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It’s understandable to want to be cautious, especially after experiencing symptoms. However, there is currently no scientific evidence that reverse osmosis or standard activated carbon water filters expose people to gluten in amounts that would trigger celiac disease. Gluten is a protein, and if any starch-based binder were used in filter manufacturing, it would not pass through RO membranes or remain in finished bottled water at clinically meaningful levels. Plain water — filtered, RO, or bottled — does not contain gluten unless it is intentionally added (which would require labeling). Steam-distilled water is certainly safe, but it is not considered medically necessary for people with celiac disease. If reactions are occurring, it may be helpful to explore other potential explanations with a healthcare provider rather than assuming filter-related gluten exposure.

It’s understandable to look for bigger explanations when you’re dealing with complex symptoms, but the current scientific consensus does not support the idea that celiac disease evolved as a defense against Candida. Celiac disease is a well-characterized autoimmune condition triggered specifically by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8). While some laboratory studies have shown that certain Candida proteins (like Hwp1) share limited sequence similarities with gluten or tissue transglutaminase (tTG), that does not mean Candida causes celiac disease or commonly produces false-positive tTG tests in clinical practice. Anti-tTG IgA remains a highly specific and validated marker for celiac when used appropriately (especially alongside total IgA testing and, when indicated, biopsy). IgG antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) are more commonly associated with Crohn’s disease and are not considered diagnostic for celiac. There is ongoing research into microbiome interactions and immune cross-reactivity, but at this time there is no evidence that yeast exposure from foods triggers celiac autoimmunity in people without gluten exposure. If symptoms persist despite a strict gluten-free diet, it’s best to work with a gastroenterologist to rule out other conditions such as IBD, SIBO, non-celiac food intolerances, or refractory celiac disease rather than assuming a fungal-driven mechanism.

It sounds like you’ve put a lot of effort into tracking patterns, and that kind of awareness can be helpful. With celiac disease specifically, though, the only confirmed immune trigger is gluten. Reactions to dairy are common after diagnosis because intestinal damage can temporarily reduce lactase, leading to lactose intolerance — but that’s different from casein sensitivity. IgG food panels, including yeast, are generally considered markers of exposure rather than proof of clinical intolerance. Aged cheeses like Irish cheddar are typically gluten-free, though they do contain casein and natural cultures. If symptoms are strong and repeatable, it may be worth working with a gastroenterologist or allergist to sort out true allergies, intolerances, or other GI conditions rather than assuming multiple cross-reactive immune triggers.

I completely understand wanting to track down every possible source of exposure after a celiac diagnosis, especially when symptoms are distinct and repeatable. That said, there’s currently no credible evidence that bottled water — including filtered water products like Gatorade water — contains gluten from filter materials. Activated carbon filters are typically bound with food-grade binders, and if any starch were used in manufacturing, it would not remain in the finished water at measurable or biologically active levels. Plain water itself does not contain protein, and gluten is a protein. Major beverage companies also have strict allergen control programs, and gluten would need to be declared if intentionally added. If symptoms are occurring consistently after certain products, it may be worth discussing with a physician to explore other potential triggers, but at this time distilled water is not considered medically necessary for people with celiac disease.

I found out the hard way that water filters can have starch binders that bind the charcoal used in the filter.  Grain starch or gluten can be present in the filter. I’ve been exposed and had reactions.  Steam distilled water is safe.  Not all places have the distilled gallon containers commonly sold, but smart water is steam distilled and has been safe so far.