Chronic fatigue is a major complaint among celiac disease sufferers. Most of the time exhaustion comes from malnutrition or the body’s efforts to heal. When an individual with celiac disease eats wheat, barley, or rye, it triggers an immune system response. This reaction causes severe damage to the villi of the upper small intestines.
When the intestinal walls inflame and the villi flatten, the body can’t absorb nutrients properly and malnutrition occurs. This autoimmune reaction takes energy, and the healing process requires more rest and sleep. Chronic fatigue is also caused by other food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.
Before Taking Vitamins and Supplements Check Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
When an individual strictly follows a gluten-free diet, avoids hidden gluten, and addresses possible cross-contamination, yet still feels tired, vitamin and mineral levels need to be checked. Many vitamins and minerals are absorbed through the villi in the small intestines. The villi also make enzymes that digest sugar and lactose.
With damaged villi, the body has trouble absorbing nutrients and manufacturing necessary enzymes. The result is serious deficiencies. The vitamins and minerals most likely to be deficient in an individual with celiac disease are:
- CoQ10
- iron
- folic acid (folate)
- vitamin B-12
- calcium
- magnesium
- vitamin D.
Both iron and folate deficiency cause anemia, but without a blood test, a celiac can’t know which nutrient is low. The same goes for other vitamins and minerals. However, turning to vitamins and supplements won’t necessarily correct the problem. The best option is to make an appointment with a physician who can test for each vitamin and mineral, then supplement the diet with those that are low.
Food Allergy Facts: Food Allergy and Intolerance Cause Chronic Fatigue
In a late September 2006 newsletter, the IBS Treatment Center wrote that “one of the primary causes of fatigue is eating food to which you are allergic.” In fact, fatigue is “one of the most common symptoms of a food allergy and may be your only symptom.” While a gluten-free diet eliminates gluten, other food allergies and sensitivities can keep an individual feeling tired.
The most common additional food allergies and intolerances are:
- lactose intolerance or dairy allergy
- fructose intolerance
- sugar intolerance
- soy intolerance
- corn intolerance.
A celiac can be allergic or sensitive to any food, drink, or chemical. In some instances, like lactose or sugar intolerance, the problem is temporary and exists only until the villi grow back. At other times the problem is permanent. While various forms of food allergy tests are available, not all celiacs can afford them. For most, removing one of the major possibilities does the trick; but for others, an elimination diet is necessary to find the offender.
Feeling Tired With Health Problems Associated With Celiac Disease
By the time an individual is diagnosed with celiac disease, he often has additional health problems. This is partly because gluten can adversely affect more than just the small intestines, and partly because those with one autoimmune condition generally tend to develop more such conditions. Some of the most common conditions associated with celiac disease that also cause fatigue, or have fatigue as a symptom, are:
- leaky gut
- adrenal fatigue
- hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease
- hypoglycemia
- high blood sugars (hyperglycemia)
- fibromyalgia
- dehydration
- infections
- blood loss
- stress.
Why a Celiac Sufferer Feels Tired on a Gluten-Free Diet
Feeling exhausted is a major complaint among those diagnosed with celiac disease. Most of the time, the body is seeking to rest while it heals or recovers from an inflammatory response. However, tiredness can also be attributed to other major health issues and autoimmune diseases. Along with these conditions, food allergies, intolerances, and nutrient deficiencies can cause an individual to feel tired, even on a strict gluten-free diet. Turning to vitamins and supplements without first having a physician check and then monitor the blood levels of each vitamin and mineral isn’t a good idea.
Avoiding cross contamination of gluten is also important if a celiac sufferer is still feeling tired. It begins with thoroughly cleaning the kitchen, then replacing contaminated kitchen appliances. Depending upon a celiac’s level of gluten sensitivity, hidden gluten in personal care products might also be causing a celiac to feel tired. As a last resort, some individuals also find they need to go to a completely gluten-free home before they are able to totally recover.
References
The IBS Treatment Center, IBSTreatmentCenter.com, late September 2006 newsletter (accessed August 1, 2010)
CFIDS Association of America, “Treatment: Elimination Diet” (accessed August 1, 2010)
Green, Peter H. R., M.D. and Jones, Rory, Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic, Harper Collins, 2006
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Vickie Ewell - Vickie has worked with autistic individuals for 9 years. She has celiac disease and specializes in gfcf living.
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