If you experience discomfort after eating wheat or gluten, you're not alone. Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy affect millions of people.
“These are common conditions that a gastroenterologist can help you manage once diagnosed,” explains Dr. Brian Benson. “But it is important to know the differences between them, because they are all treated differently.”
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your intestines if you eat even a small amount of gluten. It runs in families and can lead to serious long-term health issues if not diagnosed and managed properly.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is also known as gluten intolerance. NCGS is a digestive disorder that causes symptoms similar to celiac disease but does not involve immune system damage or genetic factors.
Wheat allergy occurs when your body produces antibodies to proteins found in wheat. Wheat allergy is an immune response that can be life-threatening, requiring complete avoidance of wheat.
Although celiac disease and NCGS share many symptoms, including bloating, fatigue, and headaches, the underlying causes are different. In some cases, NCGS might not be directly related to gluten. Research suggests it could be a reaction to other proteins in wheat, like amylase/trypsin-inhibitors (ATIs).
Because of the key differences between these conditions, it is important to get thorough testing before making diet or lifestyle changes.
"Removing gluten from your diet before getting tested for celiac disease can make it harder to diagnose," cautions Dr. Benson. “Your body will not show active signs of an immune response and we could miss it.”
Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy are different conditions, and it's important to get the correct diagnosis. Talk to a gastroenterologist about any symptoms or concerns.
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