Watch out for these symptoms of gluten intolerance

The symptoms of gluten intolerance can manifest in many ways (Image via Pexels @Eva Bronzini)
The symptoms of gluten intolerance can manifest in many ways. (Image via Pexels/Eva Bronzini)

Many symptoms of gluten intolerance arise if gluten does not suit you. Gluten intolerance is a widely prevalent health issue. Reactions to the protein group, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye, are characteristic of this disorder.

Grain-related diseases encompass a wide range of conditions, like celiac disease, NCGS, and wheat allergy. Symptoms of all three gluten-related diseases can be quite general, and they aren't always related to digestion. Read on to learn more.


Some common symptoms of gluten intolerance

Mentioned below are some signs of gluten intolerance.

1) Diarrhea and constipation

One of the most commons symptoms of gluten intolerance is abdominal pain .(Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)
One of the most commons symptoms of gluten intolerance is abdominal pain .(Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

This is one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance. Those who claim to be gluten intolerant often suffer from alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Having digestive problems every once in a while is normal, but having them daily can be a sign of something more serious.

Celiac disease patients may also have gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea or constipation. As a result of their condition, they may also have feces that smell unpleasant.

2) Bloating

One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is bloating. Bloating is defined as a feeling of a full stomach and feels uncomfortable. A build-up of gas in the abdominal region is also described as bloating.

Bloating is generally attributed to overeating, but it can be due to many other reasons too. However, it's possible that people who are gluten intolerant experience chronic gas and bloating that isn't caused by overeating.

3) Abdominal pain

Bloating is one of the common symptoms. (Image via Pexels/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)
Bloating is one of the common symptoms. (Image via Pexels/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

It's not uncommon to experience pain in the belly, and there are many potential causes. but it's also the number one sign of gluten sensitivity.

That's one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance, where people can experience severe gastrointestinal distress after ingesting gluten, with the chances being as high as 83 percent.

4) Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can be caused by gluten intolerance. (Image via Pexels/Shvets Production)
Unexplained weight loss can be caused by gluten intolerance. (Image via Pexels/Shvets Production)

An increase or decrease in body mass that does not occur with age is usually cause for alarm. Celiac disease is one of the many causes of unexplained weight loss.

Six months before diagnosis, approximately two-thirds of patients with celiac disease were found to lose weight during a study. Possible causes of weight loss include digestive issues and poor nutrient absorption.

5) Fatigue

Extreme fatigue is also a symptom of gluten intolerance. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)
Extreme fatigue is also a symptom of gluten intolerance. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Tiredness is extremely common and is not usually indicative of any health problem.

A deeper investigation may be warranted, though, if extreme fatigue is a persistent problem. Tiredness and weakness are some of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance, especially after consuming gluten-containing foods.

Sixty to eighty percent of those with gluten intolerance report chronic fatigue. What's more: iron deficiency anemia, which can be brought on by gluten intolerance, is a major contributor to fatigue and weakness.

6) Skin problems

To a lesser extent, skin problems are also associated with gluten intolerance. In fact, they're one of the most decipherable symptoms of gluten intolerance in adults.

Celiac disease manifests itself topically as a blistering skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis. Everyone with celiac disease is sensitive to gluten, but only about 10% of people with the disease experience the digestive symptoms.

Moreover, a gluten-free diet has been shown to be effective in treating several other skin diseases. For example:

  • Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that causes the skin to redden and scale.
  • Alopecia areata is characterized by patchy, non-scarring hair loss and is thought to have an autoimmune basis.
  • Recurrent, irritable, pink or red lesions with white centers characterize the skin condition called chronic urticaria.

7) Brain fog

Gluten intolerance can also cause joint and muscle pain. (Image via Unsplash/Sasun Bughdaryan)
Gluten intolerance can also cause joint and muscle pain. (Image via Unsplash/Sasun Bughdaryan)

Simply described, brain fog is the inability to think clearly. It's considered one of the side effects of gluten, but evidence in support of that is scarce.

People who experience it often report symptoms like forgetfulness, foggy thinking, and mental exhaustion. Up to 40%of people with gluten intolerance report experiencing mental fogginess.

The exact cause of the symptom is unknown, but it may be related to an immune response to certain antibodies found in gluten.

8) Joint and muscle pain

One of the symptoms of gluten intolerance can be joint and muscle pain. Some people who are sensitive to gluten may experience inflammation if they're exposed to gluten. As inflammation can affect many tissues, you may experience aches and pains throughout the body.

Apart from the above, there are many other symptoms of gluten intolerance that an individual can experience.

Read about foods to avoid if you have gluten allergies.


Is there a test for gluten intolerance?

If you feel like you're experiencing symptoms of gluten intolerance, you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can prescribe tests to you for gluten intolerance.

Blood test, tTG-IgA test, biopsy, EMA test, total serum IgA test, deamidated gliadin peptide test and genetic testing are some of the tests prescribed by doctors to detect gluten intolerance.

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