Gluten sensitivity is becoming more and more common, with an estimated 18 million Americans experiencing sensitivity or intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

For those with gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. However, not everyone with gluten sensitivity experiences the same symptoms, and some of the signs can be subtle. Here are 30 signs that might indicate you have gluten sensitivity.

1. Digestive Issues

One of the most common signs of gluten sensitivity is digestive issues. These can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. If you frequently experience these symptoms after consuming gluten products, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

These digestive issues are often caused by damage to the intestinal lining, which can make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients.

2. Fatigue

If you feel tired or fatigued after consuming gluten, you may have gluten sensitivity. This is because gluten can trigger an immune response in the body, which can result in inflammation and fatigue.

3. Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of gluten sensitivity. These headaches can be mild or severe, and may be accompanied by other symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, and nausea.

If you experience headaches after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

4. Joint Pain

Gluten sensitivity can cause joint pain and inflammation. This is because gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation throughout the body. Joint pain can be a sign that your body is experiencing this inflammation.

5. Skin Problems

If you have gluten sensitivity, you may experience skin problems like eczema, acne, or rashes. These skin problems can be caused by inflammation in the body as a result of gluten sensitivity.

6. Depression or Anxiety

Gluten sensitivity can affect your mental health as well. Depression or anxiety can be a sign of gluten sensitivity. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients that are important for mental health, like tryptophan.

7. Mood Swings

If you experience mood swings after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity. These mood swings can be caused by the inflammation and immune response triggered by gluten.

8. Autoimmune Disorders

Gluten sensitivity can also cause autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. This is because the immune response triggered by gluten can lead to the development of autoimmune disorders.

9. ADHD

Gluten sensitivity can also affect cognitive function. Children with gluten sensitivity may experience ADHD-like symptoms like difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

10. Brain Fog

If you experience brain fog after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity. Brain fog can make it difficult to concentrate or remember things.

11. Numbness or Tingling in Extremities

Gluten sensitivity can cause nerve damage, which can result in numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

12. Dental Issues

Gluten sensitivity can cause dental issues like canker sores and a swollen tongue. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients that are important for oral health.

13. Muscle Pain and Weakness

Gluten sensitivity can cause muscle pain and weakness. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients that are important for muscle function.

14. Vitamin Deficiencies

Gluten sensitivity can cause vitamin deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, and iron. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of these vitamins.

15. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Gluten sensitivity can affect the menstrual cycle. Women with gluten sensitivity may experience irregular periods or heavy bleeding.

16. Infertility

Gluten sensitivity can also affect fertility. Women with gluten sensitivity may have difficulty getting pregnant due to damage to the reproductive system caused by inflammation.

17. Diagnosed with IBS

If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it may be a sign that you have gluten sensitivity. Many people with IBS experience relief from symptoms after eliminating gluten from their diet.

18. Frequent Illness

Gluten sensitivity can weaken the immune system, which can lead to frequent illness. If you find that you get sick often, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

19. Inability to Gain Weight

Gluten sensitivity can interfere with nutrient absorption, which can make it difficult to gain weight. If you find that you are unable to gain weight, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

20. Anemia

Gluten sensitivity can cause anemia, which is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells.

21. Liver Function Abnormalities

Gluten sensitivity can cause liver function abnormalities. This is because gluten can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the liver.

22. Migraines

If you experience migraines after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity. Migraines can be caused by the inflammation and immune response triggered by gluten.

23. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Gluten sensitivity can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because gluten can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients that are important for energy production.

24. Fibromyalgia

Gluten sensitivity can also cause fibromyalgia, a condition in which the body experiences chronic pain. This is because gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation and pain throughout the body.

25. Inflammation

One of the most common signs of gluten sensitivity is inflammation. This inflammation can occur throughout the body and can cause a variety of symptoms.

26. Respiratory Issues

Gluten sensitivity can cause respiratory issues like asthma or shortness of breath. This is because gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation in the respiratory system.

27. Dental Enamel Defects

Gluten sensitivity can cause dental enamel defects, which can result in tooth sensitivity or decay.

28. Eczema or Psoriasis

Gluten sensitivity can cause eczema or psoriasis, which are skin conditions characterized by dry, itchy, or irritated skin. This is because gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation and skin issues.

29. Chronic Diarrhea

If you experience chronic diarrhea, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity. This is because gluten can interfere with the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.

30. Hives

Hives are a common symptom of gluten sensitivity. If you experience hives after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

The Bottom Line

Gluten sensitivity can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. If you experience any of these 30 signs after consuming gluten, it may be a sign of gluten sensitivity.

The best way to determine if you have gluten sensitivity is to eliminate gluten from your diet for a period of time and see if your symptoms improve.