Complete Guide on Food Sensitivity Testing for Gluten & Celiac Diets

Understanding Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Gluten sensitivity ranges from mild gluten intolerance to full-blown celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body mounts an attack on the small intestine when gluten is ingested. This attack causes damage to the intestinal villi, small finger-like projections that aid in nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance & Celiac

Symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease can include:

• Diarrhea, constipation, bloating or gas
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Headaches or fatigue after eating gluten
• Joint pain
• Rashes or skin issues like eczema
• Anemia and related issues

Getting Tested for Gluten Sensitivity

Since symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease can often be subtle, its important to get tested if you suspect an issue. Getting tested can identify if you have celiac disease versus a gluten intolerance. This helps determine the severity of your condition so you can take appropriate steps in your diet.

Food Sensitivity Testing Options

If you think you may suffer from a food sensitivity like gluten intolerance, there are a few different testing options available. These can help identify which foods you may need to avoid or limit in your diet.

Blood Testing

A simple blood test can check for IgG antibodies to different foods. High levels of IgG antibodies indicate your body mounts a response when you eat those foods. Blood testing offers a non-invasive option to get an overview of foods potentially contributing to sensitivities.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick food sensitivity testing checks for IgE antibodies on the skins surface which are released when you eat problem foods. A small amount of extract from different foods is placed on the skin, then gently pricked with a needle. If a raised, itchy white bump appears, it may signify a food sensitivity.

Elimination Diets

Eliminating suspect foods from your diet, then slowly reintroducing them one at a time can help reveal sensitivities. Keeping a food and symptom journal while eliminating potential trigger foods for 4-6 weeks can help pinpoint issues when reintroducing foods.

Getting Tested for Celiac Disease

If you suspect you may suffer from celiac disease instead of just gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy, specific medical tests can confirm it. Since celiac disease causes intestinal damage, diagnosing it is important to institute a strictly gluten-free diet to allow healing.

Blood Tests

Serological blood tests check for higher levels of antibodies present in celiac disease: transglutaminase (tTGA), endmysial (EMA) and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) antibodies. If these antibody levels are elevated, it signifies your immune system attacks itself when you eat gluten.

Intestinal Biopsies

During a gastroduodenoscopy procedure, a tiny tissue sample is taken from the small intestines. A pathologist checks this for damaged villi and inflammation markers of celiac disease. This intestinal biopsy provides definitive diagnosis, assessing damage to visualize effects of gluten.

Genetic Testing

Since celiac disease runs in families, genetic markers like HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes can indicate higher risk. Almost all with celiac test positive for these genes. While not definitive, gene testing provides supporting data if celiac is suspected.

Foods to Eat & Avoid with Celiac Disease

After being diagnosed with celiac disease, switching to a strict gluten-free diet is essential to manage it. This means avoiding all foods and products containing wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats.

Foods to Enjoy

Many nutritious gluten-free foods can still be enjoyed on a celiac-friendly diet, including:

• Meat, fish, poultry, eggs
• Milk, cheese, yogurt
• Rice, quinoa, buckwheat, corn
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Beans, seeds, nuts, nut butters
• Gluten-free oats

Foods to Avoid

Those with celiac disease need to avoid all sources of gluten. Watch for hidden sources like soy sauce and dressings too. Unsafe foods include:

• Bread, baked goods, doughs with wheat/rye/barley
• Pasta, cereals containing gluten grains
• Beer and grain-based alcohol
• Wheat-based soy sauce or thickened sauces
• Fried foods cooked in wheat-dusted oil

Reading Food Labels

Carefully reading ingredient labels is mandatory for all packaged food to avoid hidden sources of gluten. Look for gluten free labels for safer choices. Oats should specifically state gluten-free as well, even though oats themselves do not contain gluten.

A dietician well-versed in the gluten-free diet can provide immense help identifying suitable foods to eat and unsafe items to avoid. They also guide you on any supplementation needed if dietary deficiencies are present.

Dealing with Nutrient & Vitamin Deficiencies

Since celiac disease causes malabsorption and intestine damage, multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies often occur. Getting bloodwork done after diagnosis provides vital data on any deficiencies present to address.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies

Some of the main nutritional deficiencies with celiac disease involve:

• Iron - Essential for oxygen transport and energy. Low iron causes fatigue, pale skin, weakness.
• Calcium - Needed for bone strength and nerve/muscle function. Low calcium increases fracture risk later in life.
• Magnesium - Supports muscle, nerve and enzyme function. Low levels cause muscle cramps and fatigue.
• B12 - Essential for nerve health and energy metabolism. Deficiency causes neurological issues.
• Folate - Vital for new cell production and replication. Low levels cause anemia and fatigue.

Supplements & Dietary Sources

Getting enough vitamin, mineral and nutrient-rich whole food sources can help restore levels. Some good gluten-free options include:

• Iron Red meats, pumpkin/squash seeds, lentils, cashews
• Calcium Yogurt, milk, cheese, fortified juice, spinach
• Magnesium Nuts, seeds, legumes, avocado, dark green veggies
• B12 Eggs, fish, poultry, fortified non-dairy milk
• Folate Lentils, black beans, avocado, broccoli, oranges

If blood levels remain very low despite a good gluten-free diet, additional supplements may be advised under medical supervision to restore levels.

Finding Gluten-Free Restaurants, Snacks & Meals

Sticking to the strict gluten-free diet needed to manage celiac disease is incredibly challenging. Accidental exposure remains common when eating out at restaurants or getting takeout food. Things as small as using the same frying oil can contaminate a meal.

Helpful Tips

Some suggestions to stick to the gluten restriction outside the home include:

• Research restaurant menus online first and call ahead asking about prep methods.
• Explain the severity of allergy to waitstaff to take utmost precautions.
• Avoid fried items cooked in shared oil with breaded foods.
• Request a manager or chef come speak to you directly.
• Bring your own snacks or food as a backup if uncertain.

Gluten-Free Snacks

Snacking can be another challenge, as so many snack bars contain hidden gluten sources. Some simple grab-and-go snacks you can keep on hand include:

• Fresh fruits like bananas, oranges, grapes, sliced apples
• Veggies with bean dip or hummus
• Trail mixes of nuts, seeds, dried fruit
• Popcorn (ensure no wheat-based toppings)
• Corn tortilla chips with salsa

Having an arsenal of simple snacks makes resisting temptation easier when youre on the run or needing something quick.

Emotional & Lifestyle Adjustments with Celiac

Adapting to a completely gluten-free life creates immense emotional, social and lifestyle adjustments for newly diagnosed celiac patients. From tied emotions of favorite comfort foods to hassles eating out, it impacts nearly all areas of life.

Seeking Social Support

Support groups, forums and friends in your shoes can help cope with celiac diseases impacts:

• Local celiac or gluten intolerance support groups
• Online forums connecting thousands with celiac
• Apps to easily view gluten-free menus, food lists etc.
• Friends who truly understand the severity of cross-contamination

Letting Go of Past Food Relationships

One huge emotional adjustment is releasing attachments to favorite foods now off-limits. Whether pizza, baked goods, pasta or beer, letting go of past food relationships can bring grief. Allowing yourself to mourn these losses helps acceptance of the new reality necessary for your health.

Going Gluten-Free for Celiac Disease with Ease

At times an emotional rollercoaster, but going gluten-free is essential if diagnosed with celiac disease. Arm yourself with knowledge of suitable foods, accidental exposures and hidden sources to master it. Get bloodwork periodically checked for vitamin deficiencies, and seek peer support when needed. Despite obstacles, living a gluten-free life with celiac achieves better health, renewed energy and reduced symptoms when maintained diligently.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.