What Can You Do if You Accidentally Eat Gluten?

When you have been accidentally “glutened,” knowing what to do can help you recover much sooner. Always be prepared ahead of time with a few simple remedies, and you will feel better and heal faster. In this article, I aim to share with you some of the tools I have used over the years, as well as some that have been shared with me by others.

No two of us have precisely the same reactions to ingesting gluten, so the remedies here are based on the symptoms you may be experiencing. Quite often, the same basic symptoms appear for you each time this happens, depending on the amount of gluten. Get to know your body and how it reacts. This can help you know what to do right away. The sooner you take remedial steps, the sooner you will be as right as rain again.

When a little gluten sneaks its way into your tummy… This feeling bad is not ‘just in your head’ as many of us have been told along the way, but it often helps to keep a positive attitude and think of things in a lighthearted way, all along taking a few simple remedies to help you feel better fast.

1. Drink Mint and Ginger Tea… sleep it off.
2. Do something good for your Microbiome – Take Probiotics
3. Sip Bone Broth and take Vitamin C.
4. Take a whole bunch of funny stories and digest them fully.
5. Crush up cartons of laughter and stir with other people.
6. Go for a walk in the moonlight with someone you love.
7. Have a cat sit on your lap
8. Read a book to a child
9. Give someone you love a big hug.
10. Bake some gluten-free cookies and eat them all… (well, almost)

This Article Contains a number of ‘Feel Better’ Recipes,

Steps to feeling better as soon as possible!
Pamper yourself a little.

• Take note of how you usually feel when you have not been “glutened.”
• There are telltale signs that can alert you right away that you have been “glutened.”
• Learn to discover what these are for you, so you can do something to shorten your downtime as soon as possible. For me, it is a pain in my big toe. Or my fingers start swelling up, followed by other unmentionables. See some recipes for remedies below.
• Be prepared with ideas on how to cope with your specific symptoms. Different people exhibit different symptoms that require individualized treatment.
• Remember what soothed you as a child. For me, it was my mom’s homemade soup. For others, it is cold applesauce or dry gluten-free toast. Sometimes you need something delicious that you cannot eat at that moment to look forward to; it will pass.

 Pretty soon, you will feel like yourself again!

As careful as you are, being unintentionally “glutened” happens to all of us sometimes. Gluten is just everywhere, and unless you live in a bubble, there will be those times when you eat something, and unbeknownst to you, there was hidden gluten in there somewhere! Don’t beat yourself up. Just take care of the symptoms. You may also feel agitated or cranky, so remember to be deliberately kind to others as well. They don’t realize how bad you are feeling. No one knows but yourself.

Whether you are new to the gluten-free life or have been living it for some time, I hope you will find some suggestions here that will help you. Remedies are based on varying symptoms. Additionally, here are some of the tell-tale signs that I and others have experienced, which can help you understand what you are going through.

“Celiac” or “non-celiac Gluten-Intolerant,” you can share symptoms.

There is a wealth of information about celiac disease, based on years of research. Celiac disease can be tested so that you know conclusively if you have celiac disease. In another article on this site, I give a more extensive explanation of the two conditions. “Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity or Gluten Intolerance” are both terms used to describe the same condition. If you are Gluten Sensitive, there is no medical test that can conclusively determine whether this is the problem; hence, many people suffer for far too long before receiving the right help and diet. The symptoms can be less severe than those of Celiac Disease, and they can vary significantly from person to person. However, in the long term, studies have shown that the damage to the body over time is similar. Not to mention the discomforting symptoms for either.

There is no definitive test for Gluten Sensitivity other than an elimination diet.

Because there is no test for Gluten Sensitivity, as a last resort to find out why they are experiencing specific symptoms, a doctor advises going off gluten for a month or so to see if they feel better. Often, within only two weeks, symptoms subside.

Because many people have widely varying reactions to ingesting gluten, it can take a long time for doctors to discover what is actually causing their distress.

How much gluten is enough to cause a reaction?

Even a small amount of gluten ingested can cause symptoms and affect how you feel. I attended a lecture many years ago, and the speaker, a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal problems, stated that as little as a quarter teaspoon is enough to set off a chain of reactions. Of course, it all starts in the digestive tract. Then, as the gluten goes through the gut, it often triggers responses elsewhere in the body.

