Gluten is defined as a protein composite (gliadin and glutenin) found in grains such as: barley, rye, and most commonly, wheat. The word gluten is derived from the Latin word “gluten” which roughly translates to “glue.” Gluten is what gives grain-based products a chewy texture and allows these products to maintain a specific shape. In addition to being used in foods, gluten is also an additive in many cosmetic and dermatology products.
In the past, gluten was never considered a staple part of the human diet. Only in recent generations with the rise of high-carbohydrate diets has gluten consumption become problematic. The increased consumption of gluten has lead people to develop adverse reactions such as: celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder), gluten-sensitivity, “leaky gut,” and other wheat allergies. Many would also argue that since humans didn’t evolve to eat gluten, its consumption may elicit detrimental effects on both bodily functions and cognitive performance.
Due to rampant health concerns regarding gluten consumption, as well as an increase in science-based evidence suggesting that gluten may be problematic, some people have attempted to kick gluten from their diet. Although many people are successful in eradicating gluten from their diets, others end up experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms that makes it tough to stay gluten-free. One reason may be due to the fact that when digesting gluten, it breaks down into “exorphins” which bind to opioid receptors in your brain.
The exorphins are basically particles of protein that are derived from an exogenous source (e.g. food, drugs, etc.) and mimic the effects of endorphins. Each time you eat gluten, you’re getting A5, B4, B5, and C exorphins that may make you feel calmer or feel slight degrees of pleasure. While gluten-based opioid stimulation may not be as significant as heroin, it can make the withdrawal process more difficult than expected.
Factors that influence gluten withdrawal
There are several factors that are important to consider when eliminating gluten from the diet. Thing such as: amount consumed each day, time span over which you’ve consumed gluten, your individual physiology, as well as the rate at which you discontinued – can all influence the severity and length of withdrawal symptoms.
1. Daily Consumption Amount
Generally the more products you consume with gluten on a daily basis, the harder it will likely be to discontinue. More gluten means greater stimulation of the opioid receptors in your brain, leading to a potentially significant physiological backlash when you discontinue. If you’ve been pounding wheat-based products for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner – you probably have a high gluten intake.
Those with a high-gluten intake baseline are likely going to develop more severe symptoms when they discontinue. If you’re someone that doesn’t consume large quantities of gluten on a daily basis, you may not notice nearly as intense of a withdrawal. The lower the amount of gluten you’re currently consuming, the easier it will likely be to quit.
2. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
How quickly did you discontinue gluten from your diet? Did you find everything with gluten in your kitchen and toss it in the garbage? Or did you make a conscientious effort to slowly reduce the amount of gluten in your diet in a tapering method. There is debate as to whether tapering off of gluten products (e.g. gradually titrating consumption amount) is a superior method of withdrawal to giving it up “cold turkey.”
Many people find that when they quit cold turkey from a previously high gluten intake, that they cannot handle the withdrawal symptoms. Part of this may be due to certain gluten-induced endorphin deficiencies. Those that “taper” down their gluten consumption before finally quitting generally find that withdrawal symptoms are less severe because they’ve given their physiology some extra time to transition and adapt to reduced consumption.
3. Time Span
How long have you been consuming gluten, and at what frequency? If you’ve eaten lots of wheat products on a daily basis for your entire life, it’s going to be more difficult to discontinue than someone who only began eating a lot of wheat in recent years. Most of the United States population has been eating products with gluten for their entire lives.
If you happened to be gluten-free for awhile, sporadically broke the period by eating some gluten, and are withdrawing again, it probably won’t be quite as bad. Even if you can’t think of any wheat-products that you’ve consumed, take a careful look at the ingredients on the foods that you eat. Unless you’ve made a conscious effort to stay gluten-free or carbohydrate free, it’s likely that you consume gluten on a daily basis.
4. Individual Factors
It is important to consider individual factors when discontinuing gluten consumption. Things like an individual’s: physiology, genetics, dietary intake (other foods), and general lifestyle may influence the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. Everyone wants a definitive answer regarding the length of gluten withdrawal and unfortunately one cannot be given due to significant individual variation.
You need to withdraw for yourself to know how long gluten withdrawal takes. For one person it may last a week or two, while for another it may last over a month before symptoms fully subside. Avoid comparing your situation to that of others when withdrawing from any substance because there are significant individual influential factors.
Gluten Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Some people experience very subtle or no withdrawal symptoms when stopping gluten, but others experience moderately debilitating symptoms that can last weeks before improving. Below is a list of possible symptoms that you may experience when discontinuing gluten. Keep in mind that the severity and duration of symptoms will be largely individualized.
- Anger: If you turn into a raging maniac when discontinuing gluten, you are not alone. Many people have reported anger outbursts and feeling especially irritable when they cannot have their gluten. It could be related to the lack of opioid stimulation (which can calm us down) from gluten.
- Anxiety: Some people end up feeling increasingly anxious when they withdraw from gluten. This anxiety may be due to a number of biochemical changes that occur in the physiology as a result of gluten discontinuation. The body is expecting to receive the energy and opioid effects from gluten products, but it doesn’t and you feel nervous instead of calm.
- Bloating: This is characterized by swelling or increase in the diameter of your abdominal area. It may be a highly uncomfortable experience during gluten withdrawal, but should eventually subside. To offset bloating, make sure you are eating healthy foods that contain fiber (e.g. broccoli, berries, etc.).
- Brain fog: During the initial stages of withdrawal, you may feel as if your concentration is at an all-time low. While eventually your mental clarity and focus will likely return and be sharper than they were with gluten in your diet, the fogginess can sometimes be difficult to deal with. Do not be surprised if your ability to think clearly is hampered in early stages of withdrawal.
- Constipation: Some people become constipated when they stop eating gluten. This may be due to their new dietary choices as well as lack of fiber in the diet. It could also be a result of transitory physiological adjustments taking place in the body. Realize that this will be temporary assuming you are eating a healthy gluten-free diet.
- Cravings: One of the most prominent symptoms that you’ll experience when withdrawing from gluten is that of cravings. These cravings are generally severe in the early stages, and tend to lessen the longer you’ve been gluten-free. Like going through any drug withdrawal, cravings tend to be the worst in the first few weeks or months of withdrawal, but will eventually subside completely. Keep in mind that if you aren’t eating sufficient alternative gluten-free foods, cravings may intensify as a result of hunger or lack of nourishment.
- Depression: Certain individuals become depressed when they stop eating products with gluten. This may be a result of their dependence on the mood boosting effects of the gluten exorphins. The depression may persist for awhile, but mood will eventually stabilize and/or become boosted over the long-term as a result of going gluten-free.
- Diarrhea: Some people notice that they cannot hold down food as well when they quit gluten. They experience diarrhea in the early stages of discontinuation, but eventually digestion stabilizes. This is a less common reaction than constipation, but still one that certain people report.
