Are You Overlooking Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms?

In today’s health-conscious world, gluten sensitivity—or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)—is gaining more attention. Yet, it remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions, particularly affecting women. While celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, is well-recognized, gluten sensitivity lacks the same level of awareness despite its prevalence.

Understanding the nuances of gluten sensitivity and recognizing its symptoms early can significantly impact a woman’s overall well-being.

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Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Gluten sensitivity symptoms can be elusive and often overlap with other conditions, making it challenging to pinpoint. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked signs, especially in women (1,2): 

Digestive Issues

• Bloating: Persistent bloating that doesn’t seem to relate to other dietary choices.
• Abdominal Pain: Unexplained stomach cramps or discomfort after eating.
• Diarrhea and Constipation: Alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

Skin Conditions

• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Itchy, blistering skin rash that can resemble eczema or psoriasis.
• Acne and Eczema: Sudden onset or worsening of acne and eczema without clear triggers.

Neurological Symptoms

• Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, feeling mentally sluggish or cloudy.
• Headaches and Migraines: Frequent headaches or migraines without an obvious cause.

Joint and Muscle Pain

• Arthralgia and Myalgia: Unexplained joint and muscle pain, mimicking conditions like fibromyalgia.

Hormonal Imbalances

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Changes in menstrual regularity or increased severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Infertility: Difficulty conceiving without other known issues.

For more: 10 Most Common Hormone Imbalance Symptoms Explained

Fatigue

• Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that isn’t relieved by rest.

Recognizing these symptoms, especially when they occur together, can be the first step towards identifying gluten sensitivity.

Related: 5 Rules to Rebuild & Maintain A Healthy Gut

The Impact of Gluten Sensitivity on Women’s Health

Untreated gluten sensitivity can have far-reaching implications for women’s health. Here’s a closer look at how it can affect various aspects (3,4,5):

• Menstrual Irregularities: Gluten sensitivity can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods.
• Pregnancy Complications: Unmanaged gluten sensitivity has been linked to complications such as miscarriages and low birth weight. 
• Increased Risk of Autoimmune Disorders: Women with gluten sensitivity are at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Mood Disorders: There is a notable correlation between gluten sensitivity and anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. 

Read: These 4 Mistakes Tank Thyroid Health

Detecting Gluten Sensitivity Early

Early detection of gluten sensitivity is crucial for mitigating its impact on health. If you’re having unexplained symptoms that have yet to improve despite other efforts, temporarily omitting gluten from your diet may provide you additional insight and relief from symptoms.

Even if you’ve been living with unexplained symptoms for many years, it’s not too late to address gluten sensitivity as a possibly underlying root cause of your issues. Identifying and addressing gluten sensitivity can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall well-being.

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Steps to Take If You Suspect Gluten Sensitivity

If you suspect that you might be sensitive to gluten, consider the following steps:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Discuss your symptoms with an integrative or holistic doctor who can recommend appropriate tests, such as blood work, food sensitivity testing, or an elimination diet. 
• See a Specialist: A gastroenterologist or a functional nutritionist with expertise in gluten-related disorders can provide targeted advice.

• Elimination Diet: Temporarily remove gluten from your diet and monitor symptoms.
• Food Diary: Keep a journal of what you eat and any symptoms you experience.

Need more individualized support? Find out if a visit to my integrative practice, CentreSpringMD, can help you heal—Virtual visits are available!

Living a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Transitioning to and maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some practical tips:

Switching to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but it is the most effective treatment for gluten sensitivity. Consulting a doctor and undergoing testing can help determine whether gluten is causing your symptoms. Additionally, keeping a food diary to track reactions after consuming gluten-containing foods can also be helpful in identifying potential triggers.

What Ingredients to Avoid

First, it’s crucial to empower yourself with education to learn which foods contain gluten and which do not. Do this by reading labels and checking ingredient lists for hidden forms of gluten, which can include (6): 

• wheat berries
• durum
• emmer
• semolina
• spelt
• farina
• farro
• graham
• KAMUT® khorasan wheat
• einkorn wheat
• Rye
• Barley
• Triticale
• Malt
• Brewer’s Yeast
• Wheat Starch

Other steps to take include:

• Stocking Up: Make a list of gluten-free foods that you can enjoy, including vegetables, fruits, lean meats like poultry or fish, nuts and seeds, and whole grains like quinoa or rice.
• Meal Planning: Plan your meals around naturally gluten-free ingredients rather than trying to find substitutes for traditional favorites.
• Cook at Home: Especially in the beginning, preparing meals at home can help you control ingredients and avoid cross-contamination.

Finding Support

Today, there are so many more people going gluten-free that you likely already know someone who’s on a similar path. Join communities in online forums or local meetups focused on gluten-free living. 

You can also use apps and websites that offer gluten-free recipes and restaurant recommendations.

What to Remember

Gluten sensitivity is a condition that can easily be overlooked, but its effects on women’s health are profound. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the impact on overall health, and taking proactive steps toward early detection and dietary changes, you can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you suspect gluten sensitivity, prioritize your health by seeking medical advice, making informed dietary choices, and finding support within the gluten-free community. Remember, your well-being is worth the effort.

Share this post with those who might benefit from this information, and let’s raise awareness about the importance of recognizing and managing gluten sensitivity