A gluten-free diet is among hot health topics nowadays. Gluten is a protein that is found in whole grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. The food derivatives from whole grains also have gluten, such as pasta and bread.
Gluten intolerance is very common, and the US reports more than 2 million cases per year. In this disease, autoimmune causes damage to the internal lining of the small intestine. This makes it unable to absorb nutrients effectively. Though treatment can help to keep it under control, it cannot be completely cured.
Outcomes Of Gluten Intolerance
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In a few extreme cases, gluten intolerance takes the form of celiac disease. It would not be wrong to characterize gluten intolerance as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In this condition, the person is unable to tolerate the gluten found in the food and hence ends up with many problems. However, in some, it might also harm the internal lining of the small intestine, referred to as a celiac disease.
9 Symptoms Of Gluten Intolerance
Other than celiac disease, there are numerous health problems that might also signal the possibility of having gluten intolerance. It is important to be aware of such signs and contact a physician in case the problem gets serious. The fact that about 1% of the population is affected by gluten intolerance justifies the importance of getting enough knowledge about it.
1. Gastrointestinal Problem
Persistent gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, and even diarrhea are the possible signs of gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance results in damage to the internal lining of the small intestine. This makes it hard for the intestinal lining to function properly. As a result, an individual might complain about bloating, diarrhea and constipation on a regular basis.
These gastrointestinal problems might also result in other health problems. Such persistent diarrhea might result in dehydration. Bloating is also painful and may interfere with a normal appetite. These problems might or might be the result of gluten intolerance; hence immediate diagnosis can help to figure it out.
2. Brain Fog
Inability to focus, concentrate and think is what we collectively call brain fog. There are numerous reasons which might trigger and result in brain fog. One of the possible reasons is gluten intolerance. There are some other issues that can aggravate brain fog.
In addition to skipping gluten-rich foods, it is also important to give up unhealthy drinking habits such as alcoholism. A person might even look for assistance from treatment centers to resolve the issue of alcoholism that can otherwise be a serious concern.
3. Skin Rash
Gluten intolerance might also result in many skin problems. There are numerous skin conditions that might signal gluten intolerance. Skin rash is among the most common skin problems, which might indicate that a person has gluten intolerance.
It can easily be self-diagnosed. A person can simply take a gluten-free diet for a few days and notice if the skin rash goes away. Then again, if the gluten intake is accompanied by skin rash, then it is a clear indication of gluten intolerance.
4. Headache
Headache is normally experienced by many people. It may result from numerous causes, one being gluten intolerance. Headaches which accompany other symptoms such as diarrhea, low iron level are the indication that it is probably the result of gluten intolerance.
Headache with no apparent reason might indicate gluten intolerance. Especially if you observe headaches right after an hour or two after eating foods, then it indicates. Eating a gluten-free diet is helpful in avoiding headaches due to gluten intolerance.
5. Chronic Fatigue
Feeling tired might also signal gluten intolerance. There are many causes that result in feeling tired and fatigue, such as stress, physical exertion, and malnutrition. The phenomenon through which gluten intolerance leads to fatigue can be understood through the influence it has on the deficiency of nutrients.
More closely, it is associated with an iron deficiency which is often accompanied by fatigue. In such a situation, looking to take a gluten-free diet might help out.
6. Joint Pain
The joint pain may or may not accompany muscle pain. Many gluten intolerant individuals complain of severe pain in joints and muscles too. This is because of the inflammatory response of the body when gluten is ingested. The inflammation also makes its way to joints and muscles.
In case if the joint pain is due to gluten intolerance, then certainly avoiding and giving up gluten food sources might help to get rid of joint and muscle pain.
7. Malnutrition
The gastrointestinal lining is the main part that is responsible for the absorption of all nutrients from the food. As the food moves along the intestinal tract, the lining of the tract absorbs all vital nutrients from it. Gluten intolerance results in some degree of damage to this lining. The damaged lining is unable to function properly and is unable to absorb the required nutrients.
More specifically, it leads to the deficiency of zinc, copper, vitamin B12, and iron level. Such deficiency is similar to the one that occurs by following specific diets such as ABC diet plans. Removing gluten from the diet will allow the gastrointestinal lining to heal and absorb nutrients. In such cases, get a proper diagnosis and treatment as it might be the result of gluten intolerance.
8. Fibromyalgia
It is again the response of the body, not a symptom. In response to gluten, intolerance inflammation initiates in the body. This inflammation may even affect the internal lining of organs such as the stomach and intestines—tenderness and muscle pain result from such bodily inflammation.
Fibromyalgia might also bring along fatigue and numbness in hands and feet or other body organs. The best way to treat it or to keep it under control is to take a gluten-free diet.
9. Lactose Intolerance
Many times gluten intolerance comes along with lactose intolerance. This is characterized as the inability to break down lactose, a protein found in milk. Hence many times, lactose intolerance might suggest the existence of gluten intolerance. Again gluten-free diet might help with this too.
Take Away
A gluten-free diet is a very popular way to lose weight. However, many people have natural gluten intolerance which can give rise to many health issues. There are many symptoms and signs which indicate gluten intolerance in an individual. Taking a gluten-free diet helps to avoid these problems.
