Glutening refers to accidentallyeating glutenand then experiencing symptoms of a gluten reaction.
Those symptoms may start quickly (within minutes).
you may not see signs of a reaction until several days after ingesting gluten.
Eric Audras/ Getty Images
It doesn’t take much gluten.
A tiny amountpossibly even smaller than the eye can seecould trigger a variety of bodily reactions.
Symptomsof glutening are often digestive (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation).
Les and Dave Jacobs/Getty Images
These symptoms can last for days or weeks.
Get as much rest as you possibly canwhenever you might grab it.
Try breathing deeply to clear your mind of any gluten-induced anxiety as you rest.
Pixel Pig/Getty Images
If you’re feeling the effects of gluten contamination, have a go at avoid those types of tasks.
Reschedule what you possibly can.
In most cases, though, you’ll just have to wait for it to lift.
Jamie Grill/Getty Images
Skip Lactose-Containing Foods
If you’ve experienced a severe exposure, you may temporarily becomelactose intolerant.
This means you have difficulty digesting the natural sugars in milk and dairy products.
Lactose intolerance occurs because you digest dairy proteins with the very tips of yourintestinal villi.
PeopleImages/Getty Images
When you ingest gluten, you’re free to damage those villi.
Lactose intolerance is common in people with celiac disease, especially among those newly diagnosed with celiac.
This indicates that their villi can recover.
Lactose intolerance related to glutening is usually only temporary.
If your lactose intolerance continues indefinitely, there are over-the-counter remedies.
Taking chewable tabs or non-chewable pills whenever you eat dairy may help you digest it.
Many people do well on a modified “BRAT” diet.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
If you don’t eat grains, the BRAT diet won’t work for you.
However, you could likely find something else easily digested to eat.
Consider options such as a plain omelet or some chicken soup with vegetables.
Maintain a strict gluten-free diet and you’re more likely to feel better sooner.
Take caution a step further, and avoid taking any chances while you’re recovering.
Summary
Accidentally eating gluten can cause symptoms of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Getting extra sleep is essential to recovering from gluten-related fatigue and brain fog.
With these symptoms, you should also avoid tasks such as making critical decisions.
Be prepared for symptoms to last a few days or longer.
When it does occur, your body will tell you to slow down so that it can recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can vary from person to person.
One study found that symptoms for celiac patients ranged from one hour to eight days after accidental gluten exposure.
2016;44(6):612-619. doi:10.1111/apt.13725
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Learn about gluten-free diets.
Beyond Celiac.Symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
