CELIAC DISEASE. TOP 5 common signs of gluten intolerance

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Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is a chronic disease of the small intestine of an autoimmune nature that occurs in people with a certain genetic predisposition, and can manifest itself at any age.

The disease can cause a range of symptoms that often overlap with other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. If you suspect that you may have a gluten intolerance, it is important to pay attention to the main signs that may indicate this condition.

According to statistics, for about one in 100 people, food containing even the smallest amount of gluten can cause excruciating pain.

Eating almost anything made from wheat, barley or rye – meaning most baked goods, bread and pasta – exposes sufferers to bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and sometimes gastric reflux and vomiting.

Here are five common signs of gluten intolerance:

Digestive problems

One of the most common signs of gluten intolerance is indigestion. This can manifest as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain.

People with gluten intolerance often experience these symptoms after eating foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Although these symptoms may be similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, if they improve when gluten is removed from the diet, it may indicate gluten intolerance.

Fatigue and brain fog

Gluten intolerance can cause feelings of constant fatigue and brain fog, characterized by a lack of mental clarity and concentration.

People may feel unusually tired, even after a good night’s sleep, and have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. These cognitive symptoms can significantly affect daily life, making it difficult to complete tasks and maintain productivity.

Headaches and migraines

Frequent headaches or migraines can also be a sign of gluten intolerance. Research shows that some gluten-sensitive people experience headaches or migraines as a result of eating gluten.

Photo source: Doctor of the Day archive

Joint and muscle pain

Gluten intolerance can also manifest itself with unexplained joint or muscle pain. This type of discomfort can occur without any trauma and can be accompanied by stiffness or swelling in the affected areas.

The inflammation caused by gluten sensitivity can affect different parts of the body, leading to chronic pain and constant discomfort.

Skin problems

Skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis or various rashes can be caused by gluten intolerance. These skin conditions may appear or worsen after eating gluten and may be accompanied by itching, redness or inflammation.

People with celiac disease often presents other conditions:

  • dermatitis herpetiformis (more common in adults, but can also occur in children);
  • type I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes);
  • autoimmune thyroiditis;
  • Down syndrome;
  • Sjogren’s syndrome;
  • selective deficiency of antibodies (immunoglobulin A deficiency).

Elena Marinescu

Elena Marinescu has a vast professional experience in audiovisual, print and online media. He has collaborated with important media publications, such as “România Liberă”, “Capital” or “Taifasuri”, and has been dealing with the medical field for almost 15 years.

Source: www.doctorulzilei.ro