The myth that gluten is harmful to health is only true for people with celiac disease. Celiac disease is intolerance to foods containing gluten. This disease affects the small intestine, disrupts stomach function and causes dystrophy. Gluten intolerance affects only 10-15% of the population. This is a fairly rare disease, which is usually diagnosed at an early age.
People with gluten intolerance cannot eat bread, because gluten causes severe pain in the abdomen, indigestion, and general weakness. Products with gluten don’t cause any negative effect on people without this disease.
1. Gastrointestinal Problems
The main symptoms of gluten intolerance are related to bowel function. A person may experience nausea, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even constipation. Often people associate these symptoms with other diseases. Sometimes doctors mistakenly diagnose it with irritable bowel syndrome. Studies confirm that 10-15% of the world’s population suffers from this disease. However, people with gluten intolerance can have the same symptoms and as a result of the wrong diagnosis, they don’t get proper treatment.
2. Central Nervous System Problems
Gluten increases intestinal inflammation and as a result, a person gets problems with concentration, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Some people experience irritability and memory impairment.
According to a study, people with gluten intolerance are more prone to migraines. The causes of headaches can be different. A person who is intolerant to gluten may experience a headache 30-60 minutes after eating.
3. Sharp Weight Changes
Gluten intolerance can lead to weight loss or weight gain. This is due to inflammatory processes at the cellular level and metabolic disorders. Sudden weight changes can accompany other unpleasant diseases. This symptom may be related to gluten intolerance if other symptoms of malabsorption are present.
4. Hormone Imbalance
There is a direct relation between gluten intolerance and hormonal imbalance, which can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle, sudden weight changes, PMS, and sleep disorders. Hormonal disorders caused by gluten intolerance can occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause in women.
5. Nail and Skin Problems
Keratosis and herpetic dermatitis are two skin conditions that are directly related to gluten intolerance. Symptoms include itching and rashes that can appear on the arms, body, face, buttocks, elbows, and on the hairline. Another symptom is weak and brittle nails.
6. Bad Teeth
The absorption of essential elements and minerals in the intestine deteriorates in the case of gluten intolerance. The body also poorly absorbs calcium which leads to dental problems such as enamel hypersensitivity, tooth decay, and stomatitis. If you follow proper oral hygiene but still notice oral problems, it can be a consequence of gluten intolerance.
7. Autoimmune Diseases
Many people with autoimmune diseases suffer from gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own intestinal cells after gluten consumption. The problem is compounded by the fact that this disease increases the risk of other autoimmune diseases, such as liver disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
8. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A disorder that may also be associated with gluten intolerance is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD can occur in both children and adults. People with this disorder have difficulty concentrating, suffer from hyperactivity and poorly controlled impulsivity. A gluten-free diet will help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
