05 Jan How to Get a Gluten Intolerance Test

Gluten is a protein found in many foods, including pasta, bread, baked goods, and beer. Some people experience gluten intolerance, meaning they feel sick after eating gluten. This article will share everything about gluten intolerance and how you can get tested for this condition.

What is gluten intolerance?

The exact cause of gluten intolerance is not fully understood. Some research suggests that it occurs when a person’s body is unable to process gluten normally. Instead of being digested, gluten stays in the digestive system and ferments. Other findings suggest gluten may interact negatively with the lining of the digestive system, causing inflammation and symptoms of gluten intolerance.

Some people have an allergy to gluten which is called celiac disease. Celiac disease is different from gluten intolerance in that it causes an allergic reaction. You may also hear of gluten intolerance as being referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or NCGS.

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Brain fog

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue

These symptoms usually occur in the hours or days after you have eaten an item containing gluten.

How is gluten intolerance diagnosed?

There is no reliable gluten allergy test that is used specifically for gluten intolerance. Diagnosing gluten intolerance is usually a process of elimination.

Test for celiac disease

Celiac Disease occurs when your body has an autoimmune response when exposed to gluten. If this test returns positive, you will know your reaction to gluten is caused by celiac disease. If the results are negative, this helps rule out celiac disease as the cause.

Test for other potential causes

Because there isn’t a specific test for gluten intolerance, you may be tested for some other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms to gluten intolerance to determine a diagnosis.

These conditions include:

• Wheat allergy: A wheat allergy occurs when you have an immune response triggered by the IgE antibody. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, wheat allergies can cause other symptoms, such as sneezing and respiratory symptoms so it’s very important to get a wheat allergy test done.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: IBS is a digestive issue that causes mucus in the stool. There is also no test for IBS. If you still have digestive symptoms after cutting gluten out of your diet, you may have IBS.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: IBD can cause damage to the intestines and rectal bleeding. Your doctor can diagnose IBD by looking at the colon with an endoscope.

Start a gluten-free diet

You may need to stay on a gluten-free diet for at least six weeks and closely track your food intake and symptoms. If your symptoms subside after cutting gluten out of your diet, you likely have a gluten intolerance.

Do gluten allergy tests at home work?

At-home gluten sensitivity tests exist, but they have very low accuracy. These kits are not covered by insurance and can cost anywhere from $100-$400. Once you visit a doctor, you’ll have to undergo a secondary testing process since they will require professional diagnostics to make a diagnosis.

You can opt for a concierge medical service if you would like to be tested at home for food sensitivities and even a blood test for gluten intolerance. This allows you to have the testing done without leaving your home. A medical professional will draw any necessary blood work and perform any other testing. Once your results are available, your concierge doctor will interpret your results and recommend a treatment plan.

Final thoughts

Symptoms of gluten intolerance can be very uncomfortable. It is important to have a gluten intolerance evaluated by a trained professional because gluten intolerance symptoms are very similar to other conditions. You can visit your doctor’s office to start the process of determining what is causing your symptoms.

A concierge medical service can perform lab tests at your home to help determine what is causing your symptoms. Since DIY gluten intolerance test at home is inaccurate and expensive, relying on a professional testing service is the most accurate way to receive a diagnosis if you want to have your testing done at home.

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