Signs You May Need to Be Gluten-Free

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. If you are allergic to this substance, continually consuming it can cause damage to your small intestine and prevent you body from absorbing essential nutrients. Having gluten intolerance could result in testing positive for Celiac Disease, depending on how sensitive you body is to it. As an autoimmune disease, Celiac causes the body to attack itself anytime that you come in contact with gluten. This can happen by eating something or using a product that contains gluten. Sometimes it can take people a while before they realize that they are allergic to gluten, as symptoms can vary from person to person. But if you are experiencing regular problems with your skin, stomach, or respiration, you may want to look into a gluten-free lifestyle.

Stomach
When you have a gluten allergy or intolerance it is not uncommon to experience stomach problems. If you are allergic to gluten your body thinks it is being harmed when you eat food containing it, and it will create antibodies as a defense. Individuals who are actually allergic to gluten have severe symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea which if experienced for long enough can cause dehydration. If you are simply gluten intolerant, your stomach may be able to tolerate a small amount of foods containing the substance, but if consumed in large amounts your body will react negatively even though it won't create antibodies. You might be sensitive to gluten if you experience symptoms like cramps, bloating, and constipation.

Skin
Your skin can develop problems as a result of a gluten allergy. Not long after you eat foods that contain gluten, symptoms may start to develop like a hot and itchy skin rash, hives, blisters, and swelling. Other skin conditions that may develop due to a gluten allergy include dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Those who are gluten intolerant may experience less severe but still uncomfortable symptoms, although they may not show up immediately, including acne and dry or scaly skin.

Respiration
Those who have a gluten allergy can experience serious reactions that cause severe respiratory problems. Symptoms like shortness of breath and heavy breathing are common and asthma can develop. In extreme cases it can cause anaphylaxis, meaning breathing can be restricted to such a degree that a person may suffocate. Individuals who are gluten sensitive may find that they experience symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, or itchy, watery eyes on a regular basis.

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kitty Holman, who writes on the topics of nursing schools. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: kitty.holman20@gmail.com.