Gluten explained

12th January 2024

Gluten can feel tricky to get your head around. Let’s run through it together to understand the effect of gluten on your body.

Gluten explained

As our shelves and restaurant menus fill up with “gluten-free” options, there are rising concerns around gluten. Often painted in a bad light, gluten can feel tricky to get your head around, let alone work out if you can eat it or not. To cut through the noise, let’s explore gluten and its impact together. 

What is gluten?

In its simplest form, gluten is a naturally occurring protein. Typically, it’s found in a number of grains, such as wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.

Therefore, you’re likely to find it in a number of staples, such as bread and pasta. As the rise of processed and on-the-go foods continues to grow, gluten is increasingly being used in other foods such as soups, sauces, drinks, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and processed meats. With more uses comes more cases of reactions for people with diets and lifestyles that might not typically include the usual gluten culprits. 

When gluten doesn’t agree with you

The rise of being “gluten-free” out of choice as a diet supports a narrative that gluten is bad for you. Humans have been eating gluten for as long as we’ve been cooking and producing foods from grains. Gluten isn’t bad for all people, but it’s also not suitable for all people, depending on how your body digests the protein. When things go well, gluten can be an excellent protein source. When things go not so well, it could be the culprit behind a number of painful issues. 

Typically, if your body is reacting badly to gluten, you could either be experiencing:

• Celiac disease; or 
• Gluten intolerance (non-celiac sensitivity) 

The difference between the two is that celiac disease is when your body’s defence system (immune system) is triggered when you eat gluten, and your body starts to attack itself. In contrast, intolerance (non-celiac sensitivity) is when your body doesn’t like gluten, but it’s not reacting in the same way as celiac disease. It can still feel painful and make your stomach and body feel bad, though, so it’s not any less relevant, whichever one may be affecting you. 

How do you know you’re reacting badly to gluten?

Signs of a negative response to gluten usually develop within minutes to hours after being eaten and can often include a combination of:

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• Bone pain or osteoporosis
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Delayed Growth in Children
• Depression and Anxiety
• Digestive issues, such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, fatigue
• Headaches
• Infertility or miscarriages
• Irritability
• Joint pain
• Migraines
• Mouth ulcers
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin problems such as eczema, rashes, dermatitis herpetiformis
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Weight loss

Do you suspect a negative gluten response?

Our approach to managing allergies is personalised and tailored to your specific needs. If gluten is causing you problems, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and expert guidance on how to live a gluten-free life while maintaining good nutrition.

Understanding gluten can feel overwhelming, but it’s not something you have to go through alone. Don’t hesitate to take the next steps towards better health. Register as a new patient today, and let’s start the process of helping you feel better. You have the option to visit our London-based allergy clinic for a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists or take advantage of our home allergy test.

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. 

Why are allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise in the UK? 

16th November 2023

Why are allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise in the UK? 

This year alone, the number of hospital-reported allergic reactions has doubled compared to two decades ago. In 1993, there were 12,361 admissions to English hospitals for allergies and anaphylaxis; this year alone, we’ve witnessed over 25,700 cases.

Cultural diversity 

The reason? Put simply, we’re more culturally diverse than ever. 

With a wider availability of foods worldwide, we’re increasingly exposed to allergens uncommon in the British diet. 

Specifically, legume and kiwifruit allergies are on the rise. A recent UK study testing reactions to lentils, beans, chickpeas, and green beans showed that 72% of children had an allergy to at least one. The prevalence of a kiwifruit allergy across England is as high as 60.0%, with direct skin contact being enough to trigger reactions.

Challenges in eating out

Eating and drinking out can be where the main issue lies. Despite the cost of living crisis, two in five (40%) Britons go out to eat and drink at least weekly in 2023. 

Trying new foods and flavours poses risks, especially in sauces and ingredients you’ve never encountered. Alcohol also poses a significant risk, as highlighted by a recent case involving a partygoer and pink peppercorns. The peppercorns had cross-reacted with cashew nuts, triggering her nut allergy.

The rise of artisanal-infused spirits

As artisanal-infused spirits gain popularity, botanicals, fruits, vegetables, and spices are fused into the base alcohol. Once drinks are flowing, knowing precisely what you’re consuming becomes impossible.

It’s this exposure that is contributing to the rise in allergies in England.

Preparation is key

Greater exposure means greater risk, but it doesn’t mean you must become a hermit. The best thing you can do is be prepared.

Recognising symptoms

Know what an allergy looks like. Understand the symptoms of anaphylaxis so you know what steps to take if you react to an unfamiliar allergen.

Anaphylactic shock symptoms include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing, difficulty swallowing, confusion, dizziness, fainting, and a swollen, raised, or itchy rash. If you have an EpiPen, use it immediately and call 999 for medical attention. Say “anaphylaxis” for speed, lay flat, raise your legs, and wait for medical attention. If you are pregnant, lay on your left side. 

Not all reactions are severe but don’t downplay them if you face a reaction. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Be prepared, know your triggers

Rather than leaving it to chance and reacting to anaphylaxis, it’s better to know your triggers. All restaurants are obligated to disclose ingredients, allowing you to enjoy your social life confidently.

Put your health first

The rising numbers in England underscore the severe consequences of allergies. Being prepared with knowledge about your triggers and having an Epipen dramatically reduces the potential for exposure to harm. Consider taking an allergy test to gain peace of mind.

