Celiac disease and gluten intolerance (or sensitivity) have quite similar symptoms. However, the outcome of each can be completely different.
What are the major symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Digestive problems which can include:
- Bloating of your abdomen
- Pain
- Gas
- Diarrhea and pale stools
- Weight loss
- A severe skin rash
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Growth problems as a child
- Decreased appetite and inability to gain weight
- Fatigue and irritability
- Vomiting
What are the major symptoms of gluten intolerance?
- Digestive problems such as gas, bloating, constipation or/and diarrhea
- Keratosis pilaris (chicken type skin on the backs of your arms)
- Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating food which contains gluten
- Dizziness or migraine
- Mood swings or disorders
- Diagnosis of any of the following diseases: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Inflammation or swelling in your joints
Though gluten intolerance can be caused by celiac disease it is quite often the result of a wheat allergy or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, environmental toxins, and other allergens (like the introduction of GMOs into food within the last 15 years) all contribute to imbalanced intestinal flora which can lead to gluten intolerance.
Gluten intolerance and sensitivity is not recognized as an actual syndrome or disease. Quite often the cause can be from something other than gluten. Celiac disease can also have symptoms other than those listed. Severe reaction to gluten can affect your body’s immune system. It can be inherited or linked to other diseases such as Addison’s disease or Rheumatoid arthritis. It must be treated. If not, it can later lead to other issues such as cancer, infertility and neurological problems. Whether you feel you have gluten sensitivity or the more severe celiac disease, tests must be performed. See your medical health practitioner for a diagnosis and to rule out other diseases.
This article is intended for information purposes. Please consult your health practitioner if you are experiencing any symptoms.
