Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms: What to Look For and How to Manage Them

Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms: What to Look For and How to Manage Them

Understanding Gluten Sensitivity and Related Conditions

What Is Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is a condition that causes people to experience adverse side effects when eating foods that contain gluten.

People with gluten sensitivity may experience mild to severe side effects and symptoms if they eat foods containing gluten.

Unaddressed health issues related to gluten sensitivity can cause damage to the digestive tract and increase your risk of developing celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other health issues.

Symptoms and side effects vary considerably depending on the type of condition you have.

For example, symptoms of celiac disease include: 

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Unintended weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Bloating and gas
• Nausea and vomiting 

Gluten sensitivity can cause these symptoms and side effects, such as sleep disturbances, lack of focus or brain fog, and social anxiety.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps people manage their conditions by providing gluten-friendly meals.

How Is Gluten Sensitivity Different From Celiac Disease and Wheat Allergy?

Gluten sensitivity, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), produces less severe side effects and symptoms compared to celiac disease and wheat allergy. 

A sensitivity does not cause the same degree of autoimmune response as an allergy. Medical conditions like celiac disease have specific symptoms and underlying causes that set them apart from simple food sensitivities.

Despite the reduced symptoms and side effects, a gluten sensitivity may cause significant anxiety, stress, physical discomfort, and a higher risk of developing more severe conditions.

What Happens to the Body When You Eat Gluten?

People with gluten sensitivity may experience bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues after eating foods containing gluten. 

Gluten is a protein that provides fiber and nutrients, which help the body function properly. People with a gluten sensitivity experience inflammation, tissue damage, difficulty absorbing nutrients, and other problems if they eat foods containing gluten.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers weekly home deliveries that can help you maintain a balanced, gluten-free diet.

Common Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms to Watch For

What Are the Most Common Digestive Symptoms?

Recognizing common symptoms makes it easier to determine if you need to seek medical support or make dietary adjustments.

Some of the most common digestive symptoms experienced by people with gluten sensitivity include: 

• Constipation 
• Bloating or excessive gas
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Acid reflux or heartburn

The degree of severity depends on multiple factors, including general health and the presence of any co-occurring chronic conditions.

A gluten-free diet allows you to avoid these painful or uncomfortable symptoms. LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps you create a gluten-free weekly meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.

Can Gluten Sensitivity Cause Fatigue or Brain Fog?

Yes, gluten intolerance or sensitivity can cause a wide range of side effects and symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog. 

The inflammation and nutrient malabsorption associated with gluten sensitivity or intolerance can often lead to fatigue. Chronic fatigue and other side effects of gluten sensitivity can cause difficulty concentrating or brain fog. Switching to a gluten-free diet may reduce or eliminate fatigue and brain fog.

How Can Gluten Sensitivity Affect Your Skin and Joints?

Gluten sensitivity can cause joint inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. Many people with gluten intolerance also experience skin issues, such as psoriasis or eczema. 

Some of the other skin disorders and joint issues experienced by people with gluten sensitivity include: 

• Palmoplantar pustulosis (PP)
• Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)
• Atopic dermatitis (AD)
• Hereditary angioedema (HA)

According to Cureus, “Gluten intolerance is characterized by a large variety of clinical presentations with both intestinal and extraintestinal presentations.”

Gluten-friendly, home-delivered meals from LifeSpring Home Nutrition can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

How Gluten Sensitivity Impacts Your Overall Health

What Role Does the Immune System Play in Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten intolerance causes the immune system to attack the small intestine, resulting in tissue damage over time. 

Gluten may cause an immune response in some people. Your body may treat gluten as an invading infection or pathogen by triggering a strong immune response that causes inflammation and a buildup of histamine. Some people have gluten sensitivity from birth, while others develop it later in life.

People with a gluten sensitivity experience discomfort, pain, and chronic health issues if they continue to eat gluten. The immune system will continue to attack gluten consumed in food, causing increasing damage to the intestinal tract over time.

Can Gluten Sensitivity Lead to Nutrient Deficiencies or Weight Loss?

Yes, unmanaged gluten sensitivity can lead to unintended weight loss and nutrient deficiencies due to damage in the small intestine. 

The tissue damage caused by the immune system’s response to gluten is cumulative, meaning it accumulates and worsens over time.

