During a visit to my orthopedist I made a confession: “I stopped eating gluten and—this might sound a little crazy, but—a lot of my joint pain disappeared.
She smiled and said, “You’re not the first person to say that.”
See How Gluten Can Cause Joint Pain
I stopped eating gluten because a couple of friends said doing so might relieve some unexplained symptoms I was experiencing, like fatigue and mild joint pain. I had strong doubts, but my primary care doctor and I had run out of ideas (I was waiting to see a specialist). I figured I had nothing to lose.
See Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue
Within a week of going on a gluten-free diet, my fatigue, joint pain, and many other symptoms disappeared.
The Connection Between Gluten and Joint Pain
It turns out, researchers have long known that people with autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are at higher risk for celiac disease,1Rath, L. The Connection Between Gluten and Arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/gluten-free-diet.php Accessed August 20, 2015.,2Barton SH, Murray JA. Celiac disease and autoimmunity in the gut and elsewhere. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2008;37(2):411-28, vii. an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
See Inflammatory Arthritis
More recently, medical experts have begun to acknowledge the connection between gluten and joint pain described as non-pathologic (unrelated to disease).
Both my orthopedist and primary care provider agree that my gluten-free diet is probably keeping my joint pain and other symptoms of inflammation in check.
See An Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Arthritis
Wait, Don’t Go Gluten-Free Yet…
Before you throw away your pasta and cereal in search of joint pain relief, consider these factors:
- Going gluten free isn’t for everyone.
Whole grains are a recommended part of a healthy diet. No research suggests everyone should start eating a gluten free diet. But for people experiencing painful joint inflammation, eliminating gluten and other “pro-inflammatory” foods may be one treatment approach to consider.
See The Ins and Outs of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Food products labeled “gluten free” aren’t necessarily healthy.
Processed foods labeled gluten-free may contain sugar, saturated fats, or additives. When possible, choose naturally gluten-free foods instead. For example, skip the sugary gluten-free cereal and make yourself a bowl of gluten-free oatmeal or a fruit smoothie for breakfast.
Watch: Inflammatory Arthritis
- Eating a gluten-free diet isn’t a magic bullet.
Adopting other healthy habits, such as making time for exercise, is essential to eliminating joint pain.
See Managing RA Fatigue Through Diet and Exercise
- A health professional can help.
It’s always a good idea to tell your doctor about lifestyle changes, including a change in diet. A doctor may refer you to a registered dietician who can recommend certain foods, helping ensure you get enough nutrients and fiber in your gluten-free diet.
See Arthritis Treatment Specialists
- You might experience gluten withdrawal.
Many people report that their inflammatory symptoms initially got worse after starting their gluten-free diet. This withdrawal stage can last days or even weeks, so you may not want to go gluten-free right before a big event, like a vacation, holiday, or the start of a new job.
No single treatment or lifestyle habit can eliminate the symptoms of arthritis, but going gluten-free may be an option worth trying as part of your overall treatment plan.
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FAQs
“We know that certain foods are pro-inflammatory, which includes gluten-containing grains and the thousands of foods made from them,” says Rosian. “When some, but not all, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity eliminate these from their diet, they may find their arthritis symptoms also improve."
Does gluten free help with pain? ›
Going gluten free isn't for everyone.
No research suggests everyone should start eating a gluten free diet. But for people experiencing painful joint inflammation, eliminating gluten and other “pro-inflammatory” foods may be one treatment approach to consider.
What does celiac joint pain feel like? ›
Your pain may be dull and achy or sharp and throbbing. It may be felt locally in one area or throughout your body. Muscle pain may also include spasms, while joint pain can include stiffness and tenderness.
Why are many doctors against a gluten-free diet? ›
Eliminating gluten may not only strip your diet of valuable nutrients, but also hinder the accuracy of tests for celiac disease, a serious autoimmune condition in which gluten signals the body to attack the lining of the small intestine.
How does gluten-free diet help rheumatoid arthritis? ›
“The antibody profiles are different for rheumatoid arthritis,” Goodman said. Eliminating gluten from the diet can ease digestive and joint pain caused by gluten sensitivity in people who are genetically predisposed to gluten sensitivity, but it's not likely to benefit others.
Does cutting out gluten help with joint pain? ›
For some with gluten-related joint pain, symptoms may improve within weeks after ditching gluten. For others, it may take a little longer, and for many, the problem may not be gluten at all.
Can gluten free help fibromyalgia? ›
Many of us who suffer from fibromyalgia also have certain food allergies or intolerances. For those who are allergic or intolerant to gluten, removing it can help with a variety of problems including inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. According to researchers, this can sometimes alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms.
What is the downfall of gluten-free diet? ›
Keep in mind that some processed gluten-free foods contain high amounts of unhealthy ingredients such as sodium, sugar and fat. Consuming these foods can lead to weight gain, blood sugar swings, high blood pressure and other problems.
How long does it take gluten-free to feel better? ›
When Will I See Results? Once you start to follow a gluten-free diet, your symptoms should improve within a few weeks. Many people start to feel better in just a few days. Your intestines probably won't return to normal for several months.
What happens to your body when you stop eating gluten? ›
It's common to feel constantly hungry during your first several weeks without gluten. You may want to eat all the time. Your body hasn't been able to absorb food properly for a while. So once it can, it'll try to make up for the deficit.
Some research links red meat and processed meat to inflammation, which may increase arthritis symptoms. For example, people who eat a lot of processed and red meats may have higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hom*ocysteine.
How do you know if gluten is causing inflammation? ›
Gluten exposure may cause inflammation in those with gluten sensitivity. This inflammation may result in widespread pain, including in your joints and muscles ( 51 ). People with gluten sensitivity also seem more likely to experience arm and leg numbness.
What diseases does a gluten-free diet help? ›
Results. Keeping a strict gluten-free diet is a lifelong necessity for people with celiac disease. Following the diet and avoiding cross-contamination results in fewer symptoms and complications of the disease. For some people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the condition may not be lifelong.
What conditions does gluten free help? ›
Keeping a strict gluten-free diet is a lifelong necessity for people with celiac disease. Following the diet and avoiding cross-contamination results in fewer symptoms and complications of the disease. For some people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the condition may not be lifelong.
Can a gluten-free diet help with nerve pain? ›
A sensitivity to gluten in the diet has been linked to nerve damage called neuropathy, and a new study appears to back that up. The study found that a gluten-free diet may help reduce pain caused by gluten sensitivity in some people.
Does gluten sensitivity cause pain? ›
People may experience the following symptoms for several hours or days after they consume gluten: Abdominal pain. Anemia. Anxiety.
What is the benefit of eating gluten free? ›
A gluten-free diet may provide many health benefits, especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten-related disorder. If you do, following a gluten-free diet can help ease digestive symptoms, reduce inflammation, and boost your energy levels.
