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Gluten Withdrawal Symptoms + How Long Do They Last?

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.

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214 thoughts on “Gluten Withdrawal Symptoms + How Long Do They Last?”

  1. My son has been gluten free for a couple years, so my husband and I naturally eat less gluten than we used to. We probably ate it daily but it wasn’t a staple in our diet like it used to be.

    We gave up gluten two weeks ago. My husband has IBS and mental health challenges from combat. I have Crohn’s disease. Maybe we have been a little moody and achy, but not bad. My husband feels hungry, like food isn’t satiating. I think we have reduced gluten from our diet quite a bit because of our son, maybe that’s why our symptoms are not as extreme as others.

    One thing we noticed as we neared week 2 was we smelled worse. Any exertion makes me smell like I worked out. It’s not a big deal, but in thought I’d add it here for those reading through comments in the future.

    I’m praying for every one of you commenting and reading this. May God bless your efforts and heal your discomfort!

    Reply
  2. I stopped eating gluten and dairy on February 28th, and at the end of the first day, I had extreme fatigue which carried in to the next day. It’s so amazing because all my bloating left so fast! My heart palpitations, gone. And probably about 4 days ago, I started having vertigo. Dizziness has been hitting me randomly, it lasts for a few seconds but sometimes it hits hard. Here’s the good thing: Before, I ate Dave’s bread, it’s a healthier gluten bread choice which I thought was okay, but the next day I’d pay the price because I wouldn’t go to the bathroom when I woke up as I usually did. Now, I go every day! Yaay! It’s only been 11 days.

    Reply
  3. Hi. I have been suffering from Migraines since the age of 16. However, in the last couple of years, these Migraine attacks gotten more stronger/intense/violent. The attacks lead to vomiting, being unable to do anything, sometimes lasting for more than 72 hours! I am in my 50s now.

    I went for an MRI scan, was prescribed beta blockers, then stronger medications for migraines. The beta blockers were no good and dropped my blood pressure. I was not tolerating the strong migraine treatments. I decided to go Gluten Free 3 weeks ago. Within 3 weeks I had only 1 migraine attack.

    I feel so much better. I do not wake up with the foggy brain, I do not have the feeling that I am going to have a migraine in the middle of the day or in the night. I have less aches in my body: I used to have a pain all along my spine and in my lower back. I feel less bloated and irritable.

    I am feeling so much better now. I am now convinced that the gluten is giving me migraines and all the pains and aches in my back and joints. I am now very careful with what I eat. Mainly fruits and vegetables. Luckily there are now a lot of Gluten Free products in the shops.

    I am allowing myself some gluten free biscuits and treats. I have tried all sorts to treat the migraines, but now, I have realized that I was looking the wrong way. I am so pleased and my life has changed.

    I am going to keep going, as someone told me that I need at least 4 to 6 weeks gluten free to check the origin of the migraines. This is my experience so far. Thank you for the article published above. Bye now.

    Reply
  4. We found out our son (17) had allergies (through a blood test) to gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs and several other things. We cold turkey’d because he had had issues with diarrhea for several years and doctors really didn’t have an answer.

    Told us he probably had IBS and to try food elimination, well we could’ve been at that for a decade and not had any answers because he was still eating food he was intolerant to. Anyway, he felt good for about a month and then this last month he hasn’t felt well at all.

    He seems to be having trouble recovering from heavy exercise, he’s exhausted a lot. We were at a wedding dance and about 6 songs in he was sweaty, pale and his eyes didn’t look right (pale and watery). He has been catching every virus that goes through, missed school several times.

    We had him tested for strep because he had a nasty rash after having had a bad sore throat and fever, it was negative. Went back a week later because his rash was worse and had spread, they tested him for mono because of his tiredness etc. That came back negative.

    So we finally stumbled on candida die off and we are pretty sure he is experiencing that. The rash he has (on his thighs and some on his calves) looks just like the picture. We feel like this last month he has been detoxing and now the fungus is coming out of his body through his skin.

    Has anyone had any experience with a rash? I feel like I am laptop doctoring because no one seems to know what is going on. We have taken him to a naturopathic doctor but it is 6 hours away and the in-town doctor didn’t have any idea what the rash was. Any comments would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Yes I had hives for about 5 weeks after giving up gluten. I found out the body gets really sensitized during the recovery and I have become intolerant to lactose now. I am also exhausted. I have gone from being a very sporty person… running 10 Kms two or three times a week to nothing.