If left unaddressed, gluten sensitivity can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, unintended weight loss, and other unwanted side effects. The body becomes unable to absorb essential nutrients quickly enough to support the body’s systems, causing health problems and long-term issues.

How Does Gluten Sensitivity Relate to Other Autoimmune Conditions?

Gluten sensitivity can cause inflammation and other side effects that exacerbate the symptoms of co-occurring autoimmune conditions.

People with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and various autoimmune disorders often experience similar symptoms and side effects. The overlap may make diagnosis challenging. Clinical assessments and testing ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis, which guides healthcare professionals in effectively addressing your condition.

Gluten sensitivity may also contribute to or exacerbate certain autoimmune conditions due to intestinal damage. Experts should treat all active medical conditions to reduce the risk of long-term or permanent side effects.

Diagnosing Gluten Sensitivity and Related Disorders

How Do Doctors Test for Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease?

Doctors use a blood test to check for abnormal levels of antibodies and an upper endoscopy to gather tissue samples for testing. 

A blood test combined with an upper endoscopy provides the most accurate diagnosis for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Generally, doctors order a blood test first to check for specific antibodies, and if the test comes back positive, they then order an upper endoscopy. Endoscopy involves using a camera to visually inspect the health of the small intestine and retrieve a small tissue sample for testing.

Genetic testing may also check for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which can indicate a predisposition to celiac disease. To ensure accuracy, the doctor may require you to follow a gluten-free diet for several weeks before each test.

What Is the Difference Between a Blood Test and a Biopsy?

A blood test involves gathering vials of blood using needles, and a biopsy involves retrieving small pieces of intestinal tissue through an upper endoscopy. 

The blood test checks for specific genes and proteins, as well as levels of various blood components that may relate to gluten sensitivity. During a biopsy, the doctor gathers a small sample of tissue from a specific area of the body, usually the small intestine, which is often affected by gluten sensitivity.

In most cases, a blood test determines if a gluten sensitivity may be present, and a biopsy confirms it.

After being diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or other autoimmune disorder, you may have to drastically adjust your diet to remove all gluten. LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps individuals follow a gluten-free diet by providing weekly gluten-friendly meals.

When Should You See a Dietitian or Gastroenterologist?

You should consult with a dietitian, gastroenterologist, or other medical professionals if you experience unexpected weight loss, frequent feelings of bloating, excessive gas, frequent diarrhea, or if you believe you may have a gluten sensitivity. 

Any digestive discomfort, mental distress, physical pain, or other symptoms that may indicate a problem should be brought up with a medical professional. Early identification, intervention, and treatment provide the best outcomes for people with gluten sensitivity and other health problems.

Your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal issues.

Managing Gluten Sensitivity With Smart Nutrition

What Is the Best Way to Start a Gluten-Free Diet?

You should consult with a dietitian or your primary care doctor for guidance on switching to a gluten-free diet. 

Consulting with a professional ensures you maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Some medical conditions may have symptoms that overlap with gluten sensitivity. A medical professional can conduct tests to determine what condition you have and if a gluten-free diet would improve your well-being. An accurate diagnosis ensures you avoid making unnecessary dietary changes.

Talk with your doctor before making a significant change to your diet. Removing all gluten foods and eating only gluten-free meals can cause significant health issues if you do not have a gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance.

Obtaining a clinical assessment and guidance from a medical professional provides the information you need to make an informed decision about your diet and health.

Which Foods Are Naturally Gluten-Free and Safe to Eat?

Some ancient grains and seeds are naturally gluten-free, including teff, millet, amaranth, sorghum, rice, and quinoa. 

Naturally gluten-free foods contain essential vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal alternative to gluten-containing foods.

Some other examples of naturally gluten-free foods include: 

• Beans
• Lentils
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Unprocessed meats
• Poultry and seafood
• Eggs 
• Dairy products 
• Whole grains, such as corn and rice
• Tofu and tempeh
• Sesame, olive, coconut, and avocado oils
• Honey
• Coffee and teas

Vinegars, except malt vinegar, also naturally contain zero gluten. Single-ingredient herbs and spices are often gluten-free.

To avoid accidental exposure, always read labels for these types of foods to ensure they were not processed or packaged in a facility that also processes wheat or other foods containing gluten.

Can Probiotics or Enzymes Help Support Digestion?

Yes, probiotics and enzymes can support digestion by aiding in nutrient absorption.

