5 Ways To Tell If You're Actually Gluten Intolerant

5 Ways to Tell If You’re Actually Gluten Intolerant

You've probably seen signs in the supermarket claiming that something is "gluten-free" or heard friends talking about how they've eliminated gluten from their diets. For some people, going gluten free is part of a decision to live healthier; for others, however, it's a necessity. Check out these five signs to see if you might need to think seriously about your body's response to gluten.

Digestive Issues

Running to the bathroom after you eat some toast? It might be gluten! Digestive issues could include gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

 

Fatigue/Dizziness

If you're gluten intolerant, your body may be unable to absorb certain nutrients after consuming gluten, which could lead to fatigue. Dizziness also develops in gluten intolerant people, because their cerebellums respond badly when exposed to gluten.

Joint Swelling

Gluten intolerance can cause inflammation, which normally manifests in the joints. This can cause pain that people sometimes confuse for arthritis. 

Migraines

The king of headaches is a symptom of gluten intolerance. If it starts to feel like someone is driving a railroad spike through your head a few hours after you eat a pretzel, you might be intolerant of gluten.

Skin Issues

If you began to develop red itchy rashes after you have a sandwich, gluten intolerance may be the cause. You might also develop something known as keratosis pilaris, or "chicken skin," on the back of your arms, a condition that can be extremely itchy.