Are You Gluten Intolerant?
Research shows that gluten sensitivity in some form, including celiac disease and mild gluten intolerance, affects approximately 15% of the US population. These statistics are likely to be similar in Western countries with similar health issues and dietary patterns. Are you one of these people? How do you recognize gluten intolerance symptoms?
Gluten intolerance often has a slower onset than celiac disease and may be hard to diagnose due to the broad range of symptoms and causes. If you imagine a continuum of gluten intolerance symptoms, celiac disease is usually at the most extreme end with immediate autoimmune reactions. Some people with celiac disease may not have symptoms, but internally malabsorption and malnutrition can erode health over many years. Both celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be exacerbated by emotional stress, infection, surgery, pregnancy and childbirth. Every individual with some level of gluten intolerance or allergy may experience different shades of symptoms, hence the challenge for medical practitioners to diagnose.
So what are the specific symptoms of gluten intolerance.
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption e.g. low iron levels
- Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
- Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
- Aching joints
- Depression
- Eczema
- Headaches
- Exhaustion
- Irritability and behavioral changes
- Infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, and miscarriage
- Cramps, tingling, and numbness
- Slow infant and child growth
- Decline in dental health
Undiagnosed for long periods of time, food intolerance’s have been found to contribute to diabetes, bowel cancer, anemia and osteoporosis. There is hope in properly diagnosing Gluten sensitivity. A simple saliva or blood test can detect it. Get it tested today.