Wheat Allergies Vs Celiac Disease

Wheat Allergies Vs Celiac Disease
by Sarah Patrick

them.

What is A Wheat Allergy?

A wheat allergy is more like the allergies you most often hear about, such as hay
fever or allergies to pets. It is a histamine response wherein certain white blood cells
(called bastophils) and mast cells react to Immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is not an
autoimmune disease and it can be somewhat well treated in most cases with an
antihistamine.

Wheat allergies manifest themselves with symptoms such as hives, rashes, itchiness,
sneezing, watery eyes and occasionally stomach or even mouth pain (some people's
tongues react to wheat). These symptoms occur almost immediately after
consuming wheat.

What is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance, whether through Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity
(NCGS), is an autoimmune disease which manifests its symptoms over time. Gluten
intolerance is a systemic response to the proteins glutenin and gliadin within gluten.
When unusually strong antibodies in your system react to these proteins, they attack
the lining of your small intestine.

Over time, the villi along your small intestinal lining wear down and make your
intestine less able to digest and absorb nutrients from your food. Despite what many
people seem to think, this is not an instantaneous reaction. It can sometimes take
years for symptoms to result from gluten intolerance (although most often it only
takes months or even just weeks).

I don't mean to suggest they are less severe; in fact, gluten intolerance symptoms
can be very severe and even life-threatening if they go untreated. From fatigue and
depression to serious malnutrition (and much more), the long-term effects can be
dire.

So I hope you now better understand the difference between these two health
phenomenons. Wheat allergies are a histamine response which occurs right after you
consume food containing wheat. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disease which
manifests its symptoms over time and will occur if you eat any gluten-containing
foods whatsoever (not just wheat products). If you suffer from gluten intolerance, it
is imperative that you eliminate all gluten from your diet.

About The Author

Sarah Patrick

Read my new comprehensive guide to understanding the different symptoms of
wheat allergies and celiac disease: .

As I search and browse throughout
the Internet to determine what
people are discussing in regards to
Celiac disease, I find a troubling
trend: People often do not
understand that a wheat allergy is
completely different from a gluten
intolerance. In fact, many people and
many sites mistakenly use these two
terms interchangeably.

It is important for you to understand
how these two health conditions are
two completely different medical
situations and why it is vital to
appreciate the difference between

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.