What Do You Do When You Get Glutened?

[Jana]

Hey, don't this'll be as fun as my other topic!

I've managed to eat some gluten (yet again!) within the last 48 hours. I've had minimal D but quite a lot of gas/bloating/funny noises in my tummy and I'm brain-fogged and down.

I was wondering if any of you know of any helpful action to take rather than just waiting to get over it? I've taken vitamins, echinacea, acidophilus and aloe vera juice (as I do every day) but they don't seem a huge help. Sometimes, when I get really bad D I want to take Imodium but I would have thought that would just keep the gluten in my system longer, potentially doing more damage. Right now, I'd love a dose of colonic irrigation- I've never tried it, but I've started dreaming about it! I wondered if anyone knew of any preparation which helps when you get glutened, and which is a bit more practical in the short term than a colonic!

Thanks for sharing x

For Gods sake, if you have D, take Immodium! It will also help the pain, bloating and other yucky feelings! If you understand how D works, you know that it is caused by irritation in the colon. It is NOT true that by taking Immodium and getting rid of the D, you keep the gluten in your system longer. That is just not how it works. You can go on to Immodum AD's Website, they explain how D works, and why it is not good to just let it go. Also, try these few things as they really help me when I have a flare up. Lay down and REST! Put a heating pad on your tum, and drink plain Chamomile tea (Hot). Do all of these things and I can promise you will start to feel better. The big thing, is to lay still. You will feel better faster that way.

I hear stories like this, and I wonder if celiac is what I have. I get mild-medium intestial discomfort, and about 30 very distinct kinds of bad poo. I can describe, (But won't) atleast 10 kinds of bad poo off the top of my head. And I think I have it bad, and then someone comes along with symptoms so far in excess of mine that it makes me ponder if it's the same illiness.

Even so, I hate my poo.

If you research Celiac, you will find out that everyone not only has different symptoms, but different severity of systems. There are people with Celiac who have no symptoms at all, and feel just fine. (But damage is being done to their insides.) Just because other people have it worse then you, does not mean you do not have it. Go get tested. Make sure you eat lots of gluten several weeks before the test. Do not go gluten free and then take the test because the test will be wrong.

Ipecac is a really potent drug for inducing vomiting. It's used to induce vomiting in poisoning and overdose.

I can't see that it would be helpful for nausea other than to make you go ahead and puke. Unless this is one of those homeopathic things where a little bit of something bad for you is supposed to make you feel better. Just wanted to check that you're sure this is a good treatment for nausea, because it sounds exactly the opposite to me.

In case anyone cares, I have also had the thought of taking Ipecac in cases of getting glutened, thinking it would get it out of my system... at least mostly. I called my Doctor to see if my theory was correct. He said No. He said if you took Ipecac immediatly, it will only get rid of about 20-25% of what you ate. Also, people react to it differently. A lot of times, he said Ipecac makes people so sick they have to be hospitalized. So, in short- taking Ipicac will make you worse, not better.

[Guest BERNESES]

In case anyone cares, I have also had the thought of taking Ipecac in cases of getting glutened, thinking it would get it out of my system... at least mostly. I called my Doctor to see if my theory was correct. He said No. He said if you took Ipecac immediatly, it will only get rid of about 20-25% of what you ate. Also, people react to it differently. A lot of times, he said Ipecac makes people so sick they have to be hospitalized. So, in short- taking Ipicac will make you worse, not better.

Ipecac syrup is different from the homeopathic remedy that I take. I know ipecac is what people used to be instructed to give to their kids if they ate/drank something poisonous. I checked with my doc on this one and she said the homeopathic remedy version is fine BUT NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH IPECAC. I would not take ipecac.

It's really good to know that about immodium. I always thought not to take it when I got diarrhea because I figured it WAS better to get it out. Ii'm glad to know that. I don't usually get D (just horrible nasty funky poops) but this is really good to know for future reference.

