Diarrhea Due To Gluten Intolerance: Lifehacks To Deal With The Symptoms
Gluten has become a much more discussed topic in recent years and gluten intolerance is one of those terms that seems a bit overused and exaggerated, but there is some truth behind it. Gluten-free diets were considered by some to be a fad for a while, but this is far from the case. There are observable symptoms of gluten intolerance that can be uncomfortable and unhealthy for sufferers. Out of all these inconveniences, diarrhea is one issue that many people with gluten-intolerance wish to address.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in various grains, especially wheat, rye, and barley. Not all grains contain gluten (for example, rice, oatmeal, and seeds are naturally gluten-free), but all gluten is found in grains (meaning you won't find gluten in any other source, such as vegetables or meats). In general, gluten helps with the structure and elasticity of your recipes, as well as trapping gases to help doughs rise.
Gluten Intolerance and its symptoms
So how are we "intolerant" to gluten? Three main conditions are usually combined with gluten intolerance: wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). But if you think you might be gluten intolerant, look for the common signs below.
- Digestive problems after eating gluten can be a big sign that you might be intolerant. This can include symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Having these symptoms occasionally is quite normal, but having them every day can indicate a problem.
- Bloating tends to be another common sign of people with gluten intolerance. If you notice bloating frequently no matter how much you eat, then it may be a sign of gluten intolerance.
- Stomach pain can have numerous causes other than gluten intolerance. But, if you experience this along with other gluten intolerance symptoms, then it may be related.
- Brain Fog or Headaches by itself is not a sure sign of gluten intolerance, but if you experience it along with other symptoms, then that may be the cause.
- Gluten intolerance can cause or exacerbate several different skin conditions. If you notice that you have dry skin or frequent rashes, this may be a sign of problems with gluten.
Natural Remedies for Gluten Reaction
You have made the mistake of eating gluten. The following are natural remedies that are lifestyle options or things you can do to treat your reaction to gluten.
Rest
After accidental exposure to gluten, try to get as much sleep as possible. After all, fatigue is a common symptom of a reaction to gluten. Rest is an essential element for healing our bodies.
Activated Charcoal
After a reaction to gluten, activated charcoal can help reduce gas and bloating. Activated charcoal is most effective when taken immediately after gluten exposure, as it binds to the toxin and prevents it from being absorbed by the body.
Water
Drinking water helps cleanse your system and helps your body recover. Because exposure to gluten can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, it is important to replenish lost fluids and avoid dehydration.
Ginger
Ginger can help alleviate some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. It's great for calming a restless stomach and helping with cramps.
Turmeric
While it's a key ingredient in your favorite Indian dish, turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is known to relieve stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea that can occur after gluten consumption.
Omega-3
When it comes to gluten intolerance, fish oil can also help coat the lining of the small intestine, which could reduce the risk of inflammation if gluten is consumed.
Gluten-free diet
A gluten-free diet has plenty of options. This allows you to create a variety of healthy and delicious recipes. Completely avoiding gluten can be challenging because gluten is found in so many common ingredients that we include in our daily diet. Following are the list of foods that should be avoided if you are gluten intolerant:
- Wheat-based foods like wheat bran, wheat flour, spelt, durum, Kamut, and semolina
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale
- Malt
- Brewer’s yeast
- Bread. All wheat-based bread.
- Pasta. All wheat-based pasta.
- Cereals. Unless labeled gluten-free.
- Baked goods. Cakes, cookies, muffins, pizza, bread crumbs and pastries.
- Snack foods. Candy, muesli bars, crackers, pre-packaged convenience foods, roasted nuts, flavored chips and popcorn, pretzels.
- Sauces. Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, marinades, salad dressings.
- Beverages. Beer, flavored alcoholic beverages.
- Other foods. Couscous, broth (unless labeled gluten-free).
The easiest way to avoid gluten is to eat unprocessed, single-ingredient foods
Foods to Eat
There are plenty of gluten-free options that will allow you to enjoy healthy and delicious meals.
The following foods are naturally gluten-free:
- Meats and fish. All meats and fish, except battered or coated meats.
- Eggs. All types of eggs are naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy. Plain dairy products, such as plain milk, plain yogurt, and cheeses. However, flavored dairy products may have added ingredients that contain gluten, so you will need to read the food labels.
- Fruits and vegetables. All fruits and vegetables are naturally free of gluten.
- Grains. Quinoa, rice, buckwheat, tapioca, sorghum, corn, millet, amaranth, arrowroot, teff, and oats (if labeled gluten-free).
- Starches and flours. Potatoes, potato flour, corn, corn flour, chickpea flour, soy flour, almond meal/flour, coconut flour, and tapioca flour.
- Nuts and seeds. All nuts and seeds.
- Spreads and oils. All vegetable oils and butter.
- Herbs and spices. All herbs and spices.
- Beverages. Most beverages, except for beer (unless labeled as gluten-free)
For any acute severe diarrhea symptom due to gluten-intolerance, you must visit a doctor immediately.