- Dizziness: You may feel slightly dizzy when you discontinue from gluten. This may be due to the neurological mechanisms by which gluten affected your brain. Generally the dizziness won’t be too severe, but it may be uncomfortable. Keep in mind that it’s temporary and shouldn’t be long-lasting.
- Fatigue: Another very common symptom to experience is that of severe fatigue during the early stages of gluten discontinuation. This fatigue may be debilitating for some people to the point that they just want to sleep all day. As long as you’re eating other high quality foods, your body will eventually adapt to gluten-free foods for its source of “fuel” and fatigue will subside. In fact, many people who’ve been gluten-free for an extended period report having more energy than when they ate gluten.
- Flu-like symptoms: Those that react severely during gluten withdrawal may develop symptoms similar to having influenza. They may experience dizziness, a headache, joint pains, nausea, and in some cases vomiting. (Obviously make sure you aren’t actually sick with a virus or the flu). If these symptoms emerged when you quit gluten, it could be a direct result.
- Headaches: Many people have reported headaches during the first couple weeks of going gluten-free. These headaches are more likely to occur in the earliest days of withdrawal, but should ease up the longer you’ve been functioning without gluten.
- Hot flashes: Elimination of gluten from the diet may result in experiencing hot flashes (or cold flashes) throughout the day. This is due to the fact that the physiology comes to expect gluten in the diet, and when it doesn’t get it, your body reacts by changing its temperature.
- Irritability: If you find yourself becoming irritable when you stop eating gluten, it’s probably because your brain is no longer getting the same stimulation. Gluten affects the brain in many ways including by stimulating exorphins, which make us calm. By eliminating gluten, you no longer feel the minor opioid effects, making you feel more irritable than usual.
- Joint pain: Many people also report feeling intensified joint pain and body aches when they discontinue gluten. These aches and pains can be problematic in early stages, but should actually improve as you alter your diet to include healthy gluten-free foods. Pain tolerance may be slightly decreased during early stages of withdrawal due to slight opioid alterations.
- Lightheadedness: If you feel lightheaded, you are not alone. Some people experience dizziness accompanied by lightheadedness during the first few days they go without gluten. Within a week or two this symptom should improve significantly.
- Mood swings: If you find yourself flipping out or becoming noticeably “moody” – it may be a result of changes occurring as a result of going gluten-free. You no longer are getting the same exorphin stimulation as a result of gluten in your diet, leading you to feel more moody than usual. The good news is that moods tend to not only stabilize, but improve the longer you’ve been without gluten.
- Nausea: Some people note feeling nauseous when they give up gluten. The nausea may lead to vomiting or lack of appetite. Most people that experience nausea find that it’s relatively mild and eventually subsides within a couple weeks.
- Stomach aches: Your body may be expecting to receive gluten, and when it doesn’t, all sorts of symptoms arise including stomach aches. These are likely due to changes in your body’s digestive process. As long as you’re getting sufficient fiber and eating other healthy foods, stomach aches shouldn’t be overwhelming.
- Vomiting: In some cases, people actually get stick when they go without gluten. This reaction is generally experienced by those who ate high quantities of gluten-based foods and quit cold turkey. If you’re to the point that you’re vomiting, you may want to consider tapering off at a more gradual rate.
- Weight changes: You may find that gluten withdrawal leads to fluctuations in your weight. Obviously whether you end up losing weight or gaining weight may depend on the foods that you replace gluten-based foods with. A majority of people though end up losing weight after they’ve discontinued gluten.
How long does Gluten withdrawal last?
Everyone wants a specific answer regarding how long gluten withdrawal will last. The problem is that no specific answer can be given due to significant individual variation in: gluten consumption, physiology, lifestyles, and duration over which gluten was consumed. It also may make a difference as to whether you decided to “taper” your gluten or quit “cold turkey.”
Some people may not notice any major symptoms at all when stopping gluten. Most people feel noticeably better after 2 to 4 weeks of complete gluten discontinuation. Others may experience protracted cravings and withdrawals that persist for several months. It is very difficult for some people to give up diets with high gluten for numerous reasons such as: foods with gluten can be addicting, they can lead to temporary pleasure or mood boosts (via exorphins), and they can alter the way we metabolize food.
When going through gluten withdrawal, realize that your body needs to recalibrate its metabolism, gut biome, and other physiological functions. Therefore it may take awhile before all withdrawal symptoms to clear up and noticeably improve. Understand that many of these symptoms are a direct cause of eliminating the gluten-derived opioids (exorphins) from daily consumption.
You may want to consider various dietary supplements including: sea salt, magnesium, and probiotics to help mitigate the effects of gluten withdrawal. Also remember to stay sufficiently hydrated, but don’t over-hydrate (as this can lead to problems). If you’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms when cutting gluten from your diet, feel free to share in the comments section below. Discuss the severity of your symptoms, what you experienced, and how long they lasted before noticing improvement.
Hi fellow sufferers. After I’ve had stomach problems for 30 years, I have spent thousands of pounds & seen numerous specialists all of which were absolutely baseless. Last week I saw a dietitian, who advised me to come off glutton & dairy, all this week I have been so I’ll & exhausted have been in bed most of the time. So I know how you folks feel, just hoping life will get better soon in 2016.
Third day of gluten free (cold turkey) and my stomach is in a giant cramp. Anyone else with overall lower abdomen discomfort for hours?
As I’m writing this my head is pounding. I had to lie down during a yoga class yesterday because I was so dizzy. I went cold turkey with gluten because of creaky joints and severe depression. Ugh.
I am not sure how old this comment bank is but it has been very informative. I have just started week 3 of no gluten and although my headache, joint pain, arm/leg/head tingling has subsided due to taking vitamins, I am now experiencing a real sinus draining feeling, especially in my ears, making them feel blocked. As a whole I am starting to feel better, no more lower back pain or stomach issues, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced these effects?
Hi there Katie, On week about week 3 now. Mid week 2 I started having the issues which was scary as I didn’t coincided it with the withdrawals so much later form starting and I have gone off gluten before with minimal impact. Yes I have had a little tingling in the back of my head, headache and a lot of neck & shoulder pain, also in my back where I have issues sometimes.
It was quite the worry until I saw all these posts. What vitamins are you taking to subside these? Oh yeah and I am having some sinus issues particularly in my ear (same ear that us usually a little blocked which started to clear initially and now is feeling more blocked).
I stopped coffee, caffeine capsules, dairy, and gluten (and all grains) about three days ago, and boy have I had a tough time of it. I will post this also on the page about caffeine withdrawal in the hope that it will help alleviate suffering for others. Because of the severe crying jags and anxiety, I have been using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which is like emotional acupressure and really works for me usually whenever I have had any emotional upset.
