Post by the Scribe on Apr 22, 2021 6:36:19 GMT
The 14 Most Common Signs of Gluten Intolerance
www.healthline.com/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant
Gluten intolerance is a fairly common problem.
It is characterized by adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance.
It is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the population and may lead to damage in the digestive system (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
However, 0.5–13% of people may also have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a milder form of gluten intolerance that can still cause problems (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
Both forms of gluten intolerance can cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion.
Here are the 14 main signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance.
1. Bloating
Bloating is when you feel as if your belly is swollen or full of gas after you’ve eaten. This can make you feel miserable (5Trusted Source).
www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25339827/
Although bloating is very common and can have many explanations, it may also be a sign of gluten intolerance.
In fact, feeling bloated is one of the most common complaints of people who are sensitive or intolerant to gluten (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17931344
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18477677/
One study showed that 87% of people who had suspected non-celiac gluten sensitivity experienced bloating (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance. It involves the belly feeling swollen after eating.
2. Diarrhea, Constipation and Smelly Feces
Occasionally getting diarrhea and constipation is normal, but it may be a cause for concern if it happens regularly.
www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-constipation
These also happen to be a common symptom of gluten intolerance.
Individuals with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten.
This damages the gut lining and leads to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in significant digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea or constipation (9Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23155333
However, gluten may also cause digestive symptoms in some people who don’t have celiac disease (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25789300/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23083989
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24440147
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224837/
More than 50% of gluten-sensitive individuals regularly experience diarrhea, while about 25% experience constipation (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
Furthermore, individuals with celiac disease may experience pale and foul-smelling feces due to poor nutrient absorption.
Frequent diarrhea can cause some major health concerns, such as loss of electrolytes, dehydration and fatigue (14Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23934653
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant people commonly experience diarrhea or constipation. Celiac disease patients may also experience pale and foul-smelling feces.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is very common and can have numerous explanations.
However, it is also the single most common symptom of an intolerance to gluten (13Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224837
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26438584
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19455131
Up to 83% of those with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating gluten (8Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15051613
BOTTOM LINE:
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of gluten intolerance, experienced by up to 83% of gluten intolerant individuals.
4. Headaches
Many people experience headaches or migraines once in a while.
Migraines are a common condition, with 10–12% of the Western population experiencing them regularly (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19289218
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644028
Interestingly, studies have shown that gluten-intolerant individuals may be more prone to migraines than others (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23126519
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11171906
If you have regular headaches or migraines without any apparent cause, you could be sensitive to gluten.
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals seem to be more prone to migraines than healthy people.
5. Feeling Tired
Feeling tired is very common and usually not linked to any disease.
However, if you constantly feel very tired, then you should explore the possibility of an underlying cause.
Gluten-intolerant individuals are very prone to fatigue and tiredness, especially after eating foods that contain gluten (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25047419
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12741468/
Studies have shown that 60–82% of gluten-intolerant individuals commonly experience tiredness and fatigue (8Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12741468/
Furthermore, gluten intolerance can also cause iron-deficiency anemia, which in turn will cause more tiredness and lack of energy (24Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21770680
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16436335
BOTTOM LINE:
Feeling extremely tired is another common symptom, affecting about 60–82% of gluten-intolerant individuals.
6. Skin Problems
Gluten intolerance can also affect your skin.
A blistering skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of celiac disease (25Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9814827
Everyone who has the disease is sensitive to gluten, but less than 10% of patients experience digestive symptoms that indicate celiac disease (25Trusted Source).
Furthermore, several other skin diseases have shown improvement while on a gluten-free diet. These include (26Trusted Source):
www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-free-diet-101
Psoriasis: An inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by scaling and reddening of the skin (27Trusted Source, 28, 29Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21654830
www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2012/952753/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14638373
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disease that appears as non-scarring hair loss (28, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2012/952753/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7557104
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10064678
Chronic urticaria: A skin condition characterized by recurrent, itchy, pink or red lesions with pale centers (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16609761/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16101936
BOTTOM LINE:
Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. Several other skin diseases may also improve with a gluten-free diet.
