Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, is an autoimmune disease where the body reacts to gluten in the diet. This damages the small intestine's mucous membrane and can cause a range of different symptoms.

What is gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. This damages the small intestine's mucous membrane and affects nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance

Gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Gas and flatulence
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

General symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Deficiencies (iron, folate, B12, vitamin D)
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Mouth sores
• Headaches

Neurological symptoms:

• Balance problems
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Depression
• Anxiety

Causes and risk factors

Genetic predisposition:

• HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes
• Family history of celiac disease
• Other autoimmune diseases

Triggering factors:

• Gluten in the diet
• Infections
• Stress
• Pregnancy
• Surgery

Diagnosis

Blood tests:

• Antibodies against gluten (tTG-IgA, EMA-IgA)
• Total IgA level
• Genetic testing

Small intestine biopsy:

• Gold standard for diagnosis
• Shows damage to the mucous membrane
• Done via endoscopy

Important:

• Gluten must be eaten before the test
• Don't start gluten-free diet before investigation

Treatment

Gluten-free diet:

• Only treatment
• Must be followed for life
• Avoid wheat, rye, barley
• Oats may be okay (check labeling)

Nutritional supplements:

• Iron for iron deficiency
• Folate and B12
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

Follow-up:

• Regular blood tests
• Small intestine biopsy after 1-2 years
• Nutritional consultation

Foods to avoid

Gluten-containing foods:

• Wheat (bread, pasta, flour, bulgur)
• Rye (bread, crispbread)
• Barley (barley, malt)
• Spelt and kamut

Hidden sources:

• Soy sauce, teriyaki, Worcestershire sauce
• Chips and snacks
• Chocolate and candy
• Medications and supplements

Gluten-free alternatives

Naturally gluten-free foods:

• Rice, quinoa, corn
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes
• Beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Nuts and seeds
• Fresh meat, fish, eggs
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

Complications

If gluten intolerance is not treated:

• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Neurological problems
• Increased cancer risk
• Other autoimmune diseases

When should I seek care?

Seek care if you:

• Have long-term gastrointestinal symptoms
• Experience unexplained weight loss
• Have family members with celiac disease
• Experience deficiencies

How Min Hälsa can help

We can help you with:

• Assessment of your symptoms
• Blood tests for celiac disease
• Referral to gastroenterologist
• Advice on gluten-free diet
• Follow-up of treatment
• Nutritional consultation