Most of us have heard of gluten intolerance, but we don’t all know what it means. That can lead to a lot of confusion over whether it would be helpful for us to cut back on gluten or not. Let’s start with the proper definition, then go on to explain how you can find out if you’re gluten intolerant. (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/what-is-gluten-intolerance-testing-and-how-does-it-work/)
First, we need to answer the question, “What is gluten?” The short answer is that it’s a type of protein found in cereal grains. It’s most often associated with wheat, although it can also be found in barley and rye. Foods that are particularly high in gluten include bread and pasta made with wheat flour.
Part of the difficulty with gluten intolerance is the wider misunderstanding of the difference between an intolerance, sensitivity and allergy, all of which are negative reactions to a certain type of food. Broadly speaking, allergies are the most severe (sometimes life-threatening), while sensitivities are the mildest. An intolerance is somewhere in the middle.
This means gluten intolerance is not the same as celiac disease or an allergy to wheat, although symptoms can be similar. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks itself. Gluten intolerance seems to be an interplay of factors, from the biological to the environmental and possibly with an immune element, but we don’t know exactly how they all fit together.
Similarities between the symptoms of celiac disease and gluten intolerance involve various problems with the digestive system, including bloating, nausea, flatulence, stomach aches and problems like diarrhea or constipation. It can easily be mistaken for IBS. Non-digestive symptoms can include fatigue and headache. The big difference is intolerance doesn’t damage the intestine like celiac disease does. Wheat allergies also differ, causing typical allergy symptoms like a rash or breathing difficulties.
Blood tests can be used to diagnose gluten intolerance, as can genetic testing (because it’s associated with certain genes), but you can also try removing gluten from your diet and seeing if your symptoms improve. The most invasive method is endoscopy and biopsy. All methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, including the degree of medical expertise necessary, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to decide what’s ideal for you.
With an accurate diagnosis, you can decide whether you need to make dietary adjustments for a comfortable life.