I have had to take a few caffeine capsules each day in order to continue with the detox, down to only two today, which has helped rather than going totally cold turkey with all caffeine. But in addition to this, I have had to take Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy… every two hours starting this morning … and this has been phenomenal at relieving the emotional withdrawal issues. I actually accomplished a lot today!!
In addition, I am taking Bach Flowers Olive (two drops in a glass of water every two hours) for the terrible fatigue. For the terrible pain in my muscles and joints, I am taking magnesium bisglycinate (1/4 teaspoon in a small glass of water)… 3 times today. This really helps the severe leg/foot cramps (especially during the night) and also the muscle pains I have been having. I am sticking with this total elimination of all gluten, dairy, and caffeine this time because it has been so debilitating and I do not ever want to go through this again!!!
Which is, of course, what I said last time I stopped these things. Thank you to all of you who have pointed out how addictive dairy and gluten have been for you. I have known this for a long time but was kidding myself into thinking that I could cheat here and there and not get sucked back into the black hole of feeling terrible when I eat these things. Good luck to all of you!!
About two weeks ago I quit eating all grains except for an occasional small serving of quinoa. The first five days I felt fantastic… better than I’ve felt in years. Then I began having a tightness in my chest, shortness of breath, brain fog (feels like I’m drugged slightly), and panic attacks. It was scaring me, so I had a physical yesterday… heart and lungs fine… still waiting for blood work. I asked the doc if it could be some kind of detox reaction to giving up gluten/grains and he said it was possible, but we needed to rule other things out. Has anyone else had this kind of reaction? Any comments?
Sharon I have been feeling the same chest and mid back tightness. Panic. Palpitations. Dizzy. Fatigue. Burning stomach. It’s been a roller coaster I feel better then it comes back. This will all pass soon. I think the tightness and shortness of breath are from the anxiety. Funny because all of these symptoms are why I went gluten free. I’m starting day 8. Glad I found this page. Very encouraging. Be well.
Yes, I too suffer from shortness breath and anxiety, given up all gluten breads, etc. I know it has to be a detox. I’ve been following clean eating and had no idea this would happen. Thanks for the info I feel better knowing it’s not me.
I too am feeling tightness and shortness of breath and anxious. I’m about 8 days going cold turkey and feeling flu like and lightheadedness all of a sudden. So glad I found this page. I’m a 67 year old female with heart disease, I had a stint put in 2 years ago.
I quit smoking when I got the stint and gained 20 lbs. Most of my life I thought I was doing everything right except the smoking. My husband is doing the same but he just gassy and burping. We are sticking with it and looking forward to feeling a whole lot better.
Hello Roma, I wondered if your tightness and shortness of breath had abated? I posted the paragraph below to the sugar detox board and then I read this gluten thread. I found your details to be of some comfort because I had no clue what was going on. Here is what I posted today to the sugar detox board:
Hello everyone, super informative posts, thanks. I wondered if anyone can give me feedback on a kind of scary feeling in my chest. (yes, middle of the night, I do think of heart attack). I am very healthy, in my 60’s and I quit sugar and wheat this past Monday. Felt headachey but that was to be expected. The past two days, I feel as though there is a pressure on my chest.
I walk the beach daily and have not had any symptoms of pain or being short of breath. Just this persistent feeling of pressure. I hope it is simply another detox symptom but I would feel better if I heard from others who had felt it too. Coincidentally, I will see primary physician for general check-up next week and will rule out heart issue if it still persists. Thanks for the input. Madeleine
Been gluten free for 3 weeks. Had severe influenza for the last 5 days: I don’t think I have ever been this ill! I quit gluten going cold turkey which was probably not the right way to go but since I have lived with IBS and stomach pain and digestive issues for more than half my life (aged 52), I felt I could handle any detox symptoms that might be thrown at me.
I saw the influenza as a bad thing, that my immune system was run down but now I am thinking, maybe this is just the beginning of a new me? I don’t find giving up gluten at all difficult because 18 months ago, I gave it up for 8 weeks whilst following the Paleo diet and felt wonderful. I didn’t keep it up and got back into my old ways, suffering as a result.
Within 2 days of quitting gluten, the bloating in my stomach subsided. I had a few complications initially because my cat bit my hand and I had to have antibiotics which as one would expect, upset my gut. Then I got thrush because of the antibiotics upsetting my gut flora, so had to take an anti-fungal. I am also menopausal as well, but am hoping that quitting gluten will fix my fluctuating hormone levels.
I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, even though I am suffering right now. One positive, the arthritis in my right index finger is subsiding after more than two years of pain and discomfort. I saw a rheumatologist who was of no use whatsoever. Doctors just want to prescribe drugs which ultimately, mess up your body. People trying to give up gluten are to be applauded, it’s not easy but it is worth it, I am convinced.
Hi Kim, Sounds like you’re making good progress :-) yay. Just wanted to add that a dose of antibiotics needs to be followed up by a long dose of potent probiotics. The risk is that if you don’t, you could end up with Candida overgrowth, which has many of the same symptoms as gluten sensitivity, but the overgrowth is more difficult to bring into balance permanently than taking gluten out of your diet. I hate to see that added to your woes!
Thank you! You may have reassured me that I can stick it out even with fatigue. There will be light at the end of the tunnel!
I’m starting week 3 of being gluten free. I used to have a heavy gluten intake daily and went cold turkey. I have been having awful headaches, nausea and stomach cramps for the last week or more. I considered going back to a gluten diet but I know long term I need to be gluten free.
I’ve felt more inspired by food in the last 3 weeks than I have in years. So I must be on the right track. I just hope my body works itself out soon. Good luck to everyone changing their diets.
I’m starting week 2 of being gluten free and I’m experiencing the same exact symptoms. You are right, this does suck but I hope to start feeling better within the next couple of weeks.
Day 4 – Decided to go gluten free because of suspected autoimmune. First few days were great. Today – dizziness, sinus drainage, but really red face (hot to the touch) any thoughts?
I’m on my 2 week of gluten free. My four year old daughter has a gluten allergy that thankfully our pediatrician caught last year. I have decided to go gluten free to join her. It’s so hard for someone her age. And I had no idea the withdrawal she went through, until I started mine. Good Lord.
Joint pain, back pain, brain fog, severe irritability, depression, crying, constipation, headaches, hot flashes, dizziness and major mood swings. Last week I hated everyone and anyone. Literally. By chance today I googled gluten detox. Trying to figure out what was wrong with me. But removing gluten from my diet is the only thing I have changed in the past month to cause my changes. It helps me to know that I’m not alone.
And that her grouchiness and mood swings where a sign of her detoxing as well. Thank you to all those that have left comments with what has been going on with you with the gluten detox. It’s a real thing. I would never have imagined it was. I can barely make it through getting supper ready because of my back and joint pain. It’s horrible and I’m so ready for it to be over!
