5 Signs of Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Disease

Last updated on October 19th, 2023 at 01:35 pm

We’re all aware of the increased availability of gluten-free foods, but how much do you really know about why some people can’t eat gluten? And, would you know if symptoms you’re experiencing are related to gluten? Let’s take a closer look at some of the signs of gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are conditions in which a person’s body cannot digest certain types of protein found in wheat and rye. Plainly, celiac disease is an autoimmune condition and can damage the small intestine. But gluten intolerance is different. It is not an autoimmune disorder and doesn’t cause damage to the small intestine. 

However, both conditions are characterized by similar symptoms, and their differences can be difficult to detect. This article will explore five common symptoms and signs of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. By understanding these signs, you can be better informed about your health and can talk to your doctor about whether you may have one of these conditions.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder. It happens when there is an autoimmune reaction to gluten in food. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease will have an immune response to gluten. The resulting intestinal damage prevents the absorption of nutrients from food.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. In some cases, people with celiac disease may also have other autoimmune disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

There is no cure for celiac disease. However, you can manage the condition by strictly following a gluten-free diet. This will reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage to the small intestine.

What is Gluten Intolerance?

People suffering from gluten intolerance can not digest gluten. Unlike celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, gluten intolerance is not an autoimmune disorder and does not cause damage to the small intestine. 

However, like celiac disease, gluten intolerance can cause various digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, as well as other symptoms, such as headache and fatigue. 

Unlike celiac disease, there is no specific test for gluten intolerance, and the condition is typically diagnosed by ruling out other potential causes of symptoms and following a gluten-free diet to see if symptoms improve.

5 Signs You May Have Celiac Disease 

Digestive Problems

In people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the immune system may mistakenly identify gluten as a threat and produce antibodies to attack it. This can cause inflammation in the digestive system and lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Although there is no cure yet for celiac disease or gluten intolerance, a gluten-free diet can help ease your symptoms and prevent further damage to your digestive system. This involves avoiding foods like bread and pasta. It may seem difficult at first, but in time you can find relief from your symptoms and eat a variety of delicious foods.

If you’re looking for gluten-free meal ideas, many resources are available online, including recipe websites and food blogs. You might consider trying a gluten-free meal delivery service, which can provide you with a convenient and delicious way to stick to a gluten-free diet. Researching and ensuring that the meal delivery service you choose offers appropriate meals for your dietary needs is essential.

Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can both cause migraines in some people. This is likely because the immune system’s reaction to gluten can cause inflammation in the digestive system, leading to other inflammatory responses throughout the body. This can affect the blood vessels in the brain, triggering a migraine.

In addition to gluten, many other foods can trigger migraines in people who are sensitive to them. 

Some common trigger foods include alcohol, especially red wine and beer; aged cheeses; processed meats; bread and chocolate. It’s vital for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to pay attention to their diet and avoid any foods that may trigger migraines.

Joint Pain 

People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may experience joint pain because their immune system’s reaction to gluten can cause inflammation, leading to other inflammatory responses. Inflammation can affect the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

In some cases, the inflammation caused by the immune system’s reaction to gluten can also lead to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. When the immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints, this can lead to chronic inflammation and joint damage.

Fatigue 

Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may experience constant fatigue because the immune system’s reaction to gluten can cause inflammation in the digestive system. This can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. 

The chronic inflammation caused by the immune system’s response to gluten can also affect the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to deficiencies that can contribute to feelings of fatigue.

In addition, the chronic inflammation caused by the immune system’s reaction to gluten can also affect other body systems, like the nervous system. This can lead to various symptoms, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.

To alleviate symptoms of fatigue, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may need to follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid foods that contain gluten. This can help to reduce inflammation and improve the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to increased energy levels and a reduction in fatigue.

Skin Problems 

Research has shown some evidence to suggest that there may be a unique link between celiac disease and psoriasis. This autoimmune skin condition causes red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. Individuals with celiac disease may be more likely to develop psoriasis, and those with psoriasis could be more likely to have undiagnosed celiac disease. 

The exact relationship between these conditions needs to be better understood. Still, the chronic inflammation caused by celiac disease could be significant to the development of psoriasis. Similarly, there may also be a link between gluten and eczema, a common skin condition that causes red, itchy rashes to develop on the skin. 

There is research to suggest that people with eczema may be more likely to have undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and that avoiding gluten may help to improve symptoms.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic skin condition closely related to celiac disease. It is thought to be caused by an immune system reaction to gluten, and the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis are similar to those of celiac disease. People with dermatitis herpetiformis typically experience intense itching, rash-like bumps, and blisters on the skin, but following a strict gluten-free diet can help to relieve those symptoms.

Preventing Gluten Reactions

Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are conditions that affect the immune system and the digestive system. They’re triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. 

The immune system’s reaction to gluten can cause inflammation in the digestive system, leading to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. There is currently no cure for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but following a strict gluten-free diet can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the digestive system.

Also read:
4 Ways to Improve Your Immune System
18 Mindful Eating Exercises + a Free Printable
Self-Care Checklist Printable (Free)

You can find MomsWhoSave on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Join us for updates!