Dealing With A Gluten Allergy

A gluten allergy can result in Coeliac disease which is a condition of the small intestine. Gluten is found in rye, barley, and wheat and it reacts with the small bowel causing the immune system to attack the bowels lining.

Sometimes it's subtle while other times you know that you have a problem. When it is not treated it can lead to anemia, diseases of the bone, and even some types of cancer. Of course the best treatment for a gluten allergy is to avoid foods with gluten.

What causes the gluten allergy? Gluten is two proteins glutenin and gliadin which when mixed with water become sticky like dough. In the small bowel are little tiny fingers called villi which are supposed to absorb nutrients but with a gluten allergy your immune system attacks them and destroys them.

The symptoms of a gluten allergy in a child include irritability and generally not feeling happy, poor appetite, not gaining weight, swollen stomach , arms and legs become thin and wasted. In adult symptoms can be very similar but also include horrible smelling diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, tiredness, depression, bone pain, thinning of the bones, itchy skin, and sometimes even a difficulty becoming pregnant.

Symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin disorders, eczema, dermatitis, respiratory infections including asthma, hypertension, headache, and even anaphylactic shock. Great you know what the problem is and you are doing your best to avoid wheat but it's in the most unexpected places and you do occasionally mess up.

Diagnosing your gluten allergy might include blood tests for anemia, iron and folic acid, as well as blood tests for different antibodies. An endoscopy test with a biopsy might also be conducted.

A gluten allergy is not preventable and the best treatment is to have a gluten free diet to stop the damage to the small intestine and even reverse it. You will need to do you homework so that you know which foods contain gluten. There are many that you would not generally think of that do such as cooking oil.

There are some excellent books on dealing with a gluten allergy that can help you as well as help you learn about natural products that can help heal the intestine. Your doctor will also be able to assist you and a dietician can help you with your diet.

Don't forget to heal your body with vitamins and minerals as well as herbal supplements that can boost your immune system and help bring you back into balance. Healing the intestine is an important part of bringing your body back into total health.

Complications from a gluten allergy are very rare. Occasionally infertility does occur, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and a slight increased risk of bowel cancer can occur. Studies have shown that after 5 years of being on a gluten free diet your risks of all cancers associated with gluten are removed.

Foods that contain gluten are everywhere - after all it is a staple in the American diet. But both the protein and the gluten in the wheat are a common allergen. Dealing with a gluten allergy can be frustrating because there are so many restrictions. Learning how to properly deal with it will reduce your frustration and keep you healthier.