It's important to distinguish between two main conditions related to gluten:

• Celiac Disease: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed.
• Gluten Sensitivity (Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity): This is a less well-understood condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to celiac disease after consuming gluten, but without the same immune response or intestinal damage.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can vary greatly, but some common ones include:

• Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or sluggish
• Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines
• Skin Problems: Rash, eczema, or dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy, blistering skin rash)
• Neurological Symptoms: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Weight Loss or Poor Weight Gain (in children): Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
• Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Low iron levels due to poor absorption

Diagnosis:

If you suspect you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's crucial to see a doctor for proper diagnosis. This usually involves blood tests, stool tests, and sometimes a biopsy of the small intestine.

Management:

The only treatment for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods containing wheat, rye, barley, and sometimes oats (depending on individual tolerance). It's important to read labels carefully and be aware of hidden sources of gluten.