Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

by Anna

What are gluten intolerance symptoms? Are people with gluten intolerance just fussy eaters with a new excuse for their picky food habits? 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 echoed in Western countries with similar health issues and dietary patterns. Are you one of these people? How do you recognize gluten intolerance symptoms?

First of all let’s identify the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an immune reaction, a severe sudden onset allergic reaction, to the protein called gluten. This is commonly found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. While celiac disease is initially an auto-immune disorder, it is also a disease of malabsorbtion, because essential nutrients are not absorbed. Therefore one of the most devastating symptoms of long-term undiagnosed celiac disease is malnutrition.

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 malabsortion 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 and
celiac disease?

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
• Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Fat in the stools
• Aching joints
• Depression
• Eczema
• Head aches
• Exhaustion
• Irritability and behavioural 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 intolerances have been found to contribute to diabetes, bowel cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

Why are gluten intolerance symptoms so varied?

It is still a bit of a mystery. Research has yet to reveal concrete evidence. Roger Wilde says one reason wheat intolerance is increasing because our modern diets are limited to too few main food groups, one of which is wheat. Conventionally grown wheat also contains a high level of toxic residue from pesticides, so this may also contribute to physical reactions. Roger also notes that when a body is stressed by many factors, physical and mental, food intolerances can be one more mainfestation of that stress. How each person displays these symptoms of stress can be different.

Anecdotal evidence suggests emotional trauma and stress play a large role in worsening of symptoms. Some studies have shown that there is a lower chance of developing celiac disease, the longer a baby is breastfed; the later they started eating gluten containing foods and the less gluten containing foods they ate. However completely avoiding gluten through pregnancy and in a child’s younger years may also increase allergic reaction, as the developing digestive system does not recognize the substance at all. Perhaps a moderate approach is best when preventing celiac disease, especially if there is a genetic predisposition. Mother might reduce but not eliminate gluten foods completely when pregnant, breastfeed for a longer than average period, and introduce low/no gluten grains as first foods for baby.

How to diagnose celiac disease and gluten intolerance?

Until recently it was challenging to diagnose celiac disease because the symptoms are varied and similar to other diseases. For example, crones disease, chronic fatigue, iron deficiency, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal infections can all have similar symptoms. In fact there may be a cross over between gluten intolerances and some of these illnesses; an individual may have a combination of issues worsened by unsuitable food choices.
Now doctors test for raised levels of certain auto-antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced when the body senses a dangerous intruder allergen, like gluten. If the results indicate an allergy to gluten the doctor may perform a small intestine biopsy. This will reveal the damage to the villi in the small intestine. It is important to eat an ordinary diet including gluten, before being tested.

Anna's personal comment:

Discovering you have a food allergy or intolerance is a perfect opportunity to take responsibility for feeding your body wholesome nutrition. It is also a time to reduce stressors in your life as much as possible, because we know symptoms are worsened by stress. Learn how to relax more easily and deeply.
Western medicine traditionally relies upon diagnosing a certain complaint, and prescribing pharmaceuaticals. Patients also like the security of finally knowing what the ‘real problem’ is; a label for their problems. With a food intolerance, once you have an inkling of what the issue is, you are the one who has to make change… it is the only remedy.

Unlike some other medical conditions, a ‘magic pill’ will not fix a food allergy or intolerance. The best remedy is long term diet change. This can be fun and inspiring! Much pain and suffering comes from false diagnosis (e.g being told you have irritable bowel syndrome, when it is actually celiac disease), so check your body’s response to diet change rather than taking medical advice as the last word. Let intolerance to certain foods provide a doorway to freedom and health, through discovery and culinary creativity. I have many clients who have found their asthma, skin conditions, constipation and backache disappear, once they removed foods such as dairy or wheat from their diet.

I believe because we are unique individuals and our health picture is changing all the time, we do best to remain open and alert to possibilities and options.
An empowered individual takes responsibility for their wellbeing, listens to affirmation from their feelings and body, seeks clues and answers from a broad range of practitioners, reviews the research and takes positive action. Healing is a returning to balance which may take time. It may require patience and the determination to try out a few nutritional and therapeutic ‘experiments’. Keep listening for the positive response from your body and mind. Listen for the ‘yes’ feeling.

For more info on gluten intolerance:

Useful European and UK Links

Cold Sore Causes
Many adults and children carry the virus that causes cold sores

office food
Cut out snacking on junk food and unnecessary breaks, by having Fruit for the Office deliver delicious fresh fruit to the office.

Veal
If you don't have time to go out, order your veal chops online from Aubrey Allen.