Gluten allergy is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system reacts abnormally when consumed gluten. Gluten is present in wheat, barley and rye. The allergy occurs because the body thinks gluten as a foreign particle and tries to fight it which in turn damages parts of the small intestine known as villi (responsible for absorbing nutrients). Malnutrition will be the result once the villi are damaged.
The following are the symptoms of gluten allergy:
-Abdominal bloating and gas
-Chronic diarrhoea
-Constipation
-Foul-smelling stool
-Stomach pain
-Nausea and vomiting
-Fatigue
-Anaemia
-depression and anxiety
-Osteoporosis
-Joint pain
-Headaches
-Canker sores inside the mouth
It is important to consult a doctor before you run tests on your body. An allergist or gastroenterologist can help you with tests and a diagnosis.
Gluten-free diet
To follow this diet, wheat and some other grains such as barley, rye etc should be avoided. It is also mandatory to choose an equal substitute that provides the necessary nutrients for a healthy diet. Removing gluten from your diet will change your overall intake of fibre, vitamins and other nutrients. Hence, you should keep a track of your daily nutrients intake so that you do not deprive yourself of essential nutrients for day to day activities.
Ask your dietician or a doctor to plan a balanced diet for you.
Gluten-free foods
-Fruits and vegetables
-Beans, seeds and nuts in their natural form
-Eggs
-Lean, none processed meats, fish and poultry
-Most low-fat dairy products
Gluten-free grain, starch and flour
-Amaranth
-Arrowroot
-Buckwheat
-Corn and cornmeal
-Flax
-Millet
-Quinoa
-Rice/soy/potato/bean flours
-Sorghum
-Tapioca
While buying products, make sure that the packet contains the word gluten-free because while most of the products are gluten-free, they may be contaminated during production with wheat, barley or rye. For some with a gluten allergy cannot tolerate labelled oats as well. Hence it is important to check with the doctor before you start with the diet plan.