Are Gluten Intolerance And Celiac Disease The Same Thing
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are different. People with celiac disease have an autoimmune response to gluten. This means their bodies try to fight against gluten as if it were a virus. This reaction causes inflammation and damage to their digestive tracts. Celiac disease is the result of an abnormal gene. People with celiac disease also have high levels of certain antibodies in their blood, which are substances that fight gluten.
Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease cause a lot of the same symptoms. But people with gluten sensitivity dont have an abnormal gene or antibodies in their blood.
Coeliac Disease Vs Gluten Intolerance
I have just been diagnosed with gluten intolerance. Can you please explain the difference between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease?
The terms gluten intolerance, wheat intolerance and gluten sensitivity can be quite confusing. This problem arises because there are no widely accepted criteria doctors can use to define these problems. The causes, treatment and medical consequences of these conditions are not well understood and the role of a gluten free diet is even less clear. In contrast coeliac disease has very clear diagnostic criteria and there is good evidence that a strict life long gluten free diet is the only treatment to maintain health and avoid long term complications.
In contrast to gluten intolerance, coeliac disease is a very important medical condition that can have a number of serious consequences if not diagnosed and treated properly. In coeliac disease the sufferers immune system reacts abnormally to gluten in the diet causing small bowel inflammation and damage and a variety of problems such as poor nutrient absorption, vitamin deficiencies and thinning of the bones . There is an increased risk of autoimmune disease and certain forms of cancer such as lymphoma of the small bowel. Fortunately timely diagnosis of coeliac disease and treatment with a strict, lifelong gluten free diet can prevent or reverse many of these problems.
Dr Jason Tye-Din
Symptoms Of Celiac Disease
Not everyone will develop symptoms of celiac disease. Also, symptoms can present themselves differently in children compared to adults. Anyone who tests positive for celiac disease will be at risk for developing later on in life health problems.
Children with celiac disease might experience more digestive issues – some common symptoms are:
- Constipation and/or chronic diarrhea
- Canker sores inside the mouth
- Peripheral neuropathy, which is tingling and numbness in the extremities
Itâs important to be able to recognize the signs that you or someone you know might be suffering from celiac disease, but not everyone shows severe symptoms. The best way to learn if you have celiac disease is to go to your doctor for a blood test.
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The Blood Tests And Biopsy Used To Test For Cd Require A Patient To Be Eating Gluten To Obtain Accurate Results
If a patient is started on a gluten-free diet without evaluating celiac disease, it becomes challenging to appropriately diagnose celiac disease. Patients who experience clinical improvement on a gluten-free diet will rarely restart a gluten-containing diet to get an appropriate diagnosis. They finally feel well, and returning to being sick is just not an option. The importance of testing cannot be overemphasized. Consider these factors:
CD is lifelong,
We dont know about GS. It is wrong to subject someone to a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet if they dont need it. The social and psychological implications can be vast.
CD requires a strict gluten-free diet.
A gluten-free diet may not treat those with GS. They may require a low FODMAP diet. This difference in utilizing the proper diet can be life-changing to some patients.
CD is genetic
If you miss a CD diagnosis, you may also miss or delay diagnosis in their child, sibling, or parent.
CD has long-term risks and complications.
These parameters may be different for GS. We simply dont know yet. Appropriate diagnosis is necessary for proper follow-up care of celiac patients and those with gluten sensitivity.
Insurance reimbursement can be more challenging without a diagnosis.
You and your patients are more likely to get insurance reimbursement for a diagnosis of CD that would otherwise be missed if never tested for.
Accommodations
Whats The Difference Between Gluten Sensitivity And Celiac Disease
Gluten sensitivity has been clinically recognized as less severe than celiac disease because people with gluten sensitivity do not test positive for celiac disease based on blood testing, and do not have damage to their small intestines found in individuals with celiac disease.
Research has also shown that gluten sensitivity does not result in the increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut, that is characteristic of celiac disease. Leaky gut permits toxins, bacteria and undigested food proteins to seep through the GI barrier and into the bloodstream, and research suggests that it is an early biological change that comes before the onset of several autoimmune diseases.
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Food Intolerances And Food Allergies: Myths Vs Facts
Gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, and soy-free seem to be an emphasis of food products as of late. Hypoallergenic claims catch the eyes of many consumers, even those who don’t have a food allergy.
Many people mistake food intolerances as being synonymous with food allergies. Both food allergies and food intolerances share a handful of similarities, but there are finer points that need to be clarified about these terms and their prevalence.
Read on as this article takes a deeper look at the difference between food allergies and food intolerances, with a focus on celiac disease and gluten intolerance, as well as how to address these issues appropriately.