      My body doesn’t want to do anything except walk. I would advise that you keep your son off any lactose and milk for a few months, even goats cheese and yogurt brought back my itchy hives. Cross contamination from gluten is also a big problem, once the body has gone through a withdrawal any CC really affects it.

      Hives are more or less under control now as long as I avoid any lactose and gluten CC. Good luck.

      Reply
  5. I went gluten free 3 weeks ago. Two days after starting my nose started pouring and I had flu-like symptoms for 3 days. Listless, tired and joints aching. Luckily or unfortunately lol I was on holiday.

    The listlessness and fatigue continued, but it was better than the bloating and brain fog I had when eating gluten. I have now developed hives. It started on my neck and has spread to my arms. I’m taking anti-histamines as it’s unbearable. I hope this will pass soon.

    Reply
  6. So grateful to have found this. I am almost 60, have always had sugar and carb addiction, as well as so many joint or fascia or fibromyalgia issues, who knows. Years go I was diagnosed with candidas but could not maintain the restrictive diet (there were no substitute food choices at the time).

    My health prof suggested I try gluten free. I started about 6 weeks ago and really had no withdrawal symptoms. Until this last weekend. I feel like I have the flu, nausea, chills, hot flashes (on HRT so not menopausal flashes), depressed, lethargic.

    Of course, with fibromyalgia and given that I am an Imm and refugee lawyer on the front lines seeing the trauma and devastation going on, I did not recognize these as gluten withdrawal, just a bad week, especially since it’s been six weeks and especially because twice severe nausea was triggered by iced drinks.

    Until I googled this morning. I wonder if anyone with similar symptoms can recommend a good probiotic. I’ve tried numerous with no luck. Anyway thanks for the info.

    Reply
  7. I have gone gluten-free and it seems hidden medical issues are surfacing. I decided to go gluten-free because I was diagnosed with leaky gut. I first started adding in fermented foods – sauerkraut and adding probiotics. I actually developed pain from them.

    I have not been able to lose any weight in the last 2 years. Even when I was exercising 5-6 days a week – 3 of those for 2 hours a day. I do have Graves and Hashimotos. I decreased exercise time just due to fatigue and discouragement – started bike riding because I enjoy it – feed the soul feed the body type of thing.

    So, I began gluten free and began to lose weight – slowly, but finally going in the right direction. I have developed more severe stomach issues. I am always constipated now. I take flax seed every day, I put it in my steel cut oatmeal. I’m eating more salads than before, I juice occasionally.

    I drink only water, or green tea. I have not substituted much gluten free bread – only when I make a bison burger. The constipation now contributes and I’m having gallbladder issues. I can no longer eat eggs, sausage (even good kinds).

    I figured I was detoxing as I was a big consumer of gluten in breads – sandwiches were my favorite and biscuits and butter. Anyone else having issues with gallbladder since going gluten free? I was thinking it was because of the constipation. I’ve also added fiber to my oatmeal.

    Reply
  8. I felt better within 24 hours after going gluten free. I suffered from chronic diarrhea everyday. For most of my life. It was miserable physically and mentally. Adding to the gluten intolerance, I had intestinal parasites. I had several types. Caused by tick bites, overseas travel and cats feces.

    I was suffering from dysentery and malnutrition on top of the gluten intolerance This affected me mentally causing dysexecutive function issues. Doctors called me delusional. Fortunately a Veterinarian and a Foreign Doctor took and interest in my complaints and helped me with the parasites.

    I took Pyrantel Pamoate for a couple of weeks daily along with Albendazole. Then cycled the Albendazole on and off for a year. I started gaining weight. 5’11 inches and was down to 145 pounds. My weight went up to 170 pounds in a year. I was still suffering from chronic daily diarrhea and gained weight.

    The dysexecutive issues went away after a month of anti parasite treatments and I was gaining weight. When I went cold turkey on from gluten, my diarrhea end within 24 hours. A few days later I was exposed to gluten in blue cheese dressing and had diarrhea one day.

