Stomach bloating: Could your bloating be caused by a gluten intolerance? Symptoms to spot

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Stomach bloating typically describes what happens when too much gas fills up the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. With no exit for expulsion, the tummy tends to stretch and swell. This may result in painful cramps that last for hours, diminishing a person’s overall quality of life. The condition could be a cause by having a gluten intolerance. How to know your bloating may be due to being gluten intolerant?

According to nutritionist Maeve Madden, grains containing gluten also happen to have high amounts of a type of carbohydrate called fructans – a major red flag for bloating.

As Madden explained: “When fructans are fermented by gut bacteria they can cause gas, bloating and unusual bowel movements.”

Gluten grains include wheat, spelt, rye and barley, as well as products made using these grains.

According to Isabel Skypala PhD, specialist allergy dietitian at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust: “There are great wheat substitutes you can buy off the supermarket shelf now. Go for gluten-free bread, and try other types of grains, such as quinoa, corn and rice.”

She added: “Just make sure you substitute other equally nutritious foods for the wheat-based ones you’re cutting out.”

As Skypala explained, great wheat-free alternatives include:

Porridge, Rice Krispies and cornflakes

Buckwheat pasta

Quinoa

Gluten intolerance can cause similar symptoms to celiac disease, but it is a different issue with different long-term effects, said Medical News Today.

The health site continued: “The symptoms of gluten intolerance may also resemble those of a wheat allergy or intestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

“Experts estimate that 10 to 15 percent of adults have IBS symptoms.

“People with celiac disease must avoid gluten, as it can cause intestinal damage and prevent the body from absorbing essential nutrients.

“Those with a wheat allergy must avoid all wheat products, as consuming any could be immediately life threatening.

The symptoms of a gluten intolerance include:  

• Tiredness
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Constipation
• A general feeling of being unwell

It’s important to undergo a food intolerance test if these symptoms are common occurrences.

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