More and more people are swearing off gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. However, it is not just trendy to eat gluten-free. There’s plenty of truth to the growing numbers of people who cannot tolerate wheat and are considered “Wheat Sensitive”. 1 in 7 individuals in the United States has a wheat-related disorder. With the proper diagnosis, you can start feeling better, sooner.
Celiac versus Gluten Intolerance and Sensitivity?
It is important to understand the difference between celiac and gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects 1 percent of the population, in which people cannot digest gluten because it will damage their small intestines. The reaction that takes place in the body for those that have celiac can be severe, and even deadly. This is an autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people and can lead to malabsorption, anemia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and an increased risk of malignancy.
Gluten intolerance and sensitivity, on the other hand, is very common and is not an autoimmune reaction. While those with gluten intolerance may also experience uncomfortable symptoms when ingesting wheat, this discomfort is not detrimental.
What Are the Symptoms of Wheat Sensitivity?
The signs and symptoms of gluten and wheat sensitivity can vary in individuals. Ultimately, wheat sensitivity can be characterized by an adverse reaction to gluten. Some common symptoms include digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Abdominal pain or discomfort after eating gluten is also a very common symptom.
Some symptoms of wheat sensitivity do not show in the digestive symptom. Gluten-intolerant individuals experience more migraines than non-gluten-intolerant individuals. Feeling extremely tired, unexplained weight loss, skin problems such as Psoriasis, Chronic Urticaria, or Alopecia areata are also common symptoms.
- Digestive discomfort/IBS
- Low vitamin D levels
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
- Low energy levels/fatigue
- Intestinal permeability
- Skin Inflammation (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis)
- Weight gain/Weight loss
- Joint pain or numbness in the legs, arm, or fingers
Wheat Zoomer Test to Check For Wheat Sensitivity
As mentioned previously, those experiencing gluten or wheat sensitivity will typically show discomfort and symptoms that can be telling. We also use the Wheat Zoomer test to detect wheat and gluten-related disorders, intestinal permeability, celiac disease, and gluten-related autoimmunity. The Wheat Zoomer test aids in the recognition of antibodies to wheat peptides–including gluten and non-gluten components.
How does it work? The Wheat Zoomer test requires a blood draw, and fasting 8 hours before the draw is recommended. The antibody recognition done in the test will identify any conditions associated with gluten or wheat, including:
- Intestinal permeability
- Celiac disease
- Wheat allergy
- Wheat germ agglutinin-related vitamin D deficiencies
- Gluten ataxia and other neurological symptoms
- Dermatitis/eczema (skin-related disorders)
- Gluten sensitivity
- Wheat sensitivity
You can read more about our Wheat Zoomer test here.
How to Treat Wheat Sensitivity
The first step is identifying the Wheat Sensitivity. Second, different diets are therapeutic for different people. Avoiding wheat proteins is the best treatment for wheat allergy. Many wheat proteins are in packaged and prepared foods, so it is important to start reading labels and noting those.
Wheat Sensitivity can lead to a load of uncomfortable and undesirable symptoms. With more than a combined 20 years of experience, our staff is highly experienced at administering IV therapy in a safe, private, and nurturing environment. All of our IV therapy treatments are overseen by a physician and administered by a Registered Nurse (RN) or Certified Registered Nurse of Infusion (CRNI).
There are so many factors that contribute to digestion. You do not have to don’t have to figure it out on your own. Contact us at (720) 899-4770 or schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation today!