Experiencing some mild to moderate discomfort once in a while after eating is not uncommon. But feeling bloated, achy or numb after each meal isn't normal. At the root of the problem could be gluten sensitivity symptoms.
You don't have to live with the discomfort associated with gluten sensitivity. Even if you have been tested for allergies with negative results, you still could have gluten sensitivity. Individuals with celiac disease may suffer intestinal damage when consuming gluten, but others who do not have celiac disease could have gluten sensitivity as well. In fact, symptoms of gluten sensitivity can be similar to those for celiac disease.
The most common way people deal with gluten sensitivity is to make dietary changes, namely to eliminate gluten from the diet. Those who remove gluten from their diet often report feeling more energetic, feeling better overall and may have an easier time losing weight. Although it may have been difficult to find gluten-free foods in the past, most grocery stores have a full section or aisle of gluten-free products, and there are even some bakeries and restaurants that either carry the items or specialize in gluten-free foods.
Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms
People with gluten sensitivity may experience symptoms a few hours after consuming gluten products, or even a full day afterwards. Some possible symptoms may include:
- headaches or migraines;
- "foggy" or "cloudy" brain;
- joint and bone pain;
- numbness in the hands, arms, legs, feet and fingers;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- bloating;
- fatigue; and
- muscular disturbances.
It is sometimes difficult to identify gluten sensitivity. The symptoms are common in other diseases and ailments, making it hard to tell exactly what is going on. According to Dr. Rodney Ford, Australian associate professor and author, "A symptom is subjective. It is not usually visible to others, including nurses and doctors. It includes such feelings of pain, discomfort, fever, chills, cold, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, etc." Ford says, "Often the symptoms are caused by food allergy but interpreted as 'infection' or a 'normal' physiological stage."
Am I allergic to gluten?
While some argue that they have a gluten allergy, other experts explain that there is no such thing. Dr. David Stukis from the Nationwide Children's Hospital told Today.com, "There's this claim about 'gluten allergy,' which doesn't exist. It's not really a recognized allergy. Wheat is a recognized allergy -- but a lot of people will misinterpret that as gluten." He blames the Internet, in part, because people use online searches to self-diagnose.
A double-blind randomized study was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2011. The scientists worked with 34 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who did not have celiac disease. They were either given gluten or a placebo, and within a week, the difference was clear. Those who consumed gluten had worse pain, tiredness and bloating. The team concluded that non-celiac gluten intolerance exists, but they still are not sure about the mechanism. More research is needed to determine why the gluten causes problems in some people.
Treating Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms
Possibly the best way to deal with gluten sensitivity is to watch your diet carefully. Changing the way you eat to avoid the foods that cause you trouble can offer relief from gluten sensitivity symptoms.
Maureen Leonard is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She told Science News, "Non-celiac gluten sensitivity can be defined as follows: individuals without celiac disease whose symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet after ruling out other conditions."
Consult a doctor or dietician if you suspect you have gluten sensitivity. Your doctor may perform a test to determine if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, and may recommend dietary changes and monitor the results. There are some changes you can make in your diet that will allow you to eat a full range of foods without paying the price afterward. A trained nutritionist can guide you on how to remove gluten from your diet to see if gluten is at the root of the discomfort.
Much like with people who suspect they have an allergy, the easiest way to go about testing for gluten sensitivity it to eliminate all gluten products from your diet for a couple of weeks. Note how you feel each day, particularly after eating gluten-free meals. If you are sensitive to gluten, then you should feel better without it in your system. Slowly add gluten products back into your diet for a couple of days. Again, note how you feel after eating it. If you feel the same symptoms listed above, you may have this condition. Of course, consult your doctor to avoid common self-diagnosis mistakes.
What foods contain gluten?
Removing foods like wheat, rye, barley, cereal and pastas from your diet can make a big difference for those with gluten sensitivity. Other foods that may contain gluten, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, include pancakes and waffles, panko breadcrumbs, croutons, cakes and cookies, pastries, crackers, and much more. To the surprise of many, beer and malt beverages might even contain gluten.
Only by excluding these foods can you really find out if they are the problem. You don't have to give up treats or snacks, however, because gluten-free breads, brownies, pastas and more are widely available. Work with your doctor or a nutritionist to create a dietary plan to test whether your symptoms improve after eliminating gluten, and if you may have gluten sensitivity, create a plan to keep symptoms at bay.
When all else fails, treating gluten sensitivity with over-the-counter digestive aids can relieve the symptoms and make mealtimes more enjoyable, while easing the fear of food causing so much discomfort. Don't allow gluten sensitivity symptoms get in the way of living a normal, healthy life.