I’m on Day 9 of an abstinent diet: wheat/gluten and sugar free due to food addiction. The first two days were awful, suffering from a bad headache and constant cravings for everything unhealthy under the sun. But on Day 3 the cravings went away completely and I felt pretty good. But from day 5 to present (day 9) the mental fogginess and forgetfulness is terrible. In fact it’s a bit scary. I can’t concentrate at work and sometimes I lose focus mid-thought/mid-sentence. I’m hoping to see my mental acuity return ASAP because this is an awful feeling!
I am on day 3 after quitting cold turkey. Throughout today, I began experiencing joint, muscular, and even skin pain in the lower half of my body, from the waist down. I was addicted to my carbs! Still not sure how I’m going to keep this up but I don’t want to go through this again. I am in constant pain so I hope this doesn’t last long.
I had never heard of gluten withdrawal until I cross-referenced my pain and my gluten-free effort. Also, I started this because I had been diagnosed with a wheat allergy but it wasn’t that bad until I drank 3 wheat beers two nights in a row plus other gluten-rich foods and awoke with swollen hands.
I cut gluten after realizing it was causing migraines and severe stomach pains, and affecting my epilepsy. I stopped cold turkey and now I think I’m suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Anyone know if gluten affects epilepsy? My doctor had a blank look on her face when I asked. After a few blood tests she’s not even sure if it’s gluten causing my problems. However eating gluten causes such a severe almost instantaneous reaction in me, that I cut it out anyways. Not sure if there’s a test? My doctors blank look isn’t helping…
Some research suggests that ketogenic diets may be an effective seizure reduction / prevention strategy. In other words, severely restricting carbohydrates to around 5% of one’s dietary intake can often ameliorate symptoms of epilepsy. (You may want to read this article for additional information: https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/08/03/eating-a-ketogenic-diet-for-epilepsy-seizure-reduction/).
However, it is generally difficult to pinpoint whether carbohydrates, or more specifically, gluten, is a contributing cause of your (specific) epileptic seizures. If gluten intake is provoking seizures, it may be difficult to pinpoint the significance of its causal role. Carbohydrate intake and/or gluten sensitivities may play a greater role in triggering seizures for some individuals than among others.
It’s always recommended to continue working with a medical professional. If your seizures noticeably subside on a particular diet (e.g. gluten-free or low carb), it may be worth continuing (provided you’ve discussed its safety with your doctor). You may also want to consult a reputable dietician for further tips/tricks and dietary advice. Best of luck with your health.
I mean this is CRAZY! I never in my Life could imagine that this whole Gluten thing would get this out of Control. This is worse than Alcohol by far. I mean I can stop Drinking easily and not have the DTs. But this Gluten crap is driving me NUTS. How are you supposed to have a LIFE with demands when you can barely function. I mean headaches, dizziness, back pain. You name it, I got it. I’m going to try Magnesium and Probiotics and Gardens of Life. Please someone help ME get off this SH*T!!! HOW???
Did it get better? I feel like complete crap!
Hang in there! I know exactly how you feel. But it gets worse if you go back. I wish I had been more informed as to the detoxing effects prior to starting this. And I’m lucky… I don’t work outside the home. So how anyone gets through the day if the are working a demanding job I’ll never know.
Not sure when you left this message… but I pray you are through the worst and have found the light at the end of that devastating and dark tunnel. It’s been going on 6 weeks for me and I’m still experiencing this mess ?
I was told to go gluten free by my chiropractor when I went to see him with lower back problems. I also have psoriatic arthritis and a bowel condition (which were under control) which he said would benefit from going gluten free. Within a week of going cold turkey my psoriasis and arthritis have seriously flared up. Firstly getting water retention and now I have a build up of uric acid and my knees are agony, but I want to persist as I have been told I will be so much better once the gluten is out my system.
I have had what me and my gastroenterologists thought was IBS for many years…In the past couple of years, I’m 54, I have developed asthma. UGH!!! I have over the past three years also had considerable issues with constipation, horrible constipation…lately, though, I have had terrible abdominal cramps along with diarrhea which I thought was my IBS rearing its ugly head, but apparently not…
I told my GP last week about my many digestive issues and she suggested I cut out gluten. I was like, WHAT??? Then I told her my niece was gluten intolerant and she informed me it is genetic. Well, here I am nearly 7 days without gluten, my digestive issues have improved tremendously, I have had the headache off and on, but not bad, stomach cramps, hot flashes, but no more than the norm, and the dizziness.
WHOA!! Who’d have thought Gluten was such a drug or acted like one…I am hoping once I am gluten free, completely, that my asthma will improve or even disappear. I’ll tell you one thing for sure, this explains a lot about my past health issues!!! Oh, has anyone had chest pains???? That is my main complaint at this point.
Also, for those of you who think it’s bad coming off, just slip up and eat gluten… OH MY!!! It comes back terribly!!!! The pain, the cramping, the bowel disturbances!!! Once off the gluten I recommend staying off!!!! My niece has the same problem if she accidentally gets glutenated. It’s miserable!!!!!
I completely understand! Yes, I’ve been having chest pains, cold chills (I mean COLD chills), horrible headaches, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, constant dizziness, mood swings, and so much more…. it’s horrible!
I stopped grains for about a week… then messed up and ate not one, but 4 cupcakes…. Lord have mercy on my soul! I’ve been struggling with horrible after effects ever since. Praying this crap stops soon!
I’ve just recently gone gluten free and am experiencing severe bloating. Because I’m skinny it makes it more obvious. Should I carry on? Or is this a sign that I should stop?
I was so pleased to read that at least one other person has experienced more acid reflux and sinus congestion, and that an extended stomach is also a side effect. I was actually so worried about the acid reflux that I saw my GP this morning. It never struck me that the many problems I am experiencing at present are due to something other than increasing age, or the return of my 75% oesophageal ulceration.
To discover that they are due to gluten and wheat withdrawal has really cheered me up. I am hoping the extended, painful stomach will soon recover too. I look like Humpty Dumpty! It has been a great help to know what problems other people are having. I am persisting with the wheat and gluten free diet – it’s been just over two weeks now and I have been feeling unwell all the time, except for the first 3 days.
The reason I am going on to ‘clean eating’ is in an effort to reduce my multi chemical sensitivities. I’ve no idea whether it will work but avoiding chemically treated food does seem to be a logical step forward.
A big Thank You to everyone describing their withdrawal symptoms. I’ve been sick for so long on gluten it seemed I was dumbly suffering many of it’s manifestations over the years (no thanks to the GPs that missed it). Stopping abruptly has heightened some of my existing symptoms (fatigue, achy everywhere, fog, bad memory, anxiety, slow healing, chronic toilet troubles) and brought on some new ones described here by others (hot/cold flushing, light head, hunger, nausea, sleep disturbances, moodiness). At least it’s evidence that our bodies are reacting and beginning to repair, and hopefully return to some level of acceptable health.
