These days, there is a lot of talk about gluten intolerance or sensitivity to gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley. The symptoms of this condition are of different types and may include joint ache, tiredness, depression, and gastrointestinal issues. Before we learn about the major indicators of potential gluten intolerance, let us learn more about the grains associated with this health problem.
Grains that Contain Gluten
Wheat is a grain which is present in cereals, bread, and pasta, as well as in soups and salad dressings. Barley is another grain commonly used for stock feed products and brewing whereas rye is found in beer, bread, and cereals.
8 Major Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
- Frequent headaches or migraine
Did you know that migraines are more common in people sensitive to gluten than in those who are not? Namely, in study, 56 percent of the gluten-intolerant group reported struggling with headaches and migraine whereas the number in the control group was only 14 percent.
2. Tiredness
According to the medical community, gluten intolerance may lead to tiredness because of the inflammation and depletion of the body’s reserves of energy. Therefore, if you happen to experience unexplained tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep or rest, consult your physician.
3. Pain in the muscles and joints
The inflammation happening in gluten intolerance can increase the chance for pain in the muscles and joints.
4. Skin issues
Poor gluten absorption and digestion can start to manifest on the skin in the form of different skin issues, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. Gluten-sensitive people may also be more prone to redness, rashes, burning sensation, itchiness, and blisters.
5. Poor oral health
In one study, as Power of Positivity point out, there was a connection between gluten intolerance and aphthous stomatitis- a condition characterized by chronic mouth ulcers and canker sores. Because of the malabsorption, gluten-sensitive people have low calcium levels. Calcium is a vital nutrient for optimal oral health.
6. Weight gain
Sudden gain of weight may take place in gluten-sensitive individuals. The weight gain happens as a consequence of the gut permeability and malabsorption and the systemic inflammation triggered by gluten. Once these people adopt a gluten-free diet, the weight usually decreases to a healthy level.
7. Brain fog
When a person has brain fog, they feel very fatigued, even when they get up from sleep. They may also struggle with writer’s block, despite being well-spoken and creative and they may feel as if their thoughts are slower than they usually are. Their creativity feels weaker too. Moreover, completing even the simplest of tasks may appear as a major challenge. People with celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder that happens as a reaction to gluten ingestion) frequently report this symptom.
8. Abnormal immune response
In a person who cannot tolerate gluten or is sensitive to it, the IgA antibodies will have a negative impact on the immunity, i.e. will begin to attack and weaken it. These antibodies are present in the saliva and gastrointestinal tract and are the body’s major allies in the fight against diseases, including colds and flu.
Sources:P