Is gluten the cause of your symptoms?
With the rise in gluten-free diets, you might be wondering if cutting gluten is something you should consider. The truth is, the answer isn’t straightforward. Let’s explore what gluten is, the various gluten-related disorders (GRDs), and how to determine if avoiding gluten is right for you.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It gives baked goods their structure and chewy texture. While many people enjoy gluten without issue, up to 7% of the global population has a gluten-related disorder (GRD).
Understanding Gluten-Related Disorders
GRDs can manifest in different ways. Here are the main types:
Wheat Allergy: This condition triggers an immune response similar to other food allergies. Individuals with a wheat allergy may need to avoid all foods containing wheat and may carry an epi-pen for emergencies.
Celiac Disease: This is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications like weight loss and malnutrition. Those with celiac disease must strictly avoid gluten in all forms.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): Individuals with NCGS may experience gastrointestinal symptoms—such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain—shortly after consuming gluten. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may depend on the amount of gluten consumed.
Gluten Sensitivity: Some people may experience symptoms like joint pain, rashes, nausea, and headaches without fitting the criteria for the other categories. This is often referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Diagnosing Gluten-Related Disorders
Distinguishing between these conditions can be challenging. Diagnosis may involve a combination of intestinal biopsies, blood tests, genetic testing, skin prick tests, and assessments of self-reported symptoms.
But what if your tests are inconclusive?
This is where working with a registered dietitian can be incredibly helpful. They can assist in piecing together your health puzzle and help navigate the complexities of a gluten-free lifestyle, especially since gluten can be hidden in many common foods.
Why the Gluten-Free Trend?
If only 7% of the population has GRDs, why are so many people choosing to go gluten-free? Recent medical literature suggests potential links between GRDs and other health issues related to the immune system or inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders like PCOS and endometriosis.
The Growing Awareness of Gluten-Related Disorders
The increase in gluten-free diets may also be attributed to heightened awareness and a focus on gut health. Additionally, changes in our gut microbiome and the introduction of genetically modified grains could play a role, though we still lack conclusive evidence.
Conclusion
There is much we still don’t know about gluten-related disorders. If you suspect gluten may be affecting your health, consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a dietitian, who can guide you through testing and dietary changes safely and effectively. Understanding your body’s needs is the first step toward better health!
We would love to hear your story!
Serena Biondi RD is the author and a dietitian with Celiac Disease who can help you live well on a gluten free diet with a personalized grocery list and flexible meal plans.
References:
1. Asri N, Rostami-Nejad M, Anderson RP, Rostami K. The Gluten Gene: Unlocking the Understanding of Gluten Sensitivity and Intolerance. Appl Clin Genet. 2021;14:37-50. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi:10.2147/TACG.S276596.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Gluten Intolerance: Symptoms, Test, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Cleveland Clinic. Published June 30, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21622-gluten-intolerance
3. Celiac Disease Related Conditions & Diseases | BeyondCeliac.org. Beyond Celiac. https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/related-conditions/