Understanding Gluten Intolerance: Symptoms and Foods to Avoid

These days, it’s difficult to open a magazine and not find an article on the newest miraculous diet plan. We commonly hear about gluten-free diets. Many people who arelittle aware about its benefits want to adhere to these diets. But this diet is about more than just managing your weight.

Over the past years, as the awareness of gluten has gained popularity, there has been considerably more discussion about the possibility of gluten sensitivity. However, how can you determine whether gluten is indeed the cause of your issue?

Gluten-related disorders (GRDs) can impact your joints, skin, digestive system, and emotions. Examples of these illnesses include celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy.

This article will explain everything you need to know about gluten intolerance symptoms and what foods you need to avoid in your jour journey to gluten gluten-free diet.

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

Each person with gluten intolerance may have different symptoms. Also, symptoms usually appear or aggravate after eating gluten. The signs and symptoms of wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and celiac disease will differ, thus it’s important to know the specifics.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

Celiac disease is a chronic immunological and digestive problem that can cause harm to the small intestine if gluten is consumed.

Here are some of the celiac disease symptoms that are most frequently experienced.

1. Smelly Feces, Constipation, and Diarrhea

People with celiac disease might experience inflammation in their small intestine after eating gluten. This harms the lining of your stomach and results in inadequate nutrient absorption, causing stomach pain and recurrent constipation or diarrhea^[1].

Prolonged diarrhea can lead to serious health issues such as electrolyte imbalance, exhaustion, and dehydration. Due to inadequate nutritional absorption, someone may also have pale, foul-smelling stools^[2].

2. Exhaustion

People with autoimmune diseases may frequently experience fatigue. Anxiety, inflammation, sleep disturbances, and persistent pain are a few possible contributing causes^[3].

An increased risk anemia, which impairs your body’s capacity to generate healthy red blood cells, may also be associated with celiac disease^[4].

It can cause fatigue, weariness and low energy.

3. Skin Reactions

Gluten might cause of Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), an inflammatory skin rash associated with celiac disease^[5].

It often affects the elbows, knees, buttocks, back, or scalp and creates a limited number of clustered blisters and cysts to form an itchy, blistering, burning rash^[6].

4. Anxiety and Depression

Adults with untreated celiac disease frequently have psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The connection between these disorders and depression is evident, but the exact explanation is unknown.

Some researchers believe poor nutrient absorption may affect the brain, leading to these issues^[7].

5. Loss of Weight without Cause

Unexplained weight loss can be a side effect of undiagnosed celiac disease, while it can also be caused by other circumstances^[8].

Having said that, children with celiac disease—especially those under the age of three—are more likely to have an unexpected weight shift. This is due to their increased susceptibility to severe digestive issues including diarrhea, appetite loss, and stunted growth^[9].

6. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Reduced iron absorption is the outcome of impaired nutritional absorption caused by celiac disease. Iron deficiency anemia can occasionally be one of the initial signs of celiac disease^[10].

7. Autoimmune Issues

Celiac disease might make your body attack your digestive system after consuming gluten.

It also increases your susceptibility to further autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders. People with autoimmune liver illnesses, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and type 1 diabetes are more likely to have celiac disease^[11].

8. Neurological Issues

People with celiac disease may have an overly sensitive nervous system due to genetics. It might  lower their threshold for activating sensory neurons that produce pain in their joints and muscles   ^12]. Additionally, they can experience seizures, headaches, and cognitive impairment.

9. Numbness in Arms or Legs

One of the rare signs of celiac disease is weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Other symptoms include tingling, burning, pins and needles, or acute stabbing sensations.

People who have both vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetes are prone to this illness. In those with celiac disease, the immunological reaction generated by gluten might result in nerve damage, which causes these symptoms^[13].

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms

While celiac disease is the most severe manifestation of gluten intolerance, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a less severe gluten-related condition that affects certain individuals. The most prevalent signs of non-celiac gluten intolerance are listed below.

1. Swelling

While there are several possible causes for this, persons who are sensitive to or intolerant to gluten may frequently experience bloating or an inflated stomach^[14].

2. Indigestion And Diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are common occurrences, but if they occur frequently, it might be reason for concern.  Eating gluten-containing meals might cause digestive problems people  sensitive to gluten^[15].

3. Pain In The Stomach

If you are intolerant to gluten, consuming gluten may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have pain in your abdomen   ^16]. It can also lead to bloating and gastritis.

4. Migraines And Headaches

Many people occasionally suffer from headaches or migraine episodes. If you get recurring headaches or migraines without a clear explanation, you could be sensitive to gluten^[17].

5. Exhaustion

Being exhausted is a pretty common feeling that is typically unrelated to any illness. But if you’re often feeling exhausted, there could be a deeper issue.

Fatigue and exhaustion are common among people with gluten sensitivity, especially after consuming gluten-containing meals^[18].

6. Pain

Those who are sensitive to gluten may have inflammation after being exposed to gluten. The inflammation may cause pain in many areas of your body, including your joints and muscles.

Numbness in the arms and legs also appears to be more common in those who are sensitive to gluten. Some research relates this symptom to the existence of antibodies associated with gluten intolerance, however, its exact cause is yet unclear^[19].

7. Brain Fog

Those who are gluten intolerant often experience brain fog, which is characterized by disorientation, mental exhaustion, and trouble focusing. The body’s inflammatory reaction to gluten causes this cognitive impairment, which has an impact on brain function.