The Gut is like another brain.

Some people experience brain fog or mood changes as soon as thirty minutes after eating gluten. When gluten escapes a leaky gut into the bloodstream, it can also enter the brain. Symptoms can occur as quickly as within twenty or thirty minutes, or it may take a few hours or a day before you start to notice that you have been glutened. Sometimes you can feel generally unwell.

What are some of the symptoms of being ‘Glutened’?

• Symptoms can include joint pain, bloating, and body swelling.
• Abdominal distress accompanied by stomach ache and/or diarrhea or constipation.
• Symptoms can also be extreme fatigue, nausea, cramps, vomiting, and headaches.
• Brain Fog, lethargy, uncharacteristic mood swings, depression, and even unreasonable anger.
• A skin rash can be a symptom.
• Feeling depressed, fatigued, and listless.

What is Asymptomatic Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity?

You should also be aware that some people are asymptomatic. In other words, they don’t experience any symptoms for an extended period of time. It is when they encounter some other problem that it is realized that the issue all along was a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

How long does it take to get used to the diet?

It can take a couple of years on a gluten-free diet before you stop feeling deprived and want to cheat.

I remember the first Thanksgiving after going gluten-free. I would have given anything for a piece of pumpkin pie! But as they say, “necessity is the mother of invention,” it was right then that I determined I would find a way to bake good-tasting gluten-free foods. STARTING WITH A PUMPKIN PIE RECIPE! It took many trials, but I finally developed a delicious pie crust recipe. You might enjoy my Cookbook, with over 300 recipes.

Some people have a lot of willpower, but not me. I was only able to stick to a gluten-free diet and avoid the bad feelings once I could say to myself, “I will go home and make that!” During my photography career at the time, I frequently attended banquet-type functions. Seeing all those goodies that I couldn’t even taste was indeed very difficult!

The last time I actually ate something with gluten in it knowingly was a long time ago now. However, as careful as I am, being glutened unintentionally does happen on occasion. So, I have learned how to deal with it quickly and get feeling better as soon as possible. 

It is not such a bad diet once you get used to it. Since going without gluten means you feel good most of the time, you realize you would rather feel good than eat gluten-containing foods. There are moments you can feel deprived and wish you could have that delicious-looking something that others are eating, but it does get easier. As mentioned, I started to make a turnaround when I told myself, “Just go home and make a gluten-free version!”

“Take things in stride. You live life differently now. No, it is not funny!
But it sure does help to have a sense of humor…
And after all these years of experiencing the gluten-free life, I can give you hope.“

Trina

The remedies provided here are based solely on personal experience. Mostly, it takes time to get over being accidentally glutened. Once you start to recognize the signs, you learn what helps YOU in particular. Everyone’s experience is slightly different. Always consult your own healthcare professional for treatment advice.

Here is a list of General Tips and Recipes that can help you feel better after being “Unintentionally Glutened.”

• An electric heating pad can help ease aches and pains.
• Sometimes you need to take a painkiller like Tylenol for the aches and pains in the early stages. However, try to avoid these if possible, as they are hard on the digestive system and the bowels. They can actually slow the healing process if used over an extended period.
• Ginger Tea is a good natural remedy since ginger is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. See the recipe below.
• A couple of drops of Oil of Peppermint can help relieve nausea.
• Tapioca Tea can help relieve nausea
• Drink plenty of water to flush out your system.
• Add electrolytes to the water to replenish those lost through vomiting or diarrhea. t is a good idea to keep some powdered electrolytes available from a pharmacy on hand so you can add them to water anytime you find yourself in this situation. In short, Electrolytes regulate the fluid levels in your body. Maintain a balance of acid and alkaline in your body for optimal health, which helps regulate heart and muscle contractions, replenishes tissues, assists with blood clotting, and transmits signals between cells. Becoming dehydrated can lead to a decrease in the body’s electrolyte levels. )
• Have some Lactobacillus probiotic tablets ready in the fridge. They can help alleviate symptoms.

