I know, I know it seems like everyone these days is sensitive to gluten, or going gluten free.
I truly thought nothing of gluten until we removed it from our diet due to my sons tummy and asthma issues.
Soon I noticed my joints weren't as sore, I wasn't as tired (even though I was sleeping the same number of hours), and my headaches (which I thought were due to stress were gone).
To be honest I didn't put two and two together until we re-introduced it and less than an hour later I was rushing to the toilet!
But here is the thing, gluten now is not the same as gluten our ancestors ate. Genetic engineering to make it grow faster and cheaper has change it - and not in a good way!
Like me, most people are unaware that gluten can cause many issues in the body.
Below I have listed 7 signs that you may be sensitive to gluten. If you recognize 2 or 3 of these that may be a sign that you should avoid it.
1) Digestive Issues
Gluten can wreak havoc on a person’s digestive system by causing all kinds of symptoms such as:
Bloating,
Gas and smelly gas,
Diarrhea,
Constipation and
Painful stomach cramping.
In more severe cases, like in people with Celiac’s Disease, it can cause blood in the stool because the damage is so severe.
Gluten damages the small villi, which are finger-like projections that come out of the colon wall, in the intestines and absorb the nutrients in the food we have eaten.
This damage makes it hard for the people to properly digest not only the gluten in the meal they have just eaten, but also the other food they have eaten too.
2) Fatigue
If you feel tired all the time, or have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and have general pain all over your body like in those with Fibromyalgia you might want to take a look at your diet.
Gluten could be a major factor in your suffering.
And you know those dark purplish circles under your eyes ....
Those may not be purely an indication of being over tired.
But actually, it could be caused by an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten.
If you notice that you have dark circles under your eyes despite being well rested, removing gluten from your diet could be a big help!
3) Headaches or Migraines
Migraines and headaches have become increasingly common in our stressed out society.
But many people might be overlooking the real cause of their headache troubles.
Gluten causes inflammation in the body, and this includes the brain.
Many people find relief from headaches and migraines when they remove gluten from their diets.
I know I did!
4) Mood Issues
Have you noticed that you often feel depressed or have issues with anger or anxiety?
It is well known that these issues are closely related to the digestive issues that gluten can cause.
There are a few ways that gluten can cause these issues, and some professionals have speculated that these issues affect the central nervous system.
This happens because there is either change that occurs in the gut microbiota, an imbalance in serotonin levels, or in the formation of peptides called gluten exorphins.
5) Joint pain
This one is close to my heart!
As you read above, gluten can cause inflammation in people who are intolerant to it.
This inflammation can show up in our joints and cause painful swelling.
This is often one of the first symptoms people notice when they are looking at gluten intolerance.
If left unchecked, this inflammation can lead to other, more serious, health conditions.
6) Brain Fog
Have you noticed that you can’t seem to think straight, are having trouble remembering things, can’t seem to shake the feeling that you have when you first wake up, or misplace things easily.