Tips on Recovering From Being Glutened
I was inspired to write this post because I was just recently glutened and in the process of recovering when I thought, hey, my tips on recovering from being glutened might be helpful to someone else.
Anyways, I was glutened maybe 5 days ago but I can’t pinpoint the source. I remember back in the day I could tell you almost immediately if I was exposed to gluten but over time my response has become delayed (or maybe I’ve just grown further and further out of tune with my body).
However, the source is unimportant right now (you’ll find out why further in the post).
Usually, I am sick after being glutened for 3 days and then my stomach starts to return to normal. This most recent endeavor has lasted longer and I am miserable.
Which leads me to say that being exposed to gluten sucks. The symptoms are painful, uncomfortable, and impact everyday life. However, there are some things that are can help. Here are my top tips on recovering from being glutened.
1.
Push fluids
Keeping your body hydrated during this time is important. Especially if your symptoms are dehydrating in nature. You might also consider electrolytes.
Additionally, water and herbal teas that aid in digestion can help soothe your GI distress. Not to mention, you’re probably losing a lot of water during your trips to the bathroom.
I personally love sipping on green or ginger tea while I wait for my body to heal.
2.
Rest
This is by far the hardest for me. I am a person who thrives off of staying busy and being productive. It is a huge part of my self-identity.
So, slowing things down, recognizing that my body needs to rest, is hard for me. However, it’s important.
Resting can mean something different for different people. For me, it means not waking up at the crack of dawn and instead, letting myself sleep in.
It also means not overcommitting. It means freeing up my time before and after work to focus on resting and recovering.
For you, it might mean something else, but figuring out how your body needs rest and respect is important.
3.
Simple foods
While my symptoms vary depending on how bad the exposure was and when I was exposed last, it’s important to take it easy when it comes to food.
If you’re anything like me, a bad gluten exposure leaves you with a stomach that is very sour and feels like it’s on fire.
Eating bland simple foods can help soothe the fire in your belly.
Think boiled chicken, vegetable broth, mild soups, bone broth, plain white rice (if you can tolerate it) and boiled eggs.
4.
Self-care
Take care of yourself. Listen to your body and what it needs. Practice things that bring you joy, practice self-love, and take care of your body.
Whether that be forgiving, resting, taking a hot bath, or practicing yoga. Listening to yourself and your body during this time of discomfort is important.
Showing yourself love and compassion can be more powerful than you think.
In this way, developing a self-care plan for when you have been gluten can be helpful. Knowing the things you can do to help feel better and show yourself love is important during this time.
5.
Let go of blame
Yes, it is important to figure out how you were exposed to gluten in order to prevent similar exposure in the future. If you’re worried about someone else being exposed, address the issue later. However, don’t dwell on it and don’t stay bitter.
Right now you need to focus on you and that means letting go of the why and how until you recover.
6.
Let go of guilt
I struggle the most with this. I’ve been gluten-free for over 7 years, I should know better than to let myself be exposed. I’m always asking myself, how did I let this happen?
However, giving yourself grace is important. You are human so mistakes happen.
You were exposed and you can’t change that. It happened. Now you need to forgive yourself and focus on recovering.
Some other notes:
L-Glutamine has been thought to help repair the gut. In a time where your body has been attacking itself, taking L-Glutamine is thought to help improve repairs.
Mint is a carminative, meaning it can help with any GI upset. Carminatives can help with cramping, bloating, and gas. If you’re anything like me, you get so bloated you look pregnant after exposure. When this happens, I pop a peppermint or drink mint tea and it helps my bloating go down significantly.
Do you have any tips for recovering from gluten exposure? Let me know in the comments!
Traveling soon? Check out my top tips on traveling with Celiac too!