Food Allergy Vs Food Intolerance: What’s The Difference
It’s not uncommon for people to use the terms food allergy and food intolerance interchangeably, despite them being distinct. A food allergy is a much more serious concern than being intolerant or insensitive to a food or ingredient.
A food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance, is usually nowhere near as deleterious as a food allergy. Food intolerance arises when the body doesn’t produce enough of the digestive enzyme necessary to completely break down a certain nutrient in food.
A food allergy, on the other hand, is when the body triggers an autoimmune response after consuming a food with the offending allergen . As such, food allergies must be treated with extreme caution since they can be fatal in some cases.
Food allergies are typically caused by genetics/heredity and are rarer than food intolerances. For example, gluten a family of proteins commonly found in whole grains like wheat, barley, and rye is hard for the body to break down since humans lack the necessary enzymes to assimilate it fully, but very few people have celiac disease or a wheat allergy.
People with celiac disease a serious autoimmune condition or a wheat allergy will experience severe reactions after consuming gluten. In these individuals, the small undigested fragments of gluten can rapidly damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to gastrointestinal complications. Hence, acute consumption of gluten/wheat may warrant a trip to the hospital.
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Can You Develop Celiac Disease Later In Life Or Are You Born With It
Contrary to what some may believe, Mancella says that celiac disease can develop at any age. Celiac disease is hereditary, so those with a close relative that has it have a 1-in-10 risk of developing it, too.
“It is crucial that adults take initiative in their health and begin to pay attention to signs and symptoms of discomfort, as oftentimes, gluten intolerance, celiac, and even dairy intolerance have similar symptoms and it is difficult to discern amongst them,” she adds.
When To See Your Doctor
See your provider if you have:
- A parent or sibling with celiac disease, as your provider may want to test you for celiac, even if you dont have symptoms.
- Symptoms of celiac disease, NCGS or a wheat allergy when you eat gluten.
- Other health conditions, like Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune conditions, which make you more likely to have or develop celiac disease.
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When Should I Call My Doctor
Some symptoms of gluten exposure can be severe. Seek medical attention if you experience diarrhea or vomiting. Dehydration can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Gluten intolerance may make you feel sick after eating gluten. You might get bloated, nauseous or gassy. Gluten intolerance causes a lot of the same symptoms as celiac disease, but its not the same condition. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to damage to the digestive tract. People with gluten intolerance usually find relief from their symptoms by following a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free diets do have some health risks. Its important to work with your healthcare provider and a dietitian to build the right treatment plan for your needs.
How To Know If You Have Celiac Disease A Gluten Sensitivity Or A Wheat Allergy
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Odds are, someone you know has gone gluten-free. Perhaps theyre trying to drop some pounds, or simply believe its healthier for them. Or, maybe they suspect they have a gluten-related medical problem, since theyve linked eating it to uncomfortable or distressing symptoms like nausea, fatigue or even joint pain.
Its possible, of course. Millions of people have disorders, such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, involving negative reactions triggered by gluten intake. Plenty of others have a wheat allergy, a potentially life-threatening immune response thats often confused with gluten-related illnesses.
But, while these serious medical issues demand the avoidance of certain foods, avoiding gluten isnt necessary for many people. Theres no proof that it helps you lose weight, for example and cutting it out of your diet unnecessarily may trigger a different set of health issues.
So, what is gluten, and how do you know if you have a serious problem with it? Whats the difference between conditions linked to gluten and wheat? And when is it a good idea to keep gluten as part of your diet?
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Ncgs Symptoms And Celiac Disease: Seemingly The Same
If theyre so different, why do people confuse celiac disease and NCGS ? Because they have two things in common:
So, if you have celiac or NCGS, you might notice that eating gluten causes:
- Bloating, gas and constipation.
- Diarrhea and nausea.
Despite their overlap in symptoms, how bad you feel isnt an indicator of whats ailing you. Some people with celiac have no symptoms at all, notes Dr. Rubio Tapia. And a person with NCGS could have very severe symptoms after eating gluten. We have to do tests to find out whats going on.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity shares many symptoms with celiac disease. However, individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity have more extraintestinal or non-GI symptoms, such as headache, brain fog, joint pain, and numbness in the legs, arms or fingers. Symptoms typically appear hours or days after gluten has been consumed.
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When To Seek Treatment
If you suspect gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or a wheat allergy, its highly recommended to visit your doctor. Be sure to stick to your current diet as much as possible until your doctor instructs otherwise because they will need a complete history of your symptoms. This history helps your doctor know if gluten is causing your symptoms.
Celiac Disease Is Not A Food Allergy
Weve heard horror stories of parents who have a child who is celiac and find out another childs parent has allowed them to eat food with gluten in it, under the pretense that: Its ok, they just had a little bit.
