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How Common Is Gluten Allergy

What Are The 10 Most Common Allergies

Common Food Allergies: Gluten Intolerance & Dairy Products DON’T Do A Body Good!!!

When our immune system responds to potentially harmful, foreign substances, allergies occur. These foreign substances, called allergens, are often found in certain foods, drugs, pollen grains, and even pet dander. The most common allergies cause us to sneeze, suffer from watery eyes, or break out with rashes. Do you need quick access to healthcare for your allergies? TEXT2MD in Chicago, IL offers streamlined services for providing you with urgent, expedited medical care.

So How Can You Tell Which ‘gluten Allergy’ You Have

It’s clear you can’t tell from symptoms alone. The truth is, you’ll need to see your healthcare provider and have some medical testing to determine which of these gluten-related conditions if any you might actually have.

If you have gastrointestinal symptoms that may point to celiac disease, you’ll likely start with celiac blood tests. If those are positive, your healthcare provider will likely recommend you undergo an endoscopy, a procedure that enables your healthcare provider to look directly at your small intestine and take samples for laboratory examination. Read more about all this: Celiac Disease Tests – How To Get Diagnosed

If, on the other hand, your celiac blood tests are negative, then your healthcare provider may consider the possibility of non-celiac gluten sensitivity or another condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, and may recommend tests for gluten sensitivity.

Wheat allergy is usually diagnosed with skin prick tests, although your healthcare provider may also use a blood test that looks for specific antibodies to wheat proteins.

For people with rashes they believe may be dermatitis herpetiformis, the first step is likely a visit to a dermatologist, who may recommend a skin biopsy of characteristic deposits of antibodies in your rash area.

And finally, if your symptoms are indicative of gluten ataxia, the path to diagnosis unfortunately isn’t straightforward, although there are several tests your neurologist may want to perform.

The 14 Most Common Signs Of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is a fairly common problem.

It is characterized by adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance.

It is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the population and may lead to damage in the digestive system .

However, 0.513% of people may also have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a milder form of gluten intolerance that can still cause problems .

Both forms of gluten intolerance can cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion.

Here are the 14 main signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance.

  • 7. Depression

    Depression affects about 6% of adults each year. The symptoms can be very disabling and involve feelings of hopelessness and sadness .

    People with digestive issues seem to be more prone to both anxiety and depression, compared to healthy individuals .

    This is especially common among people who have celiac disease .

    There are a few theories about how gluten intolerance can drive depression. These include :

  • Abnormal serotonin levels: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that allows cells to communicate. It is commonly known as one of the happiness hormones. Decreased amounts of it have been linked with depression .
  • Gluten exorphins: These peptides are formed during the digestion of some of the gluten proteins. They may interfere with the central nervous system, which may raise the risk of depression .
  • Take Home Message

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    Celiac Disease Vs Gluten Intolerance Vs Fructan Intolerance

    First, its important to understand the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

    Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten.

    Even tiny amounts of gluten will severely damage the small intestine of an individual with celiac disease.

    On the other hand, gluten intolerance is thought to be a subtle sensitivity to gluten diagnosed after exclusion of celiac disease. Its said to affect between 0.5-13% of people .

    In the scientific community its known as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or wheat sensitivity. Think of it much like you would an intolerance to FODMAPs.

    In fact, newer research indicates that we may be incorrectly diagnosing a FODMAP intolerance as a gluten intolerance. Specifically, it really looks like what weve thought was gluten intolerance is actually a fructan intolerance .

    A gluten intolerant individual can typically eat small amounts of gluten safely, but experiences health issues when their threshold is exceeded.

    The following are common signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance, after celiac disease has been ruled out.

    Summary: Gluten can physically damage the small intestine in those with celiac disease. A gluten intolerance, or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, is a more subtle sensitivity diagnosed after exclusion of celiac disease.

    Well It Depends On What Condition You Actually Have

    Common Gluten Allergy Symptoms in Kids Explained

    Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where he is also a professor. He was the founding editor and co-editor in chief of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

    So you have persistent symptomspossibly digestive, possibly skin-related or even neurologicaland you’re wondering, do these symptoms mean I have a gluten allergy? You might be surprised to learn that there are several different conditions that people refer to as a “gluten allergy,” and your specific symptoms will depend on which of these conditions you actually have .

    You see, medical science doesn’t actually recognize the term “gluten allergy.” Instead, when people refer to a gluten allergy, it’s likely they mean one of four different conditions: celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, dermatitis herpetiformis or gluten ataxia. None of these is a true allergy. It’s also possible that someone who refers to a gluten allergy actually means a wheat allergy, which is a true allergy.

    Here’s a guide to the different sets of symptoms and related issues that are commonly referred to as gluten allergies.

