Food is life, at least for a lot of people out there. We need to eat so we won’t be grumpy and moody all day. It is also important to eat the right food to nourish our brain and body. However, we should still take note of what we should eat so that we will be healthy all the time.
Unfortunately, a lot of people experience the onset of allergies due to certain food items. Some are allergic to dairy, while others experience allergic reactions to grain and seafood. Food allergies, and other types of allergies for that matter, can cause mild to severe reactions. If you experience any signs of allergic reactions, better go to an allergy specialist doctor immediately.
All about gluten allergy
Gluten allergy or intolerance is a common allergic issue that affects millions of people around the world. As the name suggests, a heightened sensitivity to gluten causes this type of allergy. Gluten is a type of protein that is usually found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat.
Gluten allergies are often confused with celiac disease. The latter is also due to sensitivity to gluten, only worse. Unlike the former, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune condition caused by sensitivity in gluten. In the worst cases, celiac disease can damage an afflicted person’s digestive tract.
Meanwhile, gluten allergies are also mistaken as wheat allergy. The latter can be a potentially life-threatening condition and should be treated by an allergist immediately. Nevertheless, it is best to consult an allergy doctor to help manage your condition.
Common symptoms of gluten intolerance
Whether you have a gluten allergy or similar conditions, these can cause discomfort and affect your digestion. In such cases, you should visit an allergy specialist immediately. He or she will help you confirm whether you have gluten intolerance or other gluten or grain-related allergies.
Whether you have celiac or non-celiac gluten intolerance, it can still affect the quality of your life. Here are signs you need to look out for gluten intolerance. Each of these symptoms may vary but should be managed accordingly.
Bloating
People with gluten intolerance often feel full, gassy, and uncomfortable. In fact, one study revealed that almost 90 percent of people suffering from gluten intolerance experience discomfort due to bloating.
Constipation/diarrhea
We all experience diarrhea and constipation from time to time. But if it happens frequently, you might want to check what you are eating. It may be a major sign of gluten intolerance. In the worst cases, those with celiac disease (a severe type of gluten intolerance) might experience inflammation in the gut lining.
Skin breakouts
Apparently, gluten intolerance can also cause skin issues. For one, gluten intolerance can cause dermatitis herpetiformis. Other common skin problems caused by gluten intolerance may include urticaria, alopecia areata, and psoriasis.
Other signs of gluten intolerance include the following. If you experience the following apart from the abovementioned symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic immediately:
- Sudden weight loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- Inability to concentrate
- Anxiety and depression
- Anemia due to lack of iron
Gluten intolerance and other health conditions
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are two different things. However, these can greatly affect one’s quality of life, as mentioned. Plus, it can lead to health complications if left untreated.
For example, several studies have shown that celiac disease has a strong link with fertility problems. According to said studies, people with celiac disease experience infertility. However, experts cannot pinpoint exactly what causes fertility issues.
People with gluten sensitivity are also at high risk of having ADHD. However, there are also reports saying that there are improvements after removing gluten from their usual diet. It may be because of removing sugary and processed foods, which mostly contain gluten.
Managing gluten intolerance
Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with improving your diet if you have gluten sensitivity. You can also consult an allergy physician for other ways of managing your gluten sensitivity. For one, you should avoid any food with rye, wheat, barley, and other derivatives.
It is also better to remove common food and beverages that contain gluten such as pasta, baked goods, beer, malt, and some sauces. You can eliminate those foods completely or lessen their consumption slowly and surely. These kinds of health condition might be permanent, but you have the power to manage it. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA to help you manage your condition.