Cucumber and Lemon Water Infusion Recipe:

Cut up cucumber and lemon slices and infuse (soak for about 20 minutes) in a pitcher of filtered water. Pour yourself a glass as desired.

Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, as well as the following minerals. Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Potassium, and Manganese. Monounsaturated fats contain vitamin C and restore pH balance.

Ginger and Lemon Peel Infusion Tea Recipe:

Cut up slices of peeled ginger root. Keep slices of ginger in the freezer to use as needed. With a potato peeler, peel off a couple of slices of lemon zest. Place the ginger and lemon in a mug and pour boiling water over them. Let them steep for a few minutes, then sip the warm tea.

Recipe Link to Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Maple Syrup and Whipped Cream

Herbal Teas that help calm the system

• Peppermint Tea helps alleviate gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea. Sprigs of fresh peppermint in hot water are the best remedy. You can use already prepared peppermint tea bags. Alternatively, an age-old remedy for settling the stomach is a few drops of Essence of Peppermint, added to water, which can be obtained from a druggist.
• Chamomile Tea has a naturally calming effect and is mild in taste. 
• Fennel Tea – Pour boiling water over Fennel Seeds and let steep for fifteen minutes.
  Fennel Seeds contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6, Cobalamin, and Magnesium.
• Ginger Tea is made from freshly grated or sliced frozen ginger in boiling water. Add natural organic honey, maple syrup, xylitol, or coconut sugar to sweeten. Y u can also use dried ginger in a pinch. G nger Root is a natural pain reliever, soothing and warming to the body. It calms nausea, has anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood sugar, relieves indigestion, helps reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol, is said to be a ‘brain’ food, helps fight infection due to its somewhat anti-bacterial properties, helps lower blood pressure, and has antiplatelet aggregation, preventive, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties.
• Another way to keep some Ginger on Hand –
  I like to grind up a couple of large ginger roots in a small amount of water in a Ninja Blender. I then strain the juice from the pulp and freeze it in an ice cube container for use at any time. You can also peel fresh ginger, slice it very thinly, and freeze the slices. This way, you have some on hand whenever you need it. G eat in many recipes as well.
• Flaxseed Tea. Flax seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, protein, lignans, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3 fatty acid. Ground flax seeds are high in fiber. Ground flax seeds must be refrigerated as the oils will become rancid.
• How to Make Flaxseed Tea. In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as those used for canning fruits, place 4 or 5 tablespoons of whole flax seeds. Add boiling water and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Refrigerate for not more than 3 or 4 days to keep fresh. You can also boil flax seeds for about 15 minutes, strain them, and save the resulting liquid, known as “Goop.” You can freeze the “Goop” in ice cube containers and use it as needed. P ur out 1/4 cup of the strained liquid into a mug or cup and add boiling water to heat. Add the sweetener of your choice, or drink plain. The gelatinous consistency of the flax helps your digestion. Another use for Flax Seed “Goop” is as an egg substitute in baking.
• Iron Tea – Boost your iron while enjoying a hot, soothing drink. Just add a teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses to a cup of hot, steaming water and sip.
• Tulsi Tea is also called Holy Basil. The leaves can be steeped (1 tsp. to 1 cup of hot water) for 10 minutes. T lsi Tea is calming and has a balancing effect on the digestive system. Mild tasting. Tulsi is a relative of Basil, but not the same thing.
• Fiber Digest Chia Drink – Put a teaspoonful of Chia Seeds in a cup of hot water. Let them sit until jelly-like balls form, from 15 minutes to an hour. Take plain or with a bit of fruit juice—a good, nourishing fiber drink.
• Tapioca Tea can help relieve symptoms of an upset stomach. Two ways to make Tapioca Tea are:
  1. Simmer 1 tablespoon of Tapioca Pearls in 2 cups of water until the tapioca swells up.
  2. Place a small amount of Tapioca Flour in a large mug. A d a little cold water to blend. P ur boiling water on top to fill the mug. Sip the tea slowly. See the recipe below.

TIP: Remember, you need more vitamins on a gluten-free diet, especially in the beginning stages or when you are feeling low. Take a good gluten-free vitamin and mineral supplement. Pay special attention to the B vitamins.

