Gluten is often referred to as a silent killer due to its potential to cause prolonged harm throughout the body, often without the patient realizing the effects of their gluten intake. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine if you have a gluten intolerance.
1. Gastrointestinal Issues
Symptoms predominantly affect the intestines, including nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes constipation. These symptoms are frequently attributed to various other conditions, leading to a common misdiagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research indicates that 10-15% of the global population is affected by IBS. However, such a diagnosis may prevent those with gluten sensitivity from receiving the correct treatment, causing their symptoms to persist.
2. Unexplained weight changes
Gluten intolerance can lead to both weight loss and to weight gain for no apparent reason. This happens due to inflammatory processes at the cellular level and metabolic disorders. A sudden change in weight may accompany other unpleasant diseases. But it can be related to gluten intolerance if it’s accompanied by other symptoms of malabsorption.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Gluten intolerance is directly linked to hormonal disturbances that can manifest as irregular menstrual cycles, unexpected weight changes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and sleep issues. The hormonal imbalances triggered by gluten intolerance often intensify during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. It’s important to note that these symptoms are predominantly observed in women.
4. Problems with the central nervous system
Gluten can heighten inflammation and intestinal permeability, leading to various symptoms of gluten sensitivity such as concentration difficulties, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Individuals with gluten intolerance may also experience irritability, along with a frequent loss of train of thought and poor concentration skills.
Research indicates that those with gluten intolerance tend to suffer from migraines more frequently than others. The triggers for these headaches vary, but typically, a person allergic to gluten might start experiencing a headache within 30 to 60 minutes after consuming gluten.
5. Skin and nails problems
Hair keratosis and herpetiform dermatitis are two skin conditions closely associated with gluten intolerance. These conditions manifest as itchiness and rashes which may occur on the hands, torso, face, buttocks, elbows, and along the hairline. Additionally, symptoms include weakened and brittle nails. Other skin issues resembling eczema may also indicate a gluten-induced blockage.
6. ADHD
Another condition potentially linked to gluten intolerance is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can affect both children and adults. Individuals with ADHD typically exhibit a short attention span and difficulties with self-control. Adopting a gluten-free diet may help alleviate the symptoms associated with ADHD.
7. Poor condition of the teeth
Gluten intolerance can impair the intestine’s ability to absorb essential nutrients and minerals, including calcium. This deficiency can lead to various dental and oral health issues such as enamel hypersensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, and ulcers in the mucous membrane. Even with proper dental care, if you continue to experience these problems, they may be linked to your gluten consumption.
8. Iron deficiency anemia
Celiac disease is frequently diagnosed due to iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by reduced blood volume, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, pale skin, mucous membranes, and sometimes arthritis. This anemia occurs because gluten intolerance leads to poor iron absorption in the intestine.
9. Autoimmune diseases
Many individuals with autoimmune disorders also have a history of gluten intolerance. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, causes the immune system to attack the cells of the intestine once gluten is consumed. Compounding the issue, this disease heightens the risk of other autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune liver disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
How to treat gluten sensitivity?
- Undergo Testing: Visit your doctor to get a blood test, which looks for antibodies commonly found in individuals with Celiac disease. It’s crucial to consume gluten before the test to prevent false-negative results.
- Remove Gluten From Your Diet: Gluten is present in several foods, including:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Bulgur
- Flour
- Semolina
- Other various foods
