One of the dietary buzzwords these days that gets used in and out of context is “gluten”. So let’s talk about gluten, and how to know if you really have a sensitivity to it.
First off, gluten is not the same thing as “carbs”. Gluten is a protein found in cereal grains, especially wheat. There are breads, cereals, and pastas that are all gluten-free, so as mentioned, don’t confuse gluten with carbohydrates. It is important to understand what gluten is, so that if you do have an intolerance to it – you can know to avoid it.
People who are intolerant to gluten have a hard time digesting it, which causes your body to not be able to absorb other key nutrients in your food. Gluten intolerance has been linked to a long list of medical conditions. Normally, the only time gluten intolerance is paid attention to is when someone is diagnosed with celiac disease, which is a severe form of gluten intolerance that can actually lead to death. Millions of people suffer from milder symptoms of gluten intolerance, and go undiagnosed.
Here are 12 Symptoms that you might have a gluten intolerance:
1. Digestive Issues:
The most obvious signs of gluten sensitivity are digestive issues after
eaten gluten. This includes bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and irritable
bowel syndrome.
2. Mood Swings:
Gluten sensitivity can cause unstable emotional health like depression, anxiety, and sudden drastic swings in mood.
3. Brain Fog
Gluten intolerance can have negative effects on the brain such as
dizziness, lack of focus, trouble balancing, and tingling sensations.
4. Headaches
Gluten intolerance can cause headaches and even migraines.
5. Fatigue
People with gluten sensitivities may experience abnormal fatigue
throughout the day, even without doing anything physically or mentally
exhausting.
6. Auto-Immune Conditions in the Skin
Gluten sensitivities can cause auto-immune conditions like eczema and psoriasis to worsen.
7. Fibromyalgia
According to some physicians, fibromyalgia (skeletal pain and weakness),
in which inflammation and pain can occur virtually anywhere on the
body, could actually be a symptom of gluten intolerance.
8. Hormonal Imbalance
A difficulty processing gluten can cause issues with hormone balance,
resulting in worsened PMS. Gluten sensitivity may also be a cause of
inexplicable infertility.
9. Keratosis Pilaris
Gluten intolerance can also cause rough discolored bumps and hardened
skin around the thighs, arms, and cheeks knows as Keratosis Pilaris.
This happens when gluten intolerance damages the stomach
10. Joint pain and inflammation.
Gluten sensitivity can cause constant joint pain, inflammation, and swelling
11. Impacts to Immune System
Because gluten affects your digestive system, it affects your immune system, because 80% of your immune system is in your gut.
12. Dental Issues
Gluten intolerance can lead to tooth decay, tooth cracks, and gum
problems. All are conditions impacted by inflammation in the body.
Testing for a gluten intolerance is not standardized, unless you have full-blown celiac disease. The best method for testing whether or not you have a gluten intolerance is exclusion dieting. Pay attention to your food labels, and look for “gluten-free” sections at your grocery store. Because non-gluten dieting is so popular, chances are that gluten-free foods will be readily labeled.
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