Have been GF for about 2.5 weeks. First week was good but into second week have had increased anxiety along with sporadic rapid heart beating as well as some double/triple checking myself with things… (Guessing from anxiety) hoping they go away. Can’t stand anxiety and brain other thinking things all the time. Any inputs? Thx!!
I hear that taking magnesium, high potency B Complex can help with nerves and anxiety. I’ve read that many people with gluten sensitivities are deficient in these. Try it!
Both my sisters are gluten intolerant, I have suffered with IBS on and off for along time, so decided to go Gluten free for a healthier lifestyle. 2 weeks in I am suffering from terrible brain fog. I wasn’t aware of any potential side effects. I am also suffering from mood swings. My IBS has dramatically improved, but has been replaced with the above symptoms. Just hoping these symptoms fade away soon.
I am on day 3, cold turkey… Days 1 and 2 I felt great, clearheaded, knee pain gone, more flexible, nasal congestion down by half. Late evening of Day 2, I had a tiny amount on a piece of breaded chicken. I immediately started itching. When I woke up today, day. 3, I felt like I was going to die, so much fatigue and brain fog. I ate a small piece of coffeecake, and my brain felt better immediately and my energy picked up. That was an hour ago, I am now having a panic attack, dizzy, and feel horrible. I probably should have muscled through the next couple of days without any and feel better but I am going to have to wean off slowly instead. No idea gluten was such a drug.
I went gluten free 10+ weeks ago. I’ve had some great things happen, as well as some unexpected and continuing side effects. First, the good. I’ve battled daily, persistent psoriasis and eczema most of my life. After a week off gluten, it disappeared and has stayed gone all this time! I had chronic headaches for all of my adulthood. Aside from a little in the first couple of weeks, I have not had any more.
It used to be daily, and now nothing. For the past year and a half, I was suffering from daily upper abdominal pain (pressure and burning) — it too disappeared after about a week and has not come back. I’m also sleeping better and waking up earlier. I dropped 10 pounds in the first few weeks without even trying, and feel significantly less bloated. What I did not expect is the joint pain (I’m 35, fit, very healthy).
I now have daily burning pain in my foot and knee which becomes debilitating by the end of the day. I thought maybe it was rheumatism related to eating nuts, which I greatly increased after giving up gluten. But my doctor insisted that it does not present this way. So a bit of googling brought me here and I think it might very well be from gluten withdrawal. I’d love to hear if anyone else has experienced this?
It’s been going on for so long I worry it’s not as simple as withdrawal, and that I may have triggered some other autoimmune response… Less important, I’ve also noticed that I sweat far more than before. Particularly when I exercise, but also when I’m inactive, asleep, or even when I’m cold or nervous. Thank you for your thoughts!
Brian, Hello. I stopped all grains about 2 weeks ago. I am 49 and a Personal Trainer and professional singer. Last week I was running (well, more like trudging along) and I noticed that my knees ached. First time ever that I have felt that. So I looked up withdrawal symptoms and it brought me here. I am a huge advocate of eating organic/GMO free and making many of our own food and household products.
I stay motivated by watching shows like Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Hungry for a Change or GMO OMG which all focus on eating REAL and whole (and as chemically free as we can which is very challenging). This is the first time that I have given up all grains. I didn’t think after 2 weeks I would still be feeling any side effects. I was nauseous today. it quickly went away but I definitely feel warm and of “off” too.
Again, I am 49 so my hormones are kind of wacky anyhow – lol! I am sticking this OUT!! You can too. Maybe after a while, I might re-introduce some food items back into my body but I am loving the (not-so-convenient.gotta-work-at-it, respect-the-land-and-our-bodies) whole food challenge right now. Good luck!! :-)
I hear that taking magnesium, high potency B Complex, and L-Glutamine can help greatly with healing the digestive system after removing gluten, and other sensitivities.
L-Glutamine is a type of gluten and should be avoided…
Me too Brian and I’m at three weeks off.
I have lived dairy free my entire life due to an allergy to dairy. Recent testing has discovered I am now Gluten sensitive and Peanut sensitive. This is DAY 3 of no Gluten in my diet. No added sugar. No peanuts. I am willing to work through the withdrawals because I realize when its finally out of my system I will feel better but really would like the sledgehammer in my head to take a friggen break.
go out of my way to saturate my surroundings with positive emotions so I’m not having an issue with mood swings or temperament…yet. Hoping I avoid those. It’s been tough with the brain fog this week. I have to keep putting myself into check. I’m reading what everyone is saying so at least I know what to look forward to and or if I start experiencing it I know what it’s from.
I went cold turkey off gluten 4 weeks ago and have terrible headaches neck ache and mood swings this week. Diagnosed with Celliac 4 weeks ago by dermatologist that did a biopsy from rash. Followed up with blood tests to confirm. Looking forward to a healthier life. Not going back. I know the benefits will outweigh the withdrawals! I hope! ?
I am on day two of gluten withdrawal, and this morning felt great, clear-headed, energetic–only to be struck with severe diarrhea a few hours after rising. Is it okay to take Imodium? Or does that have gluten in the coating? I feel like I’m getting a bit paranoid!
I went cold turkey off gluten and seven days later I was the most depressed I’ve ever been in my life. I went gluten free seven years ago and I remember when I had something with hidden gluten in it I would be on a roller coaster ride for a few hours but I don’t think I went into deep dark chemical depression. Fun! Better be worth it. I am hoping to heal my auto immune alopecia but wow it’s hard at the moment.
I’ve been off gluten and dairy 10 days now. The first few days I was exhausted, a bit irritable, dizzy. Then about day 7 depression hit, and it keeps getting worse by the day. My irritability is thru the roof as well. I hope this doesn’t last long. Anyone else get depression really bad from withdrawal?
I have experienced depression. Actually it is the reason I am trying to go gluten free. I have good days then down days, just an up and down roller coaster. I’ve been on the diet for almost a month now with a few slip ups I’m sure, but I’m trying my best. Did your depression go away?
I have had depression since I was a teenager I am now 61. I found out I was a Celiac 22nd December last year. I stopped all gluten immediately as I have gluten ataxia. The gluten has attacked my brain. I had no gut issues. Within 10 days I felt like the low mood that had persisted all of my life had lifted.
I stopped taking the Effexor I have been on for years cold turkey. Then I had a period yes I am still getting them. I then found out that gluten affects your hormones. And that gluten can be in sanitary products they always irritate my nether regions! Chucked out the HRT as I figured if I was having periods when I shouldn’t be what was the point.
Finally chucked out the BP meds I will monitor at home as as meds I was on plus having coeliacs can increase BP. I am WFPB so my diet should not have been causing BP issues. And just to really go cold turkey have stopped alcohol as I don’t want to loose any more brain cells. Surprisingly enough I am feeling great. I was a huge wheat eater made all my own bread, flat breads wraps etc not unusual to eat gluten 3+ a day.
