Gluten intolerance is a very common but little-known problem. It manifests itself through the different reactions some people have against gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance. This serious health problem represents an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body does not recognize its own structures and attacks them. This condition, seen in approximately one in a hundred people, can cause damage to the digestive system. Additionally, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which is a milder form of gluten intolerance in up to 13% of people, can cause a variety of problems. After all, both forms of gluten intolerance present with a wide range of symptoms that may have nothing to do with digestion. If we summarize the most common signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance, we can list the following:
Bloating
Bloating is the feeling of excessive swelling or gas filling of the belly after eating, sometimes very severe. It's a disturbing situation. Although this complaint is very common, gluten intolerance is an important reason to explain bloating. It is one of the most common complaints of people sensitive to gluten, and 87% of those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity have symptoms of bloating.
Diarrhea, Constipation, Smelly Stool
It is normal for everyone to have diarrhea or constipation from time to time, but when this becomes regular, the underlying causes should be sought. People with celiac disease develop inflammation in the intestines after consuming foods containing gluten. This damages the layer of cells lining the inside of the intestines, causing significant digestive upset and often diarrhea or constipation. However, gluten also causes digestive symptoms in sensitive people without celiac disease; more than 50% of gluten-sensitive people experience diarrhea and approximately 25% experience constipation. Moreover, people with celiac disease complain of light-coloured, foul-smelling stools due to impaired nutrient absorption.
Abdominal Pain
It also occurs due to many reasons. Abdominal pain, a common symptom that can occur, is also among the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance. More than 80% of those with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating gluten.
Headache
Many people tend to name the cause of the headaches they experience regularly as migraine. Migraine-type headaches are seen in 10-12% of the population in Western countries, but it is interesting that studies show that people with gluten intolerance are more prone to migraine-type headaches than others. If you have regular headaches for no apparent reason, it may be because you are sensitive to gluten.
Feeling Fatigue, Unexplained Weight Loss and Anemia
Feeling tired is very common and usually occurs without any symptoms. It is a condition whose connection with the disease cannot be determined. However, if a person is constantly tired, the underlying causes should be investigated. Fatigue is a very common symptom in people who cannot tolerate gluten, especially after eating foods containing gluten. It has been shown that 60–82% of those sensitive to gluten frequently experience fatigue. Moreover, gluten intolerance can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which causes fatigue and low energy. Two-thirds of people with celiac disease lose weight within six months after diagnosis. This can be explained by impaired nutrient absorption.
Skin Problems
Gluten intolerance can also affect your skin. Dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin disease that manifests itself with blisters, is a skin symptom of celiac disease. Everyone with this disease is sensitive to gluten, but less than 10% of these people have digestive symptoms. In addition, it has been shown that the symptoms of many severe skin diseases that do not improve are relieved when switching to a gluten-free diet. Psoriasis, some types of hair loss, chronic hives are among these.
Depression, Anxiety and Panic attacks
Depression is a condition that affects 6% of the adult population every year. There are several theories that attempt to explain how gluten intolerance can cause depression. One of these is related to the abnormality in the levels of serotonin, which is known as the happy neurotransmitter and whose amount decreases in depression. On the other hand, it is possible that the friendly bacteria living in the intestines decrease and the harmful bacteria increase, affecting the central nervous system and increasing the risk of depression. Although the reason is not yet fully understood, depression is more common in people with gluten intolerance. Anxiety and panic attacks are mental disorders to which people with gluten sensitivity are prone.
Joint and Muscle Pains, Numbness in Arms and Legs
Joint and muscle pain are frequently reported in people with gluten intolerance, and the possible reason for this is that these people have a hypersensitive nervous system. The low activation threshold of sensory neurons causes muscle and joint pain in these people. Another surprising symptom of gluten intolerance is neuropathy, marked by numbness or tingling in the arms and legs. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be linked to the presence of certain antibodies associated with gluten intolerance.
Foggy Brain
Foggy brain or confusion can be defined as the feeling of not being able to think clearly. This condition, which people describe with expressions such as difficulty thinking, confusion, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue, is a common symptom of gluten intolerance and affects up to 40% of gluten intolerant people. Although it is thought to be a reaction due to antibodies against gluten, the exact cause is not clear.
As you can see, there are almost countless symptoms of gluten intolerance. However, let's not forget that each symptom on this list may have many other causes. However, if you experience one or more of these regularly, your body may be having a negative reaction to gluten. In such a case, it may be useful to consult your doctor, have some tests done and eliminate gluten-containing foods from your diet.
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