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    How Common Is Gluten Sensitivity

    Ive long suspected that everyone has some degree of sensitivity to gluten, even if theyve never been formally diagnosed and even if they dont notice any overt symptoms after eating it. Now we have concrete evidence that non-celiac gluten sensitivity actually exists. My own story was that of a lifetime grain-eater who defended my right to eat grains until I was 47 until the evidence was just too overwhelming to ignore. Once I gave them up as part of a 30-day experiment, lo and behold, my arthritis cleared up, my lifelong IBS went away, and my occasional GERD disappeared. Ditching grains, especially wheat, changed my life for forever and made me understand how easy it is for so many people to overlook this possible problem. A recent study, which I highlighted in Weekend Link Love, confirmed the existence of non-celiac wheat sensitivity. Subjects without the atrophied villi characteristic of celiac and without positive tests for various markers that indicate celiac experienced gluten-related symptoms after a blinded wheat challenge. It doesnt give us much of a clue as to the prevalence of sensitivity, but it establishes that such a thing might exist among the general population.

    Its not even the only study. Its just the latest of many to establish and/or hint that non-celiac gluten sensitivity exists:

    But how prevalent is it? We know that celiac disease is on the rise what about gluten sensitivity?

    • Diarrhea
    • Joint pain
    • Numbness in the extremities

    Are Gluten Intolerance And Celiac Disease The Same Thing

    Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are different. People with celiac disease have an autoimmune response to gluten. This means their bodies try to fight against gluten as if it were a virus. This reaction causes inflammation and damage to their digestive tracts. Celiac disease is the result of an abnormal gene. People with celiac disease also have high levels of certain antibodies in their blood, which are substances that fight gluten.

    Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease cause a lot of the same symptoms. But people with gluten sensitivity dont have an abnormal gene or antibodies in their blood.

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    You Have An Autoimmune Disease

    An autoimmune disease is the term given when your immune system mistakenly attacks and damages your own tissue.

    There are more than 80 types, characterised by which tissues or organs in the body are damaged.

    Gluten intake is consistently linked with numerous types, but whether its the cause remains to be seen. Its influence in Celiac disease is the obvious example, but research indicates gluten likely affects Hashimotos hypothyroidism and Graves disease, to name a few.

    Some researchers speculate the potentially negative effect of gluten is to do with the effect that gliadin may have on gut health and function .

    In any case, it seems gluten intolerance is more likely in those with an autoimmune condition.

    The Signs And Symptoms Of Gluten Sensitivity

    Gluten Sensitivity Series – Common Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

    Chances are, you know someone on a gluten-free diet. Or maybe you know someone who can’t eat gluten, a protein combination found in cereal grains like wheat, rye and barley.

    There are a few reasons for this recent interest in going gluten-free: About 1 percent of the United States population has celiac disease. When these people eat foods with gluten, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine and can lead to long-term problems, like lymphoma and other autoimmune diseases like thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis or osteopenia. But as much as 6 percent of the population may have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity . These people tend to feel better when they avoid gluten, even though they test negative for celiac disease.

    Wondering if your child could be sensitive to gluten or benefit from a gluten-free diet? We asked Ritu Verma, MBChB, a pediatric gastroenterologist, Lustgarten Endowed Chair for Clinical Care of GI Motility Disorders, and director of CHOPs Center for Celiac Disease, for help in recognizing the signs of a gluten sensitivity. She also offers advice for what you should do if you think your child has a gluten sensitivity.

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    Beware Of Cross Contamination

    During product manufacturing, a variety of gluten-free products come into contact with products such as grains containing gluten. This is where cross-contamination may occur. This is common in factories that process both regular and gluten-free products and use the same machines for both. This process can cause major problems for people with gluten intolerance. The other place cross-contamination can occur is in the kitchen. It occurs most commonly when preparing meals and sharing the same kitchen tools and surfaces.

    A recent study found that more than 40% of processed foods labeled gluten-free still had enough gluten to cause damage to those with gluten intolerance issues. Use extreme care and have a backup cutting board that is only used for preparing gluten-free items to avoid cross-contamination. On that same note, use extreme caution if eating out. Many restaurants will not have measures in place to prevent the cross-contamination of the food they are serving you.

    This post is meant to be a helpful guide on what is gluten-free and on foods that need to be avoided. Dont hesitate to ask us any questions about being gluten-free.

    Gluten Intolerance Foods To Avoid

    Glutens are basically proteins that allow wheat and other such cereals to absorb water and remain elastic.

    It is because of the gluten that the dough gets such an amazing texture and it is possible for it to rise.

    Wheat, rye, and barley are active sources of gluten and are often found in:

    • Bread
    • Canned foods
    • Spices

    With that being said, someone might question how one can cut on gluten by using gluten substitutes.

    Thus, well have our next section dealing with prominent gluten substitutes.

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    Common Symptoms Associated With Dairy And/or Gluten Allergies

    Symptoms may worsen over time in your children. You may notice subtle symptoms at first and they may either come and go, or become increasingly more severe. The symptoms of dairy and gluten allergies may include but are not limited to:

    • a recurring cough or croup
    • ear infections
    • rashes and other skin issues
    • slower learning
    • recurring colds and flu-like symptoms
    • intense cravings for dairy and gluten-containing foods

    You Have A Known Food Intolerance

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    Food intolerance is said to affect up to 10% of people.

