NCGS vs Celiac Disease
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity has it similarities to Celiac disease but it is different in ways that really matter.
The Ways They Are The Same
Much like in celiac disease, gluten can cause inflammation and pain in someone suffering from Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), however, the inflammation does not cause an immune system response and cause the damage that celiac does. Many people with NCGS self-diagnose themselves by trying a gluten-free diet and finding relief.
Symptoms:
Bloating Constipation
Nausea Acid-Reflux
Diarrhea Mouth Ulcers
Abdominal pain Skin rashes
Brain fog Numbness
Fatigue Joint pains
Headache
Diagnosis
NCGS is diagnosed after ruling out