Dr. Starpoli blog on GI disorders

Non-Celiac Gluten or Wheat Sensitivity

Written by Anthony Starpoli | Apr 25, 2019 11:42:00 AM

 

Celiac disease has been known for more than 2,000 years. In the middle of the 20th century, its relationship was formed with gluten intake. Having celiac disease is often confused with having a wheat allergy. Celiac disease is a disorder in which the immune system responds abnormally to gluten. Gluten is found in rye, wheat, and barley. In any one having celiac disease will eat gluten, it will cause their immune system to destroy villi. Villi are minor parts in the small intestine which are responsible for absorbing nutrients. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NSGS) is the appearance of a series if extra- digestive manifestations linked with the ingestion of gluten. NCGS might have inborn immune components, but this is not established yet. Wheat is among the top eight food allergen in the United States. People having a sensitivity to gluten can experience several symptoms including depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, bloating and chronic fatigue. These symptoms usually appear in hours or days after gluten has been consumed, a reaction usual for innate immune disorders like non-celiac gluten sensitivity. NSGS is different from wheat allergy as allergies are linked with positive IgE assays. Its diagnosis is carried out with IgE blood test and prick tests. People with gluten-related signs but a negative test for wheat allergy might have gluten sensitivity. When someone has a wheat allergy, the B-cells send out IgE to attack the wheat. The local tissue sends out a natural chemical messenger to alert the body. This reaction occurs in no time and involves different symptoms. The only treatment for a wheat allergy is a diet free of wheat. Wheat allergies should not be mixed up with non-celiac gluten. The allergy due to wheat is the overreaction of the immune system towards a particular food protein. When the protein is consumed, it triggers an allergic reaction which includes symptoms such as rashes, itching, hives, and swelling. More severe symptoms include wheezing, trouble breaking etc. NCGS is a reaction which occurred in the digestive tract and causes GI symptoms which are similar to IBS. It can also lead to other significant problems such as a headache and fatigue. People with wheat allergy and NCGS should avoid food which is problematic. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies are medical disorders and kinds of food hypersensitivities which can only be cured with a suitable diet, either removing gluten or wheat. It is important to consume a diet which supports your health and well-being.

https://www.oatext.com/Celiac-disease-wheat-allergy-and-non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity.php

https://www.everydayhealth.com/celiac-disease/gluten-intolerance-celiac-disease-wheat-allergy-whats-difference/

https://www.schaer.com/en-int/a/what-difference-between-wheat-allergy-and-celiac-disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406911/