7. Depression
Depression affects about 6% of adults each year. The symptoms can be very disabling and involve feelings of hopelessness and sadness (34Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0016605/
People with digestive issues seem to be more prone to both anxiety and depression, compared to healthy individuals (35Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9840105/
This is especially common among people who have celiac disease (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9548616
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7134833
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8975957
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12217453
There are a few theories about how gluten intolerance can drive depression. These include (40Trusted Source):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25922675/
Abnormal serotonin levels: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that allows cells to communicate. It is commonly known as one of the “happiness” hormones. Decreased amounts of it have been linked with depression (37Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7134833
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15629698/
Gluten exorphins: These peptides are formed during the digestion of some of the gluten proteins. They may interfere with the central nervous system, which may raise the risk of depression (42Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/372181/
Changes in the gut microbiota: Increased amounts of harmful bacteria and decreased amounts of beneficial bacteria may affect the central nervous system, increasing the risk of depression (43Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21787226/
Several studies have shown that depressed individuals with self-reported gluten intolerance want to continue a gluten-free diet because they feel better, even though their digestive symptoms may not be resolved (44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24689456
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254531
That suggests that gluten exposure on its own may induce feelings of depression, irrespective to digestive symptoms.
BOTTOM LINE:
Depression is more common among individuals with gluten intolerance.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
An unexpected weight change is often a cause for concern.
Although it can stem from various reasons, unexplained weight loss is a common side effect of undiagnosed celiac disease (46Trusted Source).
www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27492679
In one study in celiac disease patients, two-thirds had lost weight in the six months leading up to their diagnosis (17Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15051613
The weight loss may be explained by a variety of digestive symptoms, coupled with poor nutrient absorption.
BOTTOM LINE:
Unexpected weight loss may be a sign of celiac disease, especially if coupled with other digestive symptoms.
9. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and accounts for anemia in 5% and 2% of American women and men, respectively (47Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21694802/
Iron deficiency causes symptoms such as low blood volume, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin and weakness (48Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0063057/
In celiac disease, nutrient absorption in the small intestine is impaired, resulting in a reduced amount of iron being absorbed from food (49Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26309349
Iron deficiency anemia may be among the first symptoms of celiac disease that your doctor notices (50Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23161292
Recent studies suggest that iron deficiency may be significant in both children and adults with celiac disease (51Trusted Source, 52Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24254265/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24841904/
BOTTOM LINE:
Celiac disease may cause poor absorption of iron from your diet, causing iron-deficiency anemia.
10. Anxiety
Anxiety may affect 3–30% of people worldwide (53Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22034470/
It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, unease and agitation. Furthermore, it often goes hand-in-hand with depression (54Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15014652/
Individuals with gluten intolerance seem to be more prone to anxiety and panic disorders than healthy individuals (39Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source, 57Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12217453/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11346203/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365905/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14624151/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20533598/
Additionally, a study showed that up to 40% of individuals with self-reported gluten sensitivity stated that they regularly experienced anxiety (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals seem to be more prone to anxiety than healthy individuals.
11. Autoimmune Disorders
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your digestive tract after you consume gluten (59Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23155333
Interestingly, having this autoimmune disease makes you more prone to other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease (60Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9647032
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056028/
Furthermore, autoimmune thyroid disorders may be a risk factor for developing emotional and depressive disorders (62Trusted Source, 63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8881455
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9813461
This also makes celiac disease more common in people that have other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (61Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056028/
However, non-celiac gluten sensitivity has not been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies (65Trusted Source, 66Trusted Source).
BOTTOM LINE:
Individuals with autoimmune diseases like celiac disease are more likely to get other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders.
12. Joint and Muscle Pain
There are numerous reasons why people experience joint and muscle pain.
There is a theory that those with celiac disease have a genetically determined over-sensitive or over-excitable nervous system.
