The answer to this question can be different for different people. Gluten is often times referred to as a “medical hydra“. Why? Because gluten can cause a variety of problems. The classic thought, even in medicine today, is that gluten induced damage is isolated to the GI tract. This long standing misconception is problematic for many patients because it can delay a gluten sensitivity diagnosis for years.
Many doctors will not even consider gluten in the absence of gut issues even though research has found that extra-intestinal (symptoms outside of the gut) manifestations of gluten are extremely common. Understanding this, it is important to seek out a doctor with a level of clinical expertise above and beyond traditional medical training. (Gluten Free Society is accumulating a list of health care providers here <<<). In the following video, I break down several of the common symptoms of gluten sensitivity:
Below, I have comprised a list of symptoms of gluten related disorders along with links to research on the associations. It is important to remember that gluten can contribute to and cause a multitude of symptoms, but it is also important to note that gluten should not be considered a “cure all”. Though gluten can contribute to the symptoms and diseases on the list below, so too can other environmental factors. All that being said, let’s dive into some of the most common diseases and symptoms of gluten sensitivity…
Gluten Sensitivity & Brain/Neurological Disease
A number of research studies have linked gluten exposure to brain and neurological dysfunction. Some researchers believe that nerve damage caused by gluten is more common that celiac disease. Some of these conditions and symptoms include (follow the links to learn more):
I wrote an entire book on the topic (No Grain No Pain). Contrary to popular belief, joint and muscle pain are not directly linked to aging. Many chronic pain sufferers make full recoveries after going gluten free. Some common muscle and joint conditions and symptoms linked to gluten exposure are:
Treating the Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity With Drugs
As stated above, one of the biggest problems in medicine today is that physicians typically lack the knowledge of gluten induced problems outside of celiac disease. They are not trained to fully understand the symptoms of gluten sensitivity. This lack of knowledge typically leads to the broad application of using medicines to treat symptoms – i.e.
Immune suppressing drugs in the case of autoimmune diseases like lupus and RA.
Headache medications
Anti acids to treat GERD
Antibiotics to treat skin inflammation
Hormones to treat diabetes, thyroid problems, PMS or PMDD, infertility, PCOS, etc
This approach is dangerous for several reasons. Using medicine to mask symptoms does not lead to resolution of the problem. However; masking the symptoms leads to a complacent patient while allowing the underlying damage to continue. In essence the disease process goes unchecked leading to future complications. Using medications can lead to drug induced nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies end up causing a whole new set of problems that lead to the use of even more medications. Using medications comes with the potential of creating “side effects” that either cause additional problems, or lead to adding even more medication to “treat the side effects”.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found traditional medical care to be the third leading cause of death in the US!
Bottom line – Now that you have a better understanding of the diverse symptoms of gluten sensitivity, take action. If you suspect gluten may be playing a role in your health condition, go grain free. You can take this free simple quiz to help you figure this out. There is no human requirement for grain. There is no danger of malnutrition when following a grain free diet. Contrary to what you may have heard from doctors or nutritionists, a grain free diet is completely safe to follow… and it might just save your life.
Now do me a favor – If you have already gone grain free and experienced a dramatic health improvement, share your story below in the comments.
Always looking out for you,
Dr. Osborne – The Gluten Free Warrior
Written by Dr. Peter Osborne Updated on May 19, 2016
12 Responses
When I went through menopause, I gained 60 lbs over several years. When I decided to reduce my gluten, I slowly over several years lost 30 of it but when I went all the way, I lost 10 more then paleo went 10 more & now keto lost 10 more. I am now back down to where I was 10 years ago & feeling great.
Jacqueline,
Love to hear that you have found answers to your health issues through the power of diet change!
Thanks for sharing your story!
All the best,
Dr. O
I have been trying to get my brothers to go GF but it falls on deaf ears. Two brothers developed seizures and schizophrenia both are deceased both ate the SAD diet. I have 3 brothers left and would like to help them but don’t know how especially when they see I’m not getting better. Its too complicated to explain to them since I have gone over the edge and it will take years for me to recover but they can prevent their future problems by avoiding grains so they don’t have to go through my same experience. I signed up to be your patient but the appointment won’t be until May of 2017
Hi Susan,
Sorry to hear of your family story. While you are waiting to get in, I would greatly encourage you to read No Grain, No Pain (if you haven’t already)
All the best,
Dr. O
When you say a grain free diet what does that mean can you explain what I shouldn’t eat? I am in constant stomach pain and i need to be more aware of what not to eat please
I have had too many symptoms to even mention, but by losing grains all together along with throwing out sugars and diving into vegetables and real foods , I no longer suffer with fibromyalgia and the painful arthritis I have had for over 2 decades, I am now 50 and am feeling better than I did in my 30’s! I have more energy and am maintaining a good weight at 5’2. I’m off of all meds and don’t visit the doctors every time I turn around! Natural is the way for me and that’s how I will stay! Don’t give up!!!! That’s what I can say to anyone suffering out there!!!! This lifestyle has been so deeply life hanging for me that I have decided to further my education and become a health coach!!!! Thanks to great people fighting for people’s true health like dr Osbourne we can help our bodies heal!!!!!
Started GF 5 days ago. Biggest change so far is having very large BM’s – at least 2 a day. It is not diarreha. I am working through cravings. I do feel better too.
