What is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance occurs when an individual consumes foods containing gluten and develops adverse reactions from it. Gluten is a type of protein that is found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. This disorder is common among many people and is often mistaken for a wheat allergy. There are two main types of gluten intolerance: celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage to a person’s digestive system. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a milder variant but can still cause many problems as well.
What are the Signs?
There are many indications that a person may be gluten-intolerant. The first major symptom is bloating. Bloating often occurs when the stomach becomes distended from excessive gas immediately after consuming foods that contain gluten. Bloating leads to discomfort and is long lasting.
The second sign that an individual has gluten intolerance is frequent diarrhea and constipation. Gluten can upset the person’s digestive system and cause inflammation. Furthermore, it can damage the lining of the gut and this can lead to improper nutrient digestion. When a person has poor digestion it can lead to problems like frequent diarrhea and constipation. The third sign of gluten intolerance is skin problems. Those with gluten intolerance may suffer from skin conditions such as dermatitis herpetiformis and psoriasis. These skin conditions can cause redness, irritation, and blisters on the body.
The fourth symptom of this condition is headaches. People who have a sensitivity to gluten experience headaches for seemingly no reason. If you exhibit these telltale symptoms, you may be gluten intolerant.
What Can Be Done?
There are several things that can be done to alleviate the symptoms of gluten intolerance. The first is to refrain from eating anything containing gluten and to be vigilant about what you are consuming. This means staying away from foods containing gluten like wheat bread and meals cooked in vegetable oil.
If gluten was accidentally consumed, a person can do certain things to speed up the recovery time. Drinking plenty of clear fluids, water, coconut water, and hot tea can flush out the gluten and cleanse the body. When it comes to eating foods, pick simple and light items, like broth, gluten-free bread, and pineapple. Avoid dairy products because they can aggravate the stomach lining and slow down recovery time. Probiotics supplements and charcoal pills are also helpful in alleviating the discomfort of gluten intolerance.
Exercising lightly each day can also help lessen symptoms. The release of endorphins from exercise can promote a strong sense of wellbeing and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Get In Touch with Us to Learn More
To learn more about gluten intolerance, reach out for a free seminar with Naples Vitality. At our convenient location in Naples, FL, you are one step away from living a pain-free life of comfort. Contact us today!