    A reaction occurs when an individuals threshold to particular food chemicals or compounds is surpassed.

    Anecdotal evidence indicates it is quite common for someone with a food intolerance to also be highly sensitive to gluten.

    Note that those who dont tolerate gluten-containing foods should also consider FODMAPs as a trigger for symptoms.

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    What Should I Do If Im Exposed To Gluten

    Gluten is in countless foods, drinks and other products. Even if you stick to a gluten-free diet, you might accidentally eat gluten at some point. If you experience side effects from accidental gluten exposure, you can:

    • Drink plenty of water to flush out your system.
    • Eat small meals that arent spicy or fatty.
    • Try ginger or peppermint tea to soothe an upset stomach.

    Gluten Ataxia: Scary Brain Disorder

    The last of the potential “gluten allergy” conditions is also the most uncommon: a brain disorder called gluten ataxia. When you suffer from gluten ataxia, gluten consumption actually causes your immune system to attack the part of your brain called the cerebellum, potentially resulting in damage that’s eventually irreversible. Symptoms of gluten ataxia include:

    • Problems with walking and your gait
    • Clumsiness and lack of coordination
    • Deterioration of fine motor skills
    • Slurring of speech
    • Difficulty swallowing

    Gluten ataxia is progressive: sufferers may start out with what may seem like a minor balance problem, but can ultimately wind up significantly disabled.

    While about one in four people diagnosed with gluten ataxia has the characteristic villous atrophy of celiac disease, only about one in 10 has gastrointestinal symptoms.

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    Dermatitis Herpetiformis: The Itchiest Rash Imaginable

    It’s not unusual for a true allergic reaction to result in a skin rash, so it makes some intuitive sense to call dermatitis herpetiformis a “gluten allergy,” as it causes a remarkably itchy, persistent rash. But this rash is not the result of a true allergy: dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune skin condition that occurs when you’ve eaten gluten grains. Symptoms include:

    • Reddened skin
    • Multiple small bumps that look like pimples
    • Itching and burning
    • Purple marks where bumps are healing

    Dermatitis herpetiformis can occur anywhere on your body, but the most common locations for this rash are your buttocks, elbows, knees and on the back of your neck. If you’re about to have an outbreak, the itching usually starts even before you see the bumps appear. The condition is closely related to celiac disease and is associated with celiac disease.

    Most Breads Crackers And Wraps

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    Most breads, crackers, and wraps contain gluten. The only way to know for sure is to read the ingredient list and check to see which grains are used.

    If you have a gluten intolerance, avoid the following:

    • white bread
    • malt vinegar
    • ketchup

    As an alternative, you can make your own condiments from gluten-free ingredients or purchase ones that are certified gluten-free.

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    Understanding Leaky Gut And Allergies

    When a baby is born, their gut is naturally leaky. This is actually a good thing. It allows for all of the beneficial components of breast milk like lactoferrin, immunoglubulins, sugars, and antibodies, to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream to support optimal growth and development. As the infant gets older, their gut becomes less leaky, and eventually develops into a mature semi-permeable intestine. This process is called closure.

    Before closure occurs, the infant is in a vulnerable state. If the infant is fed anything other than breast milk, those items have a greater ability to pass through their permeable intestines and into the blood stream, triggering the immune system.

    What Foods Should You Eat If You Are Trying To Start A New Gluten

    Many foods in their unprocessed form are naturally gluten-free. These include:

    • Fruits

    There are also many grain alternatives to wheat, rye, and barley. They include:

    • Amaranth
    • Oats
    • Potatoes
    • Rice
    • Sorghum20

    Additionally, eating a low-FODMAP diet could be beneficial to people looking to start a new gluten-free diet. FODMAPs are a category of sugars found in foods ranging from fruits and veggies to nuts, seeds, and grains. Foods in the regular FODMAP diet are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to IBS-like symptoms such as gas and bloating. These foods include wheat, rye, and barley, which are foods high in gluten. So, people suffering from gluten intolerance may be able to avoid these foods by following a low-FODMAP diet.21 Always consult with your physician first before taking this step.

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    What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

    Common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomachache and bloating, poor growth, and weight loss. Many kids are diagnosed with it when they’re between 6 months and 2 years old, which is when most kids get their first taste of gluten in foods.

    For some people, the problems start slowly and the symptoms may be terrible one week and not as bad the next. Because of this, some people aren’t diagnosed with celiac disease until they’re older. The problem is chronic, which means that although symptoms may come and go, people who have celiac disease will always have it.

    Someone with celiac disease may feel tired and could be irritable. Some also have skin rashes and mouth sores. The problem is sometimes mistaken for other digestiveproblems called inflammatory bowel disease or lactose intolerance. And in some cases, a kid won’t have any symptoms and then will all of a sudden start having problems during a time of stress, such as after an injury.

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