Treatments for Constipation Symptoms

• Drink a large glass of room-temperature prune juice.
• Stewed Prunes. Dried plums are well known for helping to relieve constipation.
• How to Make Stewed Prunes: Place the prunes (with pits removed, if possible) in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Bring the prunes to a boil for about 1 minute. Cover, turn the stove off, and let it sit for about an hour. Or you can simmer for ten minutes. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a slice or two of fresh lemon (or both) will add a delicious flavor twist.
• Make sure you have enough Vitamin C. Humans don’t make their own Vitamin C.
• Eat four Majoul Dates every evening for a week. This normalizes the bowels. Remove the date pits and place a small amount of cream cheese in the middle; the dates make a great dessert. Ma oul Dates don’t significantly increase your blood sugar.
• Chia Seeds: In a cup of hot water, place one teaspoon of whole Chia Seeds. Let it stand until the seeds are like little gelatin-like balls. It takes about half an hour. Drink a cupful once a day (alone or with lemon juice).
• Tinned pears (drained). This remedy helps some people and not others. Pears offer very gentle help.
• Fresh peaches, plums, pears, and other seasonal fruits also help when available.
• Add some Psyllium Husk fiber to prune or other fruit juice to speed elimination. Psyllium Husk Fiber will add more fiber to your diet. You must drink plenty of water or other fluids when taking Psyllium Husk Fiber. There are numerous grades or ‘meshes’ as they are called. I prefer to obtain the finest mesh available. So sometimes I grind it in a coffee grinder.
• Hulled Hemp Seed can help to ease constipation in a gentle manner.
• Castor Oil. A spoonful of castor oil is an old-fashioned remedy, best saved for extreme situations. It is awful to taste, but if you have some flavorful liquid to drink immediately afterward, it takes away the taste. This treatment should take effect within a couple of hours.
• Castor Oil Packs – Another way to use castor oil with gentle, soothing results is to rub a tablespoon or two on your stomach. Cover with a flannel cloth or towel. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the fabric and lie down for about an hour to let the castor oil soak in and gently ease your tummy.
• Always take a good digestive strain of Acidophilus Lactobacillus after any laxative treatment. In less severe cases, this is the best first option to take. There are many different kinds with billions of strains. There are also chewables. It is often best to chew these with some fruit for extra efficacy.
• Enemas or Colonics – Use only as a periodic urgent treatment. Make sure to take
  Acidophilus Lactobacillus afterward to restore the natural flora and fauna in your gut.
• Laxatives – These can also be used on occasion, but it is better to try natural remedies first, so your body does not become dependent on them.
• Train yourself to ‘move your bowels’ in the mornings. Over time, if you take the prunes, etc., or Acidophilus Lactobacillus in the evening, this helps train your system.

Make Porridge to add both fiber and a soothing, warm gruel to help ease the digestive tract:

Cereal and Porridge Suggestions:

• Cold Seed Cereals. A cereal made from a couple of tablespoons each of Hemp Hearts, Ground Flaxseed, and Chia Seeds, mixed in a bowl with a bit of honey and yogurt, is a Quick and easy-to-make cereal. You can also add ground Sesame Seed for a source of protein.

Add some of the following to your cereals.

• Nuts
• Macadamia Nuts
• Raw Cashews
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Nut Butters such as Peanut, Cashew, etc.

• Seeds
• Chia Seeds – can be eaten without grinding. Be t soaked in a bit of water so they form gelatinous balls that are easier to digest.
• Hemp Seed
• Flax Seeds – must be ground.
• Sesame Seeds – a small amount can be ingested whole, but they are best ground for use in cereal. Sesame seeds are high in protein.
• Shelled Pumpkin or Squash Seeds

• Dried Fruit
• Dried Banana pieces
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Dried Apples
• Dried Mangoes
• Dried Pears
• Dried Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Apricots – Organic apricots have a dark appearance but are quite tasty. There is also a sour apricot for variety.
• Medjool Dates
• Goji Berries

• Fresh Fruit
• Strawberries
• Kiwi, green or gold varieties.
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Mango slices
• Peaches, Apricots, and others to your liking.

