10 Common Symptoms to Look for in Gluten Intolerance
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), another name for gluten intolerance, is a condition in which people have negative symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods but do not have the autoimmune reaction associated with coeliac disease. Understanding the symptoms of gluten sensitivity is essential for diagnosing the problem and obtaining the right therapy, even if the symptoms of gluten intolerance may differ significantly from person to person.
Wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives contain the protein gluten. People who are gluten intolerant have a variety of neurological, mental, and digestive problems as a result of their systems’ inability to digest gluten. While gluten intolerance may not harm the intestine, it can nonetheless produce pain and suffering, unlike coeliac disease, which is characterised by an immune system assault on the small intestine. This tutorial describes the typical symptoms of gluten intolerance, how to spot them, and what to do if you think you may have it.
1. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are among the most typical symptoms of gluten intolerance. After ingesting gluten-containing meals, people with gluten sensitivity may suffer a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Among the digestive problems to watch out for are:
Bloating
Shortly after consuming gluten-containing meals, one may have a sense of fullness or puffiness in the belly. Discomfort may result from the stomach feeling enlarged.
Constipation or Diarrhoea
One of the main signs of gluten intolerance is alternating between constipation and diarrhoea. This bowel movement irregularity may be uncomfortable and interfere with day-to-day activities.
Gas
Consuming gluten-containing meals may result in excessive gas production and flatulence. Gas may accumulate as a consequence of the gut’s improper breakdown of gluten.
Stomach Cramps
Consuming gluten may cause discomfort, cramping, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. The degree of this pain might vary, often based on the quantity of gluten ingested.
Indigestion
After consuming gluten-containing meals, people with gluten sensitivity may notice an increase in their frequency of heartburn or indigestion. People are often prompted to investigate the potential of gluten sensitivity by these stomach problems. However, it’s crucial to watch these symptoms in combination with other indicators since they may also be linked to other illnesses, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
2. Lethargy and Fatigue
Feeling abnormally exhausted or worn out, particularly after eating gluten, is another important sign of gluten sensitivity. There are a number of reasons for this:
Increased Inflammation
Feelings of exhaustion and weariness might result from inflammation caused by gluten sensitivity. Lack of energy might result from inflammation’s interference with regular functioning.
Deficits in Vital Nutrients
Deficits in vital vitamins and minerals may result from poor nutrition absorption caused by chronic gluten sensitivity, which may also be a factor in low energy levels.
Your body may not be processing gluten correctly if you experience a decrease in energy after consuming gluten-containing meals.
3. Migraines and Headaches
Another sign of gluten intolerance is frequent headaches or migraines. These headaches may appear a few hours after ingesting gluten and might vary in intensity. Although the precise mechanism is unknown, it is thought that in vulnerable people, gluten-induced inflammation in the body might result in headaches or migraine episodes. Gluten sensitivity may be indicated if you have headaches often after eating gluten-containing foods.
4. Muscle and Joint Pain
Those who are intolerant to gluten may have stiffness, muscular pains, or joint discomfort. These symptoms, which may impact many body areas, often resemble those of inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Joint and muscular pain and stiffness may result from the inflammation brought on by gluten intolerance. Even in the absence of intense physical activity or injury, people with gluten intolerance may experience what seems like continuous aches and pains. This kind of inexplicable muscle and joint discomfort is often indicative of gluten sensitivity.
5. Skin Conditions
Another sign of gluten intolerance is skin issues. Gluten sensitivity may lead to conditions including dermatitis herpetiformis (a rash linked to coeliac disease), eczema, acne, and rashes. When the body reacts to gluten, these skin problems are frequently made worse. For instance:
Eczema
Inflammation brought on by gluten intolerance may develop or exacerbate skin rashes such as eczema. Itchy, red, and swelling skin areas are hallmarks of eczema.
Rashes or Hives
People with gluten sensitivity may have skin irritations or breakouts, which may sometimes manifest as a broad rash or hives. After removing gluten from your diet, if you see an improvement in your skin problems, this may indicate that gluten is the cause.
6. Mental Fog and Mood Swings
Anxiety, depression, irritability, and brain fog are examples of cognitive symptoms that may indicate gluten intolerance. Particularly after consuming gluten, many people with gluten sensitivity report feeling intellectually lethargic, forgetful, or having trouble concentrating. These cognitive deficits may cause mental fatigue and interfere with day-to-day tasks. Additionally, since gluten-induced inflammation may impact the brain and neurological system, individuals with gluten sensitivity may suffer mood fluctuations or emotional discomfort. After eating gluten, some people may even experience anxiety or depression.
7. Inexplicable Weight Variations
While some people may experience unexplained weight swings, weight loss or increase is not the main sign of gluten intolerance. For others, gluten sensitivity may lead to weight loss owing to malabsorption of nutrients as the digestive system struggles to handle gluten. On the other hand, individuals may suffer weight gain owing to bloating, water retention, or the body’s inflammatory reaction to gluten. Gluten sensitivity may be the cause of unexpected weight changes that occur after ingesting gluten and are accompanied by mood swings, skin problems, or digestive difficulties.
8. Vomiting and Nausea
After consuming gluten-containing meals, some individuals with gluten sensitivity may feel queasy or even throw up. These symptoms are often associated with unsettled stomachs and improper gluten processing. Particularly in the hours after a gluten-containing meal, nausea may strike and be accompanied by a general sense of being ill.
9. Inability to Focus (Brain Fog)
A condition known as “brain fog,” which includes memory loss, disorientation, and trouble focusing, is reported by many persons with gluten sensitivity. It might be challenging to maintain work concentration, feel productive, or participate in social activities while experiencing brain fog. This condition is intimately linked to inflammation that affects the nerve system and is brought on by eating gluten.
10. Signs Observed Following Consumption of Gluten-Rich Foods
Observing when symptoms appear is one of the most crucial methods to identify gluten intolerance. If you routinely feel pain, digestive troubles, or other health concerns after eating foods containing gluten—like bread, pasta, or baked goods—this might be a strong sign of gluten sensitivity. The symptoms tend to begin quickly after eating and may linger for many hours or perhaps a day or longer.
How to Handle Intolerance to Gluten
It’s crucial to speak with a doctor or nutritionist if you think you may have gluten sensitivity. In order to confirm the gluten intolerance, a doctor may prescribe an exclusion diet and do testing to rule out other illnesses such as coeliac disease or wheat allergies. You may determine if gluten is the cause of your symptoms by removing it from your diet for a while and then returning it gradually. Remember, gluten intolerance is a condition that may be controlled with dietary and lifestyle modifications. A gluten-free diet that includes items like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and gluten-free grains helps a lot of people.