Over the course of the past ten years, gluten intolerance has emerged as a matter of growing proportion. There is a wide range of symptoms that can be associated with gluten intolerance, and they frequently show up as something else. Consequently, gluten intolerance might be challenging to detect due to this reason. You may be able to identify the source of your discomfort if you are aware of the symptoms that are associated with gluten intolerance. If you do this, you will be able to take the necessary actions to alleviate your symptoms and lead a more comfortable life.
Differences Between Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Because it has become a more widespread health problem, gluten intolerance has been a topic that has generated some debate about its significance. Although some individuals who are suffering symptoms are positive that gluten is the cause of their discomfort, there are others who contend that gluten sensitivity is not a valid complaint.
Gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease are often used interchangeably by a large number of people, which is the primary source of the debate. This pair of circumstances, on the other hand, have been quite distinct:
About one percent of the population is affected with coeliac disease, which is classified as an autoimmune illness. The most extreme kind of gluten sensitivity, it can be harmful to the digestive system and can cause discomfort. Patients with coeliac disease who do not receive treatment run the risk of developing stomach cancer in the future [1]. Your doctor will use serologic and genetic tests to diagnose coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder and not a true “wheat allergy.”
Gluten sensitivity: You may frequently hear people refer to gluten sensitivity as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), or even gluten intolerance. Both of these terms are not synonymous with gluten sensitivity. According to the clinical definition of coeliac disease, it is an unfavourable reaction to gluten that does fit under the umbrella of the disease. Unlike coeliac disease, gluten sensitivity is not associated with an autoimmune disorder and is significantly less severe. Even though many of the symptoms are similar to one another, NCGS is not linked to the consequences that are associated with coeliac disease [2,17].
It is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis of gluten sensitivity, in contrast to coeliac disease. As a result of this, specialists believe that anything from half a percent to thirteen percent of the population may be susceptible to gluten sensitivity that is not caused by coeliac disease [2].
Is It Possible to Have Gluten Sensitivity?
A significant number of individuals are of the opinion that non-celiac gluten sensitivity is not a genuine condition. This is due to the fact that the symptoms are so diverse that it is challenging to get an accurate diagnosis. However, what does the scientific community concur with? A total of 59 individuals who had a suspicion that they were gluten sensitive were divided into two groups for the purpose of this study. Either a capsule containing gluten or a placebo containing rice starch was administered to each group for a period of one week. Following the conclusion of the week, they switched the groups.
These symptoms, which included abdominal pain, gas, headaches, fatigue, bloating, and brain fog, were experienced by the individuals whenever they were given the capsule that contained gluten [3]. Over one hundred individuals who did not have coeliac disease participated in the second trial that was conducted by researchers using a framework that was very similar to the first. Additionally, throughout the week that they were taking the gluten supplement, participants reported experiencing an increase in symptoms as well as a decline in their quality of life [4]. The results of both of these investigations demonstrate that gluten sensitivity is a real condition that adversely affects the quality of life of individuals.
A Look at the Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
Diagnosing gluten sensitivity can be challenging due to the fact that the symptoms can vary greatly and some of them may not be very specific. The symptoms of gluten intolerance are difficult to differentiate from those of other health problems and autoimmune illnesses because of this.
Therefore, if you are aware of the symptoms of gluten intolerance, it will be easier for you to determine whether or not gluten is the source of your difficulty. Although the digestive symptoms that are connected with gluten sensitivity are well known to a large number of people, there are a great number of other signals that may be indicating that you should remove gluten from your diet.
- Problems with the Seen
A number of skin problems, such as a flushed complexion, acne, and rashes, can be brought on by hypersensitivity to gluten. You might wish to take a look at your diet for any indications if you are experiencing skin problems that do not appear to have any other logical cause.
Several various skin disorders have showed signs of improvement while following a diet that is free of gluten, including the following:
Psoriasis is characterised by the scaling and reddening of the skin.
One of the autoimmune diseases that causes hair loss that does not leave scars is called alopecia areata.
There are recurrent, itchy, pink or red lesions with pale centres that are characteristic of chronic urticaria [5].
Brain fog and headaches are the second.
