Common symptoms of gluten intolerance
The most common symptoms of gluten intolerance are stomach upset, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue and exhaustion. Other symptoms may also include skin rashes, arthritis, depression, anemia and osteoporosis. Symptoms can vary in severity and can be mild or severe. Many people with gluten intolerance may also have other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or autoimmune diseases.
Avoid gluten as far as possible
If you are gluten intolerant, you should make dietary adjustments immediately. Regular intake of gluten can lead to severe damage to the intestinal villi, small protrusions that are found along the intestinal wall and help absorb nutrients. Gluten intolerance is a lifelong disease and can also lead to serious complications if not treated properly.
Help and treatment for gluten intolerance
If you suspect that you are gluten intolerant, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor may order a series of tests, including blood tests and an intestinal biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. It is also important to keep a food diary to see if there is a connection between the symptoms and gluten.
The treatment for gluten intolerance is a gluten-free diet, which means that you must avoid all foods containing wheat, rye and barley. This can be difficult because gluten is found in many foods, including breads, pastas, cookies, cake mixes, soups, sauces, dressings, marinades, condiments, canned foods, foods prepared in restaurants, and foods that are packaged. There are also gluten-free alternatives to foods that contain gluten, such as rice, buckwheat, quinoa and corn, which can be used as a substitute.
It is important to note that gluten intolerance is not the same as gluten sensitivity or gluten allergy. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage to the intestine, while gluten sensitivity is a milder form of gluten intolerance that does not cause damage to the intestine.