In our house, unknowingly ingesting gluten is affectionately called being “glutenized”. And I say unknowing ingesting gluten, because we get too sick from gluten to ever knowingly eat anything with gluten. I was just glutenized again the day before yesterday. And yesterday is pretty much a blur. Total brain fog, doubled-over with stomach cramps, in and out of the bathroom all day, and so tired I didn’t get anything done.
What Did I Eat This Time?
To tell you the truth, I really don’t know. My reaction to corn is now so similar to my reaction to gluten that I have a hard time telling them apart. I’ve got it narrowed down to four possibilities. As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, we’ve recently moved so we had to find some new brands to replace our trusted ones we normally purchased.
It could have been some canned beans, an all natural fruit and vegetable drink, or some goat cheese I had. Who knows?
And I have to admit, I was hungry the other day and even though I knew there was a possibility I might get sick, I took a chance. I don’t normally throw so many variables into the mix – try to only eat one new food at a time to test. But sometimes you can just get so hungry!
Surviving Being Glutenized
Over the years, we’ve come up with a few things that help make our gluten and food reactions less severe and last for a shorter duration.
Our 1-2-3 “Oh No!! I Ate Gluten Again!” Punch!
This is our current protocol for being glutenized:
Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal absorbs chemicals and toxins is able to bind them in it’s porous structure, and this prevents your body from absorbing any unwanted toxins. It definitely seems to help many with celiac disease who have been faced with gluten contamination. It’s not known if it helps because the charcoal absorbs the gluten itself, or possibly if it is the charcoal absorbing chemicals that cause normal digestive upset but many like myself find relief when it used as soon as a gluten reaction is recognized.
I would never have thought in a million years to try this, but it works. I mistakenly thought it was only for times you ingested a poison and you needed to vomit. I use Country Life Activated Charcoal and take 2 capsules every couple of hours until I’m feeling better.
Formula 303: Formula 303 is a natural muscle relaxant. It’s a combination of valerian root, passion flower, and magnesium carbonate. Here’s a really detailed description of Formula 303.
It has this funky smell to it, but I don’t mind it so much because it’s kind of my ace in the hole, so to speak. I could be in the fetal position, unable to move and after two doses of good old Formula 303, I’m standing upright again. I am so thankful for finding this.
Often I pick this up on eBay, but it’s about the same price as the link above.
Traumeel: This is a homeopathic remedy for muscular pain, joint pain, sports injuries, and bruising. It contains the following:
Belladonna 4X 75 mg, Arnica montana, radix 3X 40 mg, Aconitum napellus 3X 30 mg, Chamomilla 3X 24 mg, Symphytum officinale 8X 24 mg, Calendula officinalis 2X 15 mg, Hamamelis virginiana 2X 15 mg, Millefolium 3X 15 mg, Hepar sulphuris calcareum 8X 15 mg, Mercurius solubilis 8X 15 mg, Hypericum perforatum 3X 8 mg, Bellis perennis 2X 6 mg, Echinacea 2X 6 mg, Echinacea purpurea 2X 6 mg
And even though it is made in a lactose base and we don’t eat dairy, we don’t seem to have a reaction to it. We actually seem to do well with most homeopathic remedies. Traumeel is available through iherb.
Our newest additions to our glutenized protocal:
Epsom Salt Baths: Epsom Salt is magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is a hydrating agent which causes the intestines to hold more water which softens the stool. Because it is a hydrating agent, it also helps to relieve bloating. Epsom Salt help to relax muscles, stimulate the digestion of fat and protein and provide relieve for the digestive system.
Epsom Salt baths are also great for overall muscle aches. It works by helping to expel the lactic acid from muscles and this allows the body to release pain.
To learn more about how Epsom Salts can help with digestion and other health issues, click here. Very information article. Even I learned a thing or two. You can purchase a 1 pound box of Epsom Salt through iherb. You’ll use about 2 cups for each bath. A larger quantity of Epsom Salt is available through amazon.com, also. When purchasing Epsom Salts try to look for brands that don’t add any additional filler ingredients or artificial fragrances.
Sooth Digest: And my new favorite, that I don’t leave home without – Soothe Digest. I love this. Often I can just use charcoal now and Soothe Digest and it will greatly help to reduce the effects of being glutenized.
Soothe Digest contains three carminative herbs – fennel, anise and caraway seed. Carminative herbs are good at soothing the stomach and reducing symptoms associated with indigestion such as excessive gas and bloating while soothing the gastrointestinal tract and helping to promote digestion.
What Do You Do?
What’s your best way to combat being glutenized? Post in the comments and let us know. Always looking for any suggestions to help get through this a little faster.
