Gluten Issues?

Let's clear up the confusion

Have you ever wondered why some people avoid gluten and others don't?

Gluten Issues?

As explained by Lic. Angélica Reyes it's common to hear about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy, and truthfully, it can be a bit confusing. But don't worry! Here at Hospital Las Américas, we want to help you understand these conditions so you can make the best decisions for your health.

Gluten: Beyond Bread

Gluten is a protein found naturally in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It's what gives your favorite baked goods that elastic texture and characteristic shape. However, for some people, gluten can cause various discomforts and health problems.

Intolerance vs. Immune Reaction: The Key Difference

We often confuse food intolerances with immune reactions. The main difference lies in how your body responds:

• Intolerance: Think of lactose and the enzyme lactase. If your body doesn't produce enough lactase to digest the lactose in milk, you might experience gastrointestinal discomfort. This is an intolerance, and it doesn't involve your immune system.

• Immune Reaction: Here, your defense system (the immune system) is activated. It's as if it confuses a harmless substance (like gluten) with a dangerous "invader," triggering an attack response.

With this distinction in mind, let's look at the differences between gluten-related conditions:

Celiac Disease: An Autoimmune and Multisystem Condition

Celiac disease is much more than just a stomach ache. It's an autoimmune and multisystem condition, meaning your own immune system attacks your tissues when you consume gluten, affecting not only the digestive system but also other parts of the body.

In celiac individuals, gluten consumption causes an inflammatory response that damages the villi of the small intestine, crucial structures for nutrient absorption.

In addition to digestive symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss, celiac disease can manifest with:

• Extreme and constant fatigue

• Headaches

• Bone and joint pain

• Depression

• And it's associated with other conditions like dermatitis herpetiformis, osteoporosis, and liver damage.

The treatment for celiac disease is strict but effective: a lifelong gluten-free diet.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: An Ongoing Enigma

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity shares many symptoms with celiac disease, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and headaches. However, the big difference is that it doesn't cause the same type of intestinal damage as celiac disease.

Interestingly, science is still investigating whether gluten is the sole culprit for this sensitivity. The possibility that certain carbohydrates present in gluten-containing foods, known as FODMAPs, might be the true triggers is being explored. Treatment usually involves a gluten-free diet.

Gluten Ataxia: When It Affects Movement

Gluten ataxia is another autoimmune condition where gluten consumption affects nervous tissue. This can lead to problems with balance, coordination, and muscle control. Sometimes, it can occur alongside celiac disease. The treatment is also a gluten-free diet.

Wheat Allergy: A Different Immune Reaction

Unlike the previous conditions, wheat allergy is a classic allergic reaction. Here, your immune system identifies wheat proteins (including gluten, but not exclusively) as a threat and produces specific antibodies (IgE) and histamines.

Symptoms of a wheat allergy can be more acute and varied, such as:

• Itchy eyes

• Breathing problems

• Hives

• Edema or swelling

Treatment is to eliminate wheat from the diet. It's important to note that, in this case, it's not always necessary to avoid other gluten-containing grains like barley or rye, unless you have an allergy to them as well.

The Importance of Education and Nutritional Care

Understanding these differences is the first step. If you suspect you have a problem with gluten, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. A proper diagnosis will allow you to receive personalized dietary education to:

• Avoid nutritional deficiencies.

• Learn to read food labels effectively.

• Improve your symptoms and prevent long-term damage to your small intestine and other systems.

If you identify with any of these symptoms or have any questions, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with our nutritionists at Hospital Las Américas.

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