October 13, 2010
Results of the beer test…not sure.
So I had my first beer in quite some time recently, to test whether I’d get the same reaction that I do when I eat something with gluten in. The simple answer is…not really. I felt a bit fuzzy headed (and I’m not enough of a lightweight for one beer to do that) but I didn’t get a stomach ache or any of the usual symptoms. I had a bit of an acidic stomach the next day, but that’s it.
I’m stumped. Any thoughts, GF people?
Sorry my response is a bit delayed, but here are my personal thoughts: if you’re certain you don’t have Celiac, it’s probably okay to indulge in a regular beer now and then if it doesn’t make you feel awful. The only issue would be if you are Celiac. Consuming gluten in any amount, regardless of whether you immediately feel the impact, is a health hazard. It affects your immune system and can cause nutritional deficiencies, other autoimmune disorders, and increase the risks of certain cancers. This is the whole reason why it’s so important that people who have the disease not “cheat”…because it’s not just like lactose intolerance where you feel uncomfortable for a day or two, it’s a very real health concern.
Anyway, that’s my two cents! Hopefully you figure out what works for you regarding the very, very important question of beer. :)
Thanks lady! The problem is that I never had a definitive diagnosis. I got a blood test which came back negative but I had been avoiding gluten (other than drinking beer) for weeks and weeks before that, so I just don’t know if it was a good diagnosis, and it’s definitely too late to do it now! I had a Guinness the other day and got a terribly acidic stomach, so (very sadly) that appears to be out. My concern is exactly what you said – if I *do* have Celiac then I shouldn’t have any at all, and I just don’t know. I actually do feel better for cutting out beer, so I guess I’ll stick to wine and GF beers for now and see how I go. Thanks Britt!