Gluten Allergy #2 in a series from Balance Westside Wellness

Gluten Allergy

This article is the second in a series from Balance Westside Wellness about Gluten.

Gluten is the protein that exists in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.  For many years, health professionals thought that a gluten allergy could only cause Celiac Sprue, a severe and debilitating chronic disease.  People with Celiac experience severe abdominal cramping, pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.  However, clinical evidence is now revealing that there are gradations of gluten allergy that can cause a whole host of reactions in the body, and that these reactions are not confined to the digestive tract.  This article will describe the four phases of gluten reactivity.

The Allergic Continuum

Gluten sensitivity can be understood in terms of severity of reaction.  Four specific categories exist.  These are mild sensitivity, intolerance, hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis.  I’ve listed some examples of reactions, but please be aware when you read this that everyone is different and reactions vary widely from person to person.

Gluten Sensitivity

On the one hand, people can be mildly sensitive to gluten.  When these people eat gluten, they might experience a reaction, but they might not be aware that it’s the gluten causing the reaction.  For instance, they may experience bloating and gas, or they might be constipated for a day or two, and then have a bowel movement that seems difficult or more painful than others.  Or they might experience “brain fog” after eating gluten, in which they can’t seem to concentrate or focus.  They might feel tired or sluggish.  A very common reaction to gluten is an itch, red, irritated rash on the lateral aspect of the calf.  Other symptoms include headache, joint pain, acne, and eczema.

Gluten Intolerance

The second category of gluten allergy is intolerance.  These people know for sure that they are sensitive to gluten, because when they eat it, they experience pain.  Celiac disease is classified as gluten intolerance, and within hours of ingesting gluten, these people will experience severe digestive distress.  Consequently, they will probably avoid gluten of their own accord.

Gluten Allergy

The third category of gluten allergy is hypersensitivity.  This is the classic “allergy” to a substance, causing redness, swelling, itchiness, and heat.  Upon ingesting gluten, these people will break out in hives and experience irritation in their mouth and throat.

Gluten Anaphylaxis

The final category of gluten allergy is anaphylaxis.  This is the most dangerous type of reaction. Most people with wheat anaphylaxis must carry an epi-pen with them to inject epinephrine at the first accidental exposure of gluten, which is life-threatening.