• Other Additions
• A dash of Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Raw Sugar
• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Milk, Yogurt, Almond or Nut Milk, Rice Milk
• Almost anything goes; mix and match to find your favorite combinations of ingredients that are readily available in your area.

• Gluten-Free Commercially Processed Cereals, such as Gluten Free Rice Krispies, Arrowhead Mills Maple Buckwheat Flakes Cereal, and others.

Cooked Porridge

• Red Quinoa Porridge. To cook red quinoa, use a ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2.5 parts water. A ash of salt. Use cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer 2 minutes, cover, and let stand until the quinoa puffs up and shows its little white tendrils. The water will evaporate. This is not a mushy porridge. Add a little butter, and it makes a nice breakfast. This can also be cooked and stored in the fridge to be used as an addition to other meals, cereals, or salads. I prefer the taste of red quinoa over white; you decide.
• Oatmeal Porridge. ONLY OATS PROCESSED IN A GLUTEN-FREE FACILITY. There are now several brands of Gluten-Free Oats available in both complete flake and quick-cooking types, as well as a new Instant Gluten-Free Oatmeal.
• Can all Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive People Eat Oats? The answer is NO… even when they are correctly processed, many of us cannot tolerate oats, or for some like myself, only a little once in a while as a treat.
• Cook Oatmeal Porridge according to the instructions on the particular package. A quick method is:
• Oatmeal Porridge Recipe: 1 Cup of Oats, 2 cups of cold water, a dash of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Si mer for 5 minutes. Makes several servings. You can keep precooked oatmeal in the fridge and reheat as desired. Add brown sugar, milk, or cream. Or add butter and salt. Add fresh, frozen, or dried fruits, nuts, and other ingredients.
• Trina’s Aztec Harvest Blend Mix #4 (see cookbook) makes a great hot porridge in under three minutes.
• Rice Porridge has been a known tummy soother for eons. To make rice porridge from any rice. Use: 1 part rice to 6 parts water. Salt to taste. Cook the rice slowly, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and soft. Eat it as a porridge on its own, or mix it with other foods to add flavor. Use a hand blender to create a smooth Congee-type gruel as desired.
• Rice served with lentils is a complete and easy-to-digest protein. Red lentils are easy to cook. Just rinse, soak, and cook. The water ratio is 1 part red lentils to 2 parts water. Red lentil pancakes are delicious.
• Whole Amaranth can be cooked to make a porridge. It can also be roasted in the oven and then added to another cereal. Alternatively, you can blend it into a powder in a coffee grinder and add it to your baking.
• Buckwheat is a superfood and has no relationship to wheat. It is not a grain. Japanese Soba Noodles are traditionally made from Buckwheat. However, you still need to read the ingredients and be sure it is certified gluten-free, as it can be ground on the same mills as wheat.

Give yourself time to heal.

If you are new to a gluten-free diet, your body may require a significant period of adjustment and healing. Give yourself time. Relapses can happen even if you have not ingested gluten for some time. Just be patient with yourself. It can take up to two years for the damage done to heal.

When first changing your diet to all gluten-free eating, it can take some people quite a while to start feeling better. The body can also begin to cleanse itself, and the process can be uncomfortable.

A person I know was in such pain in the beginning due to a cleanse-like period that they could only walk a small step at a time. Actually, what helped start them on the road to recovery was a series of Colonic Treatments. Colonics should only be a short-term solution.

More About Probiotics and Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Probiotics are microbes that come in many different strains. The most well-known are those of Lactobacillus Acidophilus species. They specifically support gut health, while others aid the immune system. The digestive strains aid in digestion, whereas the immunization strains help support the immune system to rid yourself of flu or cold symptoms.

Traditionally, Lactobacillus Acidophilus is kept refrigerated. Don’t freeze. Some strains can now be stored at room temperature, allowing them to pack well for trips. Since gluten attacks the gut, if you are intolerant to gluten, most strains should work to reduce inflammation and increase gut health. Since the natural flora and fauna found in the intestines are essential to gut health, it is a personal observation that having a few days with an added Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplement does help.

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus Acidophilus), is a natural bacterium found in the mouth and intestine. In supplement form, they are called Probiotics and aid in naturally supporting the functioning of your microbiome. Each type of Probiotic supplement and each strain of bacterium works in different ways.

