- Recurring Headaches or Migraines If you get a headache or migraine regularly within a couple of hours of eating food that contains gluten, it could be a sign of gluten intolerance. In addition to gluten, other common food triggers for headaches are sugar, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, cheese, processed meats and artificial sweeteners.
- Gastrointestinal Problems People sensitive to gluten often suffer gastrointestinal problems upon consuming gluten in any form. This may include gas, bloating, heartburn, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea or constipation. If you experience gastrointestinal problems after eating anything that contains gluten, consult your doctor.
- Chronic or Extreme Fatigue Fatigue, especially after eating, can be a sign of gluten intolerance. In gluten-sensitive people, gluten can prevent the proper absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, people who are not aware of their condition continue to eat gluten. This 9 irritates the intestinal lining, which in turn hinders proper nutrient absorption. Due to a lack of proper absorption of nutrients, the different body organs of the body are deprived of the nourishment they need. Moreover, eating too much simple carbohydrate at one time can also make one tired and lethargic. Even hormonal changes in the body due to gluten sensitivity can make one tired
- Emotional Changes and Issues People who are sensitive to gluten often experience anxiety and depression symptoms, such as feeling hopeless, lack of interest, low energy, panic attacks, appetite changes, feelings of loss of control, sleep changes, anger and more. Chronic irritability and sudden, irrational mood shifts can also be noticed. Gluten sensitivity causes the immune system to attack its tissues, thus leading to inflammation of the nervous system. In fact, gluten even interferes with absorption of the amino acid tryptophan, which is responsible for feelings of relaxation.
- Skin Problems People who are sensitive to gluten can even suffer from several skin problems, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris and dermatitis herpetiformis. Gluten causes inflammation under the top layer of skin, which can cause rashes, itchiness, burning, redness and even painful blisters. In fact, gluten intolerance also leads to excess keratin protein in the skin, which is not healthy. Moreover, as gluten has a damaging impact on the gut, it can lead to vitamin A deficiency in the body. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin as well as hair.
- Fibromyalgia-Related Muscle Aches and Pain Fibromyalgia causes acute muscular and connective tissue aches and pains. Severe joint and muscle pain can affect your day-to-day activities. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include sleep disturbance, fatigue, numbness or tingling sensations and stiffness in the joints. Gluten may be partially to blame. Gluten can cause inflammation in the body, leading to flare-ups and pain. People who are gluten sensitive also experience joint and muscle pain and even tingling or numbness in their hands and feet. Eliminating gluten to see if your condition improves
- Dental Issues. Ifyou are facing enamel-related dental issues such as discolouration (brown, white, or yellow spots) on the teeth, large vertical pits, banding or translucent enamel. In that case, it can be a sign of gluten sensitivity. When people with gluten sensitivity ingest gluten, the body mounts an immune response against one of the main proteins responsible for enamel production. This, in turn, leads to a variety of enamel-related oral problems. Furthermore, gluten intolerance leads to nutritional deficiencies in the body, which impacts the formation and growth of healthy enamel.
- Mental Fogginess A “foggy” mind is another symptom associated with celiac disease. Having ‘brain fog’ can cause problems staying focused and paying attention, as well as lapses in short-term memory. Deficiencies of iron, vitamin D and folate in the body due to gluten intolerance cause cognitive impairment, leading to brain fog. Furthermore, systemic inflammation leads to high levels of circulating cytokines, which cause changes in mood and behaviours, as well as cognition. In addition, when people with gluten sensitivity eat gluten, it leads to reduced levels of tryptophan, which is used to make serotonin, an important neurotransmitter.
- Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, there is a high chance that your body is sensitive to gluten. In an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, dermatitis herpetiformis and Type 1 diabetes. Autoimmunity is the second leading cause of chronic illness, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
- Infertility or Recurrent Miscarriage If you are not able to conceive or have gone through several miscarriages, it can be a sign of gluten intolerance. When a person who is gluten intolerant eats gluten, it results in inflammation, which in turn makes it difficult to conceive. Furthermore, gluten is a known hormone disruptor and can contribute to problems with conception for both men and women. Before beginning fertility treatments, talk with your doctor about the possibility of gluten intolerance and eliminating gluten from your diet.
