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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Do you follow a gluten free diet even though you do not have celiac. Does it help?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭

I was tested for Celiac and I do not have it.

September 27
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A MyLupusTeam Member

My rheumatologist thought I had Celiacs 30 years ago, but tests kept coming up negative. Then suddenly they were positive when I had allergy panels at Dunwoody labs. Sometimes the tests don't get at it. It could be medication you are on or supplements/herbals you are taking interfering with the tests, just like herbals, meds, and supplements can interfere with rheumatological tests, scans, and biopsies. Nothing with gluten comes into our house now.

September 27
A MyLupusTeam Member

I don't, because I eat a plant-based diet, which helps me. Eliminating gluten would mean giving up wheat, rye, and barley, and it would be too restrictive for me.

It seems to help some people, though, which is great.

@KAndersonMoore--Has it helped you?

September 27
A MyLupusTeam Member

I have been gluten free since May 2026 and it has made a difference.

September 27
MyLupusTeam

Great question! Even without a celiac diagnosis, some people with lupus find that reducing or eliminating gluten helps with their symptoms. This is sometimes called non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and research suggests people with lupus may be more prone to it.

There's currently no single test to confirm gluten sensitivity Show Full Answer

Great question! Even without a celiac diagnosis, some people with lupus find that reducing or eliminating gluten helps with their symptoms. This is sometimes called non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and research suggests people with lupus may be more prone to it.

There's currently no single test to confirm gluten sensitivity, so the best approach is an elimination trial — temporarily cutting out gluten and tracking how you feel. Members of MyLupusTeam have shared mixed experiences with going gluten-free:

- Some report noticeable improvements in symptoms when cutting out gluten
- Others feel the benefits are overstated and find it frustrating when people suggest diet as a cure-all
- Many note that food triggers are highly individual — what helps one person may not help another

The key takeaway is that it's worth exploring, but ideally with guidance from a registered dietitian or your rheumatology team to make sure any dietary changes support your overall lupus management.

September 27
A MyLupusTeam Member

That is interesting about GMOs. I will look into that. Thank you.

September 28

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