How I Healed My Gut After Being Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

This article was originally published as a personal account by Karissa Giraldi, RD, a former practitioner at Natural Choice Medical Clinic. It was substantially updated in 2026 to provide current, evidence-informed information for people experiencing persistent symptoms following a celiac disease diagnosis.

[Medically reviewed by Dr. Harmonie Eleveld, ND; July 2026]

Receiving a celiac disease diagnosis can bring an enormous sense of relief. After months or years of fatigue, digestive symptoms, nutrient deficiencies or feeling that something simply isn’t right, finally having an explanation can feel like an important turning point.

But what happens when you remove gluten and still don’t feel well?

Although a strict lifelong gluten-free diet is the established treatment for celiac disease, symptom improvement does not always happen immediately. Some people continue to experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, heartburn or nutrient deficiencies even after making major changes to their diets.

This does not necessarily mean that the gluten-free diet has failed—or that you have done something wrong. It may mean that your body needs more time, that gluten is entering your diet unexpectedly, or that another concern needs to be investigated.

Still Having Symptoms After Going Gluten-Free?

There are several reasons someone with celiac disease may continue to experience symptoms.

1. Unintentional gluten exposure

Gluten can appear in unexpected places, including sauces, seasonings, supplements, medications and foods prepared on shared equipment. Cross-contact can also occur in restaurants or in kitchens where both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods are prepared.

A naturopathic doctor with expertise in celiac disease can help identify potential sources of exposure while ensuring that your diet remains balanced and nutritionally complete.

2. Recovery can take time

A gluten-free diet allows the small intestine to begin healing, but the process is not instantaneous. Symptoms may improve at a different pace than bloodwork or intestinal healing.

Regular follow-up with your family doctor, naturopath or gastroenterologist can help determine whether your symptoms, celiac antibodies and nutritional markers are improving as expected.

3. Nutrient deficiencies may still need attention

Celiac disease can interfere with nutrient absorption, particularly before diagnosis. Depending on your history, your healthcare provider may assess nutrients such as:

• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Zinc

Supplements should be chosen based on your individual needs rather than assumed to be necessary. Taking a high dose of a nutrient without confirming a deficiency may be unhelpful and, in some cases, harmful.

4. Another digestive concern may be contributing

Not every symptom experienced after a celiac diagnosis is caused directly by celiac disease.

Persistent symptoms may sometimes be related to another digestive condition or food intolerance. Depending on the individual, a digestion focused naturopathic doctor may consider possibilities such as lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, altered bowel function or another gastrointestinal condition.

This is why persistent symptoms deserve an individualized assessment rather than an increasingly restrictive diet or a collection of supplements selected through trial and error.

5. A gluten-free diet can change the nutritional balance of your meals

Removing gluten may substantially change the amount of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals in your diet. Some packaged gluten-free products contain less fibre and protein than the foods they replace.

A balanced gluten-free diet can include naturally gluten-free foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat, fish and appropriate gluten-free grains. The right approach depends on your nutritional needs, preferences and other health considerations.

What About Collagen, Probiotics and Other “Gut-Healing” Supplements?

It is understandable to look for something that will make recovery happen faster. Online advice for celiac disease frequently recommends collagen, probiotics, digestive enzymes and restrictive “gut-healing” protocols.

However, no supplement replaces a strict gluten-free diet, appropriate medical follow-up and investigation of persistent symptoms.

A supplement may be appropriate for a particular person, but the choice should be based on factors such as their symptoms, health history, medications, diet and laboratory results. A product that helped someone else may not address the reason you are still feeling unwell.

Before beginning a new supplement or stopping a medication, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.