Also what Greysaber said about it not feeling like the same disease, it amazes me the range of reactions people have! I'm so sorry your in so much pain. If a Darvocet does it for you, I don't see why you shouldn't take it. It's strong and it has addictive properties but it's not like you're using it everyday. I'm having my gall bladder out in May and I HATE narcotics- but the doctor said it is better to take something for the pain because staying in that much pain only stresses your body out more.

[coco-loco]

Thanks for the help guys! I ended up just eating a little very plain food for a couple of days and drinking a lot of water. Think I'm over it now.

Yeah, the symptoms people present with seem so varied. I never had dermatitis, just chronic D and brain fog. For me, the worst thing is always the mental confusion. Sometimes I don't feel safe crosing roads when I'm affected.

And Jana: Cammomile tea is a good tip. It always helps me. Calms you down aswell.

[Guest Pixi]

What about taking a laxative? Is that bad?

I was SOOO hungry @ work and had french fries (we seriously have nooothing I can eat).. which I knew would give me all the symptoms.. so I took a laxative and the next day went to the bathroom. A LOT. I didn't have any symptoms afterward.

Is this a bad idea? Or is it along the same lines as taking lots of fiber?

[ravenwoodglass]

What about taking a laxative? Is that bad?

I was SOOO hungry @ work and had french fries (we seriously have nooothing I can eat).. which I knew would give me all the symptoms.. so I took a laxative and the next day went to the bathroom. A LOT. I didn't have any symptoms afterward.

Is this a bad idea? Or is it along the same lines as taking lots of fiber?

Pixi NO NO NO don't do that. I would say this is a very bad idea, by the time the laxative works the poison protein is already coursing through your system effecting much more than the GI tract.

[SeaTwo]

When I accidently eat something with gluten, I reach for my good old Oxy-Powder. So far I only had to use it once since going gluten-free (2 months). I had eaten at a chinese buffet and had terrible constipation, bloating, intestinal rumbling and the most awful gas (I'd clear the room).

I took 6 capsules at night and had relief the next morning. It still takes a while to get completely rid of all symptoms, but the relief is about 90%.

[ms-sillyak-screwed]

What about taking a laxative? Is that bad?

I was SOOO hungry @ work and had french fries (we seriously have nooothing I can eat).. which I knew would give me all the symptoms.. so I took a laxative and the next day went to the bathroom. A LOT. I didn't have any symptoms afterward.

Is this a bad idea? Or is it along the same lines as taking lots of fiber?

BAD IDEA!

If your colon is inflamed - you don't want to stress it more, and tax your immune system.

Immodium helps a lot for me and I take electrolytes (pedialyte) to replenish what my body lost. And before I have di·ar·rhe·a or when I feel my colon going into spazm I pop one of my 'little blue pills'. And it stops it.

PIXI -- take along a snack. If only raw veggies or raisins, fruit and nuts to 'hold you over'. When I do that 'not-eating' I end up getting a migraine. Ouch!

Be Well!

[Guest BERNESES]

One thing i've learned the hard way is that I am more likely to take an unnecessary chance when I am REALLY hungry (and it always backfires) so I make it a point if I am going to be out of the house for more than a few hours to bring lots of food with me. At first, I felt like a dork but I got over it pretty fast when I realized I was getting sick much less. My cousin does it too.

Even when I go to birthday parties, I bake my own dessert and bring it so that I can eat something too and share it.

[jerseyangel]

Early on I learned this the hard way, too! I always have food with me--even if I'm just going shopping and don't plan to be out until the next mealtime, I have something in my purse. I usually have an Envirokidz bar, a Lara Bar and some water with me just in case

[Mme]

Keeping your blood sugar stable is a really important way to keep your brain working well. It's like not getting drunk. Hide safe snacks everywhere you can and know your emergency exits (aka what you can always eat safely).

