Some of the top atypical symptoms are anemia, bones disease, elevated liver enzymes, neurological problems like migraines, short stature and reproductive problems.
Gluten belly, also known as wheat belly, is a common phrase that refers to stomach swelling after eating gluten as a result of bloating. Along with bloating, one may also develop symptoms such as stomach pain, flatulence, or irregular bowel movements.
It sounds like a doom and gloom prophecy, but the reality is that gluten intolerance – more aptly called gluten sensitivity – spares no one. It can strike anyone at any time, including those who were not previously sensitive to it.
The five major illnesses associated with gluten are celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia, and dermatitis herpetiformis.
If you're extremely sensitive to even trace amounts of gluten, you may experience symptoms within minutes of ingestion – similar to an allergy. In many cases, however, symptoms don't develop until one to twelve hours after exposure. For some, symptoms take days or even weeks to manifest.
For people with coeliac disease, even small amounts of gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine (bowel), which prevents the proper absorption of food nutrients. Inflammation also occurs elsewhere in the body. If you have coeliac disease, inflammation and damage can occur even if you have no symptoms.
“When people have celiac symptoms, it's important that they go to a doctor right away for the proper diagnosis, and not just diagnose it themselves and start a gluten-free diet,” Verma said. People who self-diagnose themselves with celiac disease risk a celiac misdiagnosis.
In fact, if your body can't process gluten you can have many problems including weight gain. However, weight gain isn't as common as weight loss. With gluten intolerance, your body has trouble absorbing the protein gluten that's found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Sourdough is not gluten free, but we know that many people with IBS, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity can tolerate sourdough bread. This is because the methods used to make sourdough break down some of the gluten in the flour so it is easier to digest. Think of sourdough as low-gluten rather than gluten-free.
Some people report feeling dizziness, nausea, extreme hunger and even anxiety and depression when they suddenly go from eating a lot of gluten to being gluten-free. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks on a gluten-free diet, but talk to your health care provider if they persist.
The rise in poor gut health likely plays a key role in increasing adverse reactions to gluten. A primary cause of poor gut health, or dysbiosis, is an unhealthy diet that is high in processed foods but other practices in the modern day world can also be contributors.
Digestive issues after eating gluten can be a huge sign that you might be intolerant. This can include symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Having these symptoms occasionally is pretty normal, but having them every day can indicate a problem.
Celiac disease can be painful. Some common pain symptoms are: Stomach pain or swelling (bloating) that keeps coming back. Muscle cramps or bone pain.
Experts estimate that the condition currently affects around 1–2% of the population in the United States and is more common in females. Celiac disease is also more common in people who have other autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes.
One person might have diarrhea and abdominal pain, while another person has irritability or depression. Some patients develop symptoms of celiac disease early in life, while others feel healthy far into adulthood. Some people with celiac disease have no signs or symptoms at all.
Fatigue – the under-recognised symptom of coeliac disease
There are some groups of people in whom gluten really can cause a particularly devastating effect on energy levels. Extreme tiredness is a common symptom of undiagnosed coeliac disease, and for some, it may be the only symptom.
A typical gluten face will present with red, puffy cheeks, with spots of hyperpigmentation around the chin. Some people will also have pimples spread out over the chin. Your face can also become bloated or swollen.
In its purest form, chocolate in any of its milk, dark and white varieties doesn't contain gluten. Sadly for chocoholic coeliacs everywhere, the reason all chocolate isn't gluten free is because some products have gluten-based ingredients added, or they are made in a factory where gluten is used.
After roasting and grinding, coffee doesn't contain gluten. Even plain, instant coffee has no gluten in it. Where you need to be careful is buying flavored coffee or coffee creamer, which may contain gluten or are processed in a factory that handles gluten.
As for those with gluten intolerance, unfortunately you'll still have to avoid wheat-based bread altogether. Toasting bread does not eliminate or even affect the gluten content in bread.