What does a wheat allergy mean?
Wheat allergy occurs when there is an allergic reaction to gluten (the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats). Gluten refers to a group of proteins that are difficult for humans to digest.
Gluten causes damage to the intestinal lining by eroding the villi and microvilli essential for digestion and absorption processes. Once an immune response has been initiated, inflammatory reactions can cause a whole host of wheat allergy symptoms. A gluten/wheat allergy may not always be a severe frequent reaction but can result in many digestive symptoms – flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, pain, etc. – and may aggravate a host of other symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Anxiety
- Cramps
Wheat is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than any other grain. Modern wheat has been developed to contain higher gluten levels for the manufacture of bread and other products, and our digestive systems were not designed to cope with the indigestible proteins. Some people with a wheat allergy find they can tolerate oats, however it is important to note that oats are often processed and stored alongside other grains.
