Can gluten intolerant people eat wheat?
Quick Answer
No
People with gluten intolerance cannot eat wheat as it contains gluten, a protein that triggers a harmful immune response in these individuals.
What Is It?
Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a condition where individuals cannot tolerate gluten and experience symptoms similar to those with celiac disease yet lack the same antibodies and intestinal damage as seen in celiac disease.
How to Tell
Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headache, skin problems, depression, weight loss, and iron-deficiency anemia.
Why It Can Be Risky
Continued consumption of gluten by gluten intolerant individuals can lead to various health risks.
- Malnutrition due to malabsorption of nutrients
- Damage to the intestinal lining
- Increased risk of other autoimmune disorders
- Bone or joint pain
Safe Method?
The only effective treatment for gluten intolerance is a strict gluten-free diet.
Safe Alternatives
- Grains and starches that can be included in a gluten-free diet include corn, potatoes, rice, and quinoa.
- Instead of wheat-based bread, pasta, and cereals, people can use products made with rice, corn, and other gluten-free grains.