In recent years, many of the products we purchase in the market are marked with the label “Sin Gluten,” “Libre de Gluten,” or “No Gluten.”
However, many consume them without knowing why choosing them over those containing them is so important.
To begin with, it is essential to clarify that gluten is a protein in foods such as wheat, rye, and barley.
Some people, do not have any unfavorable effects after being ingested, while in others, symptoms are triggered that deteriorate health.
The lack of conclusive symptoms and the ignorance of its existence are the factors that have made its detection difficult.
For this reason, today, we want to dedicate this space to signs indicating that you should remove gluten from your diet. Discover them!
Some conditions caused by gluten can be:
Contents
1. Gastrointestinal problems
One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is digestive and intestinal disorders. This study confirms this carried out by the University of Chile.
After eating foods that contain it, it is common for the person to feel discomfort, such as:
- Abdominal distension.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Gases.
- Abdominal pain.
- Disks.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
All these symptoms are usually relieved by eliminating all foods that contain this protein, but always after consulting our doctor.
2. Fatigue
Some individuals feel tired and have difficulty concentrating after consuming wheat or any other gluten-containing grain.
The continuous fatigue and weakness could indicate a diet change is required, as confirmed by this research by the University of Chile.
3. Headaches
Consumption of this protein generates an imbalance in the body’s inflammatory processes, which affects the function of the nervous system of people with celiac disease.
Consequently, a series of reactions occur, among which constant headaches and migraines stand out, as confirmed by this study from the Mula Health Center (Spain).
4. Hormonal imbalances
Infertility (or some types of it) could be related to intolerance to these foods, according to this research from the Universidad Veracruzana (Mexico).
Some gynecologists and health professionals recommend that patients with this problem replace the foods that contain it.
5. Joint problems
As we already mentioned, gluten can cause the body to exceed its level of inflammation in some people and trigger harmful reactions.
One of the most problematic has to do with the joints since it often increases their swelling and causes pain, as confirmed by this study by the Aldo Moro University in Italy.
6. Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris or keratosis follicularis is a skin disorder characterized by the appearance of steep bumps with a slight red color.
This condition is coupled with poor absorption of vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which could be caused by intestinal damage due to prolonged exposure to gluten in celiacs, as confirmed by this research carried out by the University of Florence.
7. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, as stated by the information obtained from the United States National Library of Medicine, is characterized by chronic pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. Unlike other conditions, this can cause constant episodes of pain, the origin of which is not defined.
Although fibromyalgia also depends on many factors, some studies, such as this one carried out by the Autonomous University of the Andes, believe that there could be a correlation between gluten intake and this condition.
8. Neurological symptoms
The inflammation caused by gluten in the nervous system and the weakening of the immune system cause neurological symptoms.
9. Autoimmune diseases
People with celiac disease who are constantly exposed to gluten are at greater risk of developing an autoimmune disease than those who do not eat it. This is reported in this study by the University of Chile.
10. Behavior problems
It is believed that the most common psychological issues show some improvement when all gluten is eliminated from the diet. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
What is true, according to this study carried out by the Faculty of Medical Sciences “Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna” (Cuba), is that schoolchildren with celiac disease in the sample analyzed in the research suffer to a greater degree:
- The anxiety.
- The Depression.
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Stress.
- The irritability.
This is possibly due to the isolation and social ignorance to which they are subjected. Still, it is not estimated that there is any correlation between these problems and the absence of gluten in the diet.
The symptoms of gluten intolerance tend to vary in each case, which leads to confusion with other disorders. Patients with celiac disease can take years to receive an accurate diagnosis.
To identify several of the symptoms mentioned here, it is best to consult a doctor and avoid eating gluten-free foods.