More than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s estimated that 99% of the people who have either gluten intolerance or celiac disease are never diagnosed. Currently, as much as 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them? The best way to find out if you have an issue with gluten is to do an elimination diet and take it out of your diet for at least 2 to 3 weeks, then reintroduce it, and see how you feel.
Here are some signs that you MIGHT be gluten intolerant:
- Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation.
- Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends to be a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat malabsorption is caused by gluten damaging the gut.
- Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
- Regular Migraines
- 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.
- Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pin point the cause of your fatigue or pain.
- Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees, or hips.
- Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and ADD.
If you’re still unsure if you might be gluten intolerant or if you have more questions, ask your doctor to find out if you should take action.