I wonder about Pixi's method. If she responds to gluten with constipation, a laxative might be smart, especially if it's not glutened and not stimulating. And if it clears up the symptoms, hey. The best/weird constipation cure I know is the ayurvedic one: 2 TB ghee (Indian clarified butter) in warm milk, preferably at bedtime. Clearly only for the lactose tolerant and not at all for people coping with the opposite effects of gluten.

Has anyone tried an over-the-counter antihistamine against gluten? I use to wonder why Claritin (loratadine) would make me so calm and even tired (it's "non-drowsy") and I think it's because it was knocking down some of the side effects of the response to gluten. It might help both the anxiety and any itchiness of a reaction.

[jerseyangel]

Has anyone tried an over-the-counter antihistamine against gluten? I use to wonder why Claritin (loratadine) would make me so calm and even tired (it's "non-drowsy") and I think it's because it was knocking down some of the side effects of the response to gluten. It might help both the anxiety and any itchiness of a reaction.

Funny you should bring this up! For years, before I knew what was really wrong with me, I took Claritan daily. It really did make me feel better. I have no idea how, seeing that I was Celiac all along. Back then, it was by prescription, and I would ask for it "for my allergies". The doctor would write me a Rx for 6 months at a time. I took it for probably 10 years. Now, I only use it for actual nasal allergies in the spring, or for the "itchies" I get when glutened. The point you made about the calming is interesting, as I suffered from anxiety before I went gluten-free, and it comes back when glutened. The next time I get a gluten reaction, I'm going to try and add Claritan in and see if it makes a difference. Thanks!

[evie]

When I accidently eat something with gluten, I reach for my good old Oxy-Powder. So far I only had to use it once since going gluten-free (2 months). I had eaten at a chinese buffet and had terrible constipation, bloating, intestinal rumbling and the most awful gas (I'd clear the room).

I took 6 capsules at night and had relief the next morning. It still takes a while to get completely rid of all symptoms, but the relief is about 90%.

SeaTwo can you tell me what Oxy-Powder is? I have been looking for something that would help. New at this too. evie THX

[ms-sillyak-screwed]

can you tell me what Oxy-Powder is?

I googled it Open Original Shared Link

If I used that I would be hospitalized for sure...

You really use this stuff? Is your problem your backed up? Or you have steatorrhea diarrhea and you want to be sure there is nothing left in your colon?

I can tell you in my life time (when I didn't know I had celiac disease) I did those colon cleanse, and the entire holistic thingy, with no meat 15 years, vitamins and etc... I now know using those things -- no meat, vitamins galore, colon cleanse treatments made me more hypersenstive to this disease, for sure, without question. I do not just get a little constipation or loose stool type of diarrhea that was years ago, now it has escalated to seizure and loosing control of my bowels. I know we all have varied degrees of this disease and the other autoimmune diseases that go along with it but watch out what your doing.

[Mme]

Funny you should bring this up! For years, before I knew what was really wrong with me, I took Claritan daily. It really did make me feel better. I have no idea how, seeing that I was Celiac all along. Back then, it was by prescription, and I would ask for it "for my allergies". The doctor would write me a Rx for 6 months at a time. I took it for probably 10 years. Now, I only use it for actual nasal allergies in the spring, or for the "itchies" I get when glutened. The point you made about the calming is interesting, as I suffered from anxiety before I went gluten-free, and it comes back when glutened. The next time I get a gluten reaction, I'm going to try and add Claritan in and see if it makes a difference. Thanks!

You're quite welcome! I'll be interested to hear about your results, although I'd of course rather that you not have a chance to test it!

[chick2ba]

I drink lots and lots of Gatorade (all gluten-free). It seems to not bother me too much, increases energy and keeps the bad headaches away.

[mandigirl1]

hey everyone-

just wanted to share......my post is similiar to this one. I had a horrible CA a few weeks ago. Question for Ms. Sillyak screwed. You mentioned laying on the floor with an attack (stomach pain, diarea, etc.). You used pedialyte. I wish I had known this when I was suffering, while away on vacation.

