Gluten intolerance is more common than you may think, affecting about 6% of the United States population. If you’re gassy and bloated or experience frequent belly pain after eating certain grains, gluten could be the culprit behind your digestive problems.
Book an appointment today with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City, to receive a personalized diet plan that eases bothersome symptoms. Dr. Seecoomar customizes a diet that provides gastrointestinal relief.
Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between barley and rye). It’s sometimes present in oats that have been processed with other grains containing gluten. While gluten is harmless for many people, others develop digestive problems in response to eating this protein.
Consuming gluten is problematic for people with the following conditions:
Celiac disease: an autoimmune disease causing small intestinal damage in response to eating gluten.
Wheat allergy: being allergic to and having allergic reactions after eating wheat and products containing wheat
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (gluten intolerance): causes gastrointestinal irritation in response to consuming gluten
Gluten ataxia: a rare neurological autoimmune disorder causing the body to attack parts of the brain after eating gluten
Dr. Seecoomar can complete blood testing and other diagnostic tests to determine if you have a condition that negatively affects your health in response to eating gluten. He lets you know if you need to avoid this protein to experience GI symptom relief.
If you’re sensitive or intolerant to gluten, you may develop the following symptoms after eating it:
Many individuals who have gluten intolerance also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition causing gastrointestinal issues when left untreated.
If you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten and Dr. Seecooomar recommends you follow a gluten-free diet, choose from the following options:
Avoid foods and products containing gluten by steering clear of wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Look for “gluten-free” on food labels to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives in your favorite foods.
Ready to find out if you should avoid gluten? Book an appointment today with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or request an appointment online.
