How Long Does It Take To Cleanse Your Body Of Gluten
This varies from person to person. Some people start feeling better after just a few days of eliminating gluten in their diet. For others, symptoms of gluten intolerance dont go away for a few weeks or more. In some cases, certain symptoms might disappear early while others might take longer to go away.
Diarrhea Constipation And Smelly Feces
Individuals with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten.
This damages the gut lining and leads to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in significant digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea or constipation (
That suggests that gluten exposure on its own may induce feelings of depression, irrespective to digestive symptoms.
Will There Ever Be A Drug For Celiac Disease
Unfortunately, 83 percent of people with celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Thats largely because signs and symptoms can vary widely. These fall into two categories, called GI and extra-GI, says Mukherjee.
GI symptoms include chronic diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight gain or loss. Extra-GI symptoms refer to those that are seemingly unrelated to your GI tract, like joint pain, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, fatigue, muscle cramps, unexplained anemia, and fertility issues in women, she notes.
It can be tough getting a diagnosis. If a physician doesnt suspect celiac, it can be years before a patient is diagnosed, she says.
These symptoms, along with a personal history of autoimmune disorders or a family history of celiac or autoimmune disorders, should tip off your physician that celiac may be a possibility, and you should be tested, she says. Testing is done through a tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody and IgA antibody test. Stay on a regular diet while having the test done, because cutting gluten before testing can give you a false result.
If youre diagnosed with celiac, the only treatment available right now is a strict gluten-free diet, which will allow your small intestine to heal, relieving symptoms and preventing nutritional deficiencies that can arise from problems absorbing food when you have the disease.
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Consult With Your Doctor
The first step in determining gluten intolerance is to consult with your primary care provider. They will be able to do tests to find out whether you have a more serious condition like celiac disease. The above symptoms can also be related to various other conditions, so it is good to rule out other causes before assuming gluten intolerance. If the tests do come back negative, then it may be a good idea to try a gluten free diet to see how you respond to it. Although, check with your doctor to make sure this is a good idea. If you do try a gluten free diet, you can make a food journal to keep track of the foods you have tried, along with what works and what doesnât.
You Often Experience Rashes And Itchy Skin
Skin conditions associated with intestinal diseases are becoming more frequent.
New research suggests that NCGS can cause skin lesions similar both to eczema and psoriasis, particularly on the elbows, back of hands and knees.
In a study of 17 patients, a gluten-free diet greatly improved symptoms after just one month .
Research is in its early stages though, and its unclear if gluten is a direct cause of these conditions, or simply worsens them.
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Depression Irritability And Behavioral Problems
Gluten can have profound psychological effects in people with celiac disease.
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression are common among adults with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity. In children, tantrums, irritability and even ADHD can manifest. Some researchers estimate neurological disorders may occur in as many as 10-25% of all celiac patients.
Ask your doctor to test for celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies, particularly if you have a child that has been diagnosed with a behavioral, mental health, or developmental disorder.
Symptoms Of Gluten Sensitivity
Compared to people with celiac disease, people with NCGS have more symptoms that are not gastrointestinal in nature. The symptoms may also appear hours to days after consuming gluten. Here are some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity:
- “Brain fog.” This is the most common characteristic of gluten sensitivity. Kids with brain fog may often feel tired, or like they just got out of bed. They may be especially forgetful, and may have trouble focusing or completing tasks.
- Headaches or migraines. Its not normal for children to experience chronic headaches or migraines. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, he should be taken to a doctor for an evaluation. It could be a sign of gluten sensitivity.
- Dizziness
- Acne or rashes. Itchy elbows, knees, buttocks and the back of the neck has been associated with gluten sensitivity.
- Joint pain or numbness. Chronic joint pain and tingling and numbness in the fingers, arms or legs are clear signs of a health issue. In those with a gluten sensitivity, it happens frequently for no apparent reason.
