What happens when a celiac eats gluten?

Good freaking question.

Since my diagnosis, this question has been the most asked. "What happens if you eat gluten?", "Can you just have a bite?", "How can that be true...", "Are you sure that is the problem?".

Seriously, I hear these questions every week. I hear it from people online, family who want more information and in person at stores or restaurants. So, I am going to answer it.

Let's get into it.

Celiac disease isn't the same for everyone. Everybody and every body have different reactions when it comes to gluten. Personally for me, I have a small handful of side effects. When I ingest gluten my body disagrees quite quickly. My reactions begin roughly 20-30 minutes after intake. The side effects start with a stomach ache with a side of nausea. The cramps set in and so do the headaches after a few hours. I also notice that my depression and anxiety are heightened and brain fog gets worse. When I accidentally eat gluten, I get super bloated (think 7 months pregnant!) and my bowels don't know what to do with themselves. This lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 days.

I asked some friends in a Facebook group what their side effects were when they ate gluten. These were the results:

- Exhaustion

- Depression and anxiety was higher

- Joint pain

- Cramps

- Nausea and vomiting

- Headaches/Migraines

- Bloating

- Constipation or Diarrhea

- Insomnia

- Mouth Sores

- Skin rashes

- Loss of appetite

But like I said, everyone is different. Some may experience a few of the effects listed above or some people might have "invisible" celiac and not experience painful side effects at all. The body is a mysterious thing and new things are always happening. Side effects can change over the course of time. I would love to know what your body does to fight off gluten so leave me a comment or shoot me an email! I want to hear YOUR story!