Modernization has been a benefit to all of us in many ways. Some examples include the ease of pressing a few buttons to wash your dishes and the convenience of constant communication with cell phones. However, modernization hasn’t always resulted in positive outcomes. In fact, modern farming practices could be tied to the rise in gluten intolerance.
The thing is, most large-scale corporate farms prioritize rapid growth, larger yields, and pest resistance in their cultivation methods. To achieve this, they rely on chemical fertilizers. These chemicals boost production and protect crops from pests. However, this approach often reduces the mineral content of the produce—a phenomenon known as the "dilution effect.”
These practices have increased our food supply. However, the downside is that it has stripped our soil of nutrients. As a result, the wheat grown today isn’t the same as it was in the 1950’s. This decrease in minerals, which are essential for proper digestion and immune system function, leads to a weaker digestive system. As a result, gluten may be more difficult to break down efficiently.
It’s estimated that 99% of the people who have either gluten intolerance or celiac disease are never diagnosed. It is also estimated that as many as 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them? Read on to learn what exactly gluten intolerance is, its relation to autoimmune disease, and the 10 signs you may be gluten intolerant.
Celiac Disease vs Gluten Intolerance
First, let’s talk about what gluten intolerance is and how it’s different from celiac disease. The two often get mixed up, however, they’re not the same.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body treats gluten as an enemy. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system basically declares war on the small intestine. The result? — inflammation and damage. (1) If left unchecked, serious issues like malnutrition, digestive problems, and long-term health complications are the next step. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction. Therefore, people with celiac need to avoid it completely—no exceptions.
Gluten Intolerance
On the other hand, gluten intolerance does not involve an immune system attack. Nevertheless, it’s still no walk in the park. It can make you feel awful. Some of the uncomfortable symptoms include bloating, headaches, brain fog, joint pain, and fatigue. (2) So, what’s the real difference? Gluten intolerance doesn’t cause damage to the intestines like celiac disease does.
Is Gluten Inflammatory?
So, what’s all the fuss about gluten? Why is it so tricky? The question of whether gluten is inflammatory has been a hot topic in recent years, and the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
For most people, gluten doesn't cause inflammation. However, for some individuals, it can trigger an inflammatory response. In fact, it’s one of the ingredients I encourage people to avoid, along with dairy, corn, soy, eggs, and nightshades.
The inflammatory reaction caused by gluten intolerance isn’t as extreme as in celiac disease. However, it can still cause symptoms such as bloating, headaches, brain fog, and body aches.
There’s also chronic inflammation to consider. It’s been linked to conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and gut issues. Some research suggests that, in certain people, gluten may contribute to low-grade inflammation. This is even if they don’t have celiac disease or an official gluten sensitivity.
Recent research has shed some interesting light on this topic. A study from the University of Otago found that gluten caused brain inflammation in mice. (3) Now, of course, we aren’t mice. However, it is something to think about. It does suggest that gluten may have effects beyond just the gut.
So, is gluten inflammatory for everyone? Not necessarily. Even so, I still recommend that you avoid it. You could have a sensitivity to it that isn’t as obvious and is more difficult to diagnose.
Autoimmune Disease and Gluten Intolerance
If gluten can trigger inflammation, what does that mean for people with autoimmune diseases? Well, it turns out the connection between gluten and autoimmunity is stronger than you might think.
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Here’s where gluten comes in—some research suggests that gluten can act as a trigger in certain individuals. This worsens inflammation and fuels the immune system’s attack. (4)
One possible reason is leaky gut (also called intestinal permeability). Gluten can contribute to increased gut permeability. This means tiny particles escape through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream. When this happens, the immune system sees these particles as invaders and reacts. The result is that it sometimes aggravates existing autoimmune conditions.
Another factor is molecular mimicry. This is when the immune system confuses gluten proteins with the body’s own tissues. This is particularly relevant in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. For this condition, some researchers believe the immune system may mistake thyroid tissue for gluten, leading to increased inflammation.
If you have an autoimmune condition, I suggest eliminating gluten for a few weeks. This could be a simple yet powerful way to see if it helps reduce symptoms. Given the potential link between gluten and immune dysfunction, it’s worth considering!
Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance doesn’t always show up the way you’d expect. Sure, digestive issues are common. However, did you know gluten can also affect your skin, hormones, and even your mood?
Gluten impacts gut health. As a result, its effects can show up all over the body in ways that might not seem connected at first. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 symptoms of gluten intolerance.
