Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or Gluten Intolerance

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity otherwise known as  gluten intolerance is a common disease suffered by a large proportion of the population. Unlike celiac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is not an auto immune disease and therefore it is not usually as severe as celiac disease. It is estimated about 1 in 20 people in the western world have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. But like celiac disease many of these sufferers are undiagnosed.  They notice that they feel better when they do not eat gluten but do not know why.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance occurs when you do not have any or enough of the right type of enzyme in the gut to break down gluten. In the gut digestive enzymes are produced to break down food molecules. These are specific for the type of nutrient which is ingested.

The breakdown of gluten in the gut needs enzymes known technically as DPPIV enzymes which are produced naturally by the digestive system.  If there is not enough enzyme, the digestive system cannot break down foods with gluten in them such as wheat, rye, oats and barley products. 

Consequently you have an adverse reaction to these products and this is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. The 7 most common symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance are:

•       Digestive issues – abdominal discomfort & bloating

•       Fatigue

•       Dizziness

•       Headaches

•       Moodiness

•       Joint swelling & pain

•       Eczema

Symptoms can be mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. In mild cases, the symptoms are limited to abdominal discomfort and bloating, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases it can lead to more serious bowel problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and severe diarrhoea.

Consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis It is important to determine the cause of your symptoms and to ensure that you do not have celiac disease. See my previous blog: celiac disease checklist

People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity also need to go on a gluten free diet to control the symptoms. However there are products available commercially such as which supplement the diet to provide the missing enzymes so the person can eat gluten.

Warning   - These enzymatic products  are NOT suitable for those people with celiac disease.

Remember DO NOT start on your gluten free diet until AFTER you have consulted your doctor and a diagnosis of celiac disease has be confirmed. 

If you need to go a gluten free diet because you have celiac disease here is a free report to help you get started: "Top Ten Tips to Follow a Gluten Free Diet Successfully"