Gluten is an active protein component of most grains like wheat, rye, barley among others. In fact, when you add water to a bowl of wheat flour and it forms a sticky substance, that’s gluten and the very word is derived from ‘glue like’. The issue though is that cases of gluten sensitivity seem to be on the increase as a recent study showed how more than a third of the population suffers from it. This is why it is time to take a closer look at some of the negative effects of gluten.
Celiac disease: One of the most insidious forms of auto-immune diseases, Celiac disease is quite difficult to diagnose and a lot harder to treat. When people who have an inbuilt sensitivity to Gluten consume the same, this often results in their body’s immune system targeting the gluten proteins and in the process, the celiac cells present on the digestive system. The immune system mounts an attack on transglutaminase which is often present on the inner walls of the digestive tract. As a result, the patient can experience several symptoms of fatigue, anaemia, lack of adequate nutrition and much more. This is often an indication of Celiac disease which is why you need to consult your physician for the same especially if you happen to suffer from the same symptoms
Non-celiac Gluten sensitivity: In this case, your immune system does not launch an attack on your digestive tract as a result of your gluten sensitivity. But you do get to experience similar symptoms once you have consumed Gluten. Some of the symptoms that you may experience on account of your gluten sensitivity can range from diarrhea, feeling bloated, abdominal cramps, severe fatigue, joint pain and much more. Again, should you experience the same, it is advisable for you to consult your healthcare worker and find out if you are allergic to Gluten.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Often, Gluten causes people to develop irritable bowel syndrome as a result of Gluten. The interesting part is that Gluten can even cause those without sensitivity to it to develop these symptoms for no reason at all. Moreover, Gluten has also been known to affect the inner lining of the digestive tract along with the intestine. This is why you need to have regular health checkups done so that you can find out more about your current condition and take effective measures for the same.
Cerebellar ataxia: This serious neurological condition which can impair some of your basic functions has recently been linked to gluten consumption and in fact, it is now called gluten ataxia. Studies are being conducted to better understand this linkage but it has been proved conclusively that gluten consumption can cause you to develop this rare neurological disorder.
These are some of the associated negative effects of Gluten; given this perhaps it is time that you opted for a gluten-free diet to take better care of your own health. And remember to consult your physician should you experience any of the above symptoms.