These are because of a reaction togluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
In fact, gluten sensitivity is sometimes specifically referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity to distinguish the two disorders.
The digestive symptoms associated with gluten intolerance can cause what is referred to as “gluten belly.”
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Causes
Experts are still looking into what exactlycauses gluten sensitivity.
How Common Is Gluten Sensitivity?
The number of cases of gluten intolerance unrelated to celiac is difficult to pin down.
Estimates on the prevalence range from 0.5% to 13% of people having gluten sensitivity.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Gluten triggers a severe autoimmune response in people withceliac disease.
This leads to more than just temporary or mild reactions.
Celiac can cause permanent problems and serious health issues that are not seen with gluten sensitivity.
Symptoms of Wheat Allergy
Another condition that shows similar symptoms to gluten sensitivity is awheat allergy.
While frequently confused with gluten-related disorders, a wheat allergy is different in significant ways.
A wheat allergy involvesimmunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that plays a key role in allergic responses.
The response is only triggered by wheat.
Can You Develop Gluten Sensitivity Late in Life?
you’re free to do this by recording which foods you eat daily and highlighting when symptoms occur.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Is it gluten sensitivity or celiac disease?
A healthcare provider can help you make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Treating gluten sensitivity means removing gluten from the diet.
Making changes to your diet to avoid gluten can be difficult.
Eating gluten-free doesn’t need to cost more.
Researchers are still looking into what causes gluten sensitivity, but a healthcare provider can help provide a diagnosis.
Treatment involves eliminating gluten from your diet and addressing specific symptoms as needed.
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