Monday, February 16, 2026

can edema be caused by gluten or milk products?

The reason I asked this question is that ever since I was in the hospital I have had to eliminate all fiber from my diet for awhile because of something similar to diverticulitis from a Naval hernia. However, I didn't have to take furosemide or potassium since about Christmas time because my ankles didn't swell up at all. So, it didn't matter how much water I drank my ankles were okay. 
 
However, my wife made brownies for Valentine's day in the form of a heart mold and baked them and I had 3 yesterday (silly me) and last night and today I felt awful and had to take tums last night and I looked at my ankles and realized that I likely don't have to take furosemide but that something is causing this swelling that I have eaten in the last couple of days. So, i realized I might have non-celiac gluten sensitivity because the only real change was these gluten based brownies from the very sparse diet I have been on since being in the hospital. So, if you have edema and don't want to take furosemide because sometimes it makes a person hallucinate at night or radically reduce your water intake try not eating any gluten for a week or two and see if that helps you like it has me. I haven't had ANY edema swelling at all Since I was in the hospital from January 4th through 6th and it's now Monday February 16th. So, it's been 1 1/2 months since I needed to take Furosemide last. (So I don't think I'm going to eat that last brownie because I don't want to have to take Furosemide ever Again!)  Maybe because I'm 77 years old now that I have a different immune system that can't now deal with Gluten after all these years?
Maybe! 
 begin quotes:
 
Yes, edema—the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues—can be caused by reactions to gluten or milk products
. Individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or dairy allergies/intolerances may experience inflammation-related swelling, particularly in the ankles, hands, or eyelids, as a result of consuming these foods.
How Gluten and Milk Cause Edema
  • Gluten: For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten can cause chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to water retention and swelling. A case study noted that a patient's ankle edema completely disappeared after switching to a gluten-free diet.
  • Milk Products: Dairy allergies or intolerances can trigger inflammatory responses that result in fluid retention. Some, particularly children, may experience periorbital edema (swelling around the eyes) due to dairy consumption.
  • Inflammation Mechanism: Both dairy and gluten can contribute to inflammation in sensitive individuals, which is a major cause of swollen feet.
Key Considerations
  • Timeframe: Dairy allergy reactions can occur within 12 to 36 hours of consumption.
  • Other Causes: Edema can also be caused by high salt intake, medications, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions.
  • Recommendation: If you suspect a food sensitivity, it is advised to consult a doctor before eliminating these food groups to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
For more information, you can read the full article on Everyday Health regarding gluten, or see the study on PubMed regarding milk intolerance.
  • Could My Swollen Feet Be Tied To My Diet? | Cone Health
    Feb 9, 2018 — Your medical provider can give guidance on what is best for your situation. This information does not constitute medical advice or...
    Triad Foot & Ankle Center
  • Are there food allergies that cause edema? - Health | HowStuffWorks
    Mar 25, 2011 — The food allergy that's most likely to cause edema is a dairy allergy; the symptoms typically set in 12 to 36 hours after you eat ...
    HowStuffWorks
  • Can Eating Gluten Cause Swelling or Edema?
    Jul 31, 2025 — Edema is swelling in the hands, arms, ankles, and feet. It's caused by excess fluids trapped in the body. Edema isn't a common sid...
    Everyday Health
Show all

 

No comments: