Coeliac disease vs. gluten allergy

1st January 2024

Coeliac disease vs. gluten allergy

For many, the idea of a warm, crusty bread or a bowl of pasta is a source of comfort. However, for others, these ‘innocent’ indulgences can trigger a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms. The culprit? Gluten. 

Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. The immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the internal lining. This damage impairs the absorption of nutrients, potentially causing long-term complications. 

Typically, symptoms of coeliac disease include:

• Digestive discomfort 
• Headaches
• Skin issues
• Depression and low energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Foul-smelling stools

Self-diagnosis can be troublesome as one or more of these symptoms can show at any time. It’s essential to pay attention and notice when these symptoms are reoccurring, especially around eating gluten. 

Gluten allergy

A gluten allergy, also known as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, shows up similarly to coeliac disease. The difference is that the body isn’t attacking itself. Regardless,  it still feels rough to experience. Typical symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea
• Tummy pain
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Low mood and depression

Both coeliac disease and gluten allergies are significant problems in the UK. Many people suffer in silence. Currently, roughly half a million people in the UK are undiagnosed. 

This is concerning as both conditions can lead to severe consequences. If your body is attacking itself, it can stop causing malabsorption of vital nutrients, leading to unexplained weight loss and a constant state of tiredness. Skin problems can lead to infection. Take dermatitis herpetiformis, for example. This is an itchy, persistent rash that can lead to blistering lesions. Conversely, putting up with constant digestive discomfort and living through a continuous cycle of bloating, tummy aches, and diarrhoea isn’t a “normal” state of being. 

Why does this matter to me?

If you’re experiencing persistent digestive discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or the symptoms we’ve listed today after eating gluten, it’s time to explore why. Detection with an allergy test and proper management can lead to a more comfortable future. Don’t let gluten-related issues compromise your well-being. Take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable life today.

The prospect of a gluten allergy or coeliac disease can feel daunting. It doesn’t have to be that way. Don’t delay to take the path to better health. Register as a new patient today, and let’s get to the bottom of what’s causing you discomfort. Visit our clinic in London or take a home test. Our specialists will develop a personalised action plan tailored to your specific needs, making the transition to a gluten-free life more manageable for you. 

What does a gluten intolerance feel like?

9th April 2018

What does a gluten intolerance feel like?

Screenings suggest 1 in 100 people have coeliac disease in the UK, but only 24% of people with the condition are clinically diagnosed. This makes it much more common than previously thought. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease. It’s often the most severe form of gluten intolerance. In extreme cases, it causes damage to the digestive system, malnutrition, and osteoporosis. But, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms often identical to those of coeliac disease. The difference between the two conditions is the process your body undergoes when reacting to gluten.

The reason why a lot of gluten intolerance goes undiagnosed is due to the wide-ranging symptoms which vary between individuals. The symptoms of gluten intolerance sometimes don’t have anything to do with digestion. This means making the connection between what you are feeling and what you are eating is more difficult than you think. Below are some of the common symptoms that could signal you are experiencing gluten intolerance.

Digestive Symptoms

Digestive problems such as excess gas, bloating, diarrhoea, smelly faeces, and constipation could signal a gluten intolerance. These are some of the most common complaints from people who are gluten sensitive and intolerant. But, the cause of these symptoms can lie in a wide range of other illnesses or problems. Experiencing them doesn’t necessarily mean you have an issue with gluten.

Other physical symptoms may include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, joint and muscle pain, and leg or arm numbness. These symptoms are physically uncomfortable but also leave you feeling miserable if they occur at inconvenient times which stops you enjoying your day. This is why it is best to find the cause of these problems if they happen regularly.

Non-Digestive

Gluten-intolerant individuals may be more prone to headaches than other people. It can leave you feeling tired and having a reduced ability to think clearly. This affects up to 40% of gluten intolerant individuals. Those who are gluten intolerant also seem to be at an increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. These symptoms are often missed in connection with gluten intolerance as many find it unexpected that gluten-related illnesses affect your mental health as well as physical.

There are a few theories as to why this is the case. These include abnormal serotonin levels, gluten exorphins interfering with the central nervous system, and changes to the gut microbiota as a result of gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance may directly cause anxiety and depression. But, the cause of these symptoms may be due to other physical symptoms which reduces your quality of life.

The feeling of being gluten intolerant can mimic the feeling of many other health issues and lead to a reduced sense of well-being. The symptoms are not specific to gluten intolerance. This means coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivities go undiagnosed as people don’t always relate the symptoms to gluten. For this reason, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be useful to keep a food diary to see if there are gluten related patterns with your symptoms.

If you are unsure whether you are suffering from a gluten intolerance, getting tested is the best way to understand what it might be causing these uncomfortable symptoms. Book an appointment with one of our specialists today.