How To Test For Gluten Intolerance 15 Steps With Pictures

Some people have difficulty processing gluten, which can cause the small intestine to become inflamed over time. This can lead to a variety of problems including malabsorption and chronic diarrhea or pain. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Most gluten absorption problems are quickly healed by adopting a gluten-free diet.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is characterized by symptoms similar to Celiac disease, but without the intestinal damage associated with Celiac. Sometimes, a gluten sensitivity can come and go, so your symptoms may alleviate over time. Most people with gluten sensitivities respond immediately to a gluten-free diet. There is no test way to test for non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. “Wheat allergies” are potentially very serious and are typically diagnosed in childhood. Wheat allergies require a different set of tests, which your doctor can perform. If you have a wheat allergy, you need to avoid wheat products and food that was processed around wheat.

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If you’re diagnosed, most people report that their symptoms are alleviated in only a few days after starting a gluten-free diet. Eat however makes you feel good, but make sure that you know gluten needs to be present to confirm Celiac disease.

Bring in your food diary, and be as detailed as possible. Be clear. If you’re worried about gluten, say, “I’m concerned that I may have a gluten problem and I’d like to be tested for it. " Don’t leave it up to your doctor to guess.

Why not go straight to the gastro specialist? It’s important to get a once-over from your regular doctor to rule out other possible concerns and receive guidance in this matter. The symptoms of gluten intolerance can be any number of different things, some serious and some not. Eliminate these possibilities first.

Endoscopes are very common and very safe. It’s also an excellent way to check for other issues that may account for your symptoms, including gastritis, ulcers, or other stomach problems.

Do not attempt to “test” yourself. Lots of people read an article about gluten intolerance and decide they’ve got it without consulting a doctor. Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune problem, and requires a clinical diagnosis. If you start avoiding gluten actively, it can make it much more difficult to receive that diagnosis. If you tested negative for Celiac, fight for some diagnosis. If you’re still experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about other testing options and other causes that could result in your symptoms. Get a second opinion if necessary.

In the short term, it’s often best to avoid lactose and dairy for a while. If your small intestine has been worn down, you’ll have difficulty processing this as well. In most cases, you can gradually introduce dairy back into your diet. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find a variety of nutritious and tasty gluten-free meal options, products, and restaurants in most places.

Your doctor may recommend that your follow-up with a nutritionist as well, to make sure that you’re supplementing you diet with enough vitamins and minerals to keep your healthy during your transition.

Iron, folate, and B12 are common supplements recommended for the gluten intolerant. In most cases, a multivitamin is sufficient.

Try an experiment: If you have a down day, check out what you ate recently and try avoiding those foods for the next couple of days to see if you get better. Then try them again. Do your symptoms return? If so, it may be best to avoid those foods going forward. Try avoiding processed and bleached wheat flour, which is a common complaint among the gluten sensitive.