It’s estimated that only 6% of the American population has a gluten allergy or intolerance. While it’s still unclear if the allergy affects Black Americans more than other ethnicities, it’s still important for you to know what a gluten allergy can feel like. If the issue isn’t properly managed, it can negatively impact your day-to-day life.
What Is A Gluten Allergy?
Gluten is a protein that’s usually found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When you have a gluten allergy, your body reacts negatively to the presence of the protein. This reaction will result in you feeling sick.
Remember that a gluten allergy isn’t the same as celiac disease as the latter condition is an autoimmune disorder. An allergy is also different from an intolerance. Your immune system’s overreaction causes the former to the presence of gluten while the latter means that your body can’t digest it.
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How To Know If You Have A Gluten Allergy
If you experience digestive discomfort and other symptoms after eating gluten, it’s possible that you have a gluten allergy. Given that gluten is in many common foods as well as medications, you might not always know that you’ve consumed it. The best thing to do is to keep track of what you eat and how it affects you.
What Does A Gluten Allergy Feel Like?
A gluten allergy can feel different for each person. With an allergy, you’re likely to become itchy after eating gluten.
You might also have an upset stomach. If you’re dealing with gluten intolerance, however, the issues tend to be more centered on the digestive system – leading to problems like bloating and stomach pain.
Gluten Allergy Symptoms You Should Know
It’s unlikely that you’ll experience all the symptoms of an allergy or intolerance but there are a few that are common.
It’s also important to note that an allergy can present itself within an hour or so of eating gluten.
However, it can take up to a few days for the symptoms of gluten intolerance to become apparent.
Common symptoms of gluten allergy: