Diagnosis
If you feel you are allergic to gluten, the first step is to find out if you have celiac disease. A blood test checks for antibodies that assault the small intestine. It is critical to take the test before beginning any type of gluten-free diet to ensure the accuracy of the results. If the test results are positive, you may need to get a biopsy to see if the lining of your small intestine has been damaged.
If the test comes back negative but you still have recurring symptoms after eating gluten, you may be gluten sensitive. How will you find out? There is no official examination. Based on your specific health circumstances and symptoms, your doctor can make the decision. You can also try a gluten-free diet on your own for a short period of time to see if you feel better.
Gluten-free diet is used as treatment.
Celiac disease patients are so sensitive to gluten that even a crumb of food containing the protein can cause severe symptoms. The only approach to cure the problem is to avoid gluten for the rest of one’s life, which allows the lining of the small intestine to recover and alleviates symptoms.
It is more than just buying gluten-free products at the grocery store and avoiding apparent meals containing rye, barley, or wheat, such as bread, cereal, pasta, and pizza. You’ll have to turn into a gluten detective, studying food labels for hidden gluten. It’s in everything, from frozen vegetables to soy sauce and pharmaceuticals. For example, barley is used as a foundation in several items labeled “natural flavorings.”
The gluten-free diet might make it difficult to obtain essential nutrients. By avoiding these goods, you may reduce your fiber intake from whole grains or miss out on vitamins that you would normally obtain from fortified foods.
Success Hints
If you have celiac disease, you may already be malnourished, so consult with a trained dietitian before embarking on a gluten-free diet. Whether you believe you have nonceliac gluten sensitivity, you can try a gluten-free diet for a short period of time to see if it improves your symptoms. However, you must devise a strategy to guarantee that you obtain adequate fiber and vitamins in the long run.
Consider attending a support group, which can be found at your local hospital or on the Internet (through sites such as www.celiacnow.org). They’ll have already completed much of the work. They can direct you to restaurants and supermarkets that offer a variety of gluten-free options.
A gluten-free diet may be beneficial for persons who have nonceliac gluten sensitivity. The vast majority of people with nonceliac gluten sensitivity do not need to adhere to a rigorous diet or be concerned about hidden gluten. However, gluten sensitivity levels vary, so it will take some trial and error to get it right. Above everything, keep patience in mind. It takes time to get used to.