How to Really Know If You're Gluten Intolerant
By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director
If you’re not having any known adverse reactions to gluten, it may appear that you don’t have a gluten allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance. However, this is not true! There may still be negative consequences with consuming gluten and some form of intolerance. Here are three things to consider:
We can become so used to feeling the way we feel because we’re eating the way we’ve always eaten.
Some individuals are less aware of how their body is responding to what they’re eating. This is especially true for those who are “sympathetic dominant” (aka, constantly chronically stressed and in fight or flight mode).
“One reason gluten intolerance goes undetected in so many cases is that both doctors and patients mistakenly believe it only causes digestive problems. But gluten intolerance can also present with inflammation in the joints, skin, respiratory tract and brain – without any obvious gut symptoms.” (1)
The only way to truly know if a food is problematic is to remove it 100% for an extended period of time. “Most experts on gluten sensitivity agree that the only reliable test for gluten intolerance is a "gluten challenge." This involves removing gluten from the diet completely for a period of at least 30 days (though preferably three months), and then adding it back in after that. If symptoms improve during the elimination period, and return when gluten is reintroduced, a diagnosis of gluten intolerance can be made.” (1)
One of the best ways to complete this type of "gluten challenge" is with our New Year Nutrition Challenge. There’s still time to register at the link here. Join by December 19 for an entry to win a massage or gift certificate for amazing food from Local Health Market, a 100% gluten-free facility!
Sources:
(1) “Thyroid Disorders” by Chris Kesser