10 Symptoms of a Gluten Allergy
When our bodies detect the presence of something that should not be there, they spring into action to deal with it. The unwelcome item will then be destroyed and/or ejected, hopefully before it can cause any harm. Sometimes, though, our immune systems can be oversensitive and attack objects that they shouldn’t.
Such oversensitivity is known as an allergy, and some people are allergic to gluten 1https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/wheat-gluten-allergy. Gluten is a protein that is commonly found in grains, meaning it is found in foods like bread and other bakery products. For someone with an allergy to gluten, it can cause some unpleasant symptoms and potentially have a considerable effect on their lifestyle. Gluten allergies are also medically known as celiac disease.
Symptom #1: Fatigue
Feeling fatigued is not usually something to be concerned about. Getting tired is simply part of life and will usually happen on a daily basis. This can make it a symptom that is easy to overlook, although it can sometimes be an indicator that all is not well with us. Fatigue is a common symptom among people that have an allergy to gluten.
People that have a gluten allergy are more likely to experience fatigue shortly after eating foods that contain gluten. With this in mind, keeping a diary of your daily intake can help to pinpoint the problem. A serious gluten allergy called Celiac’s Disease can also contribute to anemia, which will likely exacerbate the problem.
Symptom #2: Headaches
Headaches are quite common, although some people will experience them more than others. They will often occur when we are unwell or when we are having a stressful time, but they will usually go away in time, although they can be debilitating.
While headaches are usually harmless, they can also be a sign of an underlying problem. One such problem could be an allergy to gluten as people with the condition are more prone to getting headaches and migraines. If you do experience severe headaches regularly, you should speak to a doctor to get it checked out.
Symptom #3: Upset Stomach
If you eat something that doesn’t agree with you, it won’t be long before you know about it. All sorts of foods can cause an upset stomach, with the side-effects ranging from mild discomfort to downright agony. Common causes are foods that are hard on the digestive system such as spicy dishes, or maybe food that was rotten or not prepared hygienically.
Another cause of an upset stomach is an allergy to gluten. The allergy will cause an inflammation in the gut, leading to discomfort and perhaps damage. Those that experience such reactions will often need to maintain a strict diet to keep clear of all foods containing gluten.
Symptom #4: Bloating
Eat too much food or drink too many gassy drinks and you are likely to feel bloated. As we digest our food gases are released, expanding what is already likely to be a pretty full stomach. It will usually pass in time though, often helped with the passing of gas out of our bodies.
However, sometimes bloating can take place even after eating smaller meals, and this could be an indication of a gluten allergy. Bloating is a common symptom among people that are intolerant to gluten, with more than 80& of patients suffering from the symptom.
Symptom #5: Sudden Weight Loss
There is a lot of pressure placed on people to maintain a healthy weight, whether for health or for aesthetics. For many of us, this will often mean needing to lose weight. However, lose too much weight too quickly and you could end up doing more harm than good. Changes in weight can happen for a number of reasons, most commonly lifestyle and aging.
Sometimes though, such changes can be caused by an illness and can be quiet alarming. Developing an allergy to gluten can lead to weight loss. You should see a doctor should you experience any unexplained change in weight.
Symptom #6: Depression
Depression is a very unpleasant condition that we still have a great deal to learn about. It poses a very real threat of suicide; depression is one of the biggest killers of men. Although it is still not fully understood, we do know it is linked to a number of factors and a gluten allergy is one of them.
Gluten intolerance can lead to improper absorption of nutrients, which in itself can contribute to depression. In addition, gluten allergies are thought to contribute to changes in the make-up of bacteria colonies in the gut, while also affecting the natural balances of hormones in the body. Regardless of the suspected cause, depression is a killer and should be taken seriously.
Symptom #7: Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Skin rashes can be caused by a wide number of things. They can be caused externally by physical contact with allergens or other irritants, or internally through things we have ingested or entered our blood system. The development of any new type of rash can be concerning.
Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance and can lead to a rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis. This can be quite sore, leading to redness and possibly blistering. It tends to occur on the buttocks, back elbows, knees and scalp. Rashes can be a sign of something potentially quite serious so they should not be treated with complacency.
Symptom #8: Autoimmune Disease
Our immune systems do a wonderful job at protecting us from illnesses. Whenever a potentially harmful microbe or parasite enters the body, our immune systems set about dealing with the intruder straight away. The intruders are usually dealt with quickly and effectively, leaving us unharmed.
Sometimes, though, our immune systems can work against us and mistakenly attack our own bodies. This is known as an autoimmune disease and it can be very serious. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease as it causes the immune system to attack the digestive tract.
Symptom #9: Brain Fog
If you sleep well, eat well and generally take care of yourself, you should find that you are mostly feeling bright and breezy. Good physical health will also contribute to a clear mind, making it easy for us to think and digest information. If all is not well though, even thinking may not be as easy as usual.
Brain fog is a term used to describe a condition where the patient finds it difficult to think clearly. It can also lead to them feeling tired mentally, and easy mental tasks become difficult to complete. The exact reason for brain fog with gluten allergies is not yet known, although it affects around 40% of people with the condition.
Symptom #10: Joint and Muscle Pain
Many older people will tell you that pains in the joints and muscles are part of life. They become more frequent because aging influences our bodies, although younger people will also experience them occasionally as a result of various activities. Aches and pains are often just the result of wear and tear or of sitting awkwardly, although they can sometimes be a sign that we are unwell.
Joint and muscle pain is a fairly common symptom among people who have an allergy to gluten. Gluten allergies cause a decrease in pain thresholds while they can also cause inflammation. If such pains or swelling do become frequent and uncomfortable, then you should seek a doctor for advice.
