Are You Gluten Intolerant Without Realizing It?
Did you know that you can become gluten intolerant at any time and that it’s especially common as we age? A change in intestinal bacteria which can result from antibiotics, surgery, an infection or stress, is all that it takes to trigger it. Yet, 99% of people with gluten intolerance are never diagnosed.
Gluten intolerance is a broad term that can refer to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy. They are all immune responses triggered by eating gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which intestinal damage is caused by eating wheat; a wheat allergy causes a specific immune system reaction. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, gluten sensitivity is less severe than celiac disease because intestinal damage does not occur. However, side effects from eating gluten may be significant for all three.
Although the exact cause of gluten intolerance is unknown, most theories revolve around changes in the way wheat is grown and processed. One theory states that wheat is higher in gluten than it once was because it makes bread “springier” and easier to slice. Another possible cause is the way wheat is grown at a higher rate to produce higher yields or to make it disease-resistant. Bottom line, more and more people are experiencing gluten intolerance without realizing it. So, they treat the symptoms (often GI related) without addressing the cause.
A gluten allergy is the body’s inability to digest or break down the gluten protein found in wheat and certain other grains. Gluten intolerance can range from a mild sensitivity to gluten to full-blown celiac disease. Research shows that about one out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease. This is a severe autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks gluten in the small intestine.
Some people develop a form of gluten intolerance called dermatitis herpetiformis, which causes an itchy, blistering rash on their scalp and skin. For them, it’s especially important to choose gluten free personal care products.
If you have gluten intolerance, you would experience side effects within hours or up to days after eating gluten. Symptoms vary from person to person and may depend on the quantity of gluten consumed.
There are about 300 different symptoms of gluten intolerance, but the most common include:
• Foggy thinking.
• Joint pain.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs or fingers
• Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
• Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
• Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease (Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Multiple sclerosis, etc.)
• Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.
• Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.
• Migraine headaches.
• Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
• Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.
• Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.
If you are gluten intolerant, it is a good idea to eliminate all gluten-containing foods from your kitchen. In addition to pure wheat, all of its forms are also off-limits. This includes:
• wheat starch
• wheat bran
• wheat germ
• couscous
• cracked wheat
• durum
• einkorn
• emmer
• farina
• faro
• fu (common in Asian foods)
• gliadin
• graham flour
• kamut
• matzo
• semolina
• spelt
• barley
• bulgur
• rye
• seitan
And, just to be on the safe side, choose the naturally pure healthy choice with Organic Excellence products!
Gluten-free matters to our customers!
“I have spent 4 years searching for a shampoo that would work on both by hair and scalp. I developed a gluten sensitivity to almost everything available and shampoo left my scalp feeling like a fire ant colony was nesting in my hair. I ordered your shampoo and conditioner. As soon as it arrived I rushed to the shower. I was in awe. My hair felt great and my scalp wasn’t burning in the least. The Chemical Free Mint Hair Care System is what dreams are made of!”
“I just want to say that I’ve been using your mint shampoo and conditioner for a couple months now and in a particular way, saved me! I have struggled for the past 2 years to find gluten free hair care that won’t irritate my scalp and hair as well as can be chemical free and easy to use. I can’t tell you how many products and methods I’ve tried! Your shampoo has given my hair health and beauty and I just wanted to say thank you and that you have a new long-term customer!”
“I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for Organics Excellence products. Your hair care products have changed my life for the better! Until I discovered your products I couldn’t use anything without itching, swelling or burning. I have common ichthyosis (very, very, fragile, dry skin) and developed gluten and chemical allergies in 2009. I was miserable and very depressed. I’ve tried hundreds of products and find yours to be THE BEST. Please don’t change a thing!”
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.