • ¼ cup Santa-Cruz pear juice (flavoring/sweetener - pears are the least allergenic of fruits)
    • ¼-½ teaspoon whole fennel seed (reduces gas & bloating)
    • 2 Tablespoons slippery elm powder (healing & soothing to mucous membranes and the gut)
    • 1 Tablespoon flax seed oil (soothing, anti-inflammatory)
    • ¼ - ½ cup rice milk (hypoallergenic, use to thin to desired consistency)

    Directions:
    Purée in blender until smooth, and slightly thickened. It is most soothing when consumed while still warm from the hot tea.

    This smoothie is best consumed in small sips over an hour or so. Magnesium also helps with pain and relaxes muscle spasms, so taking a little extra magnesium may be of benefit. For severe symptoms, drink the smoothie while reclining in bed, with a warm castor oil pack over the abdomen, covered by a heating pad set on low. Do not leave the pack in place for more than an hour.

    Conclusion

    Accidental gluten ingestion can be distressing for individuals with celiac disease. While there is no clinically accepted treatment for gluten ingestion, practical steps can help manage symptoms and support recovery. By implementing strategies such as immediate symptom relief, adherence to a strict gluten-free diet, digestive enzymes, herbal remedies, probiotics, nutrient-rich broth, and long-term gut healing, individuals with celiac disease can minimize the impact of accidental gluten exposure and promote their overall well-being.

    Staying informed about new research and potential treatment options is essential as our understanding of celiac disease continues to evolve. By following these guidelines and seeking appropriate medical advice, individuals can navigate the challenges of accidental gluten exposure with greater ease and maintain their health.

    If you have any thoughts or insights on how best to treat accidental gluten ingestion for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, please share them in our comments section below.



    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Scott Adams
    1 hour ago, Guest Marti said:

    Why is it such a big deal that digestive enzymes "break down gluten"?  This is not the issue people with Celiac Disease have - they are fully able to BREAK IT DOWN just fine on their own.  The problem comes, not from not being able to break down gluten, but comes after it broken down and the smaller molecule that is the result of this digestion, gliadin, interacts with the small intestine - THAT is what causes the autoimmune response.  So using a product to do exactly what your body already does, and results in gliadin which is the culprit in the autoimmune response, doesn't seem like good advice.

    Gliadin is broken down by AN-PEP in the stomach, according to the peer reviewed studies that you can read below:

    Open Original Shared Link 

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    Guest Stewart

    Posted

    Drink mineral oil, or olive oil, vegetable oil, as long it is oil safe for digestion. It tends to insulate gluten from the intestinal walls. It could increase diarrhea but it helps to reduce intestinal pain. That's what I've discovered. I've been diagnosed with Celiac disease by both blood test and endoscopy biopsy, but I can't get an answer from any doctor, including gastro doctors as to the severity of a gluten attack. For me it starts within 30 minutes, intestinal pain, followed by 1 hour of vomiting, pain still increasing in waves 2 to 3 seconds apart, increase in heart rate, gasping for air, dry heaves for another hour or two, pain continues for a total of 12 hours, slowly decreasing to waves of pain about ten seconds apart. Then I can finally get some sleep. I've now asked my wife to video record the next attack because doctors just don't believe me. Intestinal tenderness continues for another week, sometimes more. Also allergic to milk, almonds, tuna, soy, beef, shrimp, egg whites, tomatoes, and mushrooms. I'm scared to eat. I used to be a rough tough guy, but now I'm reduced to nothing. Please help. Thanks.

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    Guest Ce-celia, breakin my heart

    Posted

    I've found that a prescription called Symax (hyocyamine) is very helpful with the debilitating gut cramps. It is available in sublinqual tablets that can be disssolved under the tongue for rapid relief, or in sustained release tablets that last 12 hrs or so.  I've also noticed I can sometimes head off the worst symptoms if I take active charcoal immediately after someone tells me "Oops, I forgot I used flour in that!" 

     

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    camrhosyn
    On 7/6/2015 at 8:26 AM, Guest Jeanette said:

    Surprised to see activated charcoal not on your list, that should be #1

    It can absorb birth control and other meds. Likely isn't included because of that risk.

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    Guest Angel Pam

    Posted

    If I have a major accidental gluten dose, here’s my protocol:

    1. Drink a glass of warm water with about a half tsp. baking soda while taking gluten cutter and an antihistamine.

    2. Take an antispasmodic and anti nausea pill, or take a medical marijuana gummy or lozenge with peppermint tea.

    3. Drink tonic water or ginger ale. Sometimes my body rejects straight water but if I don’t have the bubblies on hand water with a little salt, coconut water, or gluten-free Gatorade works.

    4. Hope for the best. I may still vomit or get diarrhea and feel like crud for days but it’s better than ending up in the hospital from vomiting neon green bile out both ends for hours straight while you moan in stomach pain in between bouts to the bathroom.

    5. Morning after, start probiotics, collagen, bone broth to rebuild damage to the intestines. BRAT diet with lots of fluids.

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    Chiqeeey
    On 7/6/2015 at 5:17 AM, Guest Char T said:

    I'm glad to have an article start a forum like this. I find that taking Metamucil helps to clear things out faster so the symptoms last for a shorter period.

     

    On 7/6/2015 at 5:17 AM, Guest Char T said:

    I'm glad to have an article start a forum like this. I find that taking Metamucil helps to clear things out faster so the symptoms last for a shorter period.

    I was told by a dietician that the psyllium fiber in Metamucil is not gluten free.  I have been using Citrucel.  I just found this on the Metamucil website.

      What is psyllium? Also known as isobgol or ispaghula, psyllium is a native Indian plant rich in soluble fibre (plus some insoluble fibre) that when combined with water or fluid forms a gel. It is naturally gluten free so safe for people with coeliac disease to eat and is useful for gluten-free baking.Jul 25, 2013

    I am leery to try it.  Anyone else?

    Also, I was glutened in a Mexican restaurant by the sauce.  I never had that problem before so I will be sure to ask before I order.

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    trents

    Psyllium is "naturally gluten free" but with so many other naturally gluten free foods the problem can be cross contamination with gluten containing grains during growing, harvesting, transport, storage and processing.

    I use Kirkland brand (the Costco store brand) psyllium fiber as it states on the container that it is gluten free.

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    Scott Adams
    1 hour ago, Chiqeeey said:

    I was told by a dietician that the psyllium fiber in Metamucil is not gluten free.  I have been using Citrucel.  I just found this on the Metamucil website.

    I'd not heard this before, and checked Metamucil's site which does say that most of their products are gluten-free except their "Thins":
    Open Original Shared Link

    • A: Yes – Metamucil powders, capsules, and gummies are gluten free, following the FDA guideline that foods that carrying the label “gluten-free” can contain no more than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. Metamucil Thins are not gluten free.
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    Lorraine Dowdall
    On 7/6/2015 at 8:16 AM, Guest Jonathan Stinson MD said:

    "Officially, beyond simply waiting it out, there is no clinically accepted treatment for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who accidentally eat gluten. "

     

    I think the article should have ended there. There is too much folklore and "anecdotal medicine" out there already. We need to stick to medically proven facts.

    Dr.Stinson, I am curious what is your specialty?

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    Chiqeeey
    On 12/2/2021 at 11:51 AM, trents said:

    Psyllium is "naturally gluten free" but with so many other naturally gluten free foods the problem can be cross contamination with gluten containing grains during growing, harvesting, transport, storage and processing.

    I use Kirkland brand (the Costco store brand) psyllium fiber as it states on the container that it is gluten free.

    Good to know.  Thank you.

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  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


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