Spreading Awareness: What is Gluten? Have You Ever Heard of Celiac?

Do you become sick after eating Gluten-rich foods like bread or pasta? Has your doctor ever mentioned Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

The way a person’s body reacts to Gluten differs dramatically between the two conditions, despite similar symptoms. The tests that a doctor prescribes to diagnose each condition are also different.

You’ve probably seen a lot of people with Gluten issues (eg. wheat allergies). However, if ignored, it can lead to a life-threatening situation. Thus, awareness is essential as it is the first step toward change.

This blog is all about understanding the basics of Gluten, Celiac disease, and its symptoms to make people aware of it.

Let’s begin.

What is Gluten?

You may have noticed or heard the term, gluten-free, many times. You can find them on restaurant menus, grocery merchandise, in headlines, and in news reports to name a few. Gluten, then, is probably something you’ve heard of, even if you don’t know what it is.

Gluten is a name for the protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. So, when you eat bread, pasta, cereal, pizza, and a number of other meals, you’re getting a regular supply of Gluten.

Gluten accounts for around 80% of the amino acids found in these grains. However, it is devoid of vital elements.

In other words, if you cut gluten out of your diet but get all your vital nutrients from other foods or nutritional supplements, you won’t have any other health problems.

To continue consuming gluten with sensitivity can result in various issues. Gluten intolerance or Celiac disease are examples of these issues. Gluten consumption stimulates an immunological response, resulting in inflammation and damage to the intestines and other parts of the body.

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance, also termed as non-gluten sensitivity, has similar symptoms to Celiac disease but is a less severe form of the condition. However, Gluten intolerance can still cause significant discomfort. One can control their symptoms by changing lifestyles.

Note: Gluten intolerance is frequently confused with Celiac disease, although the two are different.

Symptoms of a Gluten Intolerance

• Constipation and Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Pain in the abdomen
• Headaches
• Other symptoms may include joint/ muscle pain, depression or anxiety, abdominal pain, anemia.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the intestinal tract. Gluten triggers an immune reaction that affects the small intestine. The condition can lead to long-term digestive issues and prevent your body from acquiring the nutrients it requires.

Symptoms of a Celiac Disease

• Anemia
• Loss of weight
• Cramps
• Fatigue
• Irritability due to bloating

According to a recent study, Celiac disease affects 1 out of every 100 individuals with a vital hereditary component. Those affected rise to 1 in 10 if they have a family member who also has the disease.

A Celiac sufferer must follow a gluten-free diet. A nutritionist can tell you how to eat a healthy, balanced diet while avoiding Gluten. Your doctor would review this diet and may also send you to a licensed dietitian specializing in Celiac disease treatment.

Celiac disease & Gluten Sensitivity: What You Need to Know

Understanding the differences between the various gluten intolerances can be difficult. Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance, whereas Gluten sensitivity is a milder form.

• Treating gluten is difficult as there’s no cure for gluten sensitivity.
• Gluten sensitivity is routinely measured by a dietary elimination approach, which involves avoiding certain foods and observing which ones reduce reported symptoms.
• Celiac disease, on the other hand, can be detected by tests looking for biomarkers.

Eliminate Gluten from Your Diet and Say Goodbye to Problems!

One can conquer gluten insensitivity with a simple cure available in front of you! Consider the information mentioned above and regularly check your diet and health. Make sure you cut off gluten entirely from your eating regime to stay healthy and have an easy gluten-free time.