Gluten is a protein present in
wheat, barley, and rye, which are commonly termed "gluten grains." An
individual with gluten sensitivity most likely experiences uncomfortable
symptoms after eating foods such as cereals, bread, pasta, sauces, malt-based
foods, canned soups, and even certain kinds of chocolates.
Becoming gluten-free is pretty
simple. The different gluten-free options provided by various meal delivery
services are great for those who are confused about how to start a gluten-free
diet. Check food labels if you are shopping, even when using an online grocery
shopping site.
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But how does an individual know
whether they are gluten intolerant? Understanding your symptoms is the key!
Three types of gluten tolerance
have been established (1). They are:
Celiac or coeliac disease:
Auto-immune disease and most severe form of gluten intolerance
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
(NCGS):
Symptoms exhibited in people without celiac disease
Wheat allergy:
Allergic reaction caused by eating wheat products or foods containing wheat
proteins or by inhaling wheat flour
An individual who does not have
Celiac disease can exhibit symptoms of gluten intolerance. Here are 10 of the
most common signs of gluten intolerance.
1. Bloating
Bloating occurs when an
individual experiences a tight and full feeling in the abdomen due to gas. This
is an extremely common symptom of gluten intolerance.
Though the exact cause is
unclear, wheat and rye are high in gluten, and regular consumption of such
high-gluten foods can make the body more sensitive and create digestive issues.
2. Abdominal Pain
An individual experiencing
frequent stomach pain, especially after eating foods with gluten, should get
checked for gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or a wheat allergy.
Research shows that wheat or
foods containing gluten can trigger inflammation and pain in patients with
celiac disease. Abdominal pain is also commonly seen in adults and children who
may be gluten intolerant (2).
3. Diarrhea and Constipation
Constipation or loose stools can
also be good indicators of gluten insensitivity, specifically celiac disease.
When the body does not digest
gluten-based foods well, the result is diarrhea with pale and foul-smelling
feces, sometimes followed by rapid weight loss.
Constipation can commonly occur
in many individuals, but frequent constipation without any underlying cause may
point to non-celiac gluten intolerance with a positive response to a gluten-free
diet.
4. Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of
fever, common colds, eye strain, etc. But if you experience frequent headaches
and migraine attacks without any other medical conditions, a doctor may suspect
gluten intolerance as a likely cause.
Inflammatory responses to gluten
intake may be a factor in inducing headaches. Scientific studies show that
headaches or migraines in adults and children may be caused by gluten
intolerance, specifically celiac disease (3).
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom in
many severe medical conditions, especially autoimmune disorders. Since celiac
disease is an autoimmune disease, individuals diagnosed with it may experience
fatigue regularly.
Another condition that occurs due
to celiac disease is iron-deficiency anemia, where the production of red blood
cells in the body is lowered. The result of impaired duodenal iron absorption
in this condition can also lead to reduced energy levels and fatigue.
Even individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity report fatigue as a common symptom. One study found that 64% of 486 people suspected of non-celiac gluten sensitivity reported that they experienced tiredness.
6. Mood Disorders
Though a little unusual, it is
true that gluten insensitivity can result in certain individuals experiencing
extreme feelings of anxiety. People who are gluten intolerant can have brain
inflammation that manifests as increased anxiety. Anxiety brings about feelings
of nervousness, intense worry, or agitation and can lead to depression if
untreated.
Studies have shown that people
who are gluten intolerant are more likely to face mood disorders such as
anxiety and depression. A gluten-free diet can relieve these symptoms in many
individuals.
7. Muscle and Joint Pain
The body’s reaction to gluten can
be in the form of muscle and joint pain. When inflammation occurs, it affects
the functioning of muscles and causes pain in the joints.
Studies affirm that gluten
intolerance can trigger fibromyalgia, and this condition results in intense
pain in the muscles and associated joints.
8. Brain Fog
Brain fog is a condition that is
characterized by the inability to think clearly. Individuals may encounter
brain fog in the form of forgetfulness, a fatigued or clouded mind, and so on.
A person experiencing brain fog frequently should get checked to rule out
gluten insensitivity.
Research shows that one of the
most common symptoms described by nearly 48% of individuals with gluten
intolerance is brain fog. The reason is thought to be an abnormal absorption of
gluten through an alteration in the small intestinal barrier that can affect
the central nervous system and trigger neuroinflammation and brain fog.
9. Skin Problems
Gluten insensitivity can affect
the skin and create problems ranging from mild to severe in people with celiac
disease. Such conditions include psoriasis, alopecia areata, dermatitis
herpetiformis, and more.
Different theories surround these
conditions, but it is known that gluten intolerance affects the small intestine
in those with celiac disease. Because of this, the presence of more antigens
(toxins) impairs nutrient absorption in those with celiac disease and may be a
reason for the prevalence of some conditions.
10. Infertility
Reproductive issues are becoming
increasingly prevalent in people with gluten intolerance. Experts say that in
unexplained infertility, gluten may sometimes be the culprit, especially for
people with celiac disease.
The reason for this is poor
nutrient absorption, specifically the absorption of zinc, iron, folate, and
selenium, which affect reproduction in different ways (4).
Conclusion
Gluten intolerance is troublesome
but often undetected in many people. The best way to manage it is to understand
its symptoms and take steps to prevent them.
Gluten intolerance can be managed
by avoiding foods that contain gluten. Knowing what to eat makes it easier,
whether you prepare food at home or eat out. Using gluten-free meal delivery
apps like Sunbasket or Home Chef is another safe option for individuals who
prefer the convenience of ordering meals.
Along with the right medical
intervention, diet modifications and strict diet adherence can help effectively
manage gluten intolerance.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27763541/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30322070/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30301194/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122153/