Gluten

[choco]

Hi all

Does anyone else notice that gluten makes their sx worst? Also does anyone know if there's a blood or other test one can take to determine if they're allergic to or gluten sensitive?

[JerryD]

I am certain that there are lab tests for food allergies and sensitivities. I took them about 2 years ago at my 'naturopath' MD's office. He took several vials of blood to be tested and also did a series of saliva tests. If you are questioning your allergies/sensitivities, your PCP should send you to an allergy specialist. Good luck

[choco]

Thanks Jerry, I've taken food allergy tests in the past (wheat did not come up), I was just wondering if gluten was identifiable. Cheers all the same.

[MizMeesha]

There is a blood test for Celiac Disease - an autoimmune disorder wherein a person is highly sensitive to gluten in wheat products (including Rye, Graham and Spelt).

In Canada the test is about 100$.

[jerseygirl55]

From what I've read the tests are notoriously inaccurate. I just eliminated gluten completely for a month and knew I had problem with it.

[maitrimama]

There is a panel of blood tests for Celiac's Disease I think because it is an autoimmune disease not an allergy. There are some false negatives and positives but they do keep improving the tests. If Celiacs is suspected then endoscopy and small intestine biopsy are used to confirm.

Gluten intolerance and sensitivity are a different ballgame and doing an elimination diet can help you figure out if that is the problem.

If you really think you are having a problem with gluten you should do some research and find a gluten savvy g/i do tor. A good nutritionist can be a good part of the equation as well.

[ttmont416]

I work in an office that deals with gluten sensitivities and celiac disease which is the intolerance of gluten.. Have the doctor run a blood test for wheat igg, not ige.. The wheat igg tests for the a stomach sensitivity.. The wheat ige tests for skin reactions, that's what allergists usually run.. Good luck..

[JerryD]

There is a real simple way to know if you are 'sensitive' to gluten. Aside from doing a 'real' scientific blood test.
Stop eating anything that contains gluten for 2 or 3 weeks. Then you make a mental note for yourself of the way you feel, especially in your stomach and bowels.
Next thing, go back to eating the way you have been before the 2 week testing period. Take a mental note of the difference. You will feel better without the gluten, I am willing to bet on it !

[maitrimama]

An elimination diet, though helpful, may not give you the whole picture. My teenage daughter has Celiac's. She had positive bloodtests across the board and positive large & small intestine biopsies (she also has IBD). But the kicker is, for the most part she has very few digestive and/or dermatological symptoms. I think a combination of bloodwork, food journal and elimination diet are a good place to start. **Have any testing done before you eliminate gluten because once gluten is eliminated bloodtests and biopsies for Celiac's will be inaccurate**

Good luck - M