Ten Signs That You Are Gluten Intolerant
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and rye. It is found in many foods, such as breads, pastas and baked goods, made from these grains.
Gluten intolerance is when your body cannot digest the protein properly. This causes various uncomfortable symptoms. Gluten intolerance is primarily caused by celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivities.
According to surveys, around 13% claim that they have gluten sensitivity. Clinical research shows that less than 7 percent of people have been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
It can be hard to stick with a gluten-free diet, it is nutritionally inadequate, and it’s expensive. You should consult your doctor to confirm if you are gluten intolerant before starting a gluten-free lifestyle. These 10 signs may be a sign that it’s time to test for gluten intolerance.
Bloating
Bloating can be a sign of gluten intolerance. Bloating can be caused by an inability of the body to digest proteins properly, resulting in an accumulation in the intestines.
Abdominal Pain
Gluten sensitivity is also associated with abdominal pain and cramping. The pain can range from mild discomfort up to sharp and severe pains.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Gluten intolerance can also manifest as irregular bowel movements. Consuming gluten-containing foods can cause diarrhea or constipation. The bowel movements can also be unusually strong smelling or contain undigested food.
Fatigue
A fatigue that persists for several days after eating gluten could indicate a problem with digestion. This fatigue may be caused by inflammation in the gut that is caused by gluten.
Skin Rashes
Gluten intolerance can also be characterized by painful and itchy rashes. Gluten can cause an itchy rash on the skin in people with celiac.
Joint or Muscle Pain
A sensitivity could be indicated by persistent or worsening pain in your muscles or joints after eating gluten-containing foods. The pain may last for several hours or days after eating wheat-based products.
Depression & Anxiety
According to studies, people who have undiagnosed gluten intolerance or those with a diagnosed condition are more prone to depression and anxiety. You may feel unusually depressed or anxious following a meal if your body is unable to digest gluten.
Iron Deficiency
A gluten sensitivity can be accompanied by low iron levels due to problems with nutrition absorption. If you suspect this, it can lead to symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. Consult your doctor.
Unexpected Weight Loss
Gluten intolerance affects your ability to absorb nutrients in the gut, which can lead to unintentional weight loss. Unexpected weight loss can be an indication that your diet is being affected by something else. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Other Autoimmune Diseases
Celiac is an autoimmune disease and can therefore be linked to other autoimmune disorders. Gluten intolerance can increase the risk of Type 1 Diabetes and thyroid disease.
