Gluten intolerance is caused by the inability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest gluten. The protein can cause inflammation and an upregulated immune response in the gut, which can lead to a lack of nutrient absorption and digestive and skin issues.
Common symptoms of gluten intolerance are abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, joint pain and headache. Some people also experience mood disturbances like brain fog, anxiety or depression. Skin involvement is common, and presents as a red, bumpy, itchy rash on the face, chest and/or body.
Avoiding gluten is the best treatment for intolerance. If there has been damage to the lining of the digestive tract due to inflammation from gluten, it is important to focus on GI repair with supportive supplements.
Spark Health was founded in 2013 in Solana Beach, California, to help patients uncover barriers to their health and wellness. Our providers work as an integrative team to ensure that each patient's unique health goals and challenges are addressed in a holistic way. We understand that wellness comes from the inside out, and focus on personalized natural medicine and wellness options for our patients in San Diego and Southern California.
No. Celiac disease is a genetic condition that causes an autoimmune response to gluten, and eating gluten causes irreversible destruction to the lining of the digestive tract.
The best treatment is avoiding gluten and gluten-containing foods.
Gluten intolerance may not be able to be reversed, but can be easily managed by avoiding gluten. Over time, the body may become less reactive.
Probiotics help to support a healthy gut environment, and protect against some of the negative effects of gluten.
If you have accidental gluten exposure, taking digestive enzymes to help break down the protein can help to reduce symptoms.
A rash or skin reaction from gluten usually looks like a red, bumpy, itchy rash on the face, chest and/or body.
A rash after gluten exposure usually resolves in about one week, as long as exposure doesn't continue.