    Since then, I have been more constipated and regularly having bowel movements that are controllable. The healing process has been quite obvious and very positive. I lost a lot of my life and time to gluten. I have had craving that I rationalize away with the thinking about how miserable I was.

    I grocery shop for fresh fruits, vegetables and meats every 3 or 4 days. Treating myself to the good stuff. Avoiding anything in a paper box or meals ready to eat. I do not “look for substitutes” for gluten containing foods. There are over 20,000 natural food choices on planet earth.

    Why focus on wheat? The changes have been drastic. I have found that many Doctors really do not listen or have the patient’s health as their number one concern. They have billing and mortgage payments and clinics as their number one priority.

    Never finding a treatment protocol that is easy, fast or successful, but always finding a reason to have you take more tests in their facility and to come back for a follow up. I would have saved over $50,000 in the last few years and felt much better with simply removing gluten from my diet.

    Reply
    • I am so glad you are doing better. I agree with you about the medical system. It is a mess. Hope things keep getting better for you!

      Reply
    • John! So well-written and helpful! Can you please share more information briefly about how you found out you HAD the parasites? I’ve been wondering about this; I believe many of us walking around today have them – but don’t know.

      Reply
    • I have had chronic diarrhea for over two years. 5’3 went from 115 to 95 lbs in 6 months. No diagnosis from any of the many specialists I have seen. I started no gluten a week ago and was great taking immune boosters and having a kombucha every day.

      Yesterday I got so nauseas yesterday that I couldn’t eat and have had a severe stomach ache since last night. I hope it’s just withdraw but hopefully soon I will feel better. I’m glad you feel better, gives me hope. ✌?

      Reply
  9. I am not Celiac, at least not according to blood tests however I am definitely severely grain sensitive regardless, which is why I stopped eating them. 7 weeks ago I came off all grains and most dairy plus all processed foods, junk food and sugary foods except fruit.

    Initially I felt pretty good apart from some unexplained rashes and had increased energy but the last two weeks I have developed joint pain, muscle cramps, blurred vision, nausea, anxiety/panic attacks at night, loss of appetite and extreme fatigue to the point I’m going to bed at 8 every night.

    I have had full blood panels done and everything is excellent, never been better (I’m eating very well now which helps) no deficiencies or other problems/diseases. I have eaten grains every day of my life for 30 years.

    I am at my wits end to know what is causing this, does this sound like it could be withdrawal from grains/dairy? My doctor has no clue but a friend says it’s probably from giving so many things up so suddenly. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • You know, something like that happened to me a while back. I was eating ridiculously healthy and I started feeling horrible after a month or so. I ended up adding back in a little of the carbs, like popcorn and gluten and dairy-free items. Just a little bit. It made all the difference! I think I just wan’t able to get enough carbs the way I was eating. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  10. My husband decided to go gluten, sugar and caffeine-in Coke free 18 days ago as his weight was becoming a problem for his back. He quit bread as that was his main source of gluten and coke – being the main source of caffeine and sugar. 2 days after that he thought he was coming down with flu and was in bed on the 3rd day treating the ‘flu’ which was not getting any better.

    He was hardly eating as one could expect when having flu but after 10 days we wondered if it had to do with eliminating the above mentioned from his diet. Research from the internet convinced us these are withdrawal symptoms to expect and now after 18 days of terrible fatigue which is interfering with his job, we are wondering if he must bring some of these back into the diet, as we realize this can go on for quite a while longer and he has to work.

    He forces himself to do a couple of hours in the morning which is not easy at all. We don’t know how he will be affected if he introduces these things back into his diet in the hope of feeling ‘better’. At day 14 he started on vitamin tablets and juicing. The headaches have passed and he feels ‘fine’ when lying in bed but to get up is not easy. He has lost 7.5kg in the 18 days. We don’t know what to do now…

    Reply
    • It might have been a good idea to eliminate one thing at a time instead of everything at once. Maybe add in the Coke for now to see if he can get going, and then after a month or so try to wean that off.

      Reply
  11. I’ve decided to go gluten free for my step daughter, who has celiac disease. I felt she could use some support. After reading so much about it though, I definitely think I may have a wheat intolerance.

    I’ve eaten gluten almost everyday of my life and am now on week 2 of being completely gluten free. At first I was experiencing hot flashes and brain fog. I have noticed a spike in anxiety and tiredness also. Today has been the absolute worse though.

