Gluten causes health issues for people who are sensitive to foods containing gluten. If you have gastrointestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome, gluten could be your problem. In fact, research shows that a gluten-free diet may improve many symptoms in a variety of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Is gluten causing your health problems? Here are some questions to help you find out if it is contributing to your poor health. If you answer yes to 4 or fewer, it’s unlikely that gluten is causing you problems. If you answer yes to 5 or more of these questions, gluten sensitivity is likely contributing to your health issues.
- Unintentional weight gain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling
- Unexplained digestive problems
- Female hormone imbalances
- PMS or menopausal symptoms
- Muscle or joint pain or stiffness of unknown cause
- Migraine or severe headaches
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Difficulty digesting dairy products
- Tendency to consume too much alcohol
- Excessive sensitivity to physical & emotional pain
- Cravings for sweets, bread, carbohydrates
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Abdominal bloating or distention
- Intestinal gas
- Craving specific foods
- Eat when upset or to relax
- Constipation or diarrhea of unknown cause
- Unexplained skin problems and rashes
If you answered yes to 9 or more of the above questions, I recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss a potential sensitivity. Due to the cross-contamination of many foods, setting up a gluten-free diet on your own is challenging. Your health care practitioner or a professional that he/she recommends can help you implement a diet that is packed with nutrition and taste.
If you are looking for gluten-free recipes, check out Serenity Health Kitchen. Identifying allergies and sensitivities is one of our specialties at Serenity Health Care Center. Schedule an appointment to find out how a different diet can make you feel like a new person.