I am now 4 weeks in still sleeping a lot longer about 10 hours a night. Very vivid dreams and in colour have never had that before. I am drinking fizzy water and find it quenches my thirst. All my bloods were good as gut not affected I am presuming. Still have many consultants to see am under neurology who ordered the test.
Plus GP wants me to see others now and have a dexa scan. Since being gluten free the pain I have had in my foot that kept me awake every night has gone. My husband has also gone gluten free and he now has sensation back in the tips of his fingers that he lost due to CT dye 10 years ago.
Sorry such a long post but I hope it may help someone else. My gluten ataxia is causing very bad balance issues and fatigue in legs. I use walking poles to be able to continue walking. Legs get very weak and also being investigated for MG another autoimmune.
I’m on day 6 of gluten free, I went on it as I have acid reflux. I have depression at the moment, crying at the slightest thing (but I’ve also been battling gastritis the past 8 months). The first couple of dates my reflux got better but now it’s back. Cut out dairy too. I’m just so fed up, but will continue and hope it clears up. How are you now Nathan?
Yes! I’ve had moments where I wanted to scream at everyone around me to “go away”… “leave me the heck alone”. I would sit and think to myself… can’t they see I’m miserable, can’t they see I’m breaking out in sweat, feeling like I’m going to projectile throw up, the pain in my chest is horrible, my head feels like someone is stabbing me with a fricken’ dinner knife, and now I’m so flippin’ cold it feels like I’m in a tub of ice cubes in the middle of the North Pole??
Started cutting out Gluten about two weeks ago slowly! Headaches, body aches almost like the flu which come and go. Mood swings, anxiety a touch of anger, not something anyone wants to be around… Trying to lay low during the worst of this storm. Staying hydrated fighting the cravings with gluten free products…feeling blessed reading everyone else comments knowing this is normal. Now I have noticed bloating is gone, stomach issues are less, so is brain fog. So I will continue on this journey, hoping I will come out a clean survivor of this gluten world we live in!
I stopped eating gluten one week ago today. It was on day 4 that I had an emotional outburst and started throwing things. Being a normally calm person, I googled “wheat withdrawal,” and found that I am not alone. I have been very emotional – angry and sad. I have cried more in the last two days than I have in years. I have lost 6 pounds of water weight. I have been extremely fatigued, especially in the afternoon and have had my share of brain fog and dizziness. After lunch today, I was so dizzy and brain foggy that I felt high. I know it will all be worth it, but I’m ready for it to be over.
Day 6 of gluten-free and I’ve spent most of the last week feeling exhausted, run-down, and completely out of enthusiasm for anything at all. The last couple of days I’ve been on the verge of tears at anything! Realized it might be related to the GF diet and found this page after a quick Google. Very glad it’s not just me, but wow is this gonna be harder than I’d thought. Definitely time to keep going, though.
I feel the same. I’ve been low gluten for a year, with hypothyroid and digestive issues. Though occasionally I would have weak moments. I went cold turkey about 4 weeks ago, am having good and bad days – mostly bad. Today was pretty bad with severe bloating and cravings. Also hungry all the time. Not sleeping very well and fatigued.
Gosh, that sounds awful. Are you taking any supplements? Magnesium or high potency B complex? Probiotics?
I went gluten free two weeks ago. My allergist told me I was allergic to wheat, eggs and dairy and advised me to cut them all out of my diet. I was not warned about any side effects so I went cold turkey. I am just now getting over a horrible migraine. The nausea is a daily thing and I’m hungry all the time. I have all the flu symptoms too and the mood swings have been terrible. Now that I know this is to be expected I will stay away from wheat – I don’t want to go through this again.
What type of doctor / allergist did you see? I’ve just started going gluten / dairy free to see if it helps with my headaches, but I would love to get officially diagnosed so I am more motivated.
I have been gluten free for 5 days. The first couple were really good but last night I became very sick. Cramps, headache, hot then freezing, nausea, joints/muscle pain. Could this be withdrawal hitting now?
I’m in the same boat. I’m on day 6
I’m on Day 5 without gluten and had gas pains & bloating today. Neck pain (I thought I slept wrong until I heard what symptoms others have experienced) and overall tiredness. I’m a vegetarian and was a heavy wheat/gluten eater. I finally realized I was getting itchy after eating gluten so I decided to cut it out & give gluten-free a try. Cold turkey.
For me the first withdrawal symptoms started at day 4/5 too. I felt better than usual the days before. I am on day 17 now. On and off again, I am gassy, bloating and tired.
Oh thank goodness for your comments. I was beginning to feel melodramatic. I felt great day 1-3, then the headache, depression, fatigue, sinus weirdness, and increased brain fog appeared on day 5 & 6. Plus inflammation in my head and hands. Ok, hope this will pass.
I’ve been diagnosed with Celiac. Went off gluten cold turkey about 4 days ago. I’ve had neck and shoulder pain, lightheartedness, brain fog, some abdominal cramping, constipation, fatigue, and dizziness. I’m assuming this will all pass soon and eventually I’ll feel better; hopefully! I’ve also lost a little weight, which is good because I’m overweight. I’m just wondering if weaning off more slowly would be a better option.
No… tapering off isn’t better. It keeps you in a low grade misery plus some withdrawal after. I was diagnosed in 2013. My withdrawal was like I’ve seen drug addicts. It was bad! Mood swings and irritability were the worst.
I slipped for about 8 months and maintained many of my gluten free habits, but ate small amounts routinely. I was always mildly sick. I’m 2 weeks gluten free and had massive constipation the first week with fatigue.
Now I’m back in the irritable and mood swing stages. By next week I should be good. Don’t be surprised if you have leaky gut and have to give up dairy, too.
The weight loss is your body resetting and letting go of inflammation. If you stick with it, major weight loss is possible. I lost 122 pounds. Best of luck and feel better!!
It’s the first three days for me and I did experience a few unpleasant symptoms that felt a bit like a cold but have begun to taper off. The most noticeable things for me are:
* Brain fog and headache
* Slight nausea, but still with food cravings
* Gas and constipation
* Insomnia
* Feeling a little low, but seemingly not all the time
I managed to relieve the symptoms a bit by:
* Sleeping 9 hours per night (usually 7 hours)
* Increasing sugar intake initially seems to help
* Lying down and rest seem to help
* Drinking water seems to help
* Exercise (even light walking) seems to help
Has anyone experienced gas pains? I am on week 4 (was a heavy gluten user) and the gas pains are pretty bad. It’s like my whole digestion is resetting and not happy with me… :(
Me!
I have been gluten free for 10 weeks now after being diagnosed with Celiac disease. I am currently suffering from chronic fatigue, aching joints, dizzy spells and my digestive system has changed. When eating whole raw vegetables and certain other foods (i.e. fish) my stomach seems to struggle to digest it. It feels inflamed and irritated for hours after. I am hoping that this will pass.?
