Gluten Allergy

Celiac Disease is a disorder resulting form an immune reaction to gluten. Gluten Intolerance/Sensitivity is the same disorder as celiac disease but on the other end of the spectrum. Celiac is more severe and therefore has more symptoms, that are more severe. For instance, if someone with celiac disease continued to ingest gluten, they may possibly damage their digestive tract to the point or in such a way as to cause cancer! Gluten intolerance/sensitivity, however, does not have such dire effects, and instead have symptoms that may be as mild as fatigue, irritability, and occasional mouth ulcers.


"Some people with celiac disease may not have symptoms, but internally malabsorbtion and malnutrition can erode health over many years. Both celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be exacerbated by: emotional stress, infection, surgery, pregnancy and childbirth. Every individual with some level of gluten intolerance or allergy may experience different shades of symptoms, hence the challenge for medical practitioners to diagnose.

So what are the specific symptoms of gluten intolerance and
celiac disease?

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
• Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
• Aching joints
• Depression
• Eczema
• Head aches
• Exhaustion
• Irritability and behavioural changes
• Infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and miscarriage
• Cramps, tingling and numbness
• Slow infant and child growth
• Decline in dental health

How to diagnose celiac disease and gluten intolerance?

Until recently it was challenging to diagnose celiac disease because thesymptoms are varied and similar to other diseases. For example, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue, iron deficiency, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal infections can all have similar symptoms. In fact there may be a cross over between gluten intolerance and some of these illnesses; an individual may have a combination of issues worsened by unsuitable food choices.
Now doctors test for raised levels of certain auto-antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced when the body senses a dangerous intruder allergen, like gluten. If the results indicate an allergy to gluten the doctor may perform a small intestine biopsy. This will reveal the damage to the villi in the small intestine. It is important to eat an ordinary diet including gluten, before being tested."

The inflammation and destruction of the inner lining of the small intestine in celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to gluten in the diet. This chronic digestive disorder leads to the malabsorption of minerals and nutrients.There is no cure for celiac disease. The only effective treatment for this disorder is a gluten-free diet.