Gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a common problem occurring in human body due to the adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley etc. Gluten intolerance extends to an advanced form called Celiac disease.
This is an autoimmune disease that damages the digestive system. There are also possibilities of non-celiac gluten sensitivity that can still be a problem. Both forms of gluten intolerance can cause severe symptoms that are not dependent upon digestion.
As per the recent study, 50+ diseases have been linked to gluten (a form of protein found in rye, wheat, and barley). It is also estimated that 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant.
10 Early Warning Signs of Gluten Intolerance
The following are the main symptoms of gluten intolerance.
1. Bloating
Bloating is a condition where one feels that the stomach is swollen and rigid after food. This may also be a sign of gluten intolerance. Bloating is one of the main symptoms that appear in people who are sensitive to gluten.
A study reveals that 87% of people who are suspected to have non-celiac gluten exhibit the symptom of bloating.
2. Diarrhea, Constipation and Smelly Feces
Diarrhea and constipation occur often when we consume food that is not cooked properly or old. But occasionally, it is caused due to gluten intolerance. When it occurs due to gluten intolerance the gut lining is damaged and that results in poor nutrient absorption.
This results in digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea and constipation. More than 50% of gluten-sensitive individuals regularly experience diarrhea, while about 25% experience constipation.
Furthermore, individuals with celiac disease may experience pale and foul-smelling feces due to poor nutrient absorption. Frequent diarrhea can cause some major health concerns, such as loss of electrolytes, dehydration and fatigue.
3. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is usually caused due to indigestion or some other digestive problem. But it is the most common symptom of gluten intolerance. Around 83 % of people with gluten intolerance undergo pain in abdomen after consuming gluten.
4. Headache
Headache is a very common problem among normal people. It may occur during long travels, continuous exposure to sound etc. Specially, migraines are common among all over the world.
Interestingly, studies show that Migraines may also be caused due to gluten intolerance. If the Migraines occur frequently without any cause, then that may be because of gluten intolerance.
5. Feeling Tired
Fatigue is always with us. We feel tired whenever we do a heavy work that day. Every night we feel tired due to the day-long work that we carry out. However, if tiredness prevails all through the day and continuously, the cause may be gluten intolerance.
Gluten intolerance people often experience tiredness after their meal, especially when the meal contains gluten. The gluten also causes anemia, that can bring about more tiredness and fatigue.
6. Skin Problems
Gluten intolerance can affect the skin, Dermatitis herpetiformis, a blistering skin condition can be manifested due to gluten intolerance.
Many other skin diseases such as Psoriasis, Alopetia areata, chronic, utricaria show improvement in their respective conditions while on a gluten-free diet.
7. Depression
Depression or tension always affects the adults. Depression is accompanied by sadness and hopelessness. People with digestive issue experience more depression and anxiety compared to healthy people.
Depression is common among people with celiac disease. Abnormal serotonin levels, gluten exorphins, changes in gut microbiota are some of the main reasons why gluten intolerance can drive depression.
Several studies show that individuals self-reported gluten intolerance opt for a gluten0free diet since they feel better, even though their digestion tract is not cleared.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss occurs due to non-proper diet, diabetes etc. But unexplained weight loss can occur due to celiac disease.
A study suggests that two thirds of the people with gluten intolerance exhibit weight loss in around six months. The weight loss may be due to the poor nutrient absorption and other digestive symptoms.
9. Anemia
We have already seen that gluten intolerance causes anemia. It is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. Due to celiac disease, the absorption of nutrients in the large intestines is impaired and thus iron content in the body reduces.
This iron deficiency causes tiredness, headaches, dizziness etc. Anemia can occur in children as well as adults due to gluten intolerance.
10. Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental condition that occurs commonly around the world. Individuals with gluten intolerance seem to be more prone to anxiety and panic disorders than healthy individuals. 40% of people who have self-reported gluten intolerance experience severe anxiety.
So, beware of all these symptoms as well as your regular diet so that you can get a remedy for gluten intolerance as soon as possible… 😊