Therefore, they may have a lower threshold to activate sensory neurons that cause pain in muscles and joints (67Trusted Source, 68Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22447132
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11076922
Moreover, gluten exposure may cause inflammation in gluten-sensitive individuals. The inflammation may result in widespread pain, including in joints and muscles (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals commonly report joint and muscle pain. This is possibly due to an over-sensitive nervous system.
13. Leg or Arm Numbness
Another surprising symptom of gluten intolerance is neuropathy, which involves numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
This condition is common in individuals with diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency. It can also be caused by toxicity and alcohol consumption (69Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11859051/
However, individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity seem to be at a higher risk of experiencing arm and leg numbness, compared to healthy control groups (70Trusted Source, 71Trusted Source, 72Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12771245
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16835287/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15610706
While the exact cause is not known, some have linked this symptom to the presence of certain antibodies related to gluten intolerance (73Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16227563
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten intolerance may cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
14. Brain Fog
“Brain fog” refers to the feeling of being unable to think clearly.
People have described it as being forgetful, having difficulty thinking, feeling cloudy and having mental fatigue (74Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23999934/
Having a “foggy mind” is a common symptom of gluten intolerance, affecting up to 40% of gluten-intolerant individuals (8Trusted Source, 75Trusted Source, 76Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24077239/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25922675/
This symptom may be caused by a reaction to certain antibodies in gluten, but the exact reason is unknown (77Trusted Source, 78Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11971034/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26184290/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals may experience brain fog. It involves having difficulty thinking, mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
Take Home Message
Gluten intolerance can have numerous symptoms.
However, keep in mind that most of the symptoms on the list above may have other explanations as well.
Nevertheless, if you regularly experience some of them without an apparent cause, then you may be reacting negatively to the gluten in your diet.
In this case, you should consult with a doctor or try temporarily removing gluten from your diet to see if it helps. If you don’t already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a provider near you.
www.healthline.com/find-care/specialty/primary-care-doctors?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=in-text&utm_content=/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant&utm_k1=othernutrition&utm_text=HL_FindCare_tool
www.healthline.com/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant
Gluten intolerance is a fairly common problem.
It is characterized by adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance.
It is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the population and may lead to damage in the digestive system (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
However, 0.5–13% of people may also have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a milder form of gluten intolerance that can still cause problems (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
Both forms of gluten intolerance can cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion.
Here are the 14 main signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance.
1. Bloating
Bloating is when you feel as if your belly is swollen or full of gas after you’ve eaten. This can make you feel miserable (5Trusted Source).
www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25339827/
Although bloating is very common and can have many explanations, it may also be a sign of gluten intolerance.
In fact, feeling bloated is one of the most common complaints of people who are sensitive or intolerant to gluten (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17931344
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18477677/
One study showed that 87% of people who had suspected non-celiac gluten sensitivity experienced bloating (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance. It involves the belly feeling swollen after eating.
2. Diarrhea, Constipation and Smelly Feces
Occasionally getting diarrhea and constipation is normal, but it may be a cause for concern if it happens regularly.
www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-constipation
These also happen to be a common symptom of gluten intolerance.
Individuals with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten.
This damages the gut lining and leads to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in significant digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea or constipation (9Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23155333
However, gluten may also cause digestive symptoms in some people who don’t have celiac disease (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25789300/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23083989
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24440147
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224837/
More than 50% of gluten-sensitive individuals regularly experience diarrhea, while about 25% experience constipation (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
Furthermore, individuals with celiac disease may experience pale and foul-smelling feces due to poor nutrient absorption.
Frequent diarrhea can cause some major health concerns, such as loss of electrolytes, dehydration and fatigue (14Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23934653
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant people commonly experience diarrhea or constipation. Celiac disease patients may also experience pale and foul-smelling feces.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is very common and can have numerous explanations.
However, it is also the single most common symptom of an intolerance to gluten (13Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224837
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26438584
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19455131
Up to 83% of those with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating gluten (8Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15051613
BOTTOM LINE:
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of gluten intolerance, experienced by up to 83% of gluten intolerant individuals.
