Last Updated on April 26, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: can gluten intolerance go away? And taking a look at whether it’s possible to ever recover or be “cured” from gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity. When you first receive your diagnosis, your first thought will likely be, “will this ever go away?” – I know mine was. But can it really happen? Or is this the way you’ll live the rest of your life now? Let’s take a look.
What Is Gluten?
You’ll likely have heard the name, “gluten”, but what actually is it? Gluten is the protein found in many types of cereal grains. You’ll likely know gluten better by the grains that contain gluten. These cereal grains are barley, rye, wheat, oats (unless gluten-free oats), and spelt to name a few.
Gluten helps to provide texture and aids foods in holding their shape. While it holds no nutrients that you need in your diet, gluten grains can be found in many everyday foods. You can find gluten in foods such as cereal, bread, pasta, pizza, and baked goods.
What Is Gluten Intolerance?
To put it simply, gluten intolerance is when your body can not tolerate the consumption of gluten. Your symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how sensitive your body is to the protein. It is a fairly common intolerance, but one that can be life-altering. Gluten intolerance can occur at any time in your life. I always assumed it was like an allergy and something you always had. However, I was in my mid-twenties when my symptoms started.
Signs Of Gluten Intolerance
There are many signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect you have gluten intolerance. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- smelly feces
- fatigue
- skin reactions (celiac only)
- depression
- anxiety
- anemia (celiac only)
- unexplained weight loss
- bloating
- gas
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- brain fog
You can find out more information on the signs and symptoms here.
What Is The Difference Between Gluten Intolerance and Celiac?
It may not seem as though there’s a difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease; however, they are far from the same condition. While they usually manifest with the same symptoms, gluten intolerance is often seen as just one of the symptoms of the celiac disease itself.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, celiac disease can cause major damage to your small intestine, which may be irreversible if left long enough. Non-celiac gluten intolerance, while debilitating, will not cause any lasting damage to your internal organs and is unlikely to cause deficiencies and skin conditions.
Learn more about Gluten Intolerances and Acne: Fact Or Fiction?
How Is Gluten Intolerance Diagnosed?
Gluten intolerance can be diagnosed in a range of ways, and it all depends on whether you’re celiac or have non-celiac gluten intolerance. For a celiac diagnosis, if you’re still consuming gluten, you can either have a simple blood test – which is usually enough. However, if not, you can also have a colonoscopy, which is a procedure whereby you have an intestinal biopsy.
If you suspect you have non-celiac gluten intolerance, simply removing gluten from your diet is usually a quick way to diagnose yourself. Symptoms will usually markedly improve within a week or so if you are gluten intolerant.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped to answer the question: can gluten intolerance go away? The truth is, it varies entirely for everyone. If you have celiac disease, you absolutely must stick to a gluten-free diet so as not to cause further damage to your internal organs. But if you have non-celiac gluten intolerance, it’s sometimes possible to introduce gluten to your diet again gradually. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure to allow us to enjoy gluten again.
Have you made a recovery from non-celiac gluten intolerance? Do you have any tips or tricks on how to introduce gluten back to your diet gradually? If so, please feel free to share your stories in the comments below; you may be helping out other gluten-intolerant individuals. Sharing is caring!
Learn more about: Gluten and Dairy Intolerance Connection: Is There One?
FAQs
Can Gluten Intolerance Be Cured?
The truth is, it depends on which form of gluten intolerance you have. If you have celiac disease, you will need to follow a gluten free diet for the rest of your life, regardless of the severity. Continuing to consume gluten when you have celiac disease can be life threatening - and there is no cure currently; although there are many studies taking place, so who knows what the future holds. If you have non-celiac gluten intolerance, there is no "cure" as such, but there is a chance of recovery. While there is no cure for gluten intolerance, removing gluten from your diet will relieve all of the symptoms you may currently be experience, and you'll notice a marked improvement to your life. Your physical symptoms can improve in a matter of days, whereas your gut may take several months to heal; depending on how long the disease has been left untreated.
Can You Recover From Gluten Sensitivity?
It's important to note that gluten sensitivity is not celiac disease, and you should not try this if you have celiac disease. However, if you have non-celiac gluten intolerance, studies have shown that after a few years of following a gluten free diet, you may be able to re-introduce gluten to your diet and slowly rebuild your tolerance to gluten. This doesn't work for everybody, and some people's symptoms are so debilitating that it's simply not worth the risk of trying (which I completely understand).
How Can I Reduce My Gluten Sensitivity?
In all honesty, there is nothing you can do to reduce gluten sensitivity. If you've accidentally eaten gluten, tablets such as EatEnjoy Glutalytic gluten enzyme pills can help aid the digestion of gluten. However, these are not to be consumed so you can eat gluten - it's simply to help recovery if there's been accidental consumption. Apple cider vinegar and peppermint tea are also lifesavers when it comes to recovering from gluten sensitivity. When consuming gluten after a period of living gluten free, it can be really tiring - so rest is always the best medicine, and the quickest way to recovery.
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