- Diarrhea, gas or constipation
- Distended stomach or bloating
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Diagnosis Of An Autoimmune Disease
Image Credit: Yale News
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and are experiencing some of the other symptoms weve mentioned, the culprit for all could be a gluten intolerance.
Many people sensitive to gluten will develop the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, especially if they also have Celiac disease.
Getting Diagnosed With Gluten Intolerance
As with any disease or illness, a diagnosis alone can bring significant relief. The symptoms of gluten intolerance are more than simple digestion issues. As research shows, the body is impacted in a variety of ways when it is unable to break down or tolerate gluten-based foods.
The challenge with gluten intolerance is that some individuals may experience many of the more common symptoms. While some might experience very few symptoms or only a few of the rare symptoms associated with this condition. These symptoms can be damaging to a person, but when left undiagnosed, the long term damage can be extensive and permanent. For these reasons, an accurate and early diagnosis is important.
In addition, the less severe cases like gluten sensitivity donât have any test to diagnose. However, the most severe condition, celiac disease, can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. A negative blood test for celiac disease doesnât automatically eliminate all gluten intolerances as part of a potential diagnosis.
Itâs always important to consult with your primary care physician regarding any medical health concerns you might be experiencing. Conducting research and being informed are always beneficial in helping find a diagnosis, but symptoms alone can make diagnosis difficult.
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Bloating For No Reason Or After Certain Foods
No doubt all of us have experienced bloating at some stage, usually associated with overindulgence after special occasions, such as Thanksgiving.
But bloating for no particular reason, or only associated with certain foods, such as bread, pastries or some sauces, may be a sign of gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance is a term used to describe a sensitivity to gluten – so this includes people with Celiac disease , wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. If there is no particular reason for your bloating or you are experiencing it regularly – get it checked out!
Interested In Finding Out If You Are Gluten Intolerant
Take our Guide to Gluten eCourse! This course outlines a proven method to help you determine your own bodys reaction to gluten. Our objective is to empower you to discover how gluten affects your body and how to thrive without gluten in your diet. During the course, you will have access to a number of worksheets, shopping guides, and checklists that you can complete in the comfort of your home. The more worksheets and checklists you complete, the more helpful and effective this eCourse will be for you. The focus of this 4-hour eCourse is to provide a detailed understanding of gluten and the tools to enjoy a gluten-free lifestyle.
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Could My Symptoms Be Something Else
If you regularly have diarrhoea, bloating, tummy pain or skin rashes but youre not certain of the cause, see a GP.
A GP may be able to diagnose the cause from your symptoms and medical history. If necessary, theyll order tests, such as blood tests.
You can also do some research yourself. It may help to find out about other conditions that cause similar symptoms. For example, find out about:
The bowel is a sensitive organ and its common to have bowel symptoms when you have been ill or feel run down or stressed.
Thinking Of Going Gluten
Wondering if gluten could be to blame for your bloating, stomach issues, brain fog, and increasing headaches? Youre not alone. Eighteen million Americans may be sensitive to gluten, but it can be difficult to determine if you could be part of that statistic.
Its a little tricky: just because you have an intolerance to gluten doesnt mean you will end up being allergic to wheat or diagnosed with Celiac, and its possible to be allergic to wheat without being sensitive to gluten. Thats why its so important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and do the appropriate testing to uncover what is causing your issues.
For now, here are seven symptoms of gluten intolerance as well as how to test for it, and what to do if you are gluten intolerant.
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What Causes Gluten Intolerance
The exact causes of gluten intolerance arent well understood. Some research shows that people may not be sensitive to gluten, but to a certain carbohydrate found in many foods. Their bodies dont absorb the carbohydrate as they should. It stays in their guts and ferments, causing sickness.
Other research suggests that wheat might affect the lining of some peoples digestive tracts. This lining usually keeps bacteria from leaking out of your intestines. But in people with a gluten intolerance, the lining may not work as it should, allowing bacteria into their blood or liver and causing inflammation.