4. Headaches
Many people experience headaches or migraines once in a while.
Migraines are a common condition, with 10–12% of the Western population experiencing them regularly (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19289218
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644028
Interestingly, studies have shown that gluten-intolerant individuals may be more prone to migraines than others (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23126519
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11171906
If you have regular headaches or migraines without any apparent cause, you could be sensitive to gluten.
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals seem to be more prone to migraines than healthy people.
5. Feeling Tired
Feeling tired is very common and usually not linked to any disease.
However, if you constantly feel very tired, then you should explore the possibility of an underlying cause.
Gluten-intolerant individuals are very prone to fatigue and tiredness, especially after eating foods that contain gluten (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25047419
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12741468/
Studies have shown that 60–82% of gluten-intolerant individuals commonly experience tiredness and fatigue (8Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12741468/
Furthermore, gluten intolerance can also cause iron-deficiency anemia, which in turn will cause more tiredness and lack of energy (24Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21770680
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16436335
BOTTOM LINE:
Feeling extremely tired is another common symptom, affecting about 60–82% of gluten-intolerant individuals.
6. Skin Problems
Gluten intolerance can also affect your skin.
A blistering skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of celiac disease (25Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9814827
Everyone who has the disease is sensitive to gluten, but less than 10% of patients experience digestive symptoms that indicate celiac disease (25Trusted Source).
Furthermore, several other skin diseases have shown improvement while on a gluten-free diet. These include (26Trusted Source):
www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-free-diet-101
Psoriasis: An inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by scaling and reddening of the skin (27Trusted Source, 28, 29Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21654830
www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2012/952753/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14638373
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune disease that appears as non-scarring hair loss (28, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).
www.hindawi.com/journals/grp/2012/952753/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7557104
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10064678
Chronic urticaria: A skin condition characterized by recurrent, itchy, pink or red lesions with pale centers (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16609761/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16101936
BOTTOM LINE:
Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. Several other skin diseases may also improve with a gluten-free diet.
7. Depression
Depression affects about 6% of adults each year. The symptoms can be very disabling and involve feelings of hopelessness and sadness (34Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0016605/
People with digestive issues seem to be more prone to both anxiety and depression, compared to healthy individuals (35Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9840105/
This is especially common among people who have celiac disease (36Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9548616
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7134833
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8975957
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12217453
There are a few theories about how gluten intolerance can drive depression. These include (40Trusted Source):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25922675/
Abnormal serotonin levels: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that allows cells to communicate. It is commonly known as one of the “happiness” hormones. Decreased amounts of it have been linked with depression (37Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7134833
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15629698/
Gluten exorphins: These peptides are formed during the digestion of some of the gluten proteins. They may interfere with the central nervous system, which may raise the risk of depression (42Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/372181/
Changes in the gut microbiota: Increased amounts of harmful bacteria and decreased amounts of beneficial bacteria may affect the central nervous system, increasing the risk of depression (43Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21787226/
Several studies have shown that depressed individuals with self-reported gluten intolerance want to continue a gluten-free diet because they feel better, even though their digestive symptoms may not be resolved (44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24689456
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254531
That suggests that gluten exposure on its own may induce feelings of depression, irrespective to digestive symptoms.
BOTTOM LINE:
Depression is more common among individuals with gluten intolerance.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
An unexpected weight change is often a cause for concern.
Although it can stem from various reasons, unexplained weight loss is a common side effect of undiagnosed celiac disease (46Trusted Source).
www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27492679
In one study in celiac disease patients, two-thirds had lost weight in the six months leading up to their diagnosis (17Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15051613
The weight loss may be explained by a variety of digestive symptoms, coupled with poor nutrient absorption.
BOTTOM LINE:
Unexpected weight loss may be a sign of celiac disease, especially if coupled with other digestive symptoms.
9. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and accounts for anemia in 5% and 2% of American women and men, respectively (47Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21694802/
Iron deficiency causes symptoms such as low blood volume, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin and weakness (48Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0063057/
In celiac disease, nutrient absorption in the small intestine is impaired, resulting in a reduced amount of iron being absorbed from food (49Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26309349
Iron deficiency anemia may be among the first symptoms of celiac disease that your doctor notices (50Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23161292
Recent studies suggest that iron deficiency may be significant in both children and adults with celiac disease (51Trusted Source, 52Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24254265/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24841904/
BOTTOM LINE:
Celiac disease may cause poor absorption of iron from your diet, causing iron-deficiency anemia.
10. Anxiety
Anxiety may affect 3–30% of people worldwide (53Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22034470/
It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, unease and agitation. Furthermore, it often goes hand-in-hand with depression (54Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15014652/
Individuals with gluten intolerance seem to be more prone to anxiety and panic disorders than healthy individuals (39Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source, 57Trusted Source, 58Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12217453/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11346203/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18365905/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14624151/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20533598/
Additionally, a study showed that up to 40% of individuals with self-reported gluten sensitivity stated that they regularly experienced anxiety (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals seem to be more prone to anxiety than healthy individuals.
11. Autoimmune Disorders
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your digestive tract after you consume gluten (59Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23155333
Interestingly, having this autoimmune disease makes you more prone to other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease (60Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9647032
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056028/
Furthermore, autoimmune thyroid disorders may be a risk factor for developing emotional and depressive disorders (62Trusted Source, 63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8881455
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9813461
This also makes celiac disease more common in people that have other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver diseases and inflammatory bowel disease (61Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056028/
However, non-celiac gluten sensitivity has not been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies (65Trusted Source, 66Trusted Source).
BOTTOM LINE:
Individuals with autoimmune diseases like celiac disease are more likely to get other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders.
12. Joint and Muscle Pain
There are numerous reasons why people experience joint and muscle pain.
There is a theory that those with celiac disease have a genetically determined over-sensitive or over-excitable nervous system.
Therefore, they may have a lower threshold to activate sensory neurons that cause pain in muscles and joints (67Trusted Source, 68Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22447132
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11076922
Moreover, gluten exposure may cause inflammation in gluten-sensitive individuals. The inflammation may result in widespread pain, including in joints and muscles (8Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals commonly report joint and muscle pain. This is possibly due to an over-sensitive nervous system.
13. Leg or Arm Numbness
Another surprising symptom of gluten intolerance is neuropathy, which involves numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
This condition is common in individuals with diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency. It can also be caused by toxicity and alcohol consumption (69Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11859051/
However, individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity seem to be at a higher risk of experiencing arm and leg numbness, compared to healthy control groups (70Trusted Source, 71Trusted Source, 72Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12771245
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16835287/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15610706
While the exact cause is not known, some have linked this symptom to the presence of certain antibodies related to gluten intolerance (73Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16227563
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten intolerance may cause numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
14. Brain Fog
“Brain fog” refers to the feeling of being unable to think clearly.
People have described it as being forgetful, having difficulty thinking, feeling cloudy and having mental fatigue (74Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23999934/
Having a “foggy mind” is a common symptom of gluten intolerance, affecting up to 40% of gluten-intolerant individuals (8Trusted Source, 75Trusted Source, 76Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24885375/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24077239/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25922675/
This symptom may be caused by a reaction to certain antibodies in gluten, but the exact reason is unknown (77Trusted Source, 78Trusted Source).
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11971034/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26184290/
BOTTOM LINE:
Gluten-intolerant individuals may experience brain fog. It involves having difficulty thinking, mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
Take Home Message
Gluten intolerance can have numerous symptoms.
However, keep in mind that most of the symptoms on the list above may have other explanations as well.
Nevertheless, if you regularly experience some of them without an apparent cause, then you may be reacting negatively to the gluten in your diet.
In this case, you should consult with a doctor or try temporarily removing gluten from your diet to see if it helps. If you don’t already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a provider near you.
www.healthline.com/find-care/specialty/primary-care-doctors?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=in-text&utm_content=/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant&utm_k1=othernutrition&utm_text=HL_FindCare_tool