    I woke up vomiting and have been vomiting so much, I can’t keep anything down. I hope these withdrawal symptoms subside sooner than later. Also, my joint pain is unreal. I’ve had joint pain here and there before but this is full body pain and weakness.

    Reply
    • It should start getting better soon. Keep at it. I have been gluten and dairy free for months now and so worth it. My joint pain is gone. Energy levels much better. I am staying off for life…

      Reply
  12. Today is my 3rd day without gluten. It has been very validating to read the above writings. I am so tired and just want to sleep. It’s very difficult to concentrate, but I know this is what I need to do. Keep up the great work everyone!

    Reply
  13. My 10 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, she is our second of four children. I have decided to do it with her, for support and keeping my mind on it constantly. I have never been so tired in my entire life, and cold, and moody. She doesn’t seem to be suffering from any of these withdrawal symptoms. I hope they pass – the tiredness is almost unbearable.

    Reply
    • Proud of you mama! You will get through it. I am also on a gluten free dairy free diet along with my daughter but I did it first due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis. She is Autistic (High Functioning) and I recently learned how helpful it is to have her on it as well.

      So here we are in the middle of her withdrawal. She is definitely having a time of it. Angry and moody, irritable and a little down. Hope it goes by quickly.

      Also L-Carnitine is a great supplement to help you get through the withdrawal and low energy. Pick some up and you will feel better much quicker. Good luck to you!

      Reply
  14. Wow!!! Good to know I’m not going crazy. Gluten free almost a month and I’m so fatigued, depressed, and irritated. Please dear God I know I have to push on, and I will, but this withdrawal is rough!!!

    Reply
  15. I’ve had severe psoriasis in my palms of hands for years. I just gave up gluten 2 days ago and it’s gone!!! But… I’m experiencing flu like symptoms, that I pray go away soon. No more steroid creams, shots… just a diet change woo hoo!!

    Reply
  16. WOW! I had made alterations to my diet today to lose a few pounds, so I decided to eat more whole foods, fewer wheat products, and frozen items. Ended up eating NO gluten products/wheat all day and almost vomited and felt so horribly sick, also had a sweet taste in my mouth. I can confirm it is a gluten withdrawal! I am going to slowly taper my gluten down, cause cold turkey is ROUGH.

    Reply
  17. I just went pretty much cold turkey off of all grains 2-3 weeks ago. I did this because I had some belly fat that was pulling on my already swayed back, and causing back pain, not to avoid gluten per se. I have always leaned toward paleo/ERFYT eating (type O), avoiding grains the way most people eat them (with every meal), but only managed to avoid dairy for short periods.

    I have never avoided grains entirely, only mostly, so to do it completely now is new: no grains, AT ALL… Except I did eat some french toast 6 days ago, and it’s possible there was some grain in some sauce I had, too. But I’m guaranteed 6 days completely without grains.

    Anyway, in about the same time frame as giving up grains (but I’m not completely sure about that), I have been experiencing coldness, numbness, and tingling in my forearms and hands, and my feet, and even in my face (primarily the upper and lower lip). This freaks me out. The first time, I woke up with my left arm from the elbow to shoulder completely numb, and I thought I might be having a stroke!

    I have done an EMG which shows the nerve conduction in my left arm, and the muscle response, to be perfectly normal (the arm and foot tingling is worse on the left side). After reading about gluten withdrawal yesterday, and finding stories of body aches and such not unlike my own, I am wondering–fervently hoping, really–if these nerve sensations might be my body’s way of responding to the sudden lack of endorphins, and being very sensitive to any uncomfortable sensations in the wake of that.

    Most of the stories I read with symptoms like this were after eating gluten foods, not withdrawing from them, but it occurs to me that the negative stimulation caused by gluten, which can cause, evidently, peripheral neuropathy, might suddenly be felt in my body thanks to the sudden lack of exogenous opioids.

    In other words, I am hoping this is gluten withdrawal in one of its forms, rather than something more serious like neuropathy or MS–and that it will go away. Like I said, I was never heavy into the grains as in the typical SAD. But I probably have had more grains this past winter than I have in a long time, to the point of gaining double the belly fat of my usual Winter.

