Gluten allergy? What on Earth is that? Oh! Symptoms like bloating, nausea, and such you ask? Nay! That’s Celiac disease or maybe wheat allergy.
If you are one among those who think so or haven’t heard about gluten allergy, don’t worry we have been there too. Gluten allergy is often mistaken for Celiac disease because they share some of the same symptoms. So, let’s get this straight, what is Gluten allergy and what is Celiac disease?
Gluten is a protein found in cereals like wheat, rye, and barley and Gluten allergy refers to a condition in which a person might be allergic to this protein. Whereas, Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune disease that can damage a person’s digestive system.
So how to distinguish Gluten allergy from Celiac disease? We have listed 5 of the most common symptoms of gluten allergy so you don’t have to rack your brains. 
Excessive bloating
It refers to an uncomfortable and a lasting ‘full’ feeling of the stomach. Though occasional bloating is a very common symptom of many other health problems, people with Gluten allergy experience bloating more frequently than others.
Constipation and diarrhea
Occasional constipation or diarrhea is ok and normal. But people who suffer from Gluten allergy get regular instances of constipation and diarrhea. Though people suffering from Celiac disease also experience constipation and diarrhea, their poop will have a distinct, unpleasant smell and a pale colour due to poor absorption of nutrients.
Fatigue or foggy-headed
Many factors can cause nausea and fatigue and hence it is hard to distinguish. However, if you suffer from Gluten allergy, persistent feelings of fatigue and tiredness that can impair your daily function is a standard symptom.
Abdominal pain
Again, pain in the abdomen can be caused due to many reasons. Nevertheless, it is the single most common symptom reported, i.e., around 83% of people with gluten allergy suffer from abdominal pain. Gluten allergic people report abdominal pain more frequently than others and without any other obvious reasons.
Nausea and Headaches
People with a gluten allergy may also experience nausea especially after consuming a gluten-containing meal. People with gluten allergy are also highly susceptible to headaches and migraines than others. Regular headaches, migraines, and nausea without any other apparent causes could be a sign of Gluten allergy.
Apart from these symptoms, Gluten allergic people might also experience other symptoms like pain in the joints and muscles, depression and anxiety, anaemia, numbness in arms and legs, and so on. However, these symptoms and the ones we have listed above could also have other causes or underlying issues. But if you experience these symptoms frequently, we suggest that you consult with a doctor or temporarily exclude gluten from your diet to see if your conditions will improve. Hope this helps! Wishing you a happy, healthy diet.