How to Know Wheat Allergy Symptoms

Wheat allergy, often referred to as "wheat intolerance," "Celiac disease" or "Celiac Sprue" is a somewhat controversial topic. Some people claim that a true allergy to wheat is rare and that the symptoms that we know as wheat allergy symptoms are, instead, an intolerance to wheat proteins. Others claim that this intolerance itself is a wheat allergy. No matter which way you look at it, the bottom line is that many people suffer symptoms after exposure to wheat products. Whether it's an intolerance or an allergy, it's necessary to know what reactions to expect.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the mechanism of food allergies. An allergy to food, such as wheat, isn't really an allergy to the food itself, but rather to the protein found in the food. Your body treats this protein as an invading foreign substance and creates antibodies to fight off the invader. This "fight" is what causes allergy symptoms.

2. Be versed in the damaging proteins found in wheat. There are a few offending proteins in wheat, that is, those to which people are sensitive. Gluten is the main protein that causes symptoms, but a group of proteins called gliadin can cause allergy symptoms as well.

3. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing after eating wheat. Though rare, this can indicate a case of anaphylactic shock. You should also connect stomach upsets, wheezing, hives and skin rashes that occur after eating a wheat-containing product to a wheat allergy.

4. Know that some of the symptoms of wheat allergy are very different than those of other food allergies. It's speculated that a sensitivity to gluten and gliadin causes damage to the intestinal lining, causing difficulty in absorption of nutrients. Other symptoms are significant and can sometimes have lasting effects. They can include: fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, headaches, acne and possibly arthritis.

5. Speak to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of a gluten-free diet. Once he has confirmed the diagnosis, he may recommend you eliminate all gluten from your diet. This can be a very difficult process since so many foods contain wheat products. Make sure to discuss ways to supplement your nutritive needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Many people report significant changes in energy levels, both mental and physical, after eliminating wheat products from their diets. Products to watch out for include, but are not limited to: high gluten flour, bran, farina, graham flour, bulgur, wheat malt, wheat starch, gluten and wheat bran.