Gluten intolerance is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a medical condition that arises when the body is unable to digest gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, among other grains.

When people with gluten intolerance consume gluten, they experience symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. This article outlines some of the common symptoms of gluten intolerance.

1. Diarrhea and Bloating

One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance is diarrhea. Individuals with gluten intolerance are unable to digest gluten properly, leading to the accumulation of undigested food in the digestive tract.

This results in bloating and excess gas, which makes them feel like they need to pass stool constantly.

2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping

Another common symptom of gluten intolerance is abdominal pain and cramping. When gluten is consumed, it triggers an immune response in the body that leads to inflammation in the digestive tract.

This inflammation leads to cramping and pain in the lower abdomen.

3. Headaches and Migraines

Individuals with gluten intolerance may also experience headaches and migraines. Gluten intolerance triggers an immune response in the body, leading to an increase in inflammation throughout the body.

This inflammation may cause headaches and migraines in some individuals.

4. Skin Problems

Gluten intolerance may also lead to various skin problems. Some individuals develop an itchy rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis, which is associated with gluten intolerance.

Other skin problems associated with gluten intolerance include acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

5. Joint Pain and Inflammation

Inflammation throughout the body is a common symptom of gluten intolerance. This inflammation may lead to joint pain and swelling, which may affect the knees, hips, and other joints in the body.

6. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that arises when there is a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Individuals with gluten intolerance may develop anemia due to damage to the digestive tract caused by gluten intolerance.

This damage may lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including iron, which is needed for the production of red blood cells.

7. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of gluten intolerance. The inflammation caused by gluten intolerance may lead to chronic fatigue, which is characterized by persistent tiredness and exhaustion.

8. Anxiety and Depression

Gluten intolerance may also lead to anxiety and depression. The inflammation caused by gluten intolerance may trigger an immune response that affects the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.

This, in turn, may lead to anxiety and depression in some individuals.

9. Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Individuals with gluten intolerance may experience weight loss or weight gain. Some may lose weight due to the inflammation caused by gluten intolerance, which leads to malabsorption of nutrients.

Others may gain weight due to the consumption of gluten-free processed foods that are high in fat and sugar.

10. Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling are other symptoms associated with gluten intolerance. These symptoms arise due to damage to the nervous system caused by gluten intolerance. The damage may be irreversible in some cases, leading to permanent numbness and tingling.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to get tested for gluten intolerance. It is important to note that gluten intolerance and celiac disease are two different conditions.

While both conditions are caused by the inability to digest gluten, celiac disease is a more severe form of gluten intolerance that leads to damage to the small intestine. Testing for gluten intolerance involves blood tests and a biopsy of the intestine in some cases.