#8: Uncommon Signs of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance: What You Might Be Overlooking
When you think of celiac disease or gluten intolerance, what comes to mind? Stomach pain, bloating, and digestive issues, right? But what if I told you that gluten can affect your body in ways that have nothing to do with your stomach?
From brain fog and fatigue to skin rashes and joint pain, the symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease can show up in unexpected places—making them harder to recognize.
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down some of the less obvious signs of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, so you can spot the red flags you might be overlooking. Whether you're curious about your own symptoms or want to help a loved one, this episode could be the key to uncovering answers!
Let's Recap: Uncommon Signs of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
1. Why Symptoms Can Be So Different
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it can affect your entire body—not just your digestive system.
Gluten intolerance, while not autoimmune, can still cause widespread inflammation that impacts various systems.
Because these reactions affect different parts of the body, symptoms can appear in unexpected ways—often leading people to dismiss them or misdiagnose them as other issues.
2. Uncommon Signs of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating 🧠💭
Feeling like your mind is in a fog? Trouble focusing or remembering things?
Gluten can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to cognitive issues often misdiagnosed as ADHD, anxiety, or just “being tired.”
Fatigue and Low Energy Levels 😴
Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep, can be a sign of malabsorption—when your body isn’t absorbing nutrients due to damage in the small intestine.
Many people with celiac disease are low in iron, B vitamins, and magnesium, which contributes to exhaustion.
Skin Rashes and Itchy Skin 🧴🔥
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition caused by celiac disease, characterized by itchy, blistering rashes that often appear on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
Even without this condition, gluten intolerance can cause red, dry, or itchy patches that mimic eczema.
Joint Pain and Muscle Aches 💪
Inflammation triggered by gluten can cause joint and muscle pain, often resembling arthritis.
If you have stiffness or swelling without a clear injury, gluten could be a hidden factor.
Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Depression 🧠❤️
Gluten can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, contributing to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Studies show a higher prevalence of mental health issues in people with undiagnosed celiac disease.
Hormonal Imbalances 🩸
Gluten can impact hormone levels, especially in women, leading to:
Irregular periods
Severe PMS
Infertility or difficulty conceiving
In men, gluten-related inflammation can sometimes affect testosterone levels and overall energy.
Headaches and Migraines 🤕
Frequent headaches or migraines—especially those that seem to have no clear trigger—can sometimes be linked to gluten consumption.
Removing gluten has helped many people reduce or eliminate their chronic headaches.
Numbness and Tingling (Neuropathy) ⚡
Some people with celiac disease experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in their hands and feet.
This is due to nerve damage caused by prolonged inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia 🩸
If you’re constantly tired, pale, or short of breath, iron-deficiency anemia could be to blame.
In celiac disease, damage to the intestines prevents the absorption of iron and other nutrients, leading to anemia that doesn’t improve with supplements.
Dental Problems 🦷
We rarely think of our teeth when considering gluten, but weak enamel, frequent cavities, and mouth ulcers can all be signs of celiac disease.
This is due to malabsorption of calcium and other minerals essential for dental health.
3. Why These Symptoms are Often Missed
Many of these symptoms are common in other health conditions, which can lead doctors to overlook gluten as the culprit.
People often see multiple specialists—neurologists, dermatologists, therapists—without connecting the dots.
Unfortunately, this can delay diagnosis for years, leading to more severe complications over time.
4. What to do if you Suspect Gluten is the Cause
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, don’t ignore them.
Talk to your doctor about testing for celiac disease, but remember—you need to be actively eating gluten for tests to be accurate.
If tests come back negative but you still feel better without gluten, you may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity—which is just as real and worth addressing.
Gluten doesn’t just affect your stomach—it can impact your brain, skin, hormones, and more. If you’re struggling with symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause, gluten could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and don’t stop looking for answers until you feel your best. You deserve to live a life free from the symptoms holding you back!
