Gluten is a type of protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley. To most people, the presence or absence of gluten in their diet is immaterial. For a very small percentage though, it is considerably important. This is because they suffer from a disorder called celiac disease or in layman’s terms, gluten allergy. There is no age bracket for celiac disease. It can affect anyone, from a new born kid to a retiree.
One of the main risks of gluten allergy is that the intestines get damaged, resulting in improper absorption of nutrients from the food.
However, celiac disease as such is very easily treatable in that the removal of gluten from the diet is all that is needed. The problem lies in diagnosing the condition early. Many people go years before they are diagnosed with celiac disease and hence would have suffered untold damage before they realize how easy it is to treat it.
If left untreated, there are a number of problems that can result. Some of the most common side effects of gluten allergy are listed below.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list and is only an indication of celiac disease. Most of these side effects are an indirect consequence of the disease. They are caused due to an insufficient absorption of essential nutrients. For example, one of the side effects of gluten intolerance is osteoporosis, which is caused due to an insufficient absorption of calcium. Nose bleeds too are caused due to a deficiency in calcium.
Growth delays, hair loss and delayed puberty could be caused due to a deficiency in a variety of nutrients. Tingling in the hands and feet is usually caused due to a deficiency in vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin B3.
There are a number of other side effects of gluten sensitivity. All the problems listed above are the easily identifiable and externally apparent. The good news though is that gluten sensitivity or gluten allergy can be treated once diagnosed.
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