If you’re experiencing unexplainable bloating that refuses to go away, you may be intolerant towards gluten. Gluten can lead to bloating, particularly in people with celiac disease, but even a non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy can also cause bloating.
Wheat, barley, and rye can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive people[1], including irritability, constipation, chronic headaches, bloating, diarrhoea, and even fatigue. But the popularity of these grains is such that they are a part of all bread and processed foods.
Avoiding any of these symptoms is not recommended, and if you’re experiencing any of these, it’s best to seek medical help. Let’s find out the most common bloating that gluten can cause.
Gluten Bloating Due to Celiac Disease
Celiac disease and gluten are not good combinations. Consuming gluten in any quantity can lead to bloating if you have celiac disease. Celiac disease compromises digestion and is an autoimmune disease that triggers a response from the body.
Gluten intake can damage the inner lining of the small intestine in patients suffering from celiac disease. [2] The intestinal digestion weakens the nutrient absorption causing the food to stay in the gut unnecessarily without being absorbed properly.
This process leads to the overproduction of gas and can lead to abdominal bloating. If you’re experiencing any of these conditions, it is imperative that
The Allergy Intolerance Testing Kit
you seek help as according to the NFCA, celiac disease can trigger other autoimmune conditions including osteoporosis, thyroid conditions, and even cancer.
Thankfully, gluten intolerance can be tested in an inexpensive manner helping you avoid any untoward incident. Conducting Allergy & Intolerance Tests helps maintain your health even if you have any such health condition.
Bloating from Wheat Allergy
Not all bloating is because of celiac disease. You can experience such bloating if you have a wheat allergy and gluten is at the forefront again as gluten is abundantly found in wheat. Although wheat allergy and gluten allergy are different, people tend to use the two interchangeably.
A wheat allergy refers to the allergic reaction that the body exhibits when it comes in contact with the proteins found in wheat, and bloating is one of the top side effects. Other side effects include difficulty breathing, itching, swelling, wheezing, and even throat irritation.
A simple blood test will help identify whether the cause of the allergic reaction is gluten or other components found in wheat. Knowing your allergies will help you stay safe and lead a life free of compromises.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
If you’ve ruled out celiac disease and are certain that you don’t have a wheat allergy, you might need an elimination diet method to rule out non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This sensitivity does not trigger an imminent allergic reaction like the other two, and the symptoms can take as much as 2 days to appear.
As the gluten is ingested, the body will start a reaction that can lead to bloating, headache, numbness of limbs, or shivering. [3]
Managing Gluten Bloat and Sensitivity
Diseases are manageable, and a simple blood and allergy test will help you keep tabs on all the important aspects of your health. You will know which foods to avoid and what to use; all restaurants now display nutritional information about all components.
Some diseases and sensitivities can even be passed down to children, so it’s best to get yourself tested and maintain a complete health record.
What’s next?
At Test Your Intolerance, we know that bloating can actually be a blessing as it can help you diagnose underlying conditions that will help you manage them accordingly. If your bloating is persistent and refuses to go away, it is best to take an allergy test or try the elimination diet method to find out if gluten is the cause.
References
[1] https://www.verywellhealth.com/five-different-types-of-gluten-allergy-562305
