Wheat intolerance: Difference between gluten or wheat sensitivity, wheat allergy and coeliac disease
A wheat allergy is not the same as gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. The latter is an autoimmune disease of the gastrointestinal tract in which the body reacts to gluten with antibodies. Wheat allergy sufferers, on the other hand, react to the proteins contained in the grain. When ingested with food, these proteins can cause wheat sensitivity and thus allergic reactions.
Typical symptoms include gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating or nausea. However, other physical reactions such as headaches, tiredness or even muscle complaints can also occur with wheat sensitivity.
- Coeliac disease: In coeliac disease, the immune system defends itself against the gluten contained in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and spelt.
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, weight loss, lack of strength. - Wheat allergy: A wheat allergy is an overreaction of the immune system.
Symptoms: headaches, shortness of breath, vomiting, skin rash, gastrointestinal complaints, listlessness. - Wheat sensitivity: Wheat sensitivity is an intolerance to wheat components that is probably not triggered by the gluten contained in the grain. It is also referred to as "non-celiac disease-non-wheat allergy-wheat intolerance".
Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain.
Wheat intolerance as a cause of irritable bowel syndrome
Similar to wheat intolerance, cramps, nausea, diarrhea and a feeling of fullness are among the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This is not surprising, as one third of those affected by irritable bowel syndrome suffer from wheat intolerance. Avoiding wheat can often alleviate symptoms after just a few weeks. In general, the so-called FODMAP diet can help irritable bowel syndrome patients.
Have wheat intolerance tested
The first step is to follow the exclusion principle by avoiding wheat products in order to rule out the possibility of coeliac disease and wheat allergy as a diagnosis. A food diary can be helpful for the examination so that a doctor can later gain a comprehensive impression of the clinical picture. If the symptoms subside, this may indicate gluten or wheat sensitivity as a possible cause of the symptoms.
Wheat intolerance can also be diagnosed with a skin or blood test for specific IgE antibodies by an allergist. Those affected should replace wheat with alternative products and remove it from their diet if possible.
These foods may contain wheat
It is obvious that some foods contain wheat. Other foods containing wheat are not always so easy to spot. You should therefore always ask before eating or study the ingredients on the packaging to ensure that they do not trigger any symptoms.
- Rolls, bread and other baked goods
- Cookies and cakes
- muesli
- pasta
- pizza
- Pudding powder
- Breaded meat or fish with breading
- Ready-made sauces
- Baking powder
- Couscous and bulgur
- Packaged grated parmesan
- Cereal shakes
- Sliced sausage
- sweets
- chewing gum
- many ready meals
- dumplings
- cake icing
- cream stiffener
- nut nougat cream
Wheat alternatives for allergy sufferers
Whether in bread, cakes, cookies or even sausage - wheat is one of the most common and most frequently processed grains in food. However, it is not considered to be the healthiest and is increasingly affecting not only allergy sufferers but also healthy people with intolerance reactions. Weight gain with wheat intolerance cannot be ruled out. However, those affected can fall back on alternatives.
Avoiding wheat: 5 alternatives for the diet
- Rye: Like wheat, rye is a type of grain from the sweet grass family. However, with more fiber and a higher mineral content, it is a healthy alternative to wheat.
- Amaranth: Amaranth is not actually a grain and is therefore a great alternative if you are allergic to wheat. The millet-like wonder grain of the Incas is one of the oldest plants cultivated by humans and scores with numerous nutrients and vital substances. It is also completely gluten-free.
- Oats: Rich in valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals, oats are probably one of the healthiest types of grain. The advantage: in contrast to wheat, which contains more insoluble fiber, oats contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. The latter can lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Recipe tip: Hot breakfast - three delicious variations with oats
- Quinoa : Quinoa has been called a superfood for some time now, and not without good reason. The power grains contain all nine amino acids, magnesium and vitamin B2.
- Millet: Millet is also a good alternative to wheat for people with gluten intolerance. Millet flour is also very suitable for baking.
Can you eat spelt if you are intolerant to wheat?
People who suffer from an intolerance to wheat sometimes wonder whether spelt products are better tolerated instead. However, it is better to stay away from spelt, as it is also a type of wheat. What many people don't know: Spelt is an original form of wheat, which is why it can also trigger allergies and other accompanying symptoms of wheat intolerance.
Wheat pasta: The best alternatives
If you suffer from a wheat intolerance, you don't have to give up pasta. Instead of products containing wheat, simply use vegetable pasta, also known as zoodles. Delicious vegetable noodles can be conjured up from zucchinis, sweet potatoes or carrots, which are also much healthier than wheat noodles. Wholegrain rice noodles are also a good alternative to pasta, as they are gluten-free and wheat-free. There is a well-rated product here.
Wheat intolerance and weight gain: what is the connection?
Wheat intolerance alone does not cause you to put on weight - but the change in diet can initially lead to weight gain. This is because gluten-free breads in particular are often drier - the consistency without gluten is also often crumbly. In many cases, more butter is used. The types of flour also often contain less fiber, so you eat more to get full. However, it is possible that the mucous membrane of the small intestine is so damaged by coeliac disease that important nutrients can no longer be sufficiently absorbed. By changing your diet, however, the intestines can recover. However, you should remain in discussion with your doctor.
Can I drink beer if I have a wheat intolerance?
Have a nice wheat beer now! Don't worry, you can have a beer - but it should be gluten-free. With a wheat intolerance, it makes no difference whether the food is solid or liquid: The intolerance remains the same! So you don't have to miss out on enjoying a cool beer, because the following manufacturers, among others, offer gluten-free beer that you can order directly here: