There are about 250 documented symptoms associated with “gluten intolerance”. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Digestive- gas, bloating, reflux, abdominal pain, constipation
• Skin-rashes
• Nervous System-fatigue, anxiety/depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, joint pain, fibromyalgia
• Immune System-autoimmune thyroid problems, lupus, chronic sinus infections, colds, anemia
• Failure to thrive in kids and weight loss in adults
• Infertility

When addressing health issues related to gluten reactions, it’s important to identify whether the problem is celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy. Although symptoms of each of these can be similar, distinguishing which condition is present will allow a better treatment response.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder diagnosed using blood tests for anti-tissue antibodies (ETGA and EMA). A positive test will show high antibody levels. If levels are normal, the doctor may order a small intestine biopsy to completely rule in or out celiac.
Wheat allergy can be tested using blood tests or skin prick allergy testing. A true wheat allergy causes a histamine response, which is not an autoimmune disorder like celiac.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (or any food sensitivity) can’t be detected using skin allergy testing and blood tests can show a negative result when a sensitivity exists. An innovative way to find a gluten sensitivity is using manual muscle testing (MMT) or electrodermal screening (EDS). In MMT, the person holds a vial containing gluten, and if this causes weakness to a strong muscle, it indicates a sensitivity is present. Nutrition Response TestingSM is an example of MMT. In EDS, a device is used to measure electrical resistance at acupuncture points. When a substance such as gluten is placed in the circuit, it causes an abnormal reading at the measured point, indicating a sensitivity is present. The MMT or EDS result is confirmed by avoidance of gluten containing products and subsequent elimination of gluten related symptoms.

Once the type of sensitivity or allergy is determined, a treatment protocol can be followed which usually includes avoiding that food, and the person will be on the road to better health.

Dr. Brian Walsh is a chiropractic physician and owner of CARE Chiropractic & Wellness Center in West Melbourne, where he and Dr. Michele Munnich use Nutrition Response TestingSM in analyzing their patients for food sensitivities and other health issues. They offer chiropractic care, designed clinical nutrition, and lifestyle management to help others achieve vibrant health. For more information call 321-728-1387 or visit www.drwalshcares.com.