If you have celiac disease, just a little bit can seriously damage the lining of your small bowel. Even airborne gluten can trigger your body to start attacking the villi and make that person very, very sick. This is why it is super important If you have celiac disease, to make sure that your kitchen is celiac safe. your bodys response to gluten differs from the immune response caused by a food allergy. For example, someone who has an allergy to wheat may experience itching, swelling of the tongue, or even anaphylaxis. All of these symptoms would happen very quickly. For people who are celiac, symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all!
If youre looking to start a gluten-free diet, try kicking it off with our seven-day gluten-free diet plan! Weve pulled together dietician approved meals for breakfast lunch and dinner for a full seven days. Starting a new diet is always overwhelming, so were hoping this will help you get started and learn the ropes!
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What Happens When Someone With Gluten Intolerance Or Sensitivity Eats Gluten
While someone with either an intolerance or a sensitivity to gluten will not experience an immune response to the same degree someone with celiac disease would, they will experience some GI issues due to the mal-absorption of the protein.
“We think of gluten intolerance as a fairly tolerable illness, though, if we are unable to fully metabolize and digest the micronutrients, this becomes an issue of vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies as a consequence of a diuretic effect on the digestive system,” says Mancella.
In other words, gluten may inhibit the absorption of other vitamins and minerals in those with a sensitivity or intolerance.
In short, someone with celiac disease will oftentimes experience much more adverse reactions than someone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. However, neither group should be consuming gluten. When in doubt, get testedyou can never be too cautious when it comes to your health.
Wheat Allergy Vs Ncgs
Wheat allergy and NCGS can have some similar symptoms, such as nausea. But theyre not related not even distant cousins.
NCGS can cause painful symptoms, but the condition has nothing to do with allergies, states Dr. Rubio Tapia. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening, and NCGS isnt. But NCGS can affect your quality of life.
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What Is Gluten Intolerance/sensitivity
How do you know if you have a gluten intolerance? Gluten intolerance, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is when you experience digestive issues after consuming gluten. Around 6% of the US population has a gluten intolerance and it is more common in women.
The exact causes are not well known, but many patients with gluten intolerance also have IBS. Some research indicates that it may be a specific carbohydrate sensitivity or their bodies dont absorb it as it should, remaining in their intestines, causing symptoms. Other research shows wheat may affect the lining of the intestines job of keeping bacteria from escaping and allowing it to reach the blood or liver, causing inflammation.
What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance? Gluten intolerance symptoms are similar to those suffering from celiac disease: digestive problems , mental health problems , rash, joint pain, headaches, anemia and brain fog, among others.
There is also no prevention or cure for gluten intolerance, but symptoms can be managed with a gluten-free, high-fiber, low-fat, probiotic rich diet. Integrative practices such as lifestyle changes and stress management techniques may also help.
If your doctor suspects gluten intolerance, as part of the treatment plan, you might be asked to eliminate and reintroduce gluten into your diet to confirm. If there is no significant change in symptoms, gluten might not be the cause. Dont get discouraged! We will continue to search until we have an answer!
How To Order When Youre Dining Out With Celiac Disease
Considering only a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms, its important for anyone with celiac disease to be aware of the risk for cross-contamination when dining out. For instance, if youre ordering a gluten-free fried food, Dr. Bertiger recommends asking someone knowledgeable at the restaurant how they fry their food. If its fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods, thats enough to cause a problem, he says. Many restaurants only have one fryer.
Additionally, experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend calling the restaurant ahead of time to talk about your options. When youre ordering, stress to the server that you absolutely need to eat gluten-free. If youd like, you can explain why.
Also, ask detailed questions about ingredients and how food is prepared. This helps the staff understand that youre not eating gluten-free because youre following a trendy diet , but that its a matter of your health.
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What A Doctor Can Do
If youre experiencing unusual symptoms and believe you might have CD, GS, a wheat allergy or another digestive condition, reach out to your healthcare provider . Your doctor can help pinpoint what ails you, refer you to the appropriate specialists and begin treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Avoid self-diagnosing your condition or eliminating gluten from your diet before your appointment, which could influence your test results, leading to a misdiagnosis and slower recovery.
And if your tests results reveal that you do not have a digestive issue related to wheat or gluten intake but youre still cutting them out of your diet to slim down or for some other perceived health benefit, you may want to reconsider. While some people may find it impels them to choose healthier foods in general, theres no real evidence that eliminating gluten will help you drop pounds or improve your overall wellbeing. Whats more, if youre not careful, eliminating gluten could deprive you of valuable nutrients especially fiber, but also iron and calcium. Many gluten-free foods are also loaded with added sugar, too much of which is unhealthy in itself.
In the end, the gluten decision is best left to you and your doctor and with a little knowledge, you can make the right choice for your health.
This content originally appeared on Sharecare.com.
