What Is Gluten and What Is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten Sensitivity symptoms

Understanding Gluten: What Is It?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains—primarily wheat, barley, and rye. It acts like a glue, helping food maintain its shape. You’ll find gluten in obvious places like bread, pasta, and baked goods, but it also hides in soups, sauces, processed snacks, and even some cosmetics or medications.

Gluten itself isn’t harmful to most people. However, for some individuals, consuming gluten can lead to serious health problems.

What Is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is a broad term used to describe conditions where gluten causes adverse reactions in the body. It typically refers to one of the following:

1. Celiac Disease

This is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to nutrient malabsorption, digestive issues, fatigue, and long-term health complications. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause damage in people with celiac disease.

Symptoms may include:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Bloating and abdominal pain

• Weight loss or failure to thrive (in children)

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Skin rashes (like dermatitis herpetiformis)

• Iron-deficiency anemia

  
  

2. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

People with NCGS do not test positive for celiac disease or wheat allergy but still experience symptoms when they eat gluten. Unlike celiac disease, NCGS doesn’t cause intestinal damage, but it can still severely impact quality of life.

Symptoms may include:

• Bloating and abdominal discomfort

• Headaches or migraines

• Fatigue

• Joint or muscle pain

• "Brain fog"

  
  

3. Wheat Allergy

This is a true allergic reaction to proteins in wheat (including but not limited to gluten). It can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. Wheat allergy is more common in children and may be outgrown.

Living Gluten-Free

If you’re diagnosed with gluten intolerance—especially celiac disease—you’ll need to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. This means avoiding all sources of gluten, including:

• Wheat (including spelt, kamut, durum, farro, semolina)

• Barley

• Rye

• Most commercial oats (unless labeled certified gluten-free)

  
  

Safe alternatives include:

• Rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat

• Gluten-free oats (certified)

• Potatoes, legumes, vegetables, fruits

• Nut flours and coconut flour

  
  

Hidden Sources of Gluten

Gluten can appear in foods and products you might not expect, such as:

• Soy sauce (unless gluten-free)

• Salad dressings, marinades

• Processed meats and imitation seafood

• Gravies and soups

• Medications and vitamins

• Cosmatic and skin care products

• Alcohol beverages

  
  

Always check labels for “gluten-free” certification or scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Gluten intolerance—whether it's celiac disease or non-celiac sensitivity—can be life-altering. But with growing awareness, gluten-free living has become more accessible than ever. If you experience unexplained digestive issues, fatigue, or other symptoms after eating gluten, talk to a healthcare provider. Diagnosis often involves blood tests and, in the case of celiac disease, Endoscopy.

Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your health. The more you understand gluten and how your body responds to it, the better equipped you are to make informed, nourishing choices.

For your best health,

Saphy Moussa N.D.