WHAT TO DO IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY EAT GLUTEN

From time to time, accidental ingestion of gluten can happen due to factors out of our control, often when eating away from home. When this happens, how quickly we react and how severe our symptoms are will vary depending on the amount of gluten consumed and our level of sensitivity.

Some people with coeliac disease develop symptoms very soon after consuming gluten, even within an hour, while for others, many hours can pass before symptoms appear. Some will have no obvious reaction, while others may experience varying degrees of symptoms.

Remember, you can’t rely on the absence of symptoms to indicate you are safely able to consume gluten, as bowel damage can occur despite the absence of symptoms. You should always stick to a strict gluten-free diet, even if you don’t feel unwell when gluten is consumed. If you have accidentally eaten gluten, you don’t need to panic.

Here’s what helps:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. If you are having a lot of vomiting or diarrhoea, over-the-counter rehydration fluids available in powder form, such as Hydralyte or Gastrolyte, can help replace lost fluids more effectively and safely.
• Get plenty of rest and give your body time.

The following approaches might help too:

The symptoms of coeliac disease can be similar to the symptoms of other conditions. When unwell, we can sometimes assume that gluten is the culprit; however, it may not be. If your symptoms persist and/or re-occur regularly then consult your doctor about other potential causes.

There is no way to know how much damage may occur when gluten is accidentally consumed. An accidental one-off exposure to gluten will not increase your risk of long-term health complications. However, regular and ongoing intake of gluten can pose a risk to future health and should be avoided.

Remember, don’t let the risk of gluten exposure stop you from enjoying social occasions and important events. Gluten-free food can still be enjoyed and used to help celebrate!