Gluten intolerance is a very common digestive problem. There are various degrees of gluten intolerance, ranging from celiac disease to non-celiac gluten sensitivity resulting in a wide variety of adverse reactions after gluten intake.
Celiac disease affects about 1% of the population but remains largely under diagnosed. Celiac disease is a permanent autoimmune condition which is an immune reaction to eating gluten and leads to severe damage of the lining of the small intestine.
If left untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of another autoimmune disease and serious health problems such as anaemia, osteoporosis, infertility and neurological conditions. All people who have chronic digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or excess gas should get tested for celiac disease.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which present in organs which are distant to the gut such as the brain or skin.
10 signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance:
- Digestive issues such as bloating, excess gas
- Abdominal pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema
- Depression / anxiety
- Foggy mind
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Joint and muscle pain