Gluten Intolerance vs Coeliac Disease
Do you suspect that you might have gluten intolerance or coeliac disease? Considering going gluten-free? Read this first…
What is gluten?
Gluten is an umbrella term to describe five different proteins (gliadins, glutenins, hordeins, secalins, andavenins) that are found in many grains, the most common being wheat, oats, rye and barley.
Gluten helps foods maintain their shape. It acts like a glue and is what gives bread and other glutenous foods that lovely light, springy texture.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance & coeliac disease
The symptoms of gluten intolerance and coeliac disease can be similar and may include:
Digestive issues
- IBS
- Bloating or gas
- Diahorrea/Loose stools or constipation
- Reflux/ GERD
- Abdominal pain/sensitivity/tenderness
- Leaky gut
- Colic
- Mouth ulcers
- Post nasal drip or a runny nose
- Mucous congestion
- Asthma or wheezing
- Itchy eyes/nose
Skin problems
Nervous system issues
- Fatigue
- Depression, anxiety or irritability
- Autism
- ADHD
- Ringing in the ears
- Tingling, numbness or burning sensations
What’s coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction whereby gluten attacks the mucosa (lining) of the small intestine by flattening the tiny hair-like structures (villi) which are necessary for the absorption of nutrients.(1)
Left untreated, coeliac disease increases an individuals risk of developing a host of health problems including severe vitamin deficiencies, some cancers, infertility, nerve damage and osteoporosis.
The good news? A gluten-free diet will reduce risk factors for developing these serious conditions to that of the general population.
But wait…
Before jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Blood tests that test for coeliac disease will only be accurate if your diet contains gluten. What’s more, the biopsy that a gastroenterologist performs to look for any intestinal damage will require you to be on a gluten-containing diet (for at least six weeks) in order to be accurate!
What about gluten intolerance?
Gluten intolerance and gluten are often confused as both can spark similar symptoms in mild cases.
But, there is a marked difference.
Sensitivities/intolerances cannot cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and do not show up on allergy testing.
Unlike food allergies, food intolerance/sensitivity does not involve the immune system. Gluten intolerance occurs when a person has trouble breaking down the the gliadin protein, which can trigger reactions and unpleasant symptoms.
When it comes to gluten intolerance, reaction times can be delayed from minutes to hours to days, which makes diagnosing specifics tricky. There is also a ‘threshold’ of reactions. For example, consuming a small amount of gluten may not cause symptoms. However, small amounts consumed on a regular basis may mean that the protein accumulates in your body over time, sparking seemingly sporadic symptoms.
And gluten allergy?
A gluten allergy is an immediate immune response which occurs seconds (or minutes) after exposure to gluten and can potentially be life-threatening. When an allergy is life-threatening it is called an anaphylactic reaction which happens in 1% of allergic cases. It is also important to note that it is possible for a mild allergic reaction to turn anaphylactic after repeated exposure.
Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency. So seek immediate treatment if you notice any of the following symptoms immediately upon eating glutenous foods:
- Difficulty breathing/talking
- Swelling or tightness of the throat or tongue
- Dizziness, feeling faint or collapse
- Looking floppy and pale (in children)
- Wheezing
- Coughing
When to see a health practitioner
If you think you might be suffering from coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, then it’s important that you talk to your health practitioner before diagnosing yourself and starting your own treatment.
The long-term consequences of untreated coeliac disease, allergies, intolerances and sensitivities may lead to nutritional deficiencies and other conditions which affect the whole body.
Plus, coeliac disease may not be picked up on tests if you start on a gluten-free diet and many people with gluten intolerance can actually become more sensitive to gluten if they stop eating it altogether.
And this means that, after going gluten-free for a while, it may be too hard to consume gluten again for enough to get an accurate diagnosis because it makes you too sick.
Manage gluten intolerance naturally
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify reactions to gluten and other food and environmental substances. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address gluten intolerance using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- aims to reduce your body’s reactions to gluten and other food and environmental triggers
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the food and environmental substances triggering your symptoms.
Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send us your question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note this blog is general information only. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any diet or lifestyle changes
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