Gluten intolerance: the basics

Gluten intolerance is often divided Into the following three categories: Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and a Wheat Allergy

Celiac Disease: occurs when the proteins in gluten (glutenin and gliadin) trigger your immune system to overreact with strong and unusual antibodies. Celiac disease is diagnosed with positive antibodies to the proteins glutenin and gliadin, tissue transglutaminase, and intestinal endomysium, along with the verified presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes. Currently the gold standard for diagnosis is done by biopsy during an EGD.

Wheat Allergy: is a histamine response of your immune system (IgE) to wheat, much like a peanut allergy or hay fever. Symptoms vary from person to person, and range from rashes to upset stomach.

Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivity is a reaction to protein (gluten) in wheat, has over 250 documented symptoms. Non-celiac gluten intolerance often have immediate reactions to the ingestion of gluten, rather than symptoms of celiac disease symptoms which generally occur over time. Testing can sometimes diagnose it, other times a trial on a gluten-free diet can be beneficial.
The following symptoms or associated conditions are possible with both types of gluten intolerance:
- Abd Distention/ bloating Abd Pain and Cramping, Nausea and/or Vomiting
- Alternating Bouts of Diarrhea and Constipation
- Anemia, Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies
- Arthritis, Joint pain, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), ? autism
- Bone Density Loss, Osteoporosis
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Stunted Growth and Failure to Thrive
- Depression, Anxiety and Irritability
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Fatigue
- Malodorous Flatulence or Malodorous Stools
- Gluten Ataxia/ sporadic ataxia (reduced coordination and muscle control)
- Grayish Stools, Steatorrhea (high lipids in the stool, which may cause the stool to float)
- Hair Loss (Alopecia)
- Headaches and Migraines
- Hypoglycemia, Diabetes
- Infertility
- Lactose intolerance
- Mouth sores or mouth ulcers, Teeth and Gum Problems
- Numbness or tingling in the patient’s hands and feet, Peripheral Neuropathy
- Sjogren’s Disease, Turner Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, thyroid disease
-weight loss or obesity

If you think you might have one of these conditions it is important to talk with your health care provider so that the correct tests can be ordered.