You probably ask yourself how long does gluten stay in your system. And this is a frequent question considering gluten has become something of a buzzword in nutrition circles. The good news is more people handle gluten just free. But there is a small subgroup of the population in which consuming gluten can result in significant health complications.
If you happen to have celiac disease, your immune system responds to gluten by causing damage to the small intestines. This, in turn, makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients. However, there is an increasing number of people who have something called gluten sensitivity. People with gluten sensitivity may suffer from stomach problems like bloating, diarrhea and constipation after consuming gluten.
To put it plainly, gluten is a type of protein present in rye, wheat, and barley. You can also find it in related grains such as Kamut, farro, and spelt. Keep in mind there are different ingredients containing wheat, rye, or barley, including malt, soy sauce, and brewer’s yeast. What this simply means is that gluten pops up in some unexpected places.
For the vast majority of individuals, consuming gluten-containing foods isn’t an issue. Actually, floods including whole wheat, barley, and rye boast plenty of important nutrients. But for people with celiac, even a microscopic amount of gluten can trigger a reaction and prevent the body from absorbing nutrients.
In most cases, this malabsorption may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, bloating and gas. Unfortunately, close to half of all people with celiac disease don’t depict these symptoms. Without signs to let them know they have inadvertently consumed gluten; they have to be more vigilant.
So, how do you know if you have celiac or gluten sensitivity? Well, it would be ideal to book an appointment with your medical practitioner and get tested before starting a gluten-free diet on your own. If you avoid consuming gluten-containing foods, your test results will certainly be inaccurate. Surprisingly, there is no available test to date for gluten sensitivity, and that’s why a visit to the doctor is essential if you suspect anything.
