| Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, | | | | food allergies. Often tests are affected if the |
| oats, spelt, and other grains. (NB some people are | | | | allergen has already been removed from the diet |
| able to tolerate oats) | | | | - this is especially true for gluten intolerance and |
| Do you or your family have any of these | | | | coeliac disease. A diagnosis of a food allergy or |
| problems? | | | | sensitivity should be sought before eliminating |
| * tired, exhausted, lethargic, lack of energy, | | | | food groups from your diet. |
| weakness | | | | It is important to note that you should seek |
| * iron deficiency, anaemia | | | | advice from your medical practitioner/health |
| * diarrhoea or constipation, uncomfortable tummy, | | | | provider/allergy specialist or a registered dietician |
| bloating and gas troubles | | | | before embarking on any 'new' or restricted diet. |
| * gastric reflux or heartburn, nausea or vomiting | | | | This is especially important with children as an |
| * unhappy with weight (over- or under- weight), | | | | unregulated diet that is too restrictive could result |
| not growing well, eating problems | | | | in mineral and vitamin deficiencies and lead to |
| * runny nose, sneezing and sinus problems, itchy | | | | future problems with growth and development. |
| and/or watery eyes | | | | All of the problems in the list above have been |
| * asthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness | | | | linked with individuals who have an intolerance to |
| of breath | | | | gluten. Gluten is the cause of coeliac disease, a |
| * osteoporosis, bone and joint pains | | | | serious and lifelong auto-immune condition |
| * dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin flushing, | | | | (meaning that the body produces antibodies that |
| hives | | | | attack its own tissues). Coeliac disease is genetic |
| * infertility | | | | so your risk is increased if you have family |
| * headaches or migraine | | | | members who are sufferers. |
| * depression, mental health problems, mood | | | | In coeliac disease, the villi that line the gut are |
| swings, hyperactive, cranky | | | | attacked and damaged leading to problems with |
| * disrupted sleep, insomnia, foggy thinking, poor | | | | absorption of essential nutrients. Symptoms vary |
| concentration | | | | from mild to serious and can include stomach |
| * Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | | | | pains, bloating, diarrhoea and nausea. Symptoms |
| * Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Aspergers | | | | are often confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| There are many causes of the problems in the | | | | (IBS) or stress. Recognizing and diagnosing coeliac |
| list but all could be related to food sensitivity or | | | | disease can be a lengthy drawn out process and |
| intolerance in many individuals. If you have a lot of | | | | some people go years before finding a diagnosis |
| these symptoms it is quite likely that you would | | | | and some people are simply never diagnosed and |
| benefit from seeking a diagnosis or testing for | | | | suffer with general ill health. |