If you have Celiac Disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, you most likely react to the protein found in gluten — a.k.a., gliadin and glutenin.
These proteins are responsible for binding together certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients so they can be absorbed by the body.
But when people with these conditions consume foods that contain gluten, their bodies recognize it as an invader and mount an immune response against it.
The result? Damage to the small intestine’s epithelium (or inner lining) can cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and stools that are fatty or loose — all of which are common symptoms of a reaction to gluten.
But just because your body attacks gluten doesn’t mean you should avoid it forever. In fact, many people with these conditions build up tolerance to it over time — meaning their symptoms become less severe when they eat foods containing gluten again after being away from them for some time.
How long does this last? We say six months because that’s how long most people need to get back into eating normally after going through a withdrawal period (although everyone is different).
What causes a gluten reaction?
If you have Celiac Disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, your body attacks gluten proteins in foods — which is why you might experience gluten reactions when you eat it.
These proteins are responsible for binding together certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients so they can be absorbed by the body.
But when people with these conditions consume foods that contain gluten, their bodies recognize it as an invader and mount an immune response against it. The result? Damage to the small intestine’s epithelium (or inner lining) can cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and loose stools.
Another common reason people have gluten reactions is because of intolerances.
These are conditions like lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and fructose malabsorption, where the body doesn’t properly break down certain nutrients — like lactose in dairy products, fructose in fruits, and others — resulting in symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
How long does it take to have a reaction to gluten?
If you have Celiac Disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, your symptoms will likely become more severe over time — and you’ll likely need to take more drastic measures to get rid of them.
In fact, many people with these conditions build up tolerance to it over time — meaning their symptoms become less severe when they eat foods containing gluten again after being away from them for some time.
So it’s not uncommon to experience a healing period of 3 to 6 months after quitting gluten — especially if you’re also dealing with intolerances.
That’s because you need that time to get your body back to where it needs to be so you don’t suffer from symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and other issues.
It’s also important to note that everyone is different, so some people will experience a gluten reaction sooner than others — especially if they were eating gluten on a regular basis.
How long will the reaction last?
This will vary based on the severity of your gluten reaction and how long you’ve been eating gluten-free.
For example, if you have Celiac Disease and have consumed gluten your entire life, you’ll likely have a less severe reaction while in the gluten-free diet.
But if you’ve been gluten-free for less than a year, you’re going to have some serious healing to do. After that, it’s important to follow a gluten-free diet — including avoiding all gluten-containing foods — even if you’ve been on it for 6 months.
That’s because gluten can be hiding in foods you’d never expect — like salad dressings, sauces, milkshakes, snacks, and even medications! Plus, with time, gluten can grow in foods, meaning it’s important to stay vigilant.
Can you get over a gluten allergy or sensitivity?
Yes. Though it may feel like you’ll always have these conditions, studies have shown that 99% of people who follow a strict gluten-free diet will recover.
Even if you don’t love that gluten is gone from your diet forever, there are important benefits to being gluten-free.
For example, you’ll likely lower your risk of many health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Tips for Managing A Reaction To Gluten
There are a few things you can do to help ease symptoms during and after your gluten-free diet.
– Try out different recipes and meal plans. This can help you get familiar with new ingredients and avoid foods you might not have tried before. – Drink plenty of water and fluids like herbal tea. This will help keep your intestines hydrated and prevent constipation.
– Keep a journal or use a food logging app to track how your body feels after eating different foods. This can help you analyze how your reactions have changed since going gluten-free.
– Try some mind tricks, too! For example, try visualizing the nutrients in your body being released into your bloodstream and organs, and try reading a gluten-free blog to help you stay focused.
Summary
With all these different reasons why gluten can cause problems, it’s understandable that people want a quick fix.
And while avoiding gluten isn’t easy, it’s important to remember that it can improve your overall health — and having a gluten-free diet can change your life for the better.
With patience and a little trial and error, you’ll be eating gluten-free in no time. And remember, you can always ask a dietitian for help if you feel stuck.
