Do you also have trouble eating gluten? Let's talk about gluten intolerance!

Do you sometimes feel very uncomfortable with a stomach ache after eating something like bread, buns, or noodles? Or do you feel like you're going crazy or getting a headache? If you have these symptoms all the time, you may have a condition called 'Gluten Intolerance', which is currently being talked about by many people. Don't worry, this is not dangerous. Let's talk about everything simply and clearly today.

First of all, what is 'gluten'?

Simply put, gluten is a type of protein. It is mainly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. So, many of the things we eat and drink every day contain gluten. Just think...

• Bread, buns, toast
• Noodles, pasta
• Cakes, biscuits, muffins
• Some sauces, cereals
• Beer

Not only this, some vitamins, cosmetics, and even some medications may contain gluten.

So, gluten sensitivity, or ``Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity - NCGS'', is when your body experiences discomfort and difficulty after eating something containing gluten.

Is this Celiac disease? Or is it an allergy?

This is a point of confusion for many people. Gluten sensitivity, Celiac disease, and wheat allergy are three different conditions. Let's understand the difference.

Why does this situation occur?

Doctors still can't say with 100% certainty what exactly causes this, but there are two main theories.

1. Carbohydrate problem: Some research suggests that this is more due to a specific type of carbohydrate found in gluten-containing foods than gluten itself. When our bodies can't properly digest and absorb this type of carbohydrate, it starts to ferment in the intestines. That's when symptoms like bloating and stomach cramps occur.

2. Changes in the intestinal wall: Another theory is that gluten causes the lining of some people's intestines to not function properly. Normally, this lining is responsible for preventing things like bacteria in the intestines from leaking into the bloodstream. However, in these people, gluten weakens this lining and allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This causes inflammation in the body and symptoms appear.

What are the main symptoms of this?

These symptoms can appear within a few hours or a few days after eating a food containing gluten. These can vary from person to person.

People with gluten sensitivity often have a condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) .

How do I know for sure if this is there?

There is no single test that specifically diagnoses this. Therefore, your doctor will confirm this through several steps. You should definitely see a doctor before you decide to stop eating gluten on your own. This is because if you stop eating gluten before you have a proper diagnosis, the results of tests that look for things like celiac disease may be incorrect.

The doctor takes the following steps:

1. First step: Make sure there are no other diseases.

While you are eating gluten-containing foods as usual, your doctor will do things like blood tests and skin tests to check for Celiac disease and wheat allergy.

2. Second step: Elimination Diet.

Once it's confirmed that you don't have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, your doctor will tell you to completely avoid all foods containing gluten for at least 6 weeks . It's very important to keep a diary to see if there are any changes in your symptoms during this time.

3. Step three: Re-challenge gluten.

If your symptoms subside after you stop eating gluten, your doctor will likely recommend that you gradually reintroduce gluten back into your diet. If the symptoms return, it's likely that you have gluten sensitivity.

Well, now what is the treatment for this?

There is no cure for this condition yet, but you can control the symptoms and live a normal life without any problems.

But don't try to do this alone. It's important to work with your doctor and a qualified dietitian to plan your diet to ensure you get the nutrition you need.

Additionally:

• Probiotics: Eating probiotic foods like yogurt and fermented milk, which help to grow good bacteria in the gut, can help reduce symptoms like bloating. Ask your doctor about this as well.
• Enzymes: Although research is ongoing on enzymes that help digest gluten, there is still no definitive conclusion about their effectiveness. Do not use any enzymes without medical advice.

Are there any risks to a gluten-free diet?

Yes, there can be some risks if not planned properly.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Gluten-containing grains provide our bodies with fiber and other vitamins. When these are discontinued, these nutrients can be depleted.
• Increased blood sugar levels: Many products labeled 'gluten-free' on the market may have added sugar and fat to make them taste better and look better. Eating these frequently can increase the risk of high blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) or type 2 diabetes.

How to live with this situation?

This is not that difficult to manage. It just requires a little care.

• Learn to read labels: Before buying any food or drink from the store, read the ingredients list carefully. Look for words like gluten, wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten may also be hidden in some sauces, soups, and sausages.
• Eat a balanced diet: Eat foods low in fat and high in fiber (vegetables, fruits, gluten-free grains).
• Medical tests: Get regular blood tests as directed by your doctor to check for anemia, cholesterol levels, and vitamin deficiencies.

What to do if you accidentally eat gluten?

No matter how careful you are, you can still accidentally add something containing gluten to your food. If that's the case, try these things:

• Drink plenty of water: This helps flush out toxins from the body quickly.
• Avoid spicy, oily foods: Eat light, easy-to-stomach foods.
• Ginger or mint tea: These can help reduce stomach upset and nausea.