Ten Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

It is hard to avoid gluten with it being in so many foods commonly eaten in the US today. However, many people have a sensitivity to gluten and suffer one or many of the symptoms associated with gluten intolerance. If you wonder if you have an intolerance to gluten, consider the symptoms below.

Signs you may be gluten intolerant

Unexplained digestive issues are probably the most common sign of gluten intolerance. These can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and even constipation, depending on the person. Children who have gluten sensitivity are especially vulnerable to constipation.

Keratosis pilaris, known as chicken skin, is a skin condition that can appear on people with gluten sensitivities. It appears as a rash of rough, slightly red bumps on the skin. Keratosis Pilaris happens because the body is having trouble absorbing fatty acids or Vitamin A in sufficient quantities due to the gluten issues.

Mental fatigue, brain fog, and sluggishness after eating are often mental signs of gluten intolerance. The digestive tract is working overtime to fight the glutens being introduced during the meal and not allowing the body to absorb nutrients properly. This can be exhausting to  many people.

Dizziness, being off balance, is another neurological symptom of gluten intolerance. The brain is often not receiving proper nutrition causing an imbalance in the body.

Gluten sensitivities may cause hormone imbalances or a diagnosis of infertility. The body fights the gluten, resulting in adrenal fatigue, which in turns causes hormone levels to be out of balance.

Mood issues can be related to the fatigue and hormone imbalances involved with gluten intolerance. Many patients report less anxiety and less depression when they avoid gluten.

People with an autoimmune disease seem to have a higher sensitivity to gluten. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine triggered by ingesting gluten. Other autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, Addison's disease, and lupus.

A diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia can be an indicator of gluten intolerance. Many doctors consider either condition a symptom, not a diagnosis. If the body is having issues absorbing nutrients due to problems with gluten, it can cause these symptoms.

Migraine headaches that start out within an hour or two of eating a meal containing gluten, is an indicator of the problem. Even mild headaches combined with gastrointestinal issues and skin rash is an indicator of gluten intolerance.

Inflammation of the joints is a surprising symptom for many people. The theory is that the body sends out antibodies to fight any infiltration of gluten it perceives. In the process, the antibodies may start attacking connective tissues around the joints, which causes the unexplained pain.

Speak with your medical care provider if you think you have a gluten intolerance. In the meantime, consider a gluten-free diet. By eliminating gluten for a few weeks, many people have come to realize the adverse effects they were suffering were due to a gluten intolerance.

If you want to try a tasty gluten-free option, try one of the cookies we bake here at DK Organics. Check out our various flavors or to learn more read About Us. Give us a call at (806) 239-7808 or send us an email on Contact Us. We would love to help you eat gluten-free.