11 Signs You're Actually Gluten Intolerant
Gluten-free is such a buzzword these days. Surely by now, most people have seen the Jimmy Kimmel gluten-free clip. Kimmel performed man-on-the-street interviews, asking what is gluten? And the results led to some hilarity, with people unsure of what exactly they were avoiding. One gal openly admitted to avoiding gluten because it makes you fat. Not necessarily worried about the damage gluten is doing to her intestines, is she? It can be a fad, people avoiding gluten. There is a general impression that being gluten-free is healthier, for one reason or another. And the whole nation has bought into the fad, with the gluten-free products market rising 44% from 2011 to 2013.
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So really, what the heck is gluten? It's becoming a popular word but people often still live under the impression that gluten is hiding everywhere. Boiled down simply, gluten is a substance found in grains that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough. Know how your pizza crust is really delicious and chewy? Thank gluten. It can be found in any number of things, especially wheat, rye and barley. If you are living with gluten intolerance, say goodbye to old fashioned breads and baked goods and prepare to recalibrate your thinking. Gluten sensitivities don't mean a diet death sentence, just a new way of approaching baking.
So, what exactly are the symptoms of gluten intolerance? Celiac disease, the autoimmune disorder that causes the ingestion of gluten to damage the small intestines, is certainly a real thing that affects 1 in 100 people worldwide. And there are certain signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect that there gluten may be giving your body a run for the money. Dr. Sue Decotiis is a board certified doctor of internal medicine based in New York City. She gave us a few tips on how to identify if a gluten-intolerance.
Digestive Problems
Being gluten-free may be a fad but let's be honest, actual gluten intolerance is anything but glamorous. Gluten intolerance can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea after eating a big, gluten-filled meal.
Brain Fog
Ever have that feeling that you can't think straight? You aren't sure why but you just can't keep your thoughts in order and you feel spacey? Gluten could be to blame, since gluten-filled foods can cause some serious brain fog in a gluten-intolerance person.