I was overweight and unhealthy for years, I had my first colonoscopy and it was really a bad outcome due to my unhealthy lifestyle plus I was given pills, pills and more pills for my stomach And other body aches and other health issues nothing was working.
I had a friend introduce me to a gluten free lifestyle, And I lost 60 lbs and feel so much better and healthier.
I also threw away all those pills too.
At my second colonoscopy , it was perfect and my doctor was so happy with my weight loss, I don’t have to go back for 10 years.
I really do feel better and I’m making better food choices and creating longevity. Going gluten free was the best decision.
No Grain No Pain book [& Glutenfree Society website] made huge difference in gluten-free trekking, clarifying which substances are truly free of gluten [as opposed to most info sources which include substances most believe are free of gluten but are not]….Currently waiting for genetic test results. Much gratitude to Dr. Osborne.
the most common diseases and symptoms of gluten sensitivity…
This approach is dangerous for several reasons. Using medicine to mask symptoms does not lead to resolution of the problem. However; masking the symptoms leads to a complacent patient while allowing the underlying damage to continue. In essence the disease process goes unchecked leading to future complications. Using medications can lead to drug induced nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies end up causing a whole new set of problems that lead to the use of even more medications. Using medications comes with the potential of creating “side effects” that either cause additional problems, or lead to adding even more medication to “treat the side effects”.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found traditional medical care to be the third leading cause of death in the US!
Bottom line – Now that you have a better understanding of the diverse symptoms of gluten sensitivity, take action. If you suspect gluten may be playing a role in your health condition, go grain free. You can take this free simple quiz to help you figure this out. There is no human requirement for grain. There is no danger of malnutrition when following a grain free diet. Contrary to what you may have heard from doctors or nutritionists, a grain free diet is completely safe to follow… and it might just save your life.
Now do me a favor – If you have already gone grain free and experienced a dramatic health improvement, share your story below in the comments.
Always looking out for you,
Dr. Osborne – The Gluten Free Warrior
12 Responses
When I went through menopause, I gained 60 lbs over several years. When I decided to reduce my gluten, I slowly over several years lost 30 of it but when I went all the way, I lost 10 more then paleo went 10 more & now keto lost 10 more. I am now back down to where I was 10 years ago & feeling great.
Jacqueline,
Love to hear that you have found answers to your health issues through the power of diet change!
Thanks for sharing your story!
All the best,
Dr. O
I have been trying to get my brothers to go GF but it falls on deaf ears. Two brothers developed seizures and schizophrenia both are deceased both ate the SAD diet. I have 3 brothers left and would like to help them but don’t know how especially when they see I’m not getting better. Its too complicated to explain to them since I have gone over the edge and it will take years for me to recover but they can prevent their future problems by avoiding grains so they don’t have to go through my same experience. I signed up to be your patient but the appointment won’t be until May of 2017
Hi Susan,
Sorry to hear of your family story. While you are waiting to get in, I would greatly encourage you to read No Grain, No Pain (if you haven’t already)
All the best,
Dr. O
When you say a grain free diet what does that mean can you explain what I shouldn’t eat? I am in constant stomach pain and i need to be more aware of what not to eat please
I have had too many symptoms to even mention, but by losing grains all together along with throwing out sugars and diving into vegetables and real foods , I no longer suffer with fibromyalgia and the painful arthritis I have had for over 2 decades, I am now 50 and am feeling better than I did in my 30’s! I have more energy and am maintaining a good weight at 5’2. I’m off of all meds and don’t visit the doctors every time I turn around! Natural is the way for me and that’s how I will stay! Don’t give up!!!! That’s what I can say to anyone suffering out there!!!! This lifestyle has been so deeply life hanging for me that I have decided to further my education and become a health coach!!!! Thanks to great people fighting for people’s true health like dr Osbourne we can help our bodies heal!!!!!
Awesome Leslie!
Thanks for sharing your story with us!
All the best,
Dr. Osborne
Started GF 5 days ago. Biggest change so far is having very large BM’s – at least 2 a day. It is not diarreha. I am working through cravings. I do feel better too.
Can I check gluten sensitivity through some test of hours please? Could gluten be leading to anxiety?
Caroline,
The best way to check for gluten sensitivity is genetic testing. Go here to learn more – https://env-gfsociety-staging.kinsta.cloud/genetic-testing-for-gluten-sensitivity/
All the best,
Dr. Osborne
I was overweight and unhealthy for years, I had my first colonoscopy and it was really a bad outcome due to my unhealthy lifestyle plus I was given pills, pills and more pills for my stomach And other body aches and other health issues nothing was working.
I had a friend introduce me to a gluten free lifestyle, And I lost 60 lbs and feel so much better and healthier.
I also threw away all those pills too.
At my second colonoscopy , it was perfect and my doctor was so happy with my weight loss, I don’t have to go back for 10 years.
I really do feel better and I’m making better food choices and creating longevity. Going gluten free was the best decision.
No Grain No Pain book [& Glutenfree Society website] made huge difference in gluten-free trekking, clarifying which substances are truly free of gluten [as opposed to most info sources which include substances most believe are free of gluten but are not]….Currently waiting for genetic test results. Much gratitude to Dr. Osborne.