It’s no wonder that people will suffer for literally years with gluten sensitivity and go undiagnosed when you consider that there’s something like 250 different signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity. There are certainly some that I find to be generally more surprising than others. However if you have no choice other than to become your own health detective, a more comprehensive list would be helpful, right?
For the record… Gluten sensitivity is real (check out this article I wrote HERE). I’ve written about those who think it’s all in your head, but I know (as do so many others) that this is a very real condition that modern medicine is still trying to wrap its head around.
If you’re trying to piece together your own health puzzle, here’s a list of 50 signs and symptoms of gluten sensitivity.
Gluten Sensitivity: 50 Signs and Symptoms
1. Gas
2. Bloating
3. Diarrhea
4. Constipation
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Abdominal Pain or belly distention
8. Acid Reflux
9. Micronutrient (vitamins and mineral) deficiency from poor absorption
10. Keratosis Pilaris
11. Rashes
12. Eczema
13. Acne
14. Psoriasis
15. Dermatitis herpetiformis
16. Rosacea
17. Brain Fog
18. Headaches
19. Migraines
20. Anxiety
21. Depression
22. Mood swings
23. ADD/ADHD
24. Inability to focus
25. Dizziness or trouble balancing
26. Seizures
27. Ataxia
28. Peripheral Neuropathy
29. Infertility
30. Abnormal Menstrual Cycles
31. PCOS
32. PMS
33. Hot flashes
34. Fatigue
35. Feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten (aka. “Food Coma”)
36. Fibromyalgia
37. Inflammation
38. Join pain and swelling
39. Exacerbation of autoimmune disease symptoms
40. Low immunity
41. Osteoporosis / Osteomalacia / Low Bone Density
42. Dental Caries
43. Canker sores
44. Broken teeth
45. Tooth decays
46. Depressed secretory IgA
47. Weight Loss
48. Weight Gain
49. Poor sleep
50. Night blindness
Be aware that this list is in no particular order and that having any of these signs does not necessarily mean that you are indeed gluten sensitive.
Sometimes you can react to other food proteins and think that you’re getting glutened even though there’s no gluten in your meal. Or you might discover that gluten is still hiding in spots (you’d never think of) in your kitchen and making its way into your mouth.
Think you have gluten sensitivity? Here’s what to do next…
There are quite a few people out there (online) who would tell you that you should just go gluten-free and never look back if you find that gluten does indeed cause a problem. I don’t quite agree with that sentiment and I’d say that this point is one of my biggest regrets looking back regarding my gluten-free journey.
Because some estimates (like this one from The University of Chicago Celiac Center) states that up to 83% of those with celiac disease are still undiagnosed and that it can take an average of 4 years to finally get a diagnosis, I do recommend if you find that you react to gluten to go get tested for celiac disease. The reason is that celiac can be a serious, life-altering autoimmune disease that further increases your risk of developing additional autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Sjogren’s) and even cancer.
By not getting tested and assuming that what you have is gluten sensitivity may not be accurate. This essentially clouds your ability to know exactly what’s going on with your body (the root cause, right?) and what risk factors may be down the road that you should be aware of. Maybe you can stave them off, maybe not. Either way, having that knowledge and knowing if your issues stem from your body stumbling into a state of autoimmunity (where your body essentially attacks itself because it thinks that certain tissue is actually a foreign invader) is critical.
And one more thing… Compliance with the diet is a major problem for people in our community who need to be gluten free.
I’ve found from my experience coaching clients to become fully compliant within a very short period of time that when someone goes gluten free on their own, it generally takes at least 2 years to get comfortable with the diet.
Unfortunately many are still struggling even longer (I’ve had a few who still were unable to figure it all out 10 years after being told they needed to fully remove gluten). That’s an awfully long time to 1) continue to feel like dirt and 2) not give your body a break.
Though having a celiac diagnosis is no surefire way to guarantee that you won’t cheat, for some people, having that diagnosis does help. And if you can’t do it yourself or you’re just fed up and tired of feeling awful because you can’t seem to “stay on the wagon,” don’t be afraid or unwilling to ask for help. It can make all the difference to end the struggle and frustration so that you can feel better sooner and have the confidence and know-how to make living gluten free feel easier than ever.
NEED MORE HELP?
If you feel like you’re at your wits’ end and fed up knowing what to eat…
Or you feel like food is your enemy now that you’ve gone gluten-free because you don’t know what’s safe…
And you’re feeling deeply overwhelmed with the process of ridding your life of gluten…
I have a really neat opportunity for you so keep on reading!
I’m hosting a special webinar (that’s totally free) where I’m going to talk about the process how to simplify going gluten-free as well as how I (and my clients) have gotten to a place where the lifestyle and diet are a piece of gluten-free cake.
If you’ve been GF for less than 2 years, are still struggling to “stay on the wagon,” or haven’t even started going GF yet… this is for you.
Today and tomorrow, I’m hosting an exclusive webinar called…
There’s no cost to attend and I’m going to cover some of the biggest questions you have!
Think of it like you and I sit down for a cup of tea (or coffee)… let’s talk. Plus I’ll have a special surprise for you at the end! BUT please be aware that I will not record this event so if you miss it, then you’ve missed out.
Now’s your turn…
Leave a comment below sharing your gluten sensitivity symptom combo!
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