Our allergy experts are here to guide you through the testing process and provide the support and advice you need to enjoy your life without stress. Don’t let allergies hold you back—take action now and invest in your well-being. Register as a new patient or call us at 02031 433 449 to gain confidence when enjoying your social life.

How much do you know about allergies? Take our allergy quiz to find out

27th May 2020

How much do you know about allergies? Take our allergy quiz to find out

For most people, allergies aren’t fun. They cause all manner of distress. At best, they’ll give you a runny nose and itchy eyes. But at worst, they can cause a lethal reaction. They affect children and adults, and sometimes it feels like there’s no escape.

If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, you probably think you know it all. Well, why don’t you put that to the test with our allergy quiz? See how many you can get right! Without further ado, let’s start the quiz.

Question 1: What percentage of the UK population have an allergy?

1. 5%
2. 10%
3. 15%
4. 20%

Answer: It’s 20%. That means 1 in 5 people in the UK have some sort of allergy. In some parts of the world, it can be as high as 40%! Some of the most common are food allergies and hay fever. Speaking of which…

Question 2: What is the medical name for hay fever?

1. It’s allergic alveolitis!
2. Obviously, it’s allergic rhinitis!
3. It must be allergic conjunctivitis!
4. I know – it’s allergic laryngitis!

Answer: The technical term is ‘allergic rhinitis’. Common symptoms include a stuffy nose, constant sneezing, and itchy eyes. As we head into summer, a lot of people are about to feel the effects of allergic rhinitis.

Question 3: What causes hay fever?

1. Flower chlorophyll
2. Grass cuttings
3. Plant pollen
4. Tree leaves

Answer: The culprit causing those sneezing fits is the pollen. Many plants – flowers, trees, and grass – give off pollen and they’re hard to avoid. Even if you stay indoors, they can make their way in through the window or on any pets who have been outside.

Question 4: What is the leading cause of anaphylaxis?

1. Food allergies
2. Hay fever
3. Eczema
4. Asthma

Answer: Food allergies are the most likely to lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is where your body has a harsh response to an allergen and always requires medical intervention. Unfortunately, they can lead to death, so should always be taken seriously.

Question 5: Which of these can you actually be allergic to?

1. Touch
2. Vibrations
3. Children
4. All of the above

Answer: Believe it or not, you can be allergic to all of them. There are a lot of strange allergies in the world – trees, jewellery, marshmallows, and even allergy medicine itself. While we’re on the subject…

Question 6: What is the name of allergy medication?

1. Antihistamines
2. Antipollegens
3. Antiantimines
4. Antipathy

Answer: They are called antihistamines. They aren’t the only way to treat allergies, but most common off-the-shelf anti-allergy drugs are antihistamines.

Question 7: Which of these is an allergy test?

1. Patch test
2. Batch test
3. Catch test
4. Watch test

Answer: If you go to an allergy doctor, they might perform a… patch test! This is one of many methods allergists use to diagnose an allergy. They will put a small patch on your skin, leave it for 48 hours, and look to see if your body has had a reaction. It’s simple, non-invasive, and pain-free!

So, how did you do? If you got all seven correct then congratulations, it looks like you’ve been paying attention. We’ve talked about all these topics at one point or another and it’s always important you pay attention to the dangers of allergies. The more you know, the safer you can keep you and your family.

If you think you or a loved one might have an undiagnosed allergy, feel free to get in touch with our experts. They are well-equipped to answer any questions you might have. Call us on 02031 433 449 or visit our website.

How accurate are skin prick tests?

9th October 2019

How accurate are skin prick tests?

There are two types of people in the world. Those who get things checked out immediately and those who take more of a wait-and-see approach. But for your health, the wait-and-see approach might not be the best. In all that time, your symptoms might become worse or cause more serious damage. 

If you think you may have an allergy – even if it’s mild – it’s always good to find out for sure so you can take the right course of action with your treatment. Doing so is simple as there are plenty of allergy tests available. However, if you’re going to invest your time and money into a skin prick allergy test, you’ll want to be sure you see some results.

Skin prick tests

Skin prick tests are a common way of discovering whether you suffer from an allergy. During the test, the allergist places a drop of solution containing the allergen on your arm. Sometimes they put actual fresh food on the arm. 

Using a small needle, the allergist gently pricks the skin to allow the allergen to enter. It is not painful and there’s rarely any bleeding. You can test for many allergies at the same time using this method.

If you’re allergic, results usually appear within 30 minutes. Positive results usually show as a raised white bump surrounded by a small circle or itchy red skin. 

Accuracy

This test rarely produces a false-negative result. Negative results almost always mean you’re not allergic to the food. Sometimes, in 50 to 60% of cases, there may be a false-positive result, meaning you seem to be allergic but actually aren’t. 

This high number of false positives isn’t anything to worry about. Allergists use other tests to help verify the results. These include blood tests like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), food elimination diets, and oral food challenges. 

A trained allergist is skilled in using the most effective tests for you in combination with a detailed understanding of your medical history to provide you with accurate results. After doing so, they’ll be able to give you the most effective treatments to manage your annoying symptoms and find the relief you need. 

The consultants at London Allergy and Immunology Centre are experts in their field and have years of experience in accurately testing children and adults for allergies. Book an appointment today via our website.