Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance – What is the difference?

Have you ever heard of individuals having a gluten intolerance or celiac disease and wondered what that means or what’s the difference?

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein found in some foods we eat. Foods that contain gluten are wheat, rye, oats, and barley.

What is the difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to your small intestine when you eat gluten, and this condition can run in families.

Gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder, and it doesn’t cause damage to your small intestine. It instead can cause some uncomfortable gastrointestinal issues shortly after eating foods that contain gluten.

The two conditions can often be confused with each other due to their very similar symptoms which include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Celiac disease may cause some nutrient deficiencies due to the damage that gluten has on your small intestine. Our small intestine helps to absorb the nutrients that we get from the food we eat, and when that area is damaged, we can have trouble absorbing those nutrients. Gluten intolerance may have some of the same symptoms as celiac disease, but it does not lead to nutrient deficiencies.

What to learn more or have questions?

Book a free discovery call or make an appointment with one of our Dietitians! We would love to help you or a loved one navigate through either of these conditions while making food enjoyable. Call or text us at 951-365-7193.