13 Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance You Shouldn’t Ignore
In recent years, it seems like more and more people are cutting gluten out of their diets. Whether it’s because they’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, self-reported gluten intolerance, or just feel better without it, the gluten-free trend is on the rise. But even if you don’t have celiac disease, gluten can still affect your body in various ways, making you feel unwell.
In this post, we’ll explore the 13 most common symptoms of gluten intolerance and help you understand if a gluten-free diet might be the answer to improving your health. We’ll also cover the differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies.
13 Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance to Watch For
If you’ve been feeling off after eating foods that contain gluten but aren’t sure whether it’s the cause, here are some signs to look for. Since there aren’t specific tests for gluten sensitivity, the best way to figure out if gluten is affecting you is to observe how your body responds.
- Bloating, Stomach Pain, and Heartburn
Gluten-sensitive individuals often experience digestive discomfort after eating. You may notice bloating, a feeling of fullness, or heartburn. Sometimes, this is accompanied by excessive burping or regurgitation after meals. - Diarrhea, Constipation, and Abdominal Pain
Digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation are common for those with gluten intolerance. These symptoms are similar to those experienced by people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and often lead to abdominal pain. - Numbness in Arms and Legs
Numbness or a tingling sensation in the limbs, known as neuropathy, can also be a symptom of gluten intolerance. It’s often seen in people with vitamin B12 deficiencies or those with diabetes. - Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia, marked by fatigue, dizziness, and weakness, is another symptom of gluten intolerance. Iron absorption can be impaired due to the digestive issues caused by gluten. - Skin Issues
People with gluten intolerance may experience skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, or rashes. In more severe cases, people with celiac disease may develop a blistering skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis. - Fatigue
Persistent tiredness that affects your ability to function daily can be a sign of gluten sensitivity. It’s one of the most common symptoms, although it can also be linked to other health conditions. - Frequent Headaches or Migraines
Gluten intolerance may also lead to chronic headaches or migraines, which can occur without any obvious trigger. - Autoimmune Disorders
Those with gluten intolerance are more likely to develop other autoimmune diseases. If you have one autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease or celiac disease, it can increase the risk of developing others. - Stunted Growth in Children
For children, gluten intolerance can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to growth delays, unintentional weight loss, or failure to thrive. - Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight unintentionally and dealing with digestive issues, it could be due to poor nutrient absorption caused by gluten intolerance. - Brain Fog and Mental Fatigue
Brain fog is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue. If you find it hard to focus after eating foods with gluten, it could be a sign of gluten intolerance. - Mood Disorders (Depression and Anxiety)
Gluten intolerance may affect your mood, leading to depression or anxiety. This is often linked to disruptions in the gut microbiome caused by gluten, which impacts the brain and emotional health. - Joint and Muscle Pain
Gluten sensitivity can cause widespread muscle and joint pain, which may improve after eliminating gluten from your diet for a few days.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains. It acts as a binder, giving dough its elasticity. It’s found in many foods, including bread, pasta, and even sauces. However, some individuals have an adverse reaction to gluten, which can lead to the symptoms described above.
Gluten Intolerance vs Celiac Disease
Gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is different from celiac disease. In celiac disease, the immune system reacts to gluten by attacking the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage to the lining, which impairs nutrient absorption. While gluten intolerance doesn’t cause this severe damage, it can still lead to digestive and other systemic symptoms.
What Causes Gluten Intolerance?
The exact cause of gluten intolerance isn’t fully understood, though researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Unlike celiac disease, gluten intolerance doesn’t cause permanent damage to the intestines, but it can still result in discomfort and digestive issues.
Diagnosing Gluten Intolerance
Diagnosing gluten intolerance can be tricky since there are no medical tests specifically for it. The best approach is to eliminate gluten from your diet for a few weeks and observe how your body reacts. If you feel better without gluten and your symptoms return once it’s reintroduced, you may have gluten sensitivity.
Wheat Allergy vs Gluten Intolerance
A wheat allergy is different from gluten intolerance. With a wheat allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins found in wheat, which can trigger allergic reactions such as hives, stomach cramps, or even anaphylaxis. Wheat allergies are diagnosed through skin tests or blood tests.
Treating Gluten Intolerance
If you suspect you have gluten intolerance, eliminating gluten from your diet for at least 3 weeks is the best way to find out if it’s the cause of your symptoms. You should start feeling relief within the first week. If you reintroduce gluten and symptoms return, it’s likely that gluten is the trigger.
It’s also worth noting that some symptoms associated with gluten intolerance may overlap with other digestive issues, such as those related to FODMAPs (a group of poorly absorbed carbohydrates found in certain foods). If cutting out gluten doesn’t improve your symptoms, it might be helpful to consult with a nutritionist to explore other potential causes.
Conclusion
Gluten intolerance can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which overlap with other digestive issues. If you’re experiencing unexplained stomach discomfort, fatigue, headaches, or other related symptoms, cutting gluten from your diet for a few weeks may help identify whether it’s the cause. While there’s no medical test for gluten intolerance, paying attention to how your body responds to gluten can provide valuable insight into your health.
