In his book Wheat Belly, William Davis wrote that gluten is a poison that caused a number of diseases, including asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and many other health issues. This is supported by neurologist David Perlmutter who, in his book Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers, wrote that “[gluten] represents one of the greatest and most under-recognized health threats to humanity.”
Now, one question begs answering: How could gluten, a protein found in grain products which have sustained humanity of thousands of years, suddenly become a culinary and health villain?
There are many theories offered. Some researchers argued that wheat genes have become toxic in that most wheat products available today are a result of genetic research, while our body’s way of processing wheat never evolved. Scientists believe that this is the reason why the number of people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is on the rise.
Do You Have Gluten Intolerance?
Here is a list of symptoms that signals gluten intolerance:
1. Digestive problems – You have intolerance to this wheat protein if you have gas or experience bloating, constipation and diarrhea after eating gluten food.
2. Skin rushes – These include chicken skin (keratosis pilaris) on the back of the arms, and hives on rare cases.
3. General feeling of un-wellness – People sensitive to gluten may experience tiredness, fatigue, and brain fog after eating wheat products with gluten.
4. Diagnosis of autoimmune disease – In some cases, autoimmune diseases these diseases are triggered by gluten. These include lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
5. Dizziness – Gluten can also trigger some neurological symptoms like dizziness, making you feel off balance.
6. Hormonal imbalance – Premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome and sudden infertility can be caused by gluten too.
7. Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue – Work-related stress is often blamed for chronic pain or fatigue. To point out the real culprit, consider following a gluten-free diet for a week or two and see if there’s any improvement in your condition.
8. Migraine – Suffering from bouts of throbbing headache? Maybe you only need to stay away from gluten.
9. Inflammation – Particularly, swelling in the joints of your fingers, hips or knees.
10. Moodiness – Gluten intolerance can also affect you psychically. Its symptoms include ADD, anxiety depression, and mood swings.