Iron and B vitamins, for example, are essential for the best possible functioning of the brain and might be deficient due to gluten sensitivity. These shortcomings also enhance the sensation of mental fatigue and foggy^[20].

Symptoms Of Wheat Allergy (Gluten Intolerance)

Allergy from wheat results from your body’s immune system reacting to certain wheat proteins, such as gluten and other substances.

Here are some of the most typical signs and symptoms.

1. Rashes On The Skin

Similar to other forms of gluten sensitivity, wheat allergies can be linked to certain skin disorders. Specifically, wheat allergies frequently result in hives and a skin rash that is itchy and inflammatory^[21].

This response usually starts soon after consuming wheat products and gradually goes away.

2. Problems With Digestion

Research indicates that individuals with wheat allergies frequently have digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and diarrhea^[22].

Indigestion, discomfort, and bloating are among the various digestive symptoms that can be brought on by food allergies.  This results from eating an allergen like wheat, which sets off your body’s immunological reaction.

3. Nasal Congestion

One of the most prevalent symptoms of gluten intolerance is nasal congestion. Ingesting gluten can cause the body to go into an inflammatory state, which can cause swelling and congestion in the nasal passages^[23].

This reaction is a component of the body’s larger defense mechanism against substances that it believes to be hazardous. Continued gluten use can cause chronic nasal congestion, which exacerbates other respiratory problems. It might also cause choking and breathing difficulties.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Vs. Celiac Vs. Wheat Allergy

Since so many symptoms of several gluten-related illnesses are similar, it can be challenging to identify which, if any, is the cause.
It’s useful to initially look for any connections between your symptoms and the foods you’re consuming if you think you may have one of these illnesses. Gathering as much data as you can is a smart place to start.

These are a few of the most often mentioned signs of wheat allergy, celiac disease, and gluten intolerance ^{[24] [25] [26]}.

Foods To Avoid

Gluten may be found in a wide variety of foods, including those that you would not think of, such as cold cuts, sour cream, and canned soups. A person with celiac disease must thus be very careful to read food labels and inquire about ingredients.

In general, if you have celiac disease, stay away from the following foods.

1. Grains That Contain Gluten

• Wheat – गेहूँ (Gehu)
• Barley – जौ (Jau)
• Rye – राई (Rai)
• Triticale – ट्रिटिकेल (Triticale)
• Spelt – दालिया (Daliya)
• Kamut – कमुत (Kamut)
• Farro – फैरो (Farro)
• Durum – दुरुम (Durum)
• Bulgur – दलिया (Daliya)
• Semolina – सूजी (Sooji)
• Oats- जई

2. Baked Items That Contain Gluten

• Bread
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Pastries
• Muffins
• Donuts
• BiscuitS
• Pies
• Bagels
• Burger
• Croissants

3. Breads That Contain Gluten

• White bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Rye bread
• Sandwich bread
• Saltine crackers
• Graham crackers
• Wheat crackers
• Tortilla wraps
• Pita bread
• Flatbread

4. Condiments That Contain Gluten

• Soy sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Salad dressings
• Teriyaki sauce
• Malt vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Gravy mixes
• Marinades

5. Snacks That Contain Gluten

• Pretzels
• Granola bars
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Snack cakes
• Cheese puffs
• Popcorn with seasoning
• Chips (some varieties)
• Cereal bars
• Trail mix with pretzels

6. Beverages That Contain Gluten

• Beer
• Malt beverages
• Flavored coffees and teas
• Some chocolate drinks
• Some meal replacement drinks

7. Processed Foods That Contain Gluten

• Canned soups and stews
• Frozen dinners and entrees
• Deli meats and sausages
• Salad dressings and sauces
• Snack bars and energy bars
• Puddings and instant dessert mixes
• Certain ice creams
• Breakfast cereals
• French fries and other fried foods
• Flavored tofu products

Cross-Contamination of the Gluten-Free Products

During manufacturing or preparation, gluten may come into contact with some otherwise gluten-free goods, potentially rendering them inappropriate for consumption by those who have celiac disease.

Typical regions where cross-contamination occurs are:

• toasters, chopping boards, and cutlery
• common food containers—such as those for butter, mayonnaise, or peanut butter—
• eateries, including restaurants
• wherever fried food is served
• bakeries
• facilities that produce oats

If you have celiac disease, you should consult a physician or a qualified dietitian to find out how to keep your diet balanced and gluten-free.

Reach out to our certified nutritionist for a 45-minute consultation and get a customized nutrition plan created just for you.

Schedule a meeting with the dieticians. Following that, you can ask the nutritionist any questions you may have almost regarding any health concern.

The Bottom Line

For those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, foods containing gluten may cause issues. Bloating, pain, and exhaustion can result from eating gluten-containing meals. When following a gluten-free diet, it’s critical to know which foods are safe to consume and which ones contain gluten.

At first, avoiding gluten could seem impossible. Nonetheless, a lot of stores and eateries now provide gluten-free menu items. It may also inspire someone to make delicious foods because a lot of healthy foods are inherently gluten-free.

However, it is important to be aware of cross-contamination and gluten in unexpected food and non-food products. If someone exhibits signs of gluten sensitivity, they should speak with a licensed dietitian or specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions