Not Every Bellyache is Celiac
You can eat gluten-containing foods and may not have symptoms and, conversely, you can have symptoms without ingesting gluten. The following items may cause GI problems that are not gluten related. • Acidic foods. Vinegars, tomato products, and citrus juices can cause reflux symptoms. • Sorbitol. It is found in medication and dietetic candy. As a non-digestible sugar, sorbitol can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. • Guar gums. These gums are used in gluten-free products and may cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. • Lactose. Before the in-*test*-('")ine has healed completely, the lactase enzyme may be deficient. Lactase is needed to break down the sugar in milk called lactose. Undigested lactose can lead to increased gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. • Food allergens. In a recent survey of the Celiac Sprue Association, over half of the members reported having additional food intolerances to foods such as milk, soy, nuts, yeast, eggs, corn, and fructose. • Flax. Flax can increase the number of bowel movements. Some things to watch for: Low fat Read labels carefully as many GF foods may be higher in fat than their gluten-containing counterpart. Weight gain After the GI tract has healed, it can now absorb all the nutrients in foods. Even though the calorie level has remained the same, this may be the cause of unintentional weight gain. Constipation/diarrhea If only processed white rice is used in replacement of wheat flour, the low fiber diet may lead to constipation. Conversely, if the fiber rich grains are added in the diet in large amounts too quickly, diarrhea can occur. Weight loss Dietary changes to eliminate gluten-containing foods may also lead to a decrease in caloric intake.
You can eat gluten-containing foods and may not have symptoms and, conversely, you can have symptoms without ingesting gluten. The following items may cause GI problems that are not gluten related. • Acidic foods. Vinegars, tomato products, and citrus juices can cause reflux symptoms. • Sorbitol. It is found in medication and dietetic candy. As a non-digestible sugar, sorbitol can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. • Guar gums. These gums are used in gluten-free products and may cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. • Lactose. Before the in-*test*-('")ine has healed completely, the lactase enzyme may be deficient. Lactase is needed to break down the sugar in milk called lactose. Undigested lactose can lead to increased gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. • Food allergens. In a recent survey of the Celiac Sprue Association, over half of the members reported having additional food intolerances to foods such as milk, soy, nuts, yeast, eggs, corn, and fructose. • Flax. Flax can increase the number of bowel movements. Some things to watch for: Low fat Read labels carefully as many GF foods may be higher in fat than their gluten-containing counterpart. Weight gain After the GI tract has healed, it can now absorb all the nutrients in foods. Even though the calorie level has remained the same, this may be the cause of unintentional weight gain. Constipation/diarrhea If only processed white rice is used in replacement of wheat flour, the low fiber diet may lead to constipation. Conversely, if the fiber rich grains are added in the diet in large amounts too quickly, diarrhea can occur. Weight loss Dietary changes to eliminate gluten-containing foods may also lead to a decrease in caloric intake.