Gluten sensitivity or intolerance is a condition that triggers a reaction in individuals after consuming gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye.
The symptoms can be diverse, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to joint pain, fatigue, and depression. It's not uncommon for people to suffer from digestive and health complications due to the consumption of wheat or gluten. Gluten intolerance can manifest through various symptoms and is primarily associated with wheat, barley, and rye.
Wheat, a common grain, is found in many foods like bread, cereal, and pasta. It can also be present in less obvious products like condiments, including salad dressings and soups. Barley, widely used in brewing and animal feeds, is another grain that contains gluten. Rye, which also contains gluten, is typically used in cereals, beer, and bread. Often, it is through the consumption of these foods and drinks that one may discover a gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance, recognized as an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine. When individuals with the disease ingest gluten, it triggers an abnormal immune response that attacks the intestinal lining. This damage impairs the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients effectively. Without proper management, celiac disease can lead to serious long-term health issues. It's estimated that 1 in 100 people are affected by the disease.
Those with gluten sensitivity often notice symptom relief once gluten is removed from their diet. However, there are specific symptoms that may indicate a person has gluten intolerance.
HERE ARE 8 SIGNS OF GLUTEN INTOLERANCE:
1. BRAIN FOG
Brain fog is a lesser-known but significant symptom of gluten intolerance, often subtle and elusive because various factors can induce it. Nonetheless, it is frequently reported by individuals with gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease.
In the article "Gluten sensitivity as a neurological illness," published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, researchers identified an abnormal response to gluten in immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies. This response is thought to impair cognitive function.
2. UNEXPECTED WEIGHT GAIN
Sudden and unexplained weight gain often baffles individuals with gluten intolerance. Typically, this weight gain is attributed to two factors: malabsorption and increased gut permeability, which are side effects of gluten intolerance, along with systemic inflammation caused by gluten. Those who eliminate gluten from their diet usually can return to a healthy weight.
3. ABNORMAL IMMUNE FUNCTION
For those sensitive or intolerant to gluten, IgA antibodies can adversely affect the immune system. These antibodies, found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract and saliva, are the body's first line of defense against colds, flus, and other illnesses. Naturally, if these antibodies undermine the immune system, the likelihood of falling ill increases.
4. DENTAL PROBLEMS
A study published in BMC Gastroenterology identified a connection between gluten sensitivity and "aphthous stomatitis," a condition linked to recurrent mouth ulcers and canker sores. Additionally, gluten-sensitive individuals often have significantly low calcium levels due to malabsorption, which is crucial for dental health.
5. HEADACHES AND/OR MIGRAINES
Migraines are often excruciatingly painful and can be debilitating. Interestingly, they are much more prevalent among individuals with gluten intolerance than in the general population. In a study of gluten-sensitive individuals, 56 percent suffered from chronic headaches or migraines, compared to only 14 percent in the control group.
6. SKIN PROBLEMS
The malabsorption associated with gluten intolerance can impact various parts of the body, including the skin, our largest organ. Gluten consumption has been connected to several skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Common skin symptoms of gluten intolerance include burning, redness, rashes, itchiness, and blistering. DH is a particularly severe condition, described by the Gluten Intolerance Group as "a chronic skin disease characterized by groups of watery, itchy blisters that may look like pimples or blisters."
7. JOINT AND MUSCLE ACHES
The inflammatory effects caused by gluten intolerance are a fundamental cause of joint and muscle pain. WebMD states, "Joint pain and inflammation are common symptoms of gluten sensitivity," and research supports the connection between the two conditions. The Arthritis Foundation has also released findings that associate arthritis and joint pain with gluten sensitivity.
8. FATIGUE AND EXHAUSTION
This symptom is akin to brain fog in that its precise mechanisms are not fully understood. There has been minimal scientific research into the alleged link between fatigue and gluten intolerance. Nonetheless, medical experts suggest that gluten intolerance may lead to fatigue by causing inflammation and reallocating the body's energy resources.
Source: www.powerofpositivity.com
