Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance The Difference

Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance The Difference

The Truth About Gluten: Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

For most people, there’s no reason to give up gluten for good. But that’s not so easy for folks with two gluten-related medical conditions: celiac disease and gluten intolerance, according to Dr. Sarmed Sami, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.

Understanding Gluten and Its Effects

Gluten is a protein found in grains including wheat, barley, and rye. In people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that causes cell damage to the small intestine. This reaction can lead to various symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, anemia, and even serious complications.

On the other hand, gluten intolerance is more common. In this condition, there is no cell damage or inflammation. It’s more of a sensitivity where individuals experience discomfort after consuming gluten. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include immediate reactions such as diarrhea. Unlike celiac disease, gluten intolerance is a faster process and the symptoms are felt more immediately.

Recognizing the Symptoms

A key sign of gluten intolerance or celiac disease is having one or more gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or heartburn that diminish or disappear if gluten is removed from the diet. These symptoms then return if the person begins consuming gluten again. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to get tested and properly diagnosed.

Testing and Diagnosis

To diagnose celiac disease, doctors typically start with a blood test to determine whether the body views gluten as an invader and reacts by generating high levels of antibodies. If the blood test results are positive, an endoscopy can be performed to check for damage in the small intestine through biopsies.

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Dr. Sami emphasizes that individuals being tested for celiac disease should not be on a gluten-free diet as it can create false negative results in the blood test. It’s crucial to have an accurate diagnosis to properly manage the condition.

Managing Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

For most patients diagnosed with celiac disease, eliminating gluten from their diet is crucial to keep the condition under control. A strict gluten-free diet is the best approach for individuals with celiac disease to ensure their overall health and well-being.

On the other hand, those with gluten intolerance may not require complete elimination of gluten from their diet. The intolerance level can vary among individuals, and some may find reducing their gluten intake sufficient to manage their symptoms. However, it is important to note that strictly following a gluten-free diet is not necessary for individuals without a celiac diagnosis.

The Myth of a Healthier Gluten-Free Diet

Dr. Sami debunks the misconception that a gluten-free diet by itself is healthier. It’s not about the gluten in isolation but rather the overall composition of the food. For example, a biscuit’s health impact is more influenced by the fat and sugar content rather than the gluten.

Therefore, unless medically necessary, there is no evidence to support the claim that a gluten-free diet alone leads to better health outcomes. It is important to maintain a balanced and varied diet that suits individual needs and preferences.

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan for individuals with gluten-related medical conditions.

Sources: – Mayo Clinic. – MedicineNet