Gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance are common in the society today. While some people tend to use these terms interchangeably, they actually refer to different conditions.

Unfortunately, the two often get confused, which leads to confusion in diagnosis and treatment.

What is Gluten?

Before delving into the differences between gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance, let’s begin by understanding gluten. Gluten is a type of protein that can be found in some grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.

It provides elasticity to dough, allowing it to rise and keep its shape. As a result, gluten is often used in making bread, pasta, crackers, and other baked goods.

Gluten Intolerance (Celiac Disease)

Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system reacts by attacking the lining of their gut.

Over time, this can cause damage to the gut, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, weight loss, and other health-related issues.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, about 1 in 100 people worldwide suffer from celiac disease. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious health problems such as infertility, osteoporosis, and even cancer.

Gluten Sensitivity (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity)

Gluten sensitivity, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, refers to a condition where people experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease after consuming gluten-containing foods.

Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not cause damage to the gut or show up in blood tests.

The symptoms of gluten sensitivity can vary from person to person but may include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and fatigue.

Experts believe that gluten sensitivity affects about 6-7% of the population, which is much higher than celiac disease.

The Differences between Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disorder and does not cause damage to the gut.

In addition, gluten intolerance is more severe than gluten sensitivity and can lead to serious health complications. People with celiac disease must avoid gluten entirely, even in trace amounts, to prevent damage to their gut.

Another difference between the two conditions is that gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is easier to diagnose than gluten sensitivity. A blood test can often confirm the presence of celiac disease.

Conversely, there is no test to diagnose gluten sensitivity since it does not cause damage to the gut or show up in blood tests. Diagnosis is made by eliminating gluten from the diet and seeing if symptoms improve.

Treatment for Gluten Sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance

The only treatment for gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye.

People with celiac disease must read labels carefully, and they should avoid cross-contamination during food preparation.

Treating gluten sensitivity, however, is more complex. Since there is no test to diagnose gluten sensitivity, the only way to treat it is by avoiding gluten-containing foods and observing the symptoms.

Some people with gluten sensitivity can tolerate small amounts of gluten without experiencing symptoms, while others must avoid it entirely.

In conclusion, it is vital to differentiate between gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the gut and requires a strict gluten-free diet. Gluten sensitivity, however, is not an autoimmune disorder and does not cause damage to the gut, but requires avoiding gluten-containing foods to alleviate symptoms.