Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Could Gluten Be the Cause?

Gastrointestinal complaints can be caused by a variety of diseases or intolerances. In addition to the frequently occurring lactose intolerance, gluten can also be a reason for complaints such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. 

Gluten as a cause of gastrointestinal complaints? – these are the symptoms

The so-called gluten protein, which makes bread and pastries crispy and fluffy, is found in numerous types of grain such as wheat, rye, spelled, einkorn or barley. The types of grain are on the daily menu for many people. Most have no trouble digesting these. However, according to the Deutsche Zöliakie Gesellschaft eV , about one percent of Germans suffer from what is known as celiac disease , in which the mucous membrane in the small intestine becomes chronically inflamed as soon as foods containing gluten are fed into the body. Even with an intolerance or intolerance , the body reacts to components of wheat or gluten with symptoms such as:

  • diarrhea
  • bloated stomach
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • Vomit
  • weight and strength loss
  • loss of appetite
  • Iron deficiency with anemia
  • Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
  • unfulfilled desire to have children or miscarriages
  • Vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies
Do the Schär symptom check
Do you suspect that you have celiac disease or a gluten/wheat intolerance? Then test yourself with the symptom check from Schär
Products from Schär – the gluten-free alternative:   whether you have celiac disease or intolerance – with the delicious products from Schär – the market leader for gluten-free products – you always have an alternative at hand. The selection is huge, so everyone is guaranteed to find something!   

The diagnosis

Celiac disease is diagnosed using a blood test for antibodies followed by a biopsy of the small intestine . A completely gluten-free diet can help alleviate the symptoms of the autoimmune disease.

So is gluten/wheat sensitivity , which is also an oversensitivity to gluten or wheat. It can appear suddenly and at any age, but – in contrast to celiac disease – it can also be a temporary phenomenon that improves with a gluten-free diet.

Since there are no antibodies in the blood in the case of the disease, it is often determined by a process of elimination which components the body reacts to. The gluten-free diet should be followed strictly at first so that the inflamed intestinal mucosa can calm down and regenerate. In order to achieve long-term improvement, the gluten-free diet should be followed for a good two years.

Gluten-free foods are no longer a rarity – Schär makes it possible

In the past there were hardly any gluten-free foods and they were more of a niche product, but the selection has grown in recent years. The Schär brand has been a pioneer in the field and an expert in gluten-free food for several decades. The range now includes bread and rolls, pizza, cakes, biscuits, salty snacks and flour. The groceries are available in supermarkets, drugstores and health food stores. The range is constantly growing and new delicious products are being added more and more often. So nobody with celiac disease or a gluten / wheat intolerance has to do without their beloved foods!

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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