What is gluten?
“Gluten is a protein found in the outer layer of grains such as wheat, barley and rye, which helps give elasticity to dough and maintain the shape of bread,” said Dr Piyush Ranjan, Vice Chairman, Institute of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. “However, in some people, gluten can cause adverse reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to severe autoimmune reactions.”
What is celiac disease?
According to Dr. Piyush Ranjan, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and oats. When a person eats foods containing gluten, the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing damage and reducing the ability to absorb nutrients.
What is gluten intolerance?
Gluten intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot digest gluten normally. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. When people with gluten intolerance eat foods containing gluten, they may experience digestive symptoms and other health problems.
How to tell the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease
To distinguish between celiac disease and gluten intolerance, you can rely on the following key factors:
Reason:
Celiac disease: Triggered by an autoimmune reaction to gluten. The immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine, leading to severe damage.
Gluten intolerance: A sensitivity to gluten without an autoimmune or allergic reaction. Gluten does not cause damage to organs in the body.
Genetic recommendations:
Celiac disease: Often has a genetic component. Genes such as HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 are associated with the disease and it tends to run in families.
Gluten intolerance: Not related to genetic factors.
Bowel damage:
Celiac disease: Causes significant damage to the villi in the small intestine, leading to poor absorption of nutrients, affecting long-term health.
Gluten intolerance: Does not cause any physical damage to the intestines.
Symptom:
Celiac disease: Symptoms are often chronic and severe, including chronic diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, fatigue, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Gluten intolerance: Symptoms are usually temporary and mild, such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea.
Specific management of gluten-related problems
For people with celiac disease, the only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage and serious complications. Foods containing wheat, barley, and rye should be completely avoided, and gluten cross-contamination should be avoided.
Meanwhile, gluten intolerance does not require strict abstinence. Many people can reintroduce gluten depending on their tolerance level.
