7 Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance You Should Know About
If you’re someone who frequently experiences bloating, stomach pain, or digestive issues after consuming food with gluten, you might have gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance or sensitivity refers to the body’s inability to digest gluten protein, which is found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. In this article, we will be discussing 7 common symptoms of gluten intolerance that you should be aware of.
1. Digestive Issues
One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is digestive problems. If you experience frequent diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, or stomach pain after eating gluten-containing foods, you might be gluten intolerant. This is because your body is unable to digest gluten, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine.
2. Skin Problems
Another symptom of gluten intolerance is the appearance of skin problems. People with gluten intolerance often experience rashes, eczema, or dermatitis herpetiformis—a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy bumps and blisters. These skin problems occur due to the body’s immune system reacting to gluten protein.
3. Fatigue and Brain Fog
People with gluten intolerance often report feelings of fatigue and brain fog. This happens because gluten sensitivity can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. The inflammation can affect the brain’s ability to function correctly, leading to brain fog and tiredness.
4. Joint and Muscle Pain
Joint and muscle pain are also common symptoms of gluten intolerance. People with this condition often experience joint pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness due to inflammation caused by gluten sensitivity.
5. Mood Swings
Mood swings are common in people with gluten intolerance. Gluten sensitivity can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to changes in mood, behavior, and the ability to concentrate. People with gluten intolerance often report feeling anxious, irritable, and depressed.
6. Headaches
Headaches are another common sign of gluten intolerance. Inflammation caused by gluten sensitivity can trigger headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals. If you experience frequent headaches after eating gluten-containing foods, you might be gluten intolerant.
7. Autoimmune Disorders
Finally, gluten intolerance can also lead to autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease, which is a severe form of gluten intolerance. People with celiac disease experience damage to the small intestine, leading to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems. Other autoimmune disorders associated with gluten intolerance include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes.
Conclusion
Gluten intolerance is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it might be worth consulting a doctor or a dietician to determine if you have gluten sensitivity. A gluten-free diet is an effective way to manage gluten intolerance symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.