Enzymes and probiotics enhance gut health by strengthening tissue, supporting the gut microbiome, and reducing the presence of pathogenic bacteria.

According to Frontiers in Microbiology, “Due to their capability to modulate gut microbiota and attenuate the immune system, probiotics could be used as an adjuvant in hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, and gastrointestinal diseases.”

In addition, “Probiotics prevent pathogenic bacteria by restricting binding sites on mucosal epithelial cells and modulating the host immune response, thus improving intestinal barrier integrity.”

Living Well With Gluten Sensitivity

How Can You Prevent Accidental Gluten Exposure?

Being careful to read labels, avoiding gluten at home, and clearly stating gluten sensitivity when eating out can help reduce accidental exposure to gluten.  

Accidental gluten exposure may cause allergic responses in some people or physical discomfort. To avoid accidentally consuming gluten, you should always be careful to ensure the food you eat does not contain gluten and has not come in contact with any other foods or surfaces that may have transferred gluten to it.

Reading labels and being clear with wait staff and dining establishments about your medical needs lowers your risk of being exposed to gluten.

What Are Practical Tips for Dining Out and Grocery Shopping?

Be sure to read the labels of grocery foods to see if they were processed in facilities that also process foods containing gluten, and request gluten-free foods when dining out.

Even a minuscule amount of gluten contamination can cause a severe reaction for people with sensitivities or gluten intolerance. Always check with restaurants and read food labels carefully to avoid unintentionally consuming gluten.

When eating out, inform the wait staff that any gluten contamination can cause you severe discomfort or life-threatening side effects, so they can follow strict practices to avoid cross-contamination.

How Can LifeSpring Home Nutrition Help You Eat Well and Feel Better?

LifeSpring Home Nutrition can reduce the risk of accidental gluten exposure by delivering weekly gluten-friendly meals directly to your home. 

The symptoms of gluten sensitivity may include: 

• Constipation 
• Skin rash 
• Stomach pain
• Muscle pain
• Neuropathy 
• An immune response 

Some side effects may cause life-threatening complications that require immediate medical attention, including a food allergy or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

A healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterology expert or primary care doctor, can provide a treatment plan for managing gluten sensitivity. LifeSpring Home Nutrition makes it easy for you to adhere to dietary restrictions by offering gluten-friendly meal options.

FAQs About Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms

Is gluten sensitivity the same as IBS or an autoimmune disorder?

No. Gluten sensitivity may cause symptoms and side effects related to IBS and autoimmune disorders; however, a sensitivity generally does not directly cause these conditions. 

People with gluten sensitivity have a higher risk of being diagnosed with a range of health issues, including IBS, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain from intestinal damage, osteoporosis, and type 1 diabetes.

Anyone concerned about their general health or risk of developing conditions associated with gluten intolerance should consult with their primary care doctor. Clinical testing and assessments can determine if you would benefit from switching to a gluten-free diet.

Can gluten sensitivity cause long-term health problems?

Yes. If left untreated or unmanaged, gluten sensitivity can lead to long-term tissue damage, malnutrition, and other health problems. 

Gluten sensitivity can lead to a buildup of scar tissue in the small intestines due to repeated tissue damage. Any damage or scarring will interfere with the digestion process and may cause discomfort or pain.

In addition to causing potentially long-lasting physical discomfort, gluten sensitivity can also cause emotional distress and mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

When should you seek medical advice for gluten-related symptoms?

If you believe gluten may have a negative impact on your health or diet, consult with a medical professional for advice, treatment, and a clinical diagnosis. 

Any symptoms that last longer than two weeks or cause significant discomfort may indicate a serious health condition, and you should consult with a medical professional.

People with a family history of celiac disease or similar conditions should monitor gluten intake and note any potential symptoms or side effects. If you experience acute symptoms after ingesting gluten, such as severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or allergic reactions, seek immediate medical assistance.

Eating gluten may cause abdominal pain, joint pain, anemia, an autoimmune response, or intestinal damage. Seeking medical care if you feel like gluten may be negatively affecting you will ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment if you end up having a condition like Celiac disease.

Unaddressed gluten sensitivity or allergy can lead to long-lasting or severe side effects. LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides gluten-friendly meals delivered to your home. To learn more about our services and how to receive nutritional support, call us today at (800) 798-5767.