‘Gluten-related disorders’ is an umbrella term for all conditions relating to gluten intolerance, including coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy. Since the 1990s, the prevalence of these conditions has increased.
While they all differ in their presentation and mechanisms, they’re all caused by exposure to cereal grains. Coeliac disease is the most severe of the three. As an autoimmune disorder, the body’s defences attack the small intestine when gluten is present, causing nutrition deficiencies and long-term, irreversible damage.
Gluten sensitivity, while milder, is much less understood. It often goes unrecognised despite affecting 0.5% to 13% of the general population.
This article explores the primary symptoms associated with NCGS and some of the evidence behind this enigmatic condition.
What is Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity?
Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is broadly defined by the presence of intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms that occur after eating gluten-containing foods (think bread, pasta, baked goods, etc.). Usually, it can only be diagnosed once coeliac disease and wheat allergy have been excluded.
NCGS is still highly contested – there are no reliable biomarkers to diagnose the condition, and why it occurs is largely unknown. It’s thought that gluten activates the innate immune system, but other proteins (known as ATIs) have also been implicated.
Regardless, people with NCGS often do not realise they have the condition, and a lack of medical care is common.
7 Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
1. Bloating
Bloating is a characteristic sign of gluten sensitivity. After eating gluten-containing foods, you’ll notice a feeling of fullness and swelling from gas. However, NCGS isn’t the only condition that causes bloating; it’s also associated with coeliac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and more.
2. Stomach pain
The “classical” clinical picture of NCGS is a triad of symptoms: bloating, stomach pain, and an altered bowel habit. Of the three, stomach pain is the single most common symptom.
Stomach pain isn’t unusual when bloating occurs. However, it could be due to the innate immune system activation, leading to an uncomfortable inflammatory response.
3. Diarrhoea and constipation
Almost all conditions affect the bowel and can result in an altered bowel habit. NCGS is commonly described as mirroring IBS symptoms. IBS is characterised by fluctuations between diarrhoea and constipation. Like NCGS, it’s difficult to diagnose, a key difference being the absence of extra intestinal symptoms in IBS.
In NCGS, the change in bowel habits should be triggered by gluten-containing foods and resolved once these foods are eliminated from the diet. If these symptoms persist, speak to your doctor or a medical professional about other potential causes.
4. Fatigue
Inflammation often causes a general systemic malaise or fatigue. Feeling constantly tired without any apparent underlying cause can be a tell-tale sign of gluten sensitivity.
Tiredness is a common symptom of numerous conditions, including hypothyroidism, diabetes, IBD, CD, anaemia, vitamin D deficiency, obstructive sleep apnoea, and more. If you feel “tired all the time,” you should always consult a doctor to explore all potential causes.
In addition to fatigue, general feelings of depression and anxiety increase in people with NCGS. Several studies report reduced levels of depression in individuals placed on a gluten-free diet.
5. Brain fog
“Brain fog” is a vague symptom characterised by difficulty thinking. Individuals may be forgetful, feel fuzzy, or experience mental fatigue. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty finding the right words or understanding what others are saying
- Not able to multitask, plan ahead, or stay organised
- Forgetfulness or short-term memory loss
- Easily distracted or disorientated
Brain fog is a common symptom in NCGS, with almost half of people affected, according to a 2020 study.
6. Pain
Another classic extra intestinal symptom: people with NCGS often experience aches and pains in joints and muscles due to gluten-induced inflammation. Arm and leg numbness is also more common in people with gluten sensitivity.
Like brain fog, it’s believed that the underlying cause could be high levels of antibodies from gluten exposure.
7. Migraines
Not widely accepted, some evidence indicates people with gluten intolerance experience migraines more often than others. As with other symptoms, it’s unclear why this should occur.
Closing Thoughts
Notice bloating, diarrhoea, or stomach pain after eating gluten-containing foods? Ever feel chronically tired or forget what you’re doing? Consider gluten sensitivity as a possible cause. As with other gluten-related disorders, a gluten-free diet is the only potential treatment.
However, the symptoms above are related to numerous other conditions and food intolerances. To determine if you’ve got gluten sensitivity, try our Individual Ultimate Test. Using a hair sample it can identify up to 975 sensitivities, including gluten.
Buy your Individual Ultimate Test today! Don’t ignore these chronic symptoms – it’s time to take action!
