Author: Dr. Amy Myers
Amy Myers MD ©2010-2016 All Rights Reserved. This article has been reproduced with permission from Dr. Myers. Unauthorized use or reproduction of this article is strictly prohibited.
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More than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s estimated that 99% of the people who have either gluten intolerance or celiac disease are never diagnosed.
It is also estimated that as much as 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them?
If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance:
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Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.
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Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.
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Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
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Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
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Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.
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Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.
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Migraine headaches.
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Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pin point the cause of your fatigue or pain.
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Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.
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Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.