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Digestive issues — These can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, and even constipation. I see constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.
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Keratosis Pilaris — This is also known as "chicken skin" on the back of your arms. It’s often linked to a lack of fatty acids and vitamin A. This happens when gluten damages the gut and makes it harder for your body to absorb fat properly.
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Fatigue and brain fog — Some may feel tired after eating a meal that contains gluten
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Autoimmune disease — Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis can all be symptoms.
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Neurological symptoms — Some may experience dizziness or a feeling of being off-balance
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Hormone imbalances — PMS, PCOS, or unexplained infertility can all be signs.
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Migraine headaches
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Fatigue or fibromyalgia — This diagnosis simply indicates your conventional doctor cannot pinpoint the cause of your fatigue or pain.
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Inflammation, swelling, or pain in your joints — such as in fingers, knees, or hips. (5)
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Mood issues — Anxiety, depression, mood swings, and ADD can all be triggered by gluten intolerance.
Gluten Intolerance Test
I have found the single best way to determine if you have an issue with gluten. You need to go through an elimination diet. You’ll remove gluten for at least 2 -3 weeks during this process. Then, you can reintroduce it.
Please note that gluten is a very large protein. Therefore, it can take months and even years to clear from your system. So, the longer you can eliminate it from your diet before reintroducing it, the better.
The best way to determine if gluten is a problem for you is to pay attention to how you feel. If you notice a big improvement when you cut it out or feel worse when you bring it back, that’s a strong sign that gluten could be an issue. To get accurate results from this testing method, you must eliminate 100% of the gluten from your diet.
Managing Your Gluten Intolerance
Eliminating gluten 100% from your diet means 100%. Even trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination or medications or supplements can be enough to cause an immune reaction in your body. If your body reacts to gluten, any exposure can cause inflammation and symptoms. This holds true even if you don’t feel it immediately. (6)
So how do you go gluten-free? You can start by checking food labels. Gluten hides in unexpected places like salad dressings and soy sauce. Eating whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, is a good way to avoid sneaky gluten sources.
If you eat out, ask questions. Many restaurants offer gluten-free options, but cross-contamination can still happen. Let your server know you have a sensitivity.
If you share a home with people who eat gluten, there are some factors to consider. To avoid contamination, you’ll have to keep separate cooking utensils, a designated toaster, and your own jars of spreads like peanut butter.
Unfortunately, you could be doing all the right things and still accidentally get gluten exposure. Believe it or not, some personal care products, such as toothpaste and lipstick, can contain gluten.
Some medications and supplements use gluten as a filler or binder. Sometimes, products that aren’t supposed to have gluten are processed in a factory where gluten products are made, thus leading to potential gluten exposure.
In this case, the right supplements could help you manage the situation. My Complete Enzymes has a special enzyme designed to help digest gluten. Another option is my Charcoal Binder Complete. It promotes natural detoxification with activated charcoal to help bind and gently eliminate gluten from the body.
It might seem overwhelming at first. However, once you find some gluten-free options you like and get in the habit of checking labels, it gets easier.
The Final Word on Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance is more common than people think. The effects go beyond just digestive discomfort. The truth is, many people may not realize they have a gluten intolerance. Oftentimes, they’ve normalized the symptoms.
From joint pain, fatigue, and skin issues to brain fog, mood changes, and autoimmune disease, gluten can impact your health in ways you may not have connected. Thankfully, you’re in the driver’s seat here. You can take back your health by identifying whether gluten triggers you and making the necessary dietary changes.
If you suspect gluten may be an issue for you, an elimination diet is a good place to start. Removing it completely and then slowly reintroducing it after a certain period of time can give you some insights into your capacity to tolerate gluten. Then, you can determine if you need to remove it completely from your diet.
If you are gluten intolerant, you may still get accidentally exposed. In that case, my Complete Enzymes can help you. This broad-spectrum enzyme blend helps break down gluten, proteins, carbs, sugars, and fats. You could also try my Coconut Charcoal. It promotes natural detoxification by absorbing and removing toxins, such as gluten, from your body.
You may feel overwhelmed by having to transition to a gluten-free diet. Don’t worry! You don’t have to do it alone. All of the recipes on our site are gluten-free and free from inflammatory and toxic ingredients. So, you’ll have plenty of delicious, nourishing options to enjoy. Your health is worth it—listen to your body, make small changes, and start feeling your best!
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