Gluten Intolerances Open the Door to Major Illnesses

Food allergies are hard to diagnose. If you have been suffering from an annoying bout of lethargy and stomach discomfort, you are not alone. Although, these symptoms are vague, medical experts estimate that over 95 percent of gluten intolerance cases in the United States remain undocumented. Unfortunately, the longer a gluten intolerance goes undiagnosed, the more detrimental it can be.

While a little more than three million Americans are afflicted with a gluten intolerance, the symptoms are vague and include: a constant feeling of being bloated, flatulence, diarrhea and fatigue. Gluten intolerances are related to the family of autoimmune diseases, such as: Type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lupus. Unlike America, gluten intolerances are prevalently diagnosed in Europe, and go by another alias: celiac disease.

So, if you suffer from a gluten intolerance, the condition sets off a chain reaction. What starts out as a chronic inflammation in the lining of the small intestine-overtime, wears away at the layer of mini fingerlike projections, called villi. Consequently, the body loses its ability to absorb nutrients, triggering diarrhea. An undiagnosed allergic reaction to food with glutens can invite an onslaught of minor to serious ailments:

Anemia. Inadequate absorption of iron and vitamin B12, anemia is a potential medical condition caused by gluten intolerance.

Depression. An insufficient supply of nutrients hinders cell development in the brain, interrupting communications between nerves, serotonin production; hence, promoting depression.

Osteoporosis. Without the absorption of calcium and vitamin D, people allergic to glutens are susceptible to bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). When the body has a deficit of thiamine and B12, nerve damage contributes to muscle weakness, numbness, a loss of balance, as well as tingling sensations in the legs and arms.

Weight loss and chronic joint pain are other symptoms associated with an intolerance to gluten. Nevertheless, people do not always lose weight if they suffer from gluten intolerance. In fact, for many the disease is shrouded. Compulsive eating is prevalent amongst certain patients with the disorder. For these people, there seems to be an innate overcompensation to their nutritional absorption deficiency.

Even more disturbing, the symptoms, associated with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, are often misconstrued with similar medical conditions: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Did you know? Glutens are the proteins contained in rye and wheat. Bread, cereals and even beer contain abundant sources of gluten.

Nevertheless, there are three health-wise ways to detect and thwart a gluten intolerance:

Blood Testing

Since, gluten intolerances tend to be challenging to diagnose, have your blood tested. Online, various licensed physicians will send your blood to a lab and review the results to help plan a diet conducive for your health.

Eat Gluten-free

If your doctor is unable to diagnose you with an intolerance to gluten, fast from breads, pizza, pastas, pastries and processed foods for several days. If you experience less bloating, flatulence or other abdominal discomfort, try eliminating gluten products from your diet, altogether. Remember that pre-packaged, processed and synthetic foods generally contain glutens, too.

Peruse Food Labels

Reading food labels is a critical component of modifying your gluten consumption habits. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is making it easier for consumers to make nutritional decisions. Recently, the government-funded agency mandated that all foods detail comprehensive information pertaining to ingredients and the production process.

Moral of the story: Ignoring a gluten intolerance, or as the Europeans call it, celiac disease--opens the doorway to a bevy of unwanted medical conditions. Protect your best assets, safeguard your health.