Grain intolerance, also known as gluten intolerance, is a condition wherein a person shows high sensitivity to gluten. Gluten protein is commonly found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. At times, it is also present is oats. Given that, gluten is something that is ingested through grains and other grain products. When a grain intolerant person eats even a small amount of gluten, his body reacts through the immune system. The villi, a tiny hair-like projections found in the small intestine, that is responsible for absorption of nutrients from the foods that we eat, are being destroyed by the immune system. Because of that, the body will not be able to absorb any nutrients anymore, making it weak.

 

Grain intolerance is a disease which is inherited most of the time. There are no exact causes for this disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure as well. As to the development, there are no restrictions as to what age and gender. However, there are studies that claim that women are more prone to grain intolerance than men.

 

There are ways to know if a person is grain intolerant or not. Medical tests and procedures are always available in clinics and hospitals. Blood tests are performed to measure the levels of anti-bodies. However, some tests do not give accurate results. Some doctors may still need to perform biopsy and other tests on the small intestine to get conclusive results.

 

Another way of finding out if you have grain intolerance is by performing self-examination. You can try to have a gluten-free diet for a month. Observe how your body feels and how it reacts as you slowly eliminate the intake of grains and other foods that may contain gluten. If you are feeling better as you eradicate gluten in your diet, then you are most likely to be grain intolerant.

 

At times, there are no obvious symptoms to being grain intolerant. However, there can be damages or reactions internally which can lead to further illnesses and serious complications. The most common symptoms of grain intolerance are as follows:

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pains

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Spasms

• Joint pains

• Anemia

• Mouth ulcers

• Numbness

 

Grain intolerance that is not taken into consideration for a long period of time may develop complications. Because the villi, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrients, were already destroyed, the body cannot fully take in all the minerals and nutrients that it can get from the foods ingested. This malabsorption of nutrients can lead to disorders of central and peripheral nervous system. Some may experience gradual weight loss. Severe weight loss will then of course lead to malnutrition. Osteoporosis, cancer and other neurological complications can also be an effect of grain intolerance.

 

Since there is no cure for grain intolerance, it is advisable to eliminate all foods from your diet that contain gluten. Difficult as it may seem, it is the best way to stay fit while having this kind of condition. Checking out of food labels is very important every time you are in a grocery. Make sure you read all the ingredients carefully. Nowadays, there are numbers of food products that have become gluten-free. There are gluten-free breads, cereals and other food choices that are out in the market.

 

Below are the foods that contain gluten and should not be eaten by grain intolerant persons:

• All types of wheat

• Barley

• Rye

• Oats

• Graham flour

• Wheat germ

• Kamut

• Kasha

• Semolina

• Triticale

• Spelt

• Beer

• Gin

• Whiskey

• Yogurt drinks

• Cereals

• Salad dressing

• Breads

• Cereals

• Crackers

• Pasta

• Cakes

• Pies

• Egg substitutes

• Gravies

• Frozen yogurt

• Processed cheese

 

Some foods that are gluten-free, or contain harmless level of gluten that can be taken by persons who suffer from grain intolerance are:

• Corn

• Rice

• Potato

• Tapioca

• Taro

• Yam

• Bean

• Soy

• Breads made from rice, potato or tapioca

• Cereals made from rice, potato or tapioca

 

There are more gluten-free food choices in the market today. You can also check specialty stores and groceries that offer naturally derived products. These kinds of stores usually cater to consumers who are seeking certain organic foods that will accommodate their health needs. You can also ask for doctor’s recommendations as to what brand serves best.

 

A gluten-free diet will do best for people with grain intolerance so that they can prevent the reactions of gluten in their bodies. Apparently, a gluten-free diet may not sustain all the nutrient requirements of the body. Many foods are containing gluten which makes them not favorable for consumption. In order to address the gap, it is crucial to take supplements and essential vitamins that are easily absorbed by the body to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

 

On the other hand, people with grain intolerance must be careful as well not only with the foods they eat, but also with other things that may contain gluten. Gluten is sometimes used as stabilizers and thickeners to sauces and dips. More so, some cosmetics such as lipsticks, lip balms and lip glosses may contain certain amount of gluten as well. There are natural and organic cosmetics that can be bought also especially these days when most people are more inclined to organic and natural products.

 

It is not really easy to have grain intolerance. It is like a life time struggle that can break you at times. Lots of precautions must be observed at all times in order to prevent the reactions from striking. It may also limit one person’s activity from time to time. The most important thing that one should know is how to handle the condition with a positive attitude after all. If a grain intolerant person learns how to deal with all the restrictions of grain intolerance, living with it will surely be like living a normal life again.