People have a love-hate relationship with Gluten. They love avoiding it in order to shed some pounds or they hate taking it in because it triggers unwanted bodily reactions. Either way, people are talking about running away from Gluten.
An allergic body reacts in three ways to Gluten: they have
celiac disease, a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, or a wheat allergy.
What’s the difference? A Registered Dietitian lends us her knowledge to explain how these 3 are distinct from each other.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an immune disorder in which people cannot tolerate gluten because it damages the inner lining of their small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrients. When a person has celiac disease, gluten causes the immune system to react in a way that can cause intestinal inflammation—irritation or swelling
—and long-lasting damage. People with the disease should maintain a gluten-free diet by avoiding products that contain gluten.
Gluten intolerance or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (what many call“ gluten intolerance”) causes the body to mount a stress response (often GI symptoms)different from the immunological response that occurs in those who have celiac disease (which most often causes intestinal tissue damage).
Wheat Allergy
The person with a wheat allergy has developed a specific antibody to a wheat protein, and sometimes more than one. People with wheat allergies can respond with a variety of possible signs and symptoms, including breathing difficulties, nausea, hives, bloated stomach and an inability to focus. With some people the consumption of wheat and wheat products may result in anaphylaxis- a life-threatening allergic response.
There is one solution to this three: follow a gluten-free diet! However, it is greatly helpful to know which one is your condition so you can correctly get treated when needed. If you feel that you may have any of these three, make sure to see a doctor to get help and a dietitian for correct recommendation on your food intake. You can also search online for tips and inspiration on meals you can enjoy while avoiding those with Gluten.
*Before changing your diet or self-prescribing one, make sure you consult the doctor so your possible medical examination results will not be affected and result in double negative.
