Delayed symptoms.

[Mike5572]

Hi just recently diagnosed with celiac within the last year. Still a learning curve and have some questions that maybe people on here could help with. I always do my best with staying gluten free but seems I keep running into issues. 

1- does the 3-6 heal time for intestines start over everytime you eat gluten? 
2- can a crumb or microscopic mouth of gluten cause a reaction. Black top griddle or grills at bars or restaurants. 
3- can your gluten reaction be delayed when drinking alcohol?

some of these may sound dumb but like I said very new to this and a huge lifestyle change for me. 

[plumbago]

Good questions. For no. 1, did you mean months, there? People will tell you that different people react differently to gluten - some may be very sensitive, others less so. I asked the same question (no. 2) to a celiac expert I made sure to get an appt with before he left for Massachusetts, and was told something like an eighth of a teaspoon.

I have no idea about no. 3, but I doubt it.

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @Mike5572!

How quickly healing of the gut happens depends on many things such as:

1. Age

2. How much damage was done to the small bowel villi before going gluten-free

3. Consistency in sticking to the gluten-free diet

4. General health and vigor. Some have stronger "constitutions" than others and just heal more quickly.

So, depending on many things it can take up to 10 years for the small bowel villi to experience thorough healing. Scott Adams shared this research earlier today: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20145607/

Having said that, improvement in symptoms can begin within weeks or a few months. The healing process is not "reset" every time you accidentally get glutened but each gluten exposure is a setback to one degree or another.

A crumb or microscopic amount of gluten can cause a reaction for some celiacs. Celiacs vary enormously in their sensitivity to small gluten exposures from a symptomatic standpoint. However, just because there are no symptoms does not mean there is no inflammation occurring. The inflammation can be minor enough that you don't notice it.

I'm not sure that drinking alcohol delays a gluten reaction. But, please keep in mind that many alcoholic beverages, especially beers, are typically made from gluten containing grains.

[Mike5572]

  On 2/9/2024 at 11:19 PM, plumbago said:

Good questions. For no. 1, did you mean months, there? People will tell you that different people react differently to gluten - some may be very sensitive, others less so. I asked the same question (no. 2) to a celiac expert I made sure to get an appt with before he left for Massachusetts, and was told something like an eighth of a teaspoon.

I have no idea about no. 3, but I doubt it.

Expand Quote  

Sorry meant amount * and thanks for teply

[Molerey]

Hey Mike5572,

Welcome to the journey of navigating life with celiac disease. It's definitely a big adjustment, but you're asking the right questions. Let me try to add some clarity to your queries based on my experience and what I've learned over the years.

1- The healing time for your intestines doesn't exactly "start over" with each gluten exposure, but every incident can cause inflammation and damage, potentially setting back your recovery. It's more of a cumulative effect rather than a complete reset. Consistently staying gluten-free is key to allowing your intestines to heal properly over time.

2- Yes, even a crumb or a microscopic amount of gluten can trigger a reaction in individuals with celiac disease. The severity of the reaction can vary greatly among individuals, but the damage occurs regardless of whether you feel severe symptoms or not. This is why it's crucial to avoid cross-contamination, including shared cooking surfaces like grills or griddles, unless they're thoroughly cleaned.

3- Alcohol itself, specifically gluten-free varieties, shouldn't delay your reaction to gluten. However, the overall process of digesting alcohol can complicate how you perceive your reactions. For example, if you consume gluten-contaminated beverages or food while drinking, the alcohol might mask immediate symptoms, but you're still at risk for a reaction. It's essential to choose gluten-free alcohol options and be mindful of cross-contamination when eating out.

No question is dumb when you're learning to manage celiac disease. It's all about gathering information and adapting to ensure your health and well-being. Keep asking, keep learning, and you'll find your way through this lifestyle change