What are the similarities and differences of Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and a wheat allergy?
When I started out on my gluten free journey, I was extremely overwhelmed with the new adjustments in transitioning to a new diet. I did not understand the difference between Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance, and the common food allergy to wheat, and what shocked me was that just because a product is wheat free does not make it gluten free. Though the symptoms and lifestyle changes in these three health conditions overlap, they differ greatly. It is important to know which condition you have and to educate yourself.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body views gluten, a protein contained in wheat, rye and barley grains, as a threat. If a Celiac patient is on a gluten containing diet, they could experience a variety of symptoms:
Digestive comfort Digestive pain
Bloating Vomiting
Constipation Weight loss
Fatigue Depression and/or anxiety
Missed menstrual periods Canker sores in the mouth
Seizures or migraines Bone or joint pain
Chronic diarrhea Pale, foul smelling, or fatty stool
Irritability and behavioral issues Dental enamel defects
Delayed growth and puberty Iron deficiency
Bone loss Numbness/pain in hands & feet
Recurrent miscarriage/infertility Itchy skin rash
Liver or biliary tract disorders Arthritis
Celiacs overproduce certain antibodies when on a gluten filled diet and damage to the intestinal wall results in an inability to breakdown and process nutrients from food. When an individual with Celiac attempts to digest gluten, digestive processes are triggered that damage the intestine. Overtime, digestive damage will cause an inability to absorb nutrients from food in addition to the digestive discomfort caused.
Once a strict gluten free diet is followed, Celiac patients will experience relief from their symptoms and intestinal damage will begin to heal. You should speak with your doctor about all the necessary information about adhering to a gluten free lifestyle, steering clear of cross contact, and making sure that your nutritional needs are met.
Gluten Sensitivity and Intolerance
Many Americans who do not have Celiac still suffer from gluten intolerance, which can cause a variety of issues and symptoms:
“Foggy mind” Digestive discomfort
Abdominal pain Bloating
Chronic fatigue Vomiting
Diarrhea Constipation
Headaches Bone and joint pain
Depression and/or anxiety Itchy skin rash
Though many symptoms are similar to Celiac disease, those suffering from non-Celiac gluten intolerance do not experience damage to the intestinal walls, but rather they experience inflammation that causes similar discomfort and digestive inefficiencies.
Wheat Allergy
A wheat allergy is an immune reaction to any of the hundreds of proteins found in wheat. Those with a wheat allergy are not specifically allergic to the protein gluten, and most times are able to ingest other gluten containing grains without consequence. An allergic reaction occurs rather than an autoimmune response. The immune system will trigger an attack on the wheat, and the surrounding tissues will alert the rest of the body to the threat. This results in an extremely quick reaction involving a range of symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain
Hives or itching Diarrhea
Runny nose/sneezing Trouble breathing
Swelling of lips/tongue Anaphylaxis
Indigestion Asthma
Navigating the Gluten Free World
Educating yourself on your condition is your number one priority. With Now Find Gluten Free, you have numerous articles at your fingertips that will help you navigate the gluten free world. We suggest checking out the following articles as well:
Since I began using Now Find Gluten Free, I save money and time in the grocery store while indulging in all the delicious gluten free options and recipes available. Now Find Gluten Free makes it easy to search for new foods that fit your diet. We also offer tons of information and helpful tips about adapting to a gluten free lifestyle, to ensure you and your family never feel alone in your new journey. You can find our free app in both the Apple and Google Play stores.
 |
|
|
|
