Gluten intolerance is a condition whereby the body produces an immune response to ingesting gluten. It is a protein found in many grains. This response causes symptoms to occur.
There are two types of intolerance: non-celiac gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Both are autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.
A person who tests positive for gluten intolerance should switch to a gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. Moreover, if you don’t stick to the diet, the condition will worsen.
Gluten intolerance can be a long-term problem, affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract and causing digestive discomfort and malnutrition. Fortunately, it is not a life-threatening condition.
Continue reading if you want to know more about gluten intolerance and its symptoms.
What Is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance is a long-term condition in which your immune system reacts to eating gluten. Foods that contain gluten can trigger this problem and make it worse. If you are experiencing symptoms of gluten intolerance, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need to make changes in your diet.
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. When you eat foods that contain gluten, your body’s immune system releases antibodies called immunoglobulin E. These antibodies trigger a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, depression, and fatigue.
The symptoms of gluten intolerance can range from mild to severe. You can avoid gluten in your diet to reduce your symptoms. However, if your symptoms persist, you should consider visiting a gastroenterologist. The symptoms of gluten intolerance can also overlap with those of celiac disease.
Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
In order to understand how gluten intolerance affects your body, you need to know about the symptoms. Here are some common symptoms of the problem.
Diarrhea and Constipation
One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is diarrhea and constipation. When you have a gluten intolerance, your body stops processing the proteins in the food you eat. This can lead to a variety of problems, like diarrhea and constipation. For people who suffer from these symptoms, a gluten-free diet can relieve them. In fact, most studies have shown that gluten-free diets have a positive impact on patients with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disorders.
Bloating
Bloating is a very common symptom of gluten intolerance. It occurs when the stomach becomes full of gas. Often, it can cause pain and discomfort. Bloating can occur in the upper abdomen or lower abdomen. While bloating is not a symptom of celiac disease, it can be a symptom of non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten intolerance can cause short-term bloating and stomach pain. Some symptoms associated with bloating include burping frequently, flatulence, cramping, and a distended belly.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of gluten intolerance. There are many different causes of stomach pain. However, if you suffer from chronic or frequent pain, it’s likely that you have gluten intolerance. This problem often causes bloating and gastrointestinal problems, which can further lead to abdominal pain.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of several autoimmune diseases. When you have gluten intolerance, your body is not able to process or use the protein as energy which causes fatigue. A recent study found that about 64% of people with gluten intolerance report fatigue. Using a fatigue severity scale, they discovered that patients’ scores were significantly higher than those of healthy volunteers.
Headaches
Headaches are one of the many symptoms of gluten intolerance. This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the intestine. Another symptom of gluten intolerance is brain fog, which can make concentrating difficult. If you’re experiencing a chronic headache, it’s important to consult a doctor. A diagnosis of gluten intolerance can also be a good step toward finding the source of your headaches.
Nausea
When a person has a gluten intolerance, they can experience many different symptoms. Some of these also include nausea and stomach pain. As you are not able to digest gluten, it often leads to problems like nausea. You might often feel nauseous after eating foods that contain gluten.
Other Symptoms
A gluten intolerance can have many symptoms. Some of the most common are bloating, gas, fatigue, headaches, and diarrhea. These symptoms can appear immediately or at a later time. If you’re experiencing any of these, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Other symptoms of gluten intolerance also include rashes, depression, anxiety, joint pain, anemia, etc.
Foods to Avoid During Gluten Intolerance
If you are experiencing symptoms of gluten intolerance, then you should avoid eating foods that contain gluten. This will help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain. Here is a list of foods that you need to avoid.
- Processed foods
- Bread
- Beer
- Wheat, rye, barley
- Oats
- Cakes
- Cereals
- Malt
- Pasta
- Salad dressing
- Soups
- Sauces
- French fries
Foods Can You Eat With Gluten Intolerance
If you are gluten intolerant, you have to be careful about what foods you eat. This is because gluten can be found in many foods, even those that seem to be safe.
Fortunately, you can find a number of delicious gluten-free options for a wide variety of dishes. Many supermarkets now carry gluten-free versions of popular foods, and you can even find a variety of gluten-free bread at your local grocery store. Visit Health Insider if you want to know about the best gluten-free foods.
Here is the list of foods that you can eat.
- Fruits and vegetables
- Gluten-free grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Animal protein
- Healthy fats and oils
Living with Gluten Intolerance
Living with gluten intolerance can be a frustrating experience. Whether you have celiac disease or are just gluten-sensitive, you need to understand what you can and can’t eat.
While a gluten-free diet is not easy, it can be rewarding. You’ll find it’s easier to make healthy choices if you know what to eat. When you’re eating at a restaurant, check the menu carefully. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options, so you can enjoy a meal without feeling deprived.
There are also many grocery stores that carry gluten-free foods. You can also choose from a variety of bread, pasta, cereals, and even salad dressings.
Conclusion
Gluten intolerance is a condition where your body cannot digest gluten properly. Many people with gluten intolerance don’t realize they have the condition. They may simply feel uncomfortable or unwell after eating gluten. Because of this reason, it is best to know about the symptoms. Some common symptoms also include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gas, bloating, headache, etc. Moreover, if you experience these symptoms, see your physician right away.
