Gluten Intolerance

What is Gluten Intolerance?

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I declare a gluten war…

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Time to get our knowledge straight!

There are different types of gluten-related disorders or sensitivities and it’s important to understand them. Some are allergic reactions, while others are autoimmune diseases that are prompted by the introduction of gluten.

Although there’s still a lot unknown and even some doctors are working to understand the differences, causes, and impacts on both our bodies and lives, it’s important for you (as the owner of your body) to also educate yourself.

Below are some details on the difference between three gluten-related disorders, their symptoms, and how they differ from each other.

Just need a quick refresher, click here:

What is Gluten?

Before we get too far, let’s first define gluten.

Gluten is a group of proteins found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye, which is also prevalent in many foods like breakfast cereals, baked goods, and even in some medications. It acts like a ‘glue’ that gives elasticity or cohesiveness to ingredients, like dough.

For the true definition, see https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluten

Now on with our daily program…

Celiac vs. Gluten Sensitive vs. Wheat Allergy

What is Celiac Disease?

Explanation: This is an autoimmune disease that is further ‘fired up’, or stimulated, when gluten is consumed. Unfortunately, it views that delicious gluten as a threat, but instead of taking care of the gluten, it damages the small intestine.

Celiac disease can lead to many issues as it is your small intestine’s job to further digest food from your stomach and absorb crucial vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that keep your body running.

Depending on how your body reacts to celiac, it can lead to malnourishment, electrolyte imbalances or dehydration, and fatigue.

Celiac Symptoms:

There is a large list of symptoms that could indicate whether or not you have celiac disease, so below are just some common ones.

Constipation or diarrhea (or extra stinky poops, sorry)
If you notice any blood, please reach out to your physician right away
Swollen belly
Headaches
Fatigue
Anemia due to iron deficiency
Skin – Rashes or blisters (known as DH – dermatitis herpetiformis), psoriasis
Joint pain

Celiac Testing & Solutions:

Below are some good resources to further educate yourself but please before jumping too far into reading every symptom and making yourself even more worried, test yourself. Celiac disease can be tested with a blood test, just make sure you do this before removing gluten from your diet.

** Important – You need gluten in your system to get an accurate reading of celiac in your blood test

The best solution is a gluten-free diet.

Celiac Resources:

Further, educate yourself: Celiac Disease Foundation
For a more complete list of symptoms, check out this site: Beyond Celiac

What is Gluten Sensitivity?

Explanation: Otherwise known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, this form is milder in how it impacts your body. Some of the symptoms are very similar, which is again why it’s important to test.

Yeah, I’m starting to sound like a broken record here on testing…

Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms:

Below are some symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Just remember though, all of our bodies react differently

Bloating (remember how I said it felt like I was 6-7 months pregnant instantly, well almost instantly)
Stomach pain
Constipation and Diarrhea
Headaches/migraines
Brain fog
Fatigue
Joint pain

Gluten Sensitivity Testing & Solutions:

Although I state throughout this blog to get yourself tested, gluten sensitivity isn’t something that will show directly. You want to get a blood test for celiac disease and if it comes back negative, but you are still having similar symptoms, then you most likely fit within the non-celiac gluten sensitivity camp.

The best solution is a gluten-free diet.

What is Wheat Allergy?

Explanation: Similar to other allergies, like whatever the heck is blooming at this time of year, a wheat allergy is a reaction to eating (and sometimes even just inhaling) foods containing wheat.

Your body is overreacting to something within the environment.

Wheat Allergy Symptoms:

Bloating
Stomach pain
Constipation and Diarrhea
Headaches/migraines
Asthma
Sneezing or nasal congestion
Swelling or irritation in your mouth and/or throat
In serious cases – Anaphylaxis
Not to state the obvious, but get immediate care if you notice serious chest pain, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, etc.

Wheat Allergy Testing & Solutions:

To test for a Wheat Allergy, you will need to have a skin prick test (FUN?) or an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test.

Similar to the above, the best solution is a gluten-free diet; however, in some cases, allergy medications can help alleviate some of those symptoms.

Should I test for gluten?

To be, or not to be Gluten Free. That is the question…

In case there’s still a question on whether or not to test, the answer is yes please test!

Learn from my mistakes and talk with your doctor as soon as you realize there might be a correlation to gluten intolerance.

My recommendation is to eliminate gluten from your diet for 3 – 7 days. When you reintroduce it back in, log the food you ate and your reactions for the next few days. Gluten intolerance symptoms don’t necessarily show up right away but can take up to a few days to show.

The more information you have on foods, environment, and reactions, the better your physician or registered dietician can help set you up with the tests to understand what might be going on in your body.

When it’s time to get tested, make sure you have gluten in your system.

(Article on remedies to elevate some symptoms coming soon)