Gluten Sensitivity or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat that acts as a binder allowing dough to rise with an airy texture (Celiac.org).

Where does Gluten come from?

The gluten protein has been found in certain grains for thousands of years, however it was never consumed as concentratedly as it has been since the 20th century (Celiact.com). In fact, the gluten protein can be extracted, concentrated and added to food products as a nutritional supplement as well as to help bind the carbohydrate particles together and give them shape (Hopkinsmedicine.org). For example, a loaf of bread made without gluten may be very dense compared to a bread loaf made with gluten, which allows the dough to stick together while also rising thus creating that "airy" look that bread connosieurs know and love.

How does Gluten affect the gut?

The gluten protein is difficult for the body to digest, and some people have a severe autoimmune response or other unpleasant symptoms (Hopkinsmedicine.org) when they consume glutinous foods. The autoimmune response is called Celiac disease. However other responses may be considered Gluten Sensitivity or Gluten Intolerance because they may be less severe in nature compared to Celiac disease symptoms. When the gluten is not digested properly, it may permeate the gut lining causing increased inflammation in the digestive tract and eventually spread throughout the rest of the body, therefore leading to other systemic symptoms as conveyed below.

What are symptoms of Gluten Intolerance?

• Abdominal pain

• Anemia

• Anxiety

• Bloating or gas

• Brain fog or trouble concentrating

• Depression

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Joint pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Skin rash

What to do if you suspect you have gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity?

If you think you have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, you can always remove all glutinous foods from your diet for 2-3 weeks, then reintroduce one of those glutinous food items to determine obvious signs of a reaction. However, typically gluten sensitivities coincide with other food allergies therefore requesting a comprehensive food allergy test from your doctor or healthcare provider of choice will help to determine the severity of your reaction to gluten as well as other foods that may be also impacting your gut health.

What were your personal experience and reactions to gluten?

I had inadvertently removed gluten from my diet for a two-week period when I spent that time with my husband's family; all of whom are Celiac or gluten intolerant. When I returned home and consumed my typical glutinous meals, I immediately reacted with the following symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and diarrhea. I decided to go gluten-free and noticed each of those symptoms if my meals were ever cross-contaminated, which confirmed my decision to stay gluten-free. Since I have been gluten-free, my gut has vastly improved and I have never regretted losing access to the foods that would always send my gut into a frenzy.

Have you gone gluten-free? Or are you considering it?

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