Celiac Disease and Hydration: Addressing Fluid Needs in Gluten-Free Living
Living with celiac disease can be challenging. Not only is a gluten-free diet the only treatment, but even when you’re being vigilant, hidden gluten can provide a very unwelcome surprise. Understanding the role hydration plays can make a difference in managing your symptoms when they arise.
The Importance of Hydration in Celiac Disease
A quick explanation first for those who may be new to celiac disease. When someone with celiac disease ingests gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and many other ingredients), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. This can lead to various gastrointestinal issues, often resulting in fluid loss and problems with nutrient absorption.
Chronic small intestine inflammation caused by celiac disease impacts the brain-gut axis — a complex communication system between your gut and brain that signals nerves and muscles to act. While this system generally helps you know when you’re full or hungry, helps move food through digestion, and can trigger cravings, when there’s inflammation it can lead to brain fog, severe headaches (including migraines), and even signs of anxiety and depression . If you have concerns around any of these issues, talk to your doctor for further insight.
The Power of Electrolytes
Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining energy levels, regulating fluids in the body, and easing muscle contraction, including those from stomach distress. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes after accidental gluten exposure can make a big difference in how quickly you feel better, but you may need a greater amount of electrolytes than most over-the-counter electrolyte drinks provide, which is why we recommend following your doctor’s advice rather than just grabbing your everyday brand.
People with celiac often report feeling very thirsty even after drinking lots of water. So, even when you’re not having gut distress or other celiac symptoms, drinking electrolytes with your water will help hydrate you quicker and keep you feeling hydrated longer.
The key, however, is to make sure you’re hydrating without extra ingredients that could potentially add to your stomach distress, such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and, of course, gluten. Ultima Replenisher electrolyte mixes have no gluten (less than 5ppm), no sugar or carbs, no caffeine, and no artificial colors, dyes or sweeteners. They come in a variety of delicious plant-based flavors to help you stay hydrated. If you’re new to Ultima, start with one of our Variety packs —you’ll get to try different flavors, plus they come in convenient individual stickpacks that you can take with you wherever you go. We even have a new Strawberry Margarita flavor in our Mocktini Variety pack that you can bring with you to parties, clubs or other social events!
Living Your Best Life
Managing celiac disease can be difficult and takes time to adjust to, but by following your doctor’s advice, eating a understanding the benefits of hydration and electrolyte replenishment, especially after accidental gluten exposure, you can better manage your symptoms and support your overall health. With the right tools, knowledge, and hydration, you can live a vibrant, healthy life.