If you look at my post, you'll see that Ive suffered alot with celiac disease (accidentally). What kind of "seizures' do you have? Because I think I was having them, but Im not sure. I wanted a hospital, but, didnt think it would help. Suffered terribly falling to the floor off the toilet bowl--couldnt even keep my head/body up. I was crying and basically freaking out.

Skin flared up with cystic acne, had constant dizziness, feeling like I had to black out if I wasnt laying in bed. And-----the nausea!!!!!! OMG!!!!! a nightmare

Can you share more info about what you (or anyone else) do during and after a CA?

Alot of people have recommended ginger. Never tried it, not sure about it. Immodium helps alot, lots of brown rice, baked potato and water helped me.

Look foward to hearing from you guys!!!!

Please check out my recent post.......thanks! I'd love for more people to read it and share.

erica

[key]

Dramamine is over the counter and works for nausea and dizziness. I don't get dizzy, but nauseated when gluttened. This helps me everytime. I always have some around. I use the less drowsy formula. I sometimes take pepto bismol, for the heartburn I get and stomach ache, but I don't like taking it, because it can be constipating. If I have a severe gluttening it is D. If it is small amount it is C. Very annoying.

I love my dramamine though. Also heating pad and laying in bed.

Monica

[ladyx]

Hey, don't this'll be as fun as my other topic!

I've managed to eat some gluten (yet again!) within the last 48 hours. I've had minimal D but quite a lot of gas/bloating/funny noises in my tummy and I'm brain-fogged and down.

I was wondering if any of you know of any helpful action to take rather than just waiting to get over it? I've taken vitamins, echinacea, acidophilus and aloe vera juice (as I do every day) but they don't seem a huge help. Sometimes, when I get really bad D I want to take Imodium but I would have thought that would just keep the gluten in my system longer, potentially doing more damage. Right now, I'd love a dose of colonic irrigation- I've never tried it, but I've started dreaming about it! I wondered if anyone knew of any preparation which helps when you get glutened, and which is a bit more practical in the short term than a colonic!

Thanks for sharing x

I know I have posted this a couple times but it really works for gas, bloting cramps....and it is natural. I take 4 activated charcoal tabs after being glutened every 4-6 hours till I feel better. Charcoal takes meds out of your system as well as the gluten so it is not a good idea to use if you are on a neccary medicine like a diabetic med then don't take the charcoal. If you want to heal your intestine after being glutened you can get 100% aloe juice and drink 4-6oz a day...I use it a lot...heals those villa right up... good luck!

[kabowman]

I am going to add because last night, cramps woke me up and we can't figure out what could have caused them - spent about half the night in the bathroom--we both got up this morning and re-checked the chicken, which I had on Friday too but different batch, same brand - Perdue.

So, I took my IBS meds, which don't really help a lot but figure they aren't hurting either. Then, when all contents from my bowels have been emptied (I know what I ate for dinner last night and it came through about 4 hours later), I take two imodiums for the gas.

Usually about 4 hours after the imodium, I can drink some tea, then I can start eating mild food - just plain noodles works better for me than rice. Of course, once my stomach starts to act up, it can take days and days for it to calm back down to normal.

As to claritan, my son's doc, who is very conservative with meds which is one of the reasons we see him, said that antihistamines such as claritin, clarinex, allegra, work as an anti-nausea med. My youngest gets started with a stomach bug and he can be sick and throw up for 5-6 days before it calms down. He hates the idea of the suppasitory but we have those just in case it looks like he is getting dehydrated. We have gone through 2 bouts of that this school year and he has missed almost 10 days of school because you can't go when you are throwing up...

