While most of us experience some level of discomfort after treating ourselves to a bowl of pasta with a side of garlic bread, it’s safe to say that this uneasiness is usually simply a result of one thing: being full!
On the other hand, those with gluten intolerance consistently feel a level of discomfort after eating foods containing gluten. Although, unlike celiac disease, it’s uncommon for this to cause any long-term harm, it does usually result in uncomfortable short-term bloating and stomach pain [1].
See also: Celiac vs Gluten Intolerance: What’s The Difference?
Gluten intolerance symptoms
Gluten intolerance is exactly what its name suggests - an intolerance to gluten. Those with gluten intolerance experience issues digesting foods containing gluten which can usually result in the following symptoms [2]:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Wind and/or diarrhea
- Headaches
See also: Celiac Disease Diet: What You Can Eat
Gluten intolerance causes
Although there isn’t a clear cause associated with gluten intolerance, Mayo Clinic suggests that the below can sometimes give rise to a food intolerance [3]:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Sensitivity to food additives
- Celiac disease
- Absence of an enzyme needed to digest certain foods
See also: What Causes Celiac Disease?
If you’re experiencing unpleasant symptoms after eating foods containing gluten, it’s important to figure out if celiac disease may be the underlying cause, rather than gluten intolerance. This can be done by taking a trip to the doctor or from home with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetChecked’s at-home Celiac Disease Test can identify celiac disease antibodies with online results available within 2-5 days. Our medical team will be available every step of the way to answer any questions you may have.
You should consider taking a test if:
- You are experiencing digestive discomfort for over two weeks
- You have had diarrhoea for over two weeks
- You have thyroid issues
- You have type 1 diabetes
- You have Turner syndrome
- You suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
- You suffer from colitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the bowel)
See also: What Happens When Celiac Disease Goes Untreated?
References
