Gluten intolerance is coming up more often now than before—as is evident in the gluten-free products showing up in your local grocery store and at restaurants all around. According to recent studies, about 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease.
Celiac disease is one potential cause of gluten intolerance (and the most severe), but it can also be caused by gluten sensitivity, wheat allergies, etc.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Traditionally, gluten is in food items such as bread, pasta, pretzels, and beer. However, today, gluten shows up in many more foods. Gluten can appear in food additives, processed foods, and even non-edible items.
What is the Difference Between Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity?
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease. It can cause various other diseases or disorders in the body. If someone with celiac disease has even a minuscule amount of gluten, it will trigger symptoms and damage the small intestine’s villi.
There is no medical cure or treatment for celiac disease. The only proven way to treat it is to have a diet completely free of gluten.
Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disease. Those with gluten sensitivity will have uncomfortable symptoms like celiac symptoms. However, it does not cause any damage to the villi of the small intestine or lead to other diseases and disorders.
How Do I Know If I Have Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease?
As stated, many symptoms of sensitivity and celiac disease overlap. These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pale and foul-smelling elimination
- Fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Skin reactions
- Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety
- Unexpected weight loss
- Iron deficiency
There are many gluten sensitivity or celiac disease symptoms that can cause discomfort day-to-day.
When Should I Go to the Doctor?
Up to 83% of Americans with celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. These Americans typically spend an average of $3,964 more than healthy individuals. A visit to the doctor is the best way to see if you are impacted with either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Diagnosis may include trying an elimination diet or blood tests. Getting diagnosed can get you well on your way to feeling much better!