How to Test for Gluten Intolerance
Unfortunately, there are no approved methods to directly test for gluten intolerance. However, lab testing for other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as celiac disease and gluten allergy, can help rule out these conditions. Someone who tests negative for Celiac and shows no allergic response to wheat or gluten may be suffering from gluten intolerance. In these cases, it is recommended to stop eating products that contain gluten for several weeks and see if the symptoms subside.
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What is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance, also called non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a condition that affects about 6% of people in the United States. Gluten intolerance can develop at any time and affect anyone. In general, it tends to affect women more heavily than men. Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. All sorts of products contain gluten, including bread, pasta, baked goods, pastries, cereals, crackers, salad dressings, soups, sauces, potato chips, vegetarian meat substitutes, and beer. People who are gluten-intolerant may experience varying degrees of illness after consuming products that contain gluten. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headache, joint pain, depression, or skin rash.
Is Gluten Intolerance the same as Celiac Disease or Gluten Allergy?
Gluten intolerance is not the same as Celiac Disease. Celiac is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and damages its own tissues. It is also not an allergy. Allergies are caused by an overreaction by the immune system to certain substances.
What Causes Gluten Intolerance?
Exactly what causes gluten intolerance is unknown. Research is ongoing, but there are several prevalent theories. One is that some people's digestive systems cannot process a particular type of carbohydrate in gluten, which causes it to remain in their intestines and ferment, leading to illness. Other research suggests that some people have a deficiency in the lining of their intestines that causes it to be damaged by wheat, which allows bacteria used in the digestive process to leak into their blood. At present, there is no cure for gluten intolerance. While some medications can reduce the symptoms, the most effective treatment is to adopt a gluten-free diet.
How to Test for Gluten Intolerance
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