    And then I went cold turkey on grains. As a side note, I also have to be careful of becoming too careful: I have a history of borderline anorexia, and the idea of “clean food” appeals greatly to that part of me. So I am trying not to give everything up at once, lest I snap and go back on everything, if you follow me. Grains and dairy at once might be self sabotage–but it is something I am shooting for in the long run.

    Reply
    • I’ve just started on a gluten free diet 3 days ago and I’m experiencing the same tingling sensation of pins and needles in my hands and arms. Did yours go away eventually? Were they due to withdrawal of gluten in the end?

      Reply
  18. Doing this for Lent, onto Day 3 w/o Gluten and I have a raging headache. Can never seem to get enough sleep, and cannot focus AT ALL in school, hopefully my grades don’t go down! I feel hungry all the time, but also nauseous here and here so I’m not eating, causing my hunger. I really hope this passes by soon! Lent will be a long month and a half.

    Reply
    • Same here. I also did it last year for Lent and it took about three weeks to feel normal again. Headaches have been particularly bad this time around.

      Reply
  19. I went cold turkey 2 days ago due to thyroid gland inflammation and fluctuations in my thyroid function. I know it’s the right move but this morning I threw up, I have a headache, and I feel really tired and lethargic. I’m sure it’ll pass but in the mean time – ?

    Reply
  20. I am on day 4 of wheat withdrawal. Woke this morning with an awful headache, severe joint pain, upset stomach and extremely fatigued. I am not a large person but have had huge gut issues. I have lost 7 pounds and 6.5” off my stomach! That’s crazy!

    I have gone wheat free before with the same symptoms. I should have learned my lesson. After constant stomach problems, fluid in my ears and chronic sinus infections I had to make a huge change. Looking forward to coming out the other side which usually takes about 3 weeks for me.

    Reply
  21. I seem to have several weeks of extreme thirst and back pain with it when I go off of gluten. Eventually it goes away. At first I thought I had a UTI but figured it was something to do with not eating gluten since my urine was free of bacteria. Anyone else have this issue?

    Reply
    • I am also thirsty all the time since went gluten free 6 weeks ago! It is insane, everything started exactly when I stoped eating gluten. I have to wake up during the night to drink and my breath is bad!! ? I did not hear a lot of people with this problem.

      Reply
  22. I started a gluten, dairy and egg free diet 6 days ago. The first few days I had awful headaches and now a have flu like symptoms with diarrhea every time I eat anything. I’m so glad I found this article and read all of your comments. It’s good to know I’m not alone and that things will get better!! Thanks!!

    Reply
  23. I’m 20 years old and have suffered from dizziness and migraines the past several years with no real diagnosis. After every test you could imagine possible I finally decided to cut out gluten to see if it helps. The first 4 days I felt amazing and super motivated. On day 5 it all when downhill… It’s been a month and it seems like everyday gets worse.

    The brain fog I have is scary, I barley know where I am half of the time. I’m so tired and haven’t left my house much in the past month. I have daily headaches/migraines, and am super sick to my stomach, and my whole body aches. I lost almost 10 pounds in the first two weeks. (I weigh 120 now and am 5’5 so that seems like a lot of weight to lose in that amount of time..)

    I don’t know how much longer I can feel like this. I’m starting to think something else is wrong with me?!

    Reply
  24. Thank you for writing this post! I’m sorry for everyone who is suffering… it’s horribke. But reading all of these responses had given me hope that I’m not losing my mind.

    I went completely grain-free (avoiding trace amounts in all things… even down to my chapstick!). I was diagnosed with Colitis and made the decision at that time. I’ve also begun a higher fat way of eating at the same time, eliminated dairy (except real butter), and eliminated sugar.

    It’s been going on 6 weeks… and this dizziness is driving me bat-poop crazy! I had a major head injury (with blood clot) years ago, so was concerned about the dizziness; made two ER visits and was sent home with diagnosis of ishaemic migraine. When it first started it would feel like I was going to black out; now it’s mostly just dizziness off and on (3 weeks straight, 16 days straight, 8 days straight at this time). It will stop for a few days and then start back in.

    The nauseousness is horrible. I’ll feel so nauseous while eating, or immediately after eating on occasions. This is an on again off again issue as well.