[ajay]

In case anyone cares, I have also had the thought of taking Ipecac in cases of getting glutened, thinking it would get it out of my system... at least mostly. I called my Doctor to see if my theory was correct. He said No. He said if you took Ipecac immediatly, it will only get rid of about 20-25% of what you ate. Also, people react to it differently. A lot of times, he said Ipecac makes people so sick they have to be hospitalized. So, in short- taking Ipicac will make you worse, not better.

I am so glad you said this, Jana. My last exposure was so bad that I actually bought some syrup of ipecac & figured I'd take it next time it happened. Hm. Maybe not so much.

[utdan]

When I get glutened I found something extremely useful: Hydrated Bentonite and Psyllium Husk taken together. I recommend get it from here:

Open Original Shared Link

The company produces very high quality products.

The Bentonite is a super absorber used for people suffering from toxin release in bowel cleansing. The Psyllium Husk must be taken together with the Bentonite to allow the intestines to push it through. It's really great stuff and I've been saved many times by it when I was a rookie celiac that couldn't resist the call of the things like bread and desserts at times.

An example: Two years ago I first learned of my celiac condition and ate gluten free until one night my roomate made the most tempting dessert ever. After I glutened myself the pain got more and more intense (like a clump of razorwire in my intestines) until I took the stuff above (I had it on hand from cleansing program). I imagine it saved my gut a lot of damage many times. It's not perfect but I've had good results.

If you do buy it, get the shaker jar with it. To prepare it you squeeze a whole bunch of the bentonite into the shaker filled 1/3 with water. Shake it up to even the consistency and then add about 1 or 2 TBsp of Psyllium and close the lid, shake, and drink immediately. don't eat for at least 6 hours after taking it as it will absorb the food make you feel bloated. Also it might be a good idea to take a good probiotic to build back up the good flora in the gut after using this product as it also absorbs the good bacteria in the gut. If you take it for an emergency it works best the less food that is in your system.

Dan

[gfp]

For Gods sake, if you have D, take Immodium! It will also help the pain, bloating and other yucky feelings! If you understand how D works, you know that it is caused by irritation in the colon. It is NOT true that by taking Immodium and getting rid of the D, you keep the gluten in your system longer. That is just not how it works. You can go on to Immodum AD's Website, they explain how D works, and why it is not good to just let it go. Also, try these few things as they really help me when I have a flare up. Lay down and REST! Put a heating pad on your tum, and drink plain Chamomile tea (Hot). Do all of these things and I can promise you will start to feel better. The big thing, is to lay still. You will feel better faster that way.

It also attaches to the endorphin receptors which can be damaged by gluten ... hence it has a second use as well.

[Girl Ninja]

I get hives (really bad, all over), migraines, anxiety/ depression, and mild D. I usually ignore the D, but I take Relacore and ibuprofen for the rest. The Relacore helps the anxiety/ depression and sometimes completely clears up my hives in under an hour. I was taking it b/c it was the ONLY thing that helped my hives before I ever suspected Celiac. I wish I could get something better for the headaches, but I asked my doc and I swear her answer was, "Well it's obvious that anyone who would ask for Darvocet has a drug abuse problem. I will never prescribe you pain medication." I hate her. I asked specifically for the Darv because a friend gave me one once and it helped so much and Codeine makes me barf alot.

Oh, and I try to drink Smart Water if I can get it. It's water with added electrolytes. Gatorade and Powerade make me retain water and bloat like crazy.

[jerseyangel]

Kate--Interesting, what your doctor said about antihistimines. For years, before I was diagnosed, I took a Claritan every day and I swear it made my stomach calmer. For a long time, my main complaint was nausea and upset stomach--not D--so it would make sense.

[Guest BERNESES]

i was taking phenergan when i got glutened and it worked really well (i get super nauseous). Ironicaally, it has an anti-histamine in it (so does Pepcid by the way). I didn't want the phenergan anymore because it gave me super C so my doc suggested taking Claritin and pepcid AC to help. It works, not as well as the phenergan but at least I don't have C for two weeks after!