Studies have revealed that those who are gluten intolerant may be more prone to migraines than other people [6]. Migraines are an illness that affects a large number of people. Brain fog, often known as the sensation of being unable to think clearly, is a common symptom of gluten sensitivity due to the presence of gluten. Having difficulties thinking, feeling “cloudy,” or experiencing mental tiredness are some of the symptoms that many people express when they have this condition. The prevalence of this symptom among those who are gluten intolerant might be as high as forty percent [7].
- an enlarged gut
Those who are gluten intolerant frequently report that they experience bloating as one of their symptoms. The fact that this unpleasant sensation frequently happens shortly after eating makes it one of the most straightforward methods for determining whether or not an individual is sensitive to gluten. Bloating was experienced by as many as 87 percent of individuals who were under the impression that they might have a sensitivity to gluten, according to the findings of one study [8].
- Pain along the joints and numbness
These symptoms are not typically associated with gluten intolerance unless it is specifically mentioned. The majority of the time, they attribute it to nothing more than being exhausted. When gluten is consumed, however, those who are sensitive to gluten may have inflammation in their bodies. It is possible that this will produce broad discomfort in their muscles as well as their joints [8]. Uncertainty persists on whether gluten is responsible for joint discomfort in individuals who do not have any prior illnesses, such as arthritis, for instance.
Constipation, diarrhoea, and gas are the five symptoms.
Those who suffer from coeliac disease frequently have digestive discomfort, which can manifest in a variety of ways, including diarrhoea and constipation. On the other hand, those who are sensitive to gluten may also find themselves experiencing these symptoms. It has been reported that more than fifty percent of individuals who are sensitive to gluten regularly develop diarrhoea, and twenty-five percent of these individuals also experience constipation [9].
Tiredness, number six
Another indicator of gluten intolerance that could go unreported is the presence of this substance. In spite of the fact that feeling tired is extremely normal and can be caused by a wide variety of factors, persistent weariness and lethargy are typically indicators that something is wrong for the individual. meals that contain gluten can cause people who are gluten intolerant to experience feelings of fatigue or sluggishness, particularly after they have consumed these meals. In point of fact, the rates of occurrence of these symptoms range anywhere from sixty percent to more than eighty percent of those who are gluten intolerant [9].
- Conditions of Anxiety and Depression
There are a number hypotheses that attempt to explain the possible connection between gluten intolerance and depression, including the following:
Problems with serotonin? People frequently refer to serotonin as the “happiness hormone” in their everyday conversations. As a result of lower serotonin levels, individuals who are gluten intolerant may experience feelings of depression [10].
The exorphins found in gluten food. In the process of digesting some of the gluten proteins, peptides known as exorphins start to develop. They have the potential to disrupt the functioning of the central nervous system, which can lead to feelings of depression [11].
A microbiota found in the intestines. Alterations in the microbiota of the gut are frequently observed in individuals who are wheat or gluten sensitive. Because of this, it is possible that they have larger amounts of bacteria that are hazardous and lower levels of germs that are good. This can have an effect on the central nervous system, which can raise the likelihood that you will experience depression [12].
Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Number Eight
When gluten is consumed, individuals who are affected by gluten intolerance may have inflammation in their gut and small intestine. A decrease in their ability to absorb minerals from their diet, including iron, can be a consequence of this inflammation [13]. Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, headaches, and weakness are some of the symptoms that can be brought on by an iron deficiency [14].
- Weight Loss That Cannot Be Explained
When someone suddenly loses weight, it is typically a clue that something is wrong with them. This is a symptom that is more frequently associated with coeliac disease; nevertheless, those who have not been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity may also experience this. A decrease in appetite as a result of stomach distress and abdominal pain could be the cause of this, as well as a poor ability to absorb nutrients [15].
- Abdominal Ache and Pain
The most typical symptom of gluten intolerance is pain in the abdominal region. According to research [16], those who are gluten intolerant may have abdominal pain and discomfort after consuming gluten. This percentage might go as high as 83 percent.
A Guide to Recognising the Signs of Gluten Intolerance
This could be an indication that you have an intolerance to gluten, despite the fact that many of these symptoms can be the result of a wide range of health concerns. It is very likely that you have a gluten sensitivity if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms. This is because gluten is a protein that is found in foods. In the event that you believe that gluten could be the cause of your symptoms, you should discuss with your physician the possibility of temporarily removing it from your diet. You might want to think about permanently removing gluten from your diet if you find that your symptoms improve after you remove it from your diet.