    The “normal” menopausal hot flashes have stopped… but these weird “odd” hot/cold flashes are ridiculous! I very seldom get hot anymore, but I start freezing to death all the time. It’s the first time in years I can turn on my heated mattress at night, and wear long sleeved shirts, hoodies, and coats.

    I still feel drained mentally and emotionally. And the migraines I suffered with for over forty years have changed into these nagging sharp pains in my head. I’ve also been experiencing mild to moderate panic attacks due to all of these crazy symptoms.

    I get pains in my chest, feelings of detachment from myself, depression, anxiety, feelings of just wanting to give up (give up what I have no idea… I can’t go back to eating grains!).

    This is like a nightmare. I just want to feel good again, have energy again… and overcome this mess.

    I’m 54 years old… and I’m finally in the best healthiest shape of my life; but this grain-free venture has me almost down and out.

    I was a heavy grain eater all of my life… but I never thought the detox symptoms would continue this long. After reading these responses it gives me hope that I’m OK, just going through detox still.

    Reply
    • I am a 68 years old female who has had a medium to heavy gluten diet most of my life. My Primary Care Doctor told me a month ago that I should go gluten free. She said I was “slow” aka BRAIN FOG I guess. She also noted for a thin person, I have a very bloated belly. I have seen PBS health shows frequently that advocate going gluten-free.

      I now know that I was addicted to gluten. I was in denial that this could be happening to me. The game changer was when I went for Quantum Biofeedback (Indigo) on March 22, 2018. That was a real eye opener into what I’ve gone thru my entire life. Everything the therapist asked me was a positive answer.

      My second session on March 29 was a revelation. It showed that I am truly wheat sensitive. I did test negative for celiac disease. I decided to go cold turkey the next day and am at day 6 of this journey. I have lost 4 pounds already and feel weak. Sometimes my heart races with pulse to 95. I am so very glad that I found this website and stories of others with withdrawal symptoms.

      Sometimes, I feel like I could be losing my mind. Have had insomnia for years and mood swings. My bloated belly was very flat a few days ago and now it’s back to half of what it was before changes in diet. This has put a lot of stress on me, but I am determined to keep at it.

      Since the biofeedback showed that my gut is leaking and the rest of my body doesn’t know what to do with the invaders, that explains why I’ve been feeling poorly mentally and sometimes physically for so very long. I also learned about the connection with overuse of antibiotics over the years and the connection to leaky gut.

      I have less mood swings but the tiredness is sometimes overwhelming. I am managing to clean house by pushing myself and I did ride my big horse yesterday since I was determined to get fresh air and exercise him as well. I think my husband is finally understanding my symptoms do have a cause. I remember seeing a PBS program years back about “Wheat Belly”.

      I truly believe that is what’s happened to me and so many others that just don’t know what’s happening to them. It’s scary to realize that gluten can affect your brain the way it does. I hope people read more health related articles and get off being addicted to their cells phones, so they might truly find and understand that this scourge can be happening to them. I keep praying for strength thru this journey.

      Reply
  25. Today is my 10th day gluten free. I feel better but the mood swings are on and off. The inflammation on the legs going down slowly and my brain is clearer. Magnesium and kefir for prebiotic and some comedy might help. I hope this long road will lead us to wellness.

    Reply
  26. I have been gluten free for almost 3 weeks now. I quit cold turkey. I downloaded a gluten free app scanner because without it I would eat food that I had no clue contained gluten. It sucks. It really does. No more beer that enjoyed for years. No more pizza, no more of my fav snacks. It’s definitely a lifestyle change. It all makes sense now though. About 5 years ago I gained 50 lbs out of nowhere.

    In less then a year I went from 180 lbs to 230 lbs. I thought I was just getting older and my metabolism suddenly stopped! I was wrong, very wrong. Suddenly I was sick for days after a night of partying. I was the only one out of my friends who would experience 2-3 hangovers. I had no clue what was wrong. I tried diets, exercise etc etc. Nothing worked. It wasn’t until recently that I could no longer stand it.

    I started experiencing severe anxiety, brain fog, panic attacks, short of breath, horrible stomach aches, tired, dizzy, you name it! I finally went and saw my doctor hoping he would tell me what was wrong! Blood test came back normal, EKG normal, urine test normal. Good news, right?! I guess. Then I mentioned all the symptoms I was experiencing and he told NO MORE GLUTEN. Try the gluten free diet for the next 3 months.

