How to recover from getting "glutened"
Having celiac disease (CD) is not a walk in the park! No matter how careful you are, you are bound to accidentally come in contact with gluten from time to time. You definitely shouldn't go seeking out gluten (obviously), but we've all been in this situation: you're eating out, you explain CD to the waiter, everything seems fine, but you're in excruciating pain before you've made it home (or even days after the event).
I spent the last 10 days living on campus for my undergraduate degree residency, which means someone else was cooking for me. And, unfortunately, my worst nightmare came true...my "gluten-free" food came in contact with gluten multiple times. So I am now in the uncomfortable, frustrating, and very long process of healing my body! In light of this situation, I bring you my tried and true ways of getting over the dreaded gluten attack:
*you should always speak with your doctor about any treatments before trying them. I am not a medical professional and am simply sharing what works best for my body.
1). Understand the source of your anxiety
We all know everyone's CD symptoms are different, but if you experience anxiety because of your CD we have something in common. For me, there are usually three "kinds" of anxiety I experience for CD:
-The anxiety of having to explain your situation to kitchen staff and them not understanding (resulting in cross-contact).
-The anxiety of seeming "different" from family and friends.
-The anxiety that is a result of eating gluten and the immune attack on your brain that makes you freak out about literally everything.
None of these are fun, but just understanding where your anxiety is coming from can help take the edge off. Spending a few minutes writing down your feelings can help you pinpoint sources of anxiety and stress. Journaling is also a great way to process all those feelings.
2). Drink SO much water
Consuming as many (non-sugary) fluids as possible is crucial! Increasing your water intake helps your body flush out toxins (aka gluten) better, which means you get over the flare faster! Drink a lot of water, period.
3). Slowwwww down
Life is busy and fast and never-ending...use the flare as a reminder that you are human and not invincible. I really struggle with taking time off from my crazy life to heal. I have this idea ingrained in my head that taking time off somehow makes me less valuable and "lazy." This isn't even a little bit true! Allow your body the time it needs to recover.
4). Lookout for brain fog
Brain fog (the clouding of consciousness) can cause you to forget things easily, struggle to understand and use language, inhibit your ability to form clear thoughts, among many other things. Be aware of this symptom and how it could affect the way you interact with your world. During a flare, I always explain brain fog to the people I am close to and ask for patience while I interact with them. This can help you feel more comfortable.
5). Don't push solid foods or experiment
Now is not the time to push the boundaries of your intestines and immune system or try brand new products. Stick to very gentle but nutrient-dense foods like bone broth, juiced vegetables, grain-free toast, vegan yogurt, and plain bananas.
6). Digestive enzymes
There are mixed feelings in the CD community about digestive enzymes but anything is worth trying once, right? I personally don't notice a very big difference when taking enzymes but many people swear by them!
7). Activated charcoal
Another tool that celiacs seem to have mixed feelings about...but has been incredibly helpful for me. Did you know they administer activated charcoal to overdose and poison patients in the ER because it's that effective at absorbing the contents of the stomach? Activated charcoal can really help your body get rid of gluten quickly without completely wreaking havoc on your intestines. Like everything, please touch base with your doctor before trying this.
8). Be kind to your gut/decrease inflammation
Your poor intestines are tearing themselves apart...make sure you are doing everything in your power to create a healing atmosphere for them! I think it is really important to work with your doctor to find a probiotic supplement that works well for your body. Other herbs/supplements that can help your body naturally decrease inflammation include turmeric, ginger, omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil), and l-glutamine.
Above everything, fill your mind, body, and spirit with love. It can be extremely frustrating to feel out of control in a situation but understand what variables you can control and make peace with the rest. Your illness and your flare are never your fault!