The most terrible fact is that only 1% of gluten-intolerant people are diagnosed.
Moreover, according to data, 6–7% of people in the US suffer from gluten intolerance. You should know the symptoms of gluten intolerance to find out whether you have this same health issue as many people in the US and in the world.
The following symptoms indicate whether a person is gluten intolerant or not:
1. Digestive Issues
Problems with the digestive tract are symptoms of gluten intolerance. Bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea are common signs of gluten intolerance. After eating a product that contains gluten, children who are gluten intolerant often suffer from constipation.
2. “Chicken Skin” (Keratosis Pilaris)
Gluten damages the gut. This results in chicken skin or keratosis pilaris on the back of the arms since the gut regulates the absorption of fats. Chicken skin is a sign of fatty acid and vitamin A deficiency due to gluten intolerance.
3. Frequent Fatigue
Consuming gluten products results in tiredness and fatigue if you are gluten intolerant.
4. Brain Fog or Dizziness
Dizziness and other neurological symptoms are often caused by the consumption of gluten because the person is gluten intolerant.
5. Hormonal Imbalances or Infertility
Infertility and imbalanced hormonal levels can also be symptoms of gluten intolerance.
6. Migraines
The severe headache known as a migraine is a sign of gluten intolerance.
7. Chronic Fatigue
When chronic fatigue appears without known reasons, it can be a symptom of gluten intolerance.
8. Joint or Muscle Pain
Pain and swelling of the joints in your hips, knees, or fingers are signs that you may be gluten intolerant.
9. Mood Disorders
Psychological disorders such as depression, ADD, mood swings, and anxiety can be the result of your body being intolerant to gluten.
How To Test for Gluten Intolerance (Safely)
To test yourself for gluten intolerance, you should perform a gluten elimination test. You should eliminate all gluten-containing products from your diet for at least three weeks.
Then, you should reintroduce those same foods into your meals again. If you can, you should eliminate the gluten-containing products for a longer period than three weeks, since gluten needs several months to be cleared out from your body.
If you feel worse when you introduce gluten back into your daily meals, you are a gluten-intolerant person. This test can give accurate results only if all the gluten-containing products are eliminated from the diet.
Important: If you suspect celiac disease, consult your doctor before eliminating gluten, as testing requires gluten in the diet.
How to Manage Gluten Intolerance
The only way to treat gluten intolerance is to eliminate all gluten products from the diet. Supplements, medications, and small traces of gluten in the food can cause unpleasant reactions of the immune system.
Even small amounts of gluten, whether from restaurant meals or hidden sources at home, can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice.
Always consult with your doctor, registered dietitian, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, especially if you suspect a medical condition such as gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Self-diagnosis and treatment may lead to complications or missed diagnoses.