Allergies to Gluten

As society is evolving and continually becoming more health-conscious, Americans everywhere are seeing more gluten-free products on the shelves at their local grocery stores. Often times, people with gastrointestinal issues will self-diagnose themselves with gluten intolerance, even though there is a big difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. For most people, gluten is a healthy and nutritious part of an every day diet. Only about 1 in every 133 people has celiac disease, but almost ten times that many people eat a gluten-free diet. Here are a few things to know about celiac disease and other gluten allergies:

  1. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. When a person with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, the body attacks the small intestine, which then results in damage to the small intestine’s lining. A person with celiac disease is unable to access basic nutrients from foods, causing symptoms such as dramatic weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, iron deficiency, a skin rash, digestive problems, and ulcers in the mouth. Celiac disease is dangerous, and can lead to other serious health problems and diseases over time. If you are displaying the symptoms of celiac disease, talk with your doctor immediately. Celiac is diagnosed after a simple blood test.

  2. There is such thing as gluten sensitivity. Even if you test negative for celiac disease, it is possible to still have gluten sensitivity. With gluten sensitivity, however, the patient does not suffer damage to the small intestine, nor do they experience the symptoms accompanying malnutrition. When you notice reoccurring symptoms when you eat foods containing gluten, you may have mild gluten sensitivity. The symptoms of gluten sensitivity include fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or NCGS, only affects about six percent of Americans.

  3. If you’re going gluten-free, get your nutrients. Many people can avoid gluten sensitivity symptoms by choosing a gluten-free diet – but remember, it’s important to still get proper nutrients for your body. There is a popular misconception that this diet is healthy, but it only is if you diet the right way. Be sure to check the labels on gluten-free products to ensure that they are fortified with nutrients that will supplement the lack of gluten. Be sure to get enough protein and fiber to make up for the lack in carbs.

At Covenant Allergy and Asthma Care, we want you to live a comfortable life without having to suffer through the symptoms of gluten intolerance. If you think you may have celiac disease, talk with your doctor about getting tested. Try the elimination diet to see if your symptoms improve, and if they don’t change, it probably isn’t gluten that’s the issue. Keep your family healthy this fall season, and have a safe week!