Gluten-free diets are becoming more and more popular these days. Still, most people don’t really know what gluten is, what it does, and whether they’d be better off ditching it. Some are even resistant to it, yet don’t know what the gluten intolerance symptoms are. Let’s investigate.

What Is Gluten, Anyway?

Gluten is a combination of two proteins found mainly in wheat- and barley-based products. The two proteins gliadin and glutenin combine to create gluten. Gluten helps to make wheat products gooey and stretchy. Gluten, of itself, is not a bad product for the human body. However, people who suffer from a chronic digestive disorder known as celiac disease are not able to eat gluten. That’s because the body of the person with celiac disease views gluten as an invader, proceeding to trigger an immune response, which causes damage to the small intestine. This can cause major nutritional deficiencies. Recently another group of people have been identified who don’t suffer from celiac disease but who have an adverse reaction to gluten. They suffer similar reactions as those with celiac disease after eating gluten. So, what are the gluten intolerance symptoms?

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

Heaviness: After eating bread you feel heavy, dizzy, and somewhat drunk and off balance. Digestive Issues: If, after eating wheat, you suffer from bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, your body is telling you loud and clear that it can’t process gluten properly. Headaches: If you suffer from headaches or migraines after eating wheat, this is a very clear gluten intolerance symptom. Hormonal Imbalances: Such hormonal problems as PMS or unexplained infertility could be tell-tale signs of your body’s negative response to gluten. Inflammation: Joint inflammation and stiffness are allergic reactions that could be caused by an intolerance to gluten. Mood Problems: Anxiety, moodiness, and depression may not be caused by a gluten intolerance symptom––but, then again, they just might be. Chicken Skin: If after eating gluten, the skin on the back of your arms is not smooth, but crinkled and rough, it may be a symptom of the inefficient utilization of Vitamin A, which can be a result of a gluten intolerance.

Problems with Gluten Free Diets

Gluten free doesn’t necessarily mean that a food is any more healthy or natural, or lower in calories. Cutting out gluten may make it more difficult to get the essential vitamins and minerals that are contained in whole grains. In addition, foods without gluten do not bind very easily. Often this problem is compensated for by adding fats and sugars.

Gluten Support

Gluten is the cause of gut inflammation in 13% of the general population. 30% of people develop antibodies to oppose the gluten proteins that they put into their body. Some of these antibodies are very similar in structure to proteins in the pancreas and thyroid. They can infiltrate those organs and cause damage. For some people, this can result in autoimmune disease such as hypothyroidism and Type 1 Diabetes. When gluten enters the gut, if produces an inflammatory effect which leads to early death of the cells of the intestinal wall. This then leads to cell oxidation. For many, the end result is the condition known as leaky gut. A person with leaky gut will not be able to absorb nutrients properly. As a result, they will end up deficient in key nutrients that are needed for their overall health and well-being. A gluten support program is designed to fix the many problems that result when you digest gluten. It works as a supplementation program that sits alongside a gluten-free diet to minimize the negative effects of gluten exposure. By supporting the rapid repair of damaged tissue, boosting the immune system, and revitalizing overall health, a good gluten support program will quickly neutralize the harmful effects of your gluten past to allow you to enjoy the future benefits of living a gluten free life.

Conclusion

The popularity of a gluten free lifestyle has led to a proliferation of food products geared toward this lifestyle. That’s great news for people with celiac disease and those who display gluten intolerance symptoms. The jury is still out on the health benefits of going gluten free as a general health choice, however. If you do decide to go down that route, just ensure that you will be getting the vitamins and minerals that your body needs, and that you aren’t compensating, wittingly or unwittingly, with more sugar and fat.