    Avoid anything and everything with gluten. So here I am, week 3, no gluten and haven’t really felt any change in my health. My doctor prescribed some stomach medicine which has helped a little but I still feel like complete crap everyday. It’s exhausting! I was someone who ate gluten and lots of it my entire life. I have done my research and realize that I have been sick for many years and didn’t even know it.

    I’m hoping to start feeling better within the next few weeks or so. It gets discouraging at times reading comments that they saw a noticeable difference in there health after only a few days! Maybe I am being impatient seeing as it’s only been 3 weeks. Hoping to get back to my old self sooner rather then later. Anyone else gluten free and it took a long time to feel better?

    Reply
  27. I’ve been gluten-free for about a week and half now. Finally looked up withdrawal to see whether what I’ve been experiencing fit the bill or whether it was just more menopausal shenanigans. Bingo. I had two days where I felt as well as I’ve felt in months, maybe even years, but it was short-lived.

    Yesterday and today I’m dealing again with the fatigue, irritability, anxiety, bloating and headache. But, I think in the long run, it’ll be the best thing I can do for myself. What’s the new phrase, co-opted for this use? “Nevertheless, she persisted.”

    Reply
  28. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease over ten years ago. I woke up one morning and was so sick and tired of being in pain that I wasn’t sure I could eat another bite of food. That being said, I really didn’t want to die so I asked myself what have I not tried?

    The answer was giving up gluten. Within 24 hours I felt better. Yes, I had some side effects: bloating, constipation, some body aches, but nothing compared to years of pain I had been experiencing! Unfortunately the diet for Crohn’s is not a diet that works for a gluten intolerance.

    I am into this one month, it is the best I have felt in years. I am 70 years old, if you have any kind of intolerance to gluten I suggest you hang in there. The ravages of time takes its toll!

    Reply
  29. I started going gluten free about 10 days ago. It is something I have been considering for a while due to my autoimmune disease. I am also cutting out eggs. I have already been dairy free for over 18 months. I have found that I am a little constipated and also have light-headed feeling (but this is a regular thing for me so not sure if it is withdrawal or not).

    The biggest symptom for me is the mood swings, I have been horrible! Snapping at my husband even in the middle of the night! I am also just finding it hard to adjust to not eating cereal or bread, but getting there.

    I already have quite a few other food sensitivities too, so it makes eating more and more challenging, but I keep telling myself it is good for my health. I am hoping the foggy head goes way soon and I start to see an improvement in my health! Thanks everybody for sharing on here, as I had no idea there was withdrawal from gluten and I know I can do this now.

    Reply
  30. I decided to go gluten free 2 weeks ago after a long spell of alternating between constipation and diarrhea and terrible bloating, gas, pain in my lower and middle back, pain in my rib cage and gynae issues. I now have headaches, joint pain – knees and hips in particular, some gas and bloating but not as significant as before cutting out gluten but most worryingly my neck and chest glands have all started to swell, are itchy and burning.

    My left arm bad shoulder ache constantly and I have pain in my left breast and my back at my lower left rib cage. My anxiety is through the roof and I’m driving my husband to distraction worrying about all these symptoms. My mum has just been diagnosed coeliac but as my blood tests were negative my doctor has refused to do any further tests blaming my symptoms on IBS.

    I’m not sure what to do next I feel like a hypochondriac just mentioning the symptoms to the GP.

    Reply
  31. For the past two years, I have had issues with my health… first, it started off with my stomach bloating after I had milk or ice cream. Once I cut back on my milk, another thing would happen, if I ate spaghetti with my coffee my stomach would bloat and I would spend 1 hour with stomach cramps and hurling over the toilet. :( I switched over to Almond Milk which helped for a while.

    Then last year, I began to bloat again and had anxiety issues. I kept looking into the many options of what else could be making me sick… it was this Fall I researched Gluten along with it’s side effects. I fit all of them. I am on day #3 and it has been tough with all the holiday parties going on but I found out that candy bars and candy~canes are excellent substitutes!

    Physically, I can proudly say… I have never felt better since cutting gluten from diet! :) Merry Christmas to everyone! ?

    Reply

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