I’ve been gluten free 2 months. The last few days I can hardly walk due to joint pain and backaches ?.
Nina how are you doing now? I thought I had Rheumatoid Arthritis but now think it is all from gluten (this happened to my sister). It is now day 8 without gluten and my joints are killing me. Did you find relief?
Elaine, raw veg are quite difficult for digestion, it might be easier on your stomach to lightly steam them – leafy too, spinach, other greens. Romaine lettuce is digestible raw, though :). With diagnosed celiac, there are known digestive issues; seek the guidance of a registered dietitian experienced with celiac disease!!
Make some homemade bone broths from chicken bones. That will heal your stomach slowly.
True, chicken broth/soup made with bones, onions, celery, carrots, salt… that provides comfort and healing.
Please research GAPs diet as it sounds like you have more going on than the gluten on it’s own. Eating raw veg is not necessarily good for gut health, it sounds like you need a complete anti-inflammatory diet to restore your gut health.
Several weeks ago my doctor recommended I go gluten free due to stomach problems I was having. So I tried weaning myself off the gluten for a few weeks then stopped completey. Had sever stomach aches for a few days, lost about 5 pounds and can not afford to lose anymore. Now been having severe anxiety, trembling, cold and hot sweats, difficulty sleeping, difficulty focusing. I’ve even been calling in sick at work it’s so bad. I’m wishing I had never come off of the gluten. Not sure what to do. Any advice?
Keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me.
I have been eating only low amounts of gluten for a long time, but completely stopped now and have the worst headache. I figured it must have been from the gluten withdrawel so googled it and found this webpage ;-). In a way I like having withdrawel symptoms as it tells me that gluten really was something that did great (bad) things to my body and I feel so much better for cutting it out.
I had exactly the same situation, I have been going off and on gluten for a year or so. I had suffered from cystic ovaries as long as I can remember and no matter what I tried nothing seemed to eliminate them. anyway I went to my Gp two weeks ago and to my amazement they finally vanished, even though I had stopped all medication about four months earlier!!
This gave me the initiative to stop Gluten cold turkey two weeks ago, at first I had very bad headaches everyday, and would not go away, however now it seems to be getting better already. I also had depression signs on the first four days of cutting off gluten which was the worst. after two weeks however I am already feeling better. :-) and I also feel that my mind is so much sharper!! had no idea gluten was effecting me as much!!!
I have recently started to substitute gluten products for gluten free. About 2 weeks on and I have developed a really bad headache, so bad I don’t want to get out of bed. I am fighting on can only get better right??
Yes!! It can only get better. I’m on day 10. It’s clearing up now.
I’ve been gluten free for 3 days.I became weak,my mouth won’t stop making saliva, bloating, lightheadedness and worse fatigue. But I guess from reading this it’s because I’ve been consuming gluten all my life. My mistake was just cutting out gluten immediately. I guess now I have to go back to eating it and slowly cut down.
I have been wheat free for 5 days now, after my meals within about half an hour my neck and face go warm and that has been lasting about 2 hours or so. It was worse at first and not so bad now but is this normal? I had a headache for the first 2 days quite bad but then it just went, my head is clear now which is great and the burning in my stomach has nearly gone. I don’t have diarrhea anymore either and the bloating has nearly completely gone.
Overall I don’t think I’ve had too many withdraw symptoms as I cut out bread and pasta two months ago and only had the occasional slice where I really did pay the price! I decided to go completely wheat free, and not even eat any gluten for a few weeks because I’m not sure of porridge affects me and I don’t want to chance it yet. My main concern is not many people have said about getting the hot cheeks and neck… I’m not sure what’s wrong if it’s not usual for coming off wheat/gluten. Can anyone tell me please? Thank you.
Had highly coloured red cheeks for a week when stopping gluten (I am normally super pale). That was seven years ago; still gluten free. It changed my life.
I’m glad you said that. I too have been getting a hot face and neck with burning feeling in stomach. As well as feeling extremely tired and having sinus trouble! I can put up with these symptoms though, knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Plus I have DH on my face which is clearing already. Woo hoo!
This is my second day of gluten free. Before figuring to stop eating gluten my stomach was getting distended all the time and was nauseated. My stomach is still distended which is uncomfortable and the nausea is always there. I have to hydrate more. I was a diet coke drinker but will switch to tea. I’m just hoping for a positive outcome. I am hoping that I will feel better for once in my life.
I went gluten free a little over 2 weeks ago because I have had cystic acne for years and nothing has helped (not even antibiotics, which I was super against taking but felt I had no other option), so I finally decided to quit gluten cold turkey (not sure if that was the best idea – I would recommend tapering off – I just had no idea about gluten withdrawal). The reason I picked gluten to eliminate is because it’s one of the three big allergy foods, and I’ve already eliminated dairy for the most part.
A couple days after I stopped eating gluten, I came down with a weird cold/fever/fatigue that didn’t seem to go away for a week and a half. Now that weird cold thing is gone but now I am having intense problems focusing (brain fog) and headaches and nausea. The nausea gets so severe that my body just forces me to throw up (I press on my wrist and forehead acupuncture points which seems to help).
Anyway, I hope it gets better – at first with the diet I broke out worse on my face, but since then I haven’t gotten any new problematic acne. Now the struggle will be getting rid of years of scars (Luckily [and unluckily, I guess] I have extremely oily skin so none of them are actually deep inverted scars, just superficial). I think the withdrawal symptoms are just the “storm before the calm”.
It sounds like you had celiac disease of the skin, medical name is Dermatitis Herpetiformis. My wife had it and had the good fortune to find a doctor who knew immediately what it was. He is retired and only saw 4 cases in his life.
Good luck with your life change. The more I read, the more I realize how nasty gluten is for so many people in so many ways, including heart disease, thyroid, cancer, etc.
Ellie, I had the same problem with the cystic acne and went dairy free. I quit drinking milk, ice cream, yogurt. I will have some cheese. I do not have any more of the cysts that I use to get, which is great. I may from time to time have some small breakouts when I cheat and eat ice cream.
I thought at my age ( I’m 49 now) I should not be going through acne, and not just normal acne, Cysts!! I am finding food is my culprit for a lot of ailments. I stay away from artificial dyes (migraines for years and DR’s couldn’t figure it out, 20 years plus) red #40 was the culprit. Now I’m gluten free do to severe lethargy, brain fog, my joints were so sore especially my knees, I couldn’t even hardly stand.
With in the first week, I could stand with no pain, my tiredness went away and no brain fog!!! Yay for me, but I did experience some stomach cramps and slight headaches. I do try to by as much things in natural or organic form as I can. Hope you find your cure like I did…
Hang in there, that is a good sign! Just like with drug addicts and drugs, your body is going through withdrawal and it’ll be worse before it gets better. But when your better, boy oh boy will you feel great. Also, the reactions you are experiencing are most likely linked to Candida die off, which means that Candida yeast that fed off of the carbs/gluten you were consuming are being starved. It’s called The Herxheimer Reaction.
