Top 5 Gluten Allergy Types

Since being introduced to a gluten free lifestyle nearly 15 years ago I have seen gluten allergies go from being never heard of to potentially turning into a fad. But what interests me the most about this is many people don’t even realise that there are many gluten allergy types that people can suffer from.

With gluten’s growing popularity, a lot of restaurants and even food manufacturers are beginning to abused the term “gluten free” and generate products that don’t exactly serve the interests of those with gluten intolerances.

Now there are many people who know of their gluten sensitivities and/or intolerances yet they themselves become their own victims through self sabotage. Then there are those who embark on a gluten free journey without even really understanding what gluten is and how it can possibly be damaging their body.

I passionately believe it’s essential to be aware that the gluten allergy is not exactly a singular condition and is mainly used to reference five types of gluten intolerance.

What exactly are the top 5 Gluten Allergies?

1. Ceoliac disease is the most referred form of gluten allergy in spite of it being an autoimmune disorder. It is characterised by extreme physiological reactions to the presence of gluten in the body, which eventually leads to intestinal damage, malabsorption and potentially weight loss. When consumed, non gluten free food can generally trigger a violent immune response that targets the intestinal lining, causing cellular damage. The only way this could be avoided is for those affected is to abide by a gluten free diet for the rest of their lives. At this stage there aren’t any surgical or pharmaceutical cure for this disease. However for the 1% of the population whom are affected I highly recommened healing on a cellular level and embracing a complete wholefoods diet complete in nourishing nutrition.

2. Non-ceoliac gluten sensitivity, is a gluten intolerance that mimics ceoliac disease’ pathophysiology and symptoms but is not triggered by a genetically inherited autoimmune condition. Currently, there is no established laboratory test to diagnose NCGS. However, if known gluten allergy symptoms present themselves, those affected are advised to stay away from gluten to better their health as well as their overall wellbeing.

3. Gluten intolerance is something that’s used interchangeably with NCGS because of their similarities. Right now, the only thing that differentiates the two is that one (NCGS) is fairly a new term, while ‘gluten intolerance’ has been extensively used, and possibly will become out dated in the near future. Regardless for anyone who has this form of gluten allergy it is recommended and encouraged that you always cut out gluten from your regular diets.

4. Dermatitis herpetiformis, also known as “gluten rash”, is a milder form of gluten allergy that manifests only as a skin rash. Our skin is our largest organ and it is also used as a way to excrete toxins. Consuming gluten with this form of gluten allergy can cause like the others, discomfort and some pain so consuming a complete gluten free diet is also still highly recommended to keep that itchy irritating feeling under control.

5. Gluten ataxia is probably the most frightening form of gluten intolerance in this list because of the involvement of the neurological symptoms. This involves gait problems, speech slurring, difficulties in swallowing, and fine motor skill deterioration, to name a few. Fortunately, it is very rare and it is also completely controllable through symptomatic treatment and the avoidance of all gluten rich food.

Do you have a gluten intolerance? Or are you planning on giving up the Gluten Glue? Find out more about giving up the Gluten:

> What is Gluten Free