Treatments for Diarrhea Symptoms

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplements also help alleviate and normalize the gut after a bout of Diarrhea.
• Avoid milk and dairy products while diarrhea continues. This should clear up in just a few days. In some individuals, this condition persists, and seeking a physician’s advice is recommended. If this is a recurring condition and you know what has worked for you in the past, continue with that approach.
• Drink clear liquids. Make sure to add electrolytes to water or other liquids. You may need a medical additive; consult your physician.
• Sip soothing herbal teas, see the examples of teas above, and also a list of herbs below.
• A Resistant Starch Drink can soothe the symptoms. Here’s how. Add one teaspoon pure Potato Starch to a glass of water and drink. You may flavor or sweeten as you like.
• Tapioca Tea is especially soothing for symptoms of diarrhea.

Cassava Tea

Cassava Flour, which is made from the entire cassava root rather than an extract, is said to relieve symptoms of diarrhea & irritable bowels.

• Place 1 teaspoon of Cassava Flour in a large coffee mug
• Blend with a small amount of cold water to dissolve
• Add boiling water and stir.
• Sweeten with a bit of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. I like molasses; it adds some needed iron, or a little fresh ginger juice, which I find helps calm irritation in the bowels.
• Drink as a tea several times a day until the condition improves.

What to do about other Symptoms

• For Rashes and skin-related symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a doctor for treatment options.
• For headaches, brain fog, and other symptoms, you can use remedies that help you eliminate the offender in the gut first. Refer to the above tea remedies and manage any other symptoms that accompany this condition. It can take some time.
• Get help from a doctor specializing in Gastroenterology

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoid Relief may be necessary as this is often a side effect of either constipation or diarrhea. The pain from this swelling and inflammation can sometimes be one of the main symptoms.

Sit in a warm to hot bath morning and night. Dissolve Epsom Salt in the water once a day until relief is obtained. Or use a Sitz Bath.

Use Witch Hazel as a calming cleanser. Or another cleansing pad for this purpose. Witch Hazel contains tannin and is calming to the affected area, helping to reduce itching. Witch Hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and reduces any bleeding. You can also soak a gauze pad and apply it to the affected area, leaving it in place for five to fifteen minutes until you feel some relief.

Try ‘Anusol’ Suppositories with a pain relief formula.

Try this natural remedy for Hemorrhoids: Apply a mixture of two tablespoons of glycerin and one tablespoon of Epsom Salts to a gauze pad. Place the compress on the painful area and leave it in place for fifteen minutes. Apply as necessary, every four hours, morning and night, before your warm bath.

Herbs can soothe and speed up the time it takes to recover from an “Unintentional Glutening.”

These types of Herbs and spices are called Demulcents. The e herbs help protect the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract from further damage. Some are also Anti-Spasmodic.

• Gentian (bitter)- strengthens weakened digestive tracts. Usa e is a tincture taken 15 minutes before meals.
• Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice or DGL (demulcent, anti-inflammatory). Available as a chewable tablet. It helps alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
• Aloe Vera Juice – Available bottled (a demulcent and mild laxative). The gel is soothing on the digestive tract. The whole leaf has a more laxative effect and must be prepared by removing the skin. Aloe Vera Gel increases the absorption of Vitamin C and E. It helps with Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and symptoms arising from unintentional gluten consumption.
• Slippery Elm Infusion (a demulcent and laxative): Mix slippery elm powder with warm water and let it sit overnight; consume it cold. Help ulcers, gastritis, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, diverticulitis, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and colic.
• Chamomile Tea (anti-inflammatory properties, calming, and helps with digestive issues) helps alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, reflux, peptic ulcer, flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis, and constipation.
• Marshmallow Root Tea. Mars mallow root can help treat digestive conditions, constipation, heartburn, and intestinal colic.
• Turmeric is a great spice that offers the health benefits of Curcumin, a component found within it. To achieve the benefits of a supplement with a higher percentage of Curcumin, a Higher Concentration is needed, as turmeric spice only contains about 3%. However, incorporating turmeric into your cooking and consuming it in other forms is a good practice.
• Collagen and Gelatin: Both are made from animal collagen with the same amino acid profile. Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller units of protein, which are easily digestible and dissolve in hot or cold liquids. Good quality unflavored gelatin is an excellent source of collagen-building amino acids. Bone broth is a good source of natural collagen/gelatin.

