9 Signs That You May Have Gluten Intolerance

You may have heard the phrase "I am gluten intolerant" but do you really know what that statement means? According to Telore Rabelo de Natale, nutritionist at Sapore, "Gluten intolerance is the inability or difficulty of digestion of gluten, which is a vegetable protein present in some cereals such as wheat, rye, barley and oats."

In such cases, the individual is considered celiac. It is a disease of genetic and autoimmune systemic disorder that affects the mucosa of the small intestine causing its atrophy and consequently hindering the absorption of nutrients. Is it a permanent disease (for life)?

The first symptoms appear early in childhood, especially in the first three years of life, when cereal is introduced into the diet.

There are some factors that identify that the patient will become a celiac person. The first of these is genetic inheritance. The incidence in first-degree relatives is 30%, and the pathology has a twice higher incidence in women than in men ?, comments the nutritionist.

9 Symptoms Indicating Celiac Disease

Just like any disease, symptoms vary from person to person. However, there is some evidence that may serve as a warning to look for a gastroenterologist specialist. Are they:

1. Frequent diarrhea: 3 to 4 times a day, with large stool volume; or chronic diarrhea (lasting longer than 30 days). Can the celiac patient have the typical symptom, which is chronic diarrhea (about 70% of diagnosed cases) where the stools are pale, watery, bulky and fetid due to fat malabsorption? says the nutritionist.
2. Persistent vomiting;
3. Altered mood: irritability or discouragement;
4. Loss of appetite;
5. Weight loss without apparent cause;
6. Abdominal pain;
7. Abdominal distension (swollen belly);
8. Iron deficiency anemia;
9. Decrease in muscle mass.

Short stature, anemia, chronic constipation, and osteoporosis are other symptoms that may indicate gluten intolerance. Remember that only the doctor can diagnose the disease.

In addition to the incidence of symptoms, there are tests that reveal more precisely the disease, such as genetic testing; Serological test for gluten done through blood test and intestinal biopsy ?, indicates Telma. These diagnoses will help the dietitian assess whether gluten exclusion is necessary for a given time to see if symptoms still persist.

Allowed foods vs. prohibited foods

Seeking a dietitian is essential to designing a proper diet that supplies all the nutrients and vitamins the human body needs. Even presenting all the symptoms of celiac disease one should not start the gluten free diet on their own. Before starting the diet the diagnosis should be confirmed by the appropriate tests. After confirmation, the patient should be very strict and disciplined for life, following the diet indicated by the nutritionist. Adherence to a gluten-free diet prematurely may hinder diagnosis in the future? Warns the nutritionist.

According to Telma, gluten could be replaced by corn, cornmeal, cornmeal, cornstarch, potatoes, potato starch, cassava, manioc flour and sprinkles. "By removing gluten from the diet, remission of symptoms may disappear within a few days or weeks," says Telma.

Avoiding products in sealed and out-of-the-box packaging is a good strategy for fighting the disease. Choose foods of known origin and try to eat simple vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs and rice. And if for some reason eating packaged is unavoidable, it is recommended to read the ingredients that make up the product to be consumed.

Not sure [food is gluten free]? Do not eat. There are many products whose packaging comes written? Gluten free? or "gluten free". Always read food labels. If there is no mention of the presence of gluten, should you contact the manufacturer and ask for information about it ?, warns Telma.

As for liquids, celiacs can drink safely: water, milk, tea, natural juices and sodas. Beware of chocolate, as most contain gluten (read label to make sure).As for alcoholic beverages, you can drink: wine (made from grapes), cane brandy (as the name says: it is made from sugar cane), rum (molasses distillation), vermouth and brandy (derived from wine) and mulled wine. (made with brandy, ginger, cloves and cinnamon) ?, tells Telma.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Disorders in Children (March 2024)