I was advised 1 week ago to come off all Gluten, caffeine and alcohol. Since stopping I had a headache for the first 4 days and have felt extremely fatigued, very low, with many bout of unexplained crying. I have suffered historically from neck pain which has been under control but this has also come back.
I am on day two of eliminating all gluten and it just got rough for me. I woke with a headache that won’t go away, this evening I’m noticing some dizziness and lightheadedness and I ache, especially my back, neck and shoulders (I have issues with these areas already). I chose to do this because I began experiencing IBS about 6 weeks ago. I followed the FODMAP diet and the more I read about gluten the more I knew I had to give it up for good. In just these two days, my stomach/gut issues are better.
I have gone wheat free off an on for several years and did not eat much of it before this. I am choosing to eliminate all grains and gluten this time. I hope that what I’ve read is accurate and my symptoms won’t be as bad since my diet did not include much wheat to begin with. The aches and pain are by far the worst of it for me. Good luck to you all!! Eat well, and be well!
I tapered off for about four days and for the last two have been totally gluten-free. I am having terrible and unrelenting stomach cramps. I am also cold, but no other flu symptoms. I never expected this and hope it ends soon.
I am experiencing a fever, chills, joint pain, and a whole headache… not just my forehead, by my whole face and now I have a cold even though I just got over one, argh. It’s been about a week. I tapered for about 4 days, so today is day 3, totally gluten-free.
On my 4th day of gluten and dairy free lifestyle change. My stomach problems have really improved since being off the gluten but the last couple of days have been really hard with terrible aching joints, back, dizziness and hard to concentrate. I know it’s worth it and will persist for the good of my whole body but I’m glad I looked up the symptoms as was not aware of such detox side effects. Glad I’m not alone.
I wasn’t aware of these either. Thought the worst was happening to me. Now I am so relieved!
I stopped gluten, dairy, caffeine 3 days ago. My head ached on day 1 and 2. Then on day 2 my body had severe aches and pains in my back and legs. I felt it the worst in the middle of the night.
I hope this goes away or gets better, as I almost caved in and had a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, as that’s what I was craving the most. So this is day 3 and I don’t feel as much of a craving for a cinnamon roll. I am mostly feeling drained, fatigued and foggy.
I hope this gets easier. I am doing an illumination diet, which is similar to an elimination diet. I wish I knew how long these aches and pains are going to last.
Hi Diane, How is it going now? I started 1.5 weeks ago and feel bloated, exhausted, itchy.
I started my gluten free diet a few days ago, and am now wishing I hadn’t. I have a headache that won’t go away, nausea, diarrhea, achy joints, hot flashes, and just an overall depressed mood. I know these are all normal, but wow. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d experience this. Should I continue suffering or possibly try weaning off?
I just quit cold turkey a couple days ago. I completely feel your pain. I have a continuous and nagging headache. I have no appetite because I am nauseated. I go from hot to cold in the blink of an eye and lightheaded. I am grateful to know I’m not crazy and I am not alone. I just hope this subsides soon.
Sorry. The gluten withdrawal is making me irritable. I have a pounding headache and aching joints too but I feel very calm and optimistic.
I am completely with you there, I have the exact same symptoms along with feeling drained! I really hope it’s worth it!
I am in the same boat. I swore I had a stomach flu then I researched it. This happened to me last time I quit gluten cool turkey too. It lasted over two weeks but after that I felt incredible. Right now I want to sleep and not eat and sleep more… Hahahaha I know I will feel better in the long run.
I’m experiencing the exact symptoms and I quit cold turkey. I’ve done this once before and I’m sticking to it this time. It will pass. I’m on day 10 and starting to feel better. Keep up the good job!
I noticed an increase in stomach acid and acid reflux. Also, more sinus drainage. I eat very healthy and made a conscious effort to replace the wheat I ate, which was homemade Spelt bread, and grain substitute beverage for coffee, with healthy Teff, and Sorgum bread. The oats I eat in the morning just became gluten free oats. In addition, I did feel light headed, and dizzy in the early days.
I also have lost weight, even though I am trying hard to eat good wholesome foods. The weight loss is the scariest because I cannot afford to shed weight. I am looking forward to my digestion improving so I can maintain a healthy body weight. Contrary to many reports, there are many of us out there who definitely do not want to lose weight, and I think for me, that has discouraged me from going on this diet, but I know that in the long run, it will greatly benefit my health, and improved digestion will restore my weight.
There is no doubt that you are going to feel hungrier at times, and therefore carrying some wholesome snacks that are not the standard over processed GF products, but easy homemade versions using nut butters, and brown rice, and flaxseed. Bananas and spirulina smoothies are great too. I also eat goat yoghurt with fruit. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for cheese too. I believe that stabilizing your blood sugar by eating wholesome foods will definitely help with the stomach and mood issues.
It is definitely getting better after the initial month, although I am still suffering with some constipation, so have to load on the veggies, and make sure I am drinking enough without going overboard. On the positive side: I am starting to experience more mental clarity, and my sleep has improved. I look less puffy too. Sinus issues have improved. Look forward to weight stabilizing. -Jan
I stopped gluten 3 days ago because of constant sinus infections and severe dizziness. My head was dried out all the time. Now all of a sudden, I have a plugged head, running nose and am sneezing with a headache at the base of my head. I was wondering… can the running nose and sneezing be a withdrawal symptom? I quit cold turkey.
Lisa, it is my understanding that gluten can have an inflammatory effect. So this doesn’t seem like an unreasonable response. It’s funny because your symptoms are very typical of going DAIRY-free. I’ve done both 3 weeks ago, and I’m no longer surprised by any of the side effects. Be well and stay strong!
I am having the same withdrawal symptoms. I thought I had caught the virus that has been going around.
Yes, it has an inflammatory effect. I have been gluten free for 12 years. Recently, though I took a job working with bread and bread dough, I figured if I wasn’t eating it, that it wouldn’t bother me. Haha! I ended up in the ER after about a month at this job. The doctors could see the joint inflammation on the x-ray. I quit that job, and now I am suffering with major detox symptoms.
I stopped cold turkey also the day before Thanksgiving. I live in an area that was affected by wildfires at the same time. Only because I had a crying spell this afternoon did I look up withdrawal from Gluten. I have lost 5 pounds, have lost my bloated belly! And I have straight fingers for the first time in years. Have definitely been experiencing bouts of sudden energy depletion and sense of nausea. Appetite has changed dramatically and have some periods of clear thinking and motivation. Now I am aware of other symptoms that I thought were from a cold and allergies. One day at a time.
Spelt has gluten in it, Jan. Make sure you get off that bread, too!
Spelt has gluten, so it could still be having an affect on you?