Glutenn Free Diet Tips: Celiac Symptoms

The Return Of Celiac Symptoms May Not Be Gluten Related

The process of diagnosing celiac disease is not a simple one. Symptoms can mimic other intestinal conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), anemia, or even chronic fatigue syndrome. In fact, for many people the diagnosis process is more difficult than the treatment.

The good news is, the painful symptoms of celiac disease may start to improve after only a few weeks of following a strict gluten-free diet. And, many doctors report their patients have had a complete reversal of damage to the small intestine in less than a year.

However, even after following a strict gluten-free diet, some people will report to their doctors that they still have times when the same symptoms return. Once a person's health and digestion feel normal again, having similar symptoms return is frustrating. 

Because people on gluten-free diets have been so focused on their celiac disease symptoms, they may assume that any distress is caused by gluten sneaking into their diet. But, these symptoms may not be the result of eating gluten.

The fact is, there are foods that irritate the digestive system that have nothing to do with celiac disease. Yes, a person with celiac disease may have a reaction to ingesting certain food items, but the same may hold true for many others without celiac disease.

In other words, if you are eating a gluten-free diet, and you suddenly suffer symptoms again, you may not have gluten to blame.

Here are a few food items that may cause stomach and intestinal distress that have nothing to do with gluten.

Lactose

The lactase enzyme necessary to digest the sugar in milk (lactose) is lacking in people with celiac disease until the small intestine is healed completely. For a time, you may have to avoid milk or choose a lactose free milk. The symptoms for gluten intolerance are often similar to those who suffer lactose intolerance; bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Allergens

People who have celiac disease often have other food allergies or intolerance. We mentioned lactose already, but other common allergies include eggs, corn, soy, and nuts. Eliminating only gluten from your diet will not address these issues.

Flaxseed

This is a common food item used to replace wheat flour and meal for cooking. The downside is flax is also a natural laxative. Switching your diet to include a lot of flaxseed flour or meal could cause diarrhea, which would concern anyone with celiac disease.

Sorbitol and Guar Gum

These additives are found in all sorts of candy, medicine, and other packaged goods. Read the labels carefully and try to eliminate these ingredients from your kitchen. These items often cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain and cramping in many people regardless of whether they have celiac disease or not.

Acid Rich Foods

Even foods as wholesome as tomatoes, apples, oranges, and grapefruit can cause discomfort or pain. If this happens when you eat acidic foods, you may be experiencing 'acid reflux' - a condition that feels very much like gluten intolerance. Also, watch out for coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol.

Once you are on a gluten-free diet for a month or so, you should be feeling better. But, what happens when you are surprised by the return of the same symptoms?

After eliminating the possibility of ingesting gluten, examine these other irritating foods. Remember, eliminating gluten from your diet is the first step. After that, you will need to be vigilant and look outside the gluten-free world if symptoms return.