When To See A Doctor
If you think you might suffer from a gluten- or wheat-related condition, then its important that you talk to your doctor before diagnosing yourself or beginning any treatment on your own. An allergist or gastroenterologist can run tests and discuss your history with you to help reach a diagnosis.
Its especially important to see a doctor in order to rule out celiac disease. Celiac disease can lead to severe health complications, especially in children.
Because theres a genetic component to celiac disease, it can run in families. This means that its important for you to confirm if you have celiac disease so you can advise your loved ones to get tested as well. More than 83 percent of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed and unaware they have the condition, according to the advocacy group Beyond Celiac.
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How Is Gluten Intolerance Treated
Theres no cure for gluten intolerance. But most people find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet. You should work with your healthcare provider and a dietitian to plan your diet.
You can also ask your healthcare provider about adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics help increase the good bacteria in your gut. They may reduce symptoms of bloating, gas or constipation.
Some research suggests that taking certain enzymes may help you digest gluten. But experts are still investigating this treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any enzymes.
Key Signs You Could Be Gluten Intolerant
Constantly not feeling your best? You may have gluten intolerance. Gluten is found in every day foods like cereals, bread, pasta and baked goods, acting as the glue that holds it all together. Many people report experiencing a range of unexplained, persistent symptoms that may be linked to gluten.
These symptoms include:
GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS
A range of gastrointestinal symptoms i.e. the stomach and intestines may be experienced by those with gluten intolerance. These include varying degrees of:
- Nausea
Persistent Fatigue
Another key sign is if you get plenty of sleep, but still wake feeling tired with depleted levels of energy. This fatigue can be both physical and mental, including:
- Muscle weakness
Skin problems
Being our largest organ, skin health is often a sign of whats happening inside our body. Common skin symptoms that may indicate gluten intolerance include:
- Inflammation
Plus, many people report experiencing recurrent mouth ulcers.
Next steps
Finding the cause of symptoms is essential. Speak with your healthcare professional, who may recommend a blood test and small intestinal biopsy to screen for coeliac disease a serious autoimmune disease that can have long-lasting damage if left untreated.
Gluten sensitivity is different. It describes symptoms many people report experiencing after eating gluten, such as nausea, bloating and abdominal discomfort however, tests do not indicate coeliac disease so the causes and treatment arent well understood.
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Common Signs You Might Be Suffering From Gluten Intolerance
The symptoms of gluten intolerance might range from person to person, but the eight most common symptoms include bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, headache, brain fog, joint pain, numbness in the legs, arms or fingers, and fatigue.
Not all individuals will experience all of these symptoms, and a diagnosis based on the symptoms alone might be challenging. If one finds him or herself experiencing any number of the following symptoms, itâs important to talk to a licensed physician.
What To Do If You Are Sensitive To Gluten
For sensitive individuals, avoiding gluten is mandatory for healing the gut lining, calming inflammation and restoring immune balance.
Depending on the level of sensitivity, eating out can be challenging, as many gluten-free foods can be contaminated if prepared in the same kitchen or fried in the same oil as gluten foods.
To remedy this you can preemptively take gluten digesting enzymes to block some of the inflammatory effects of ingesting trace amounts of gluten.
If you dont eat out, gluten exposure may still be an issue for you. Spices are notorious for being gluten contaminated. Nuts can be also.
You can test the foods at home with a Nima. This gluten-testing device uses small capsule to test samples of food for gluten. Put a mix of kitchen spices into the Nima and if it comes back positive, you need to test each spice. You use the Nima at restaurants to test your food before you eat it.
Its a good idea to double check that your supplements dont have hidden traces of gluten. Many supplements are certified gluten free.
In some cases, if gluten sensitivity is mild and caused by lack of enzymes, biome imbalances, leaky gut or inflammation, fixing these issue could reverse the sensitivity. If so, gluten will no longer trigger inflammation for you.
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