 Digestive Enzymes

Adding good-quality digestive enzymes to your diet can help your digestive system assimilate foods more easily in the short term. Enzymes help you fully digest your meals and prevent issues such as increased gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Eat Simple Healing foods that are easy to digest for a few days.

Simple, easily digested foods with soothing and nutritious properties include;
Bone broth, chicken broth, soups, mashed or baked potatoes, baked chicken or fish, and well-cooked vegetables. Save the al dente vegetables for when you are feeling better.  Avoid foods that are raw and/or high in fiber immediately following gluten exposure. Unless constipation is one of your symptoms, you will need to add more fiber to your diet immediately to get things moving. These types of foods are more challenging to digest fully, and it’s best to wait to consume them until you’re feeling better again.

A good bone broth naturally contains collagen and glutamine as well as a complement of minerals. You can purchase bone broth to keep on hand for added nutrition. Making y ur own can take a little effort if you don’t have some on hand. You need good-quality, organic bones, if possible. You need to add an acid, such as lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine, to help extract the gelatin from the bones. Homemade chicken soup is also a good choice.

Potatoes

White potatoes, whether mashed, baked, or boiled, are easily digested. Chicken, Salmon, and other fish are good foods. Eat salmon and other types of fish twice a week. Well-cooked vegetables. High-fiber vegetables like sweet potatoes and squash. After a few days, you can add more high-fiber foods, such as psyllium husk, beans, and flaxseed crackers.

Bananas are easy to digest and soft, and have been a longtime go-to for Celiac patients. They are packed with nutrients and easily digested fiber. Plantains resemble bananas but must be cooked; they make a tasty side dish or a suitable substitute for hash browns.

Resistant Starch and Butyrate

Potatoes that have been cooked and then cooled contain more resistant starch, which benefits the gut and aids in the production of Butyrate. Eating foods high in resistant starch can be a good addition to your everyday diet. Green Bananas and plantains are a source of resistant starch. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that promotes intestinal health by feeding the friendly bacteria, which are so necessary to gut health. Butyrate is the primary fuel source for healthy colon cells. Butyrate is a part of the colon’s mucus layer, protecting the lining of the intestinal epithelium. Butyrate is produced during the fermentation of dietary fiber within the intestines and plays a crucial role in maintaining colon health. See another Blog on my website for a more comprehensive explanation of Resistant Starches.

Pamper yourself

Try to get extra rest. Be gentle with yourself and more patient with others. Any short temper caused by internal pain can manifest as some irritability and impatience. Be more patient with yourself and refrain from reacting negatively to others. Wait a day and think it over before responding negatively. The other person may not have meant it as harshly as it sounded. Remember, one of the symptoms of unintentional glutening can be either depression or anger.

Apply warmth to the tummy with a heating pad or hot water bottle.

Walk, take a stroll as soon as you feel a little better. Don’t just curl up and lie there too long. Getting your body up and moving again will also help improve your digestion. If you are finding yourself feeling ‘down’ and depressed at all, force yourself to dance a little. Yes, you heard me, dance! It is well known that it is almost impossible to be depressed when dancing to some great music.

How long does the discomfort last?

The duration of your discomfort is directly proportional to the quantity of gluten you have ingested. With unintentional gluten exposure, where the minimum amount of gluten has been consumed due to cross-contamination at a restaurant where, for some reason, proper precautions have not been taken, the symptoms can last a minimum of a week for me. Since I know how to manage my symptoms, I am still able to carry on working and such. I know to be patient with myself. There have been a couple of occasions when, somehow, more gluten was ingested unknowingly, and it has taken a month to feel completely well again.

Be prepared for the next time. Make a special kit that includes the remedies you find most helpful. You can keep this on hand so that you will be prepared when and if this happens again.

I wish unintentional gluten exposure had never happened. Still, regardless of how careful we may be, it does happen, and it’s better to have the remedies that work best for you readily available and at hand.

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