Did you know it only takes about 1/64 of a teaspoon of gluten -less than a visible crumb- to cause severe intestinal damage to a celiac?
Whether it took place on Sunday when you and your friends brunched at a restaurant that did not ensure their gluten-free menu, or when you ate those delicious flour-free cookies that your grandma insisted you have, or even if you are completely unsure how it really happened, many of those who are sensitive to gluten or have been diagnosed with celiac disease and follow a strict diet have been there: that unfortunate, unintentional exposure to gluten that is also known as “glutening” or “being glutened”.
Gluten is found in almost every product right now. It is a very cheap ingredient that many companies put into their products as either a binder or filler. Although the goal of every celiac may be to go gluten free, completely eliminating gluten can be rather challenging. This is why:
- Gluten is used in most medications as a filler, binder or thickener.
- Gluten can be used in some supplements as a filler, binder or thickener too!
- You could be sensitive to gluten and not even know it.
- Some beauty products and cosmetics have gluten-based ingredients.
- Vegetable broth may have gluten in it unless it is “gluten-free.”
- Skin products like creams and sunscreens might have gluten.
- Skin irritations, headaches, weird cravings, belly bloat, acne, eczema, ADD, constipation and many other symptoms, could be signs of gluten sensitivity.
- Some forms of alcohol have gluten.
Ana Goldseker, Director of Nutrition at Nava, knows celiac is clearly made worse by gluten, but she says what most do not realize is that it could also bring inflammation if other grains are refined. In other words, pain, bloating and inflammation can occur any time one even eats gluten-free products. When one is diagnosed with celiac, an elimination diet might be able to take away some of the confusion, alleviate symptoms of being glutened, and in time, allow intestinal damage to heal.
In other words, avoiding all “gluten free” and gluten containing products for a time will help bring things into balance and then, starting with grains without gluten and unprocessed might be the way to go. If your symptoms are very intense, then getting off grain altogether might be the answer, even if only for a few months.
The take away is that you do NOT have to suffer. There are ways to feel great and enjoy your food. Most times, meeting with a nutrition expert and getting coached around a customized eating plan helps ease glutened symptoms. Navigating this gluten-free world can be easy when you know some simple rules. If you are wondering what to do when you accidentally eat gluten, here are five quick Gluten attack remedies that you can start right away:
1. Drink More Water
You might be surprised to learn that several drinks actually contain or have “hidden” gluten in them, particularly beer and malts. For this reason, it is best to stick to drinking water when you are gluten free, especially if you have been exposed to gluten. Water is also known for assisting in the removal of negative toxins from the body, so drinking more water daily may ease and help you cope with the symptoms of gluten exposure.
2. Epsom Salt Baths
Known for relieving inflammation and easing pain, Epsom salt baths help cope with the digestive issues and joint pain that happen after the consumption of gluten. This is accredited to magnesium, a mineral notorious for relaxing the muscles and relieving aches. It is also an effective way to reduce migraine headaches and detoxify your body of free radicals. Following gluten exposure, you should begin by taking an Epsom salt bath two to three times per week. Some of the best-selling ones include Epsoak and Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution.
3. Sleep More
Due to the chronic fatigue that accompanies a glutened stomach, restorative sleep plays a vital role in the recovery of the human body. During sleep, blood flow travels directly to our muscles, (repairing tissue and increasing cell production) facilitating the healing process. Reducing physically demanding activities and increasing your sleep hours after ingesting gluten accidentally might just be the key to easing glutened symptoms.
4. Probiotic Supplements
Even though not every probiotic serves the same purpose, most of them are dairy-free capsules that provide relief for recurring intestinal distress and produce natural antifungals. These supplements also stimulate the immune system while strengthening the lining of the gut.
5. Take Turmeric / Enhansa
Also known as Curcumin. This popular Indian spice is a great and effective antioxidant. It not only helps the body get rid of negative toxins, but has several anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, resulting in the reduction of inflammation and swelling. These supplements are available as compounded capsules, organic powder, culinary spice and even tea!