Gluten
More than celiac. Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye that increases intestinal permeability in everyone—temporarily. For some, this triggers immune reactions, inflammation, or autoimmunity. Modern wheat and processing have amplified the problem.
Gluten Sensitivity Spectrum
Celiac Disease
Autoimmune. Villous atrophy. Severe malabsorption. Lifelong strict avoidance required.
Wheat Allergy
IgE-mediated. Can be severe. Anaphylaxis possible. Different from sensitivity.
NCGS
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Real but no biomarker. Symptoms without celiac.
FODMAPs Issue
Some "gluten" reactions are fructans. Fermentable carbs in wheat. Different problem.
Glyphosate Effect
Non-organic wheat sprayed at harvest. Some reactions may be to pesticide, not gluten.
How Gluten Affects the Gut
Zonulin Release
Gluten triggers zonulin in everyone. Opens tight junctions. Temporary permeability.
Leaky Gut
In some, junctions don't close properly. Food proteins enter bloodstream. Immune activation.
Molecular Mimicry
Gliadin resembles thyroid tissue. Immune confusion. Hashimoto's connection.
Inflammation
Immune response triggers inflammation. Can affect brain, joints, skin. Systemic effects.
Delayed Reaction
Symptoms can appear 24-72 hours later. Makes connection hard to identify.
Possible Symptoms
Digestive
Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, pain
Neurological
Brain fog, headaches, anxiety, depression
Skin
Eczema, rashes, acne, dermatitis herpetiformis
Other
Fatigue, joint pain, anemia, weight issues
Testing & Elimination
Celiac Testing
tTG-IgA, EMA, total IgA. Must be eating gluten. Biopsy gold standard.
Elimination Trial
100% gluten-free for 30 days. Then reintroduce. Watch for symptoms.
Hidden Sources
Soy sauce, cross-contamination, medications. Strict avoidance needed for test.
Healing Time
Gut can take months to heal. Some need 6+ months gluten-free to feel difference.
Consider Organic
Some tolerate organic/ancient wheat. Einkorn, spelt different. Individual response.