Ten Signs You’re Gluten Intolerant
In recent years, more and more gluten-free products have been introduced to the market. This is because many are gluten intolerant.
However, many people choose to buy these products without actually knowing whether or not it is necessary to do so.
For starters, it’s important to mention that gluten is a protein that you can find in foods such as:
- wheat
- rye
- barley
However, not everyone experiences side effects after consuming gluten. But in some people it can trigger a range of different symptoms and health problems.
So far, there are about 55 different diseases associated with it. However, it is estimated that 99% of people who are gluten intolerant have never been officially diagnosed for it.
That is why, with the help of this article, we want to teach you which signs may indicate that it would be wise to contact your doctor and how to recognize these signs. Find out what signs these could be, among other things.
1. Gastrointestinal Problems If You Are Gluten Intolerant
One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is digestive and intestinal problems.
For example, after eating foods that contain gluten, you may experience unpleasant symptoms such as:
- A bloated belly
- Diarrhea and Constipation
- intestinal gases
- Stomach ache
- Irritable bowel syndrome
To alleviate these symptoms, it is therefore necessary to eliminate all products that contain this protein from your diet.
2. Fatigue From Gluten Intolerance
For example, after eating wheat or other grains that contain gluten, some people experience fatigue or have trouble concentrating. Continued fatigue or weakness can therefore be an indication that you need to make changes in your diet.
3. Headache
Eating gluten can also cause an imbalance in the body’s natural inflammatory processes. This then influences the functioning of your nervous system.
Being gluten intolerant can trigger multiple reactions, headaches and migraines being just a few.
4. Hormonal Imbalances Due to Gluten Intolerance
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Infertility
All of the above can be linked to a gluten intolerance. Some gynecologists and health professionals therefore recommend that patients who suffer from any of these problems remove gluten-containing foods from their diet.
5. Joint Problems
As we mentioned earlier, people who are gluten intolerant can have stronger inflammatory reactions than normal. This can cause harmful consequences.
One of the biggest factors to worry about in this case is the joints, as this problem can amplify swelling and pain. The parts that are often most affected are the hands and knees.
6. Kerastosis pilaris
Kerastosis pilaris is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of small light red bumps on the skin. This condition is related, among other things, to a poor absorption of vitamin A and essential fatty acids. This can be caused by intestinal damage as a result of prolonged exposure to gluten.
7. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. Unlike other conditions, this condition can cause ongoing episodes of unexplained pain.
While fibromyalgia can be linked to many more factors, experts believe that in certain cases, symptoms can be better controlled by eliminating gluten from your diet.
8. Neurological Consequences
Gluten can also cause inflammation in the central nervous system and weaken the immune system. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness or tingling.
9. Autoimmune Diseases
People who are regularly exposed to gluten are also more likely to develop an autoimmune disease than people who generally avoid gluten.
This protein increases the risk of inflammation and can cause serious problems such as:
- Psoriasis
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Scleroderma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sclerosis
- Hashimoto’s disease
10. Behavioral Problems
With some psychological problems, there may be an improvement when gluten is removed from the diet.
These problems include:
- Fear
- Depression
- ADHD
- stress
- Irritability
The symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary from case to case, which often causes the condition to be confused with other conditions. For example, people who suffer from celiac disease can take six to ten years to get the correct diagnosis.
If you find yourself experiencing one or more of the symptoms we’ve discussed in this article, it’s a good idea to see your doctor and get checked to see if you should avoid eating foods that contain gluten.