Are you feeling tired and headachy, and your digestive system is off. Maybe you have some other symptoms: a rash, dandruff, a feeling that you’re operating in a depressed and disorganized manner. And maybe you’ve been trying to get pregnant, but it’s not working … and you have no idea why. Could you be one of them?
More than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance:
• Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. Commonly the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.
• Keratosis Pilaris:
• Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.
• Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
• Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
• Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.
• Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.
• Migraine headaches.
• Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
• Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.
• Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.
How to treat gluten intolerance?
Foods to avoid:
• Avoid all foods made from wheat, rye, bran, enriched flour, bulgur and barley (cereals, breads, pasta, croutons, crackers, cakes, cookies..)
• Avoid oats.
• Avoid beer and other grain-based alcohol.
