What is the Difference Between Wheat and Gluten?
Some people suffer from allergies and
intolerances to wheat and/or gluten. These
allergies and intolerances can cause
symptoms that are fairly mild to life
threatening. But what is the difference
between wheat and gluten?
It seems that sometimes the words are used
almost interchangeably in ingredient lists and
conversations about what ails us, but there is,
in fact, a difference!
Wheat is a grain. We all know that. Gluten is
the sticky protein that is found in wheat
and other grains such as barley, rye, malt, and
- to some extent - oats. Wheat and gluten are
related - they come together in a package.
Gluten is what binds the dough in breads and
baked goods. So if wheat and gluten are not the
same thing, but are so closely related, is it
possible to have an allergy or intolerance to
one and not the other?
Well, if you’re allergic to gluten, you need to
stay away from wheat, since wheat contains
gluten. And if you’re allergic to wheat, since
gluten is part of wheat's make up, then you
probably need to avoid gluten as well. But if
you’re allergic only to wheat, you can
still enjoy other grains that have gluten in
them.
What are signs and symptoms of a wheat or gluten
allergy or intolerance? Allergic reactions to
wheat and/or gluten can include the following:
digestive disturbances such as vomiting,
diarrhea, gas, constipation and bloating, chest
pain, nausea, hives, eczema, swelling and even
anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of wheat and/or gluten intolerance can
be: digestive disturbances similar to
wheat/gluten allergy,
fatigue, irritability, skin irritations,
vomiting, heartburn and headaches.
Allergy symptoms will usually come on very
quickly after ingestion of even a small amount
of wheat or gluten. The symptoms of intolerance
may not show up at all, or be delayed.
Sometimes people with intolerances can have
small amounts of wheat or gluten with no
problem, only having issues when they eat large
amounts of the problem ingredient. Gluten
intolerance or allergy has also been tied to
autism and other behavioral disorders.
Research is currently being conducted, but
placing autistic children on a gluten-free diet
has shown positive results. Along with autism,
gluten allergies seem to cause other symptoms
that wheat allergies don’t. They include
osteoporosis, weight gain or loss, slow growth
in infants and children, and depression.
If you suspect you have a wheat or gluten
allergy or intolerance, you should consult with
your doctor and a dietician for testing and to
find out the best ways to handle your disorder.
While there’s no way to cure an allergy or
intolerance for wheat, gluten or any other type
of food, you can control the symptoms by
avoiding foods and ingredients that cause your
discomfort.
See also:
Are
You Allergic to Wheat and Gluten?
Wheat/Gluten Free Books:
