6 Signs of Gluten Intolerance

Intolerance to gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye, is a popular topic in this day and age, but many people suffer from a variety of ailments related to gluten intolerance and do not realize that they need to cut gluten from their diet in order to feel better. Going gluten-free can sound daunting since there are many types of foods that need to be avoided, but a change in diet can make a huge difference in how a person feels. Since gluten intolerance can cause a wide variety of symptoms, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis and pinpoint gluten as the problem. Some of the top signs of intolerance to gluten include: Gluten is often responsible for many digestive issues, such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. A person with gluten intolerance may experience some or all of these symptoms after consuming food containing gluten. The condition can be quite uncomfortable and painful, and people suffering from undiagnosed gluten intolerance may have a hard time eating a balanced diet due to how they feel after meals. A person with gluten intolerance may suffer from more than just digestive problems after eating food containing gluten. Some people report suffering from fatigue, feelings of tiredness, or brain fog which can all be related to gluten if a person cannot tolerate it. Migraine headaches can be debilitating, and gluten can be a trigger for people who have an undiagnosed gluten allergy. A person who is suffering from migraines accompanied by any other symptom of gluten intolerance may want to consider being tested to see if he or she has a gluten allergy. There is evidence that autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, ulcerative colitis, and scleroderma, may be related to having a gluten allergy. Upon diagnoses of one of these diseases, it is in a person’s best interest to find out if he or she has a gluten allergy, as eliminated gluten has been shown to help manage these conditions. Suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia can be extremely frustrating because doctors typically are unable to discover the underlying problem causing the condition. Many of the symptoms of gluten intolerance are similar to the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia—it may be possible that a person with one of these conditions has a gluten allergy that is causing discomfort, pain, or fatigue. When a person is allergic to gluten, the body creates an inflammatory response when gluten is consumed. The inflammation is not restricted to the stomach and digestive tract—it is also possible for a reaction to gluten to create joint inflammation in the knees, fingers, and hips. If a person discovers that he or she has a gluten allergy and then eliminates gluten from his or her diet, the inflammation will typically subside as gluten leaves the body. Learn more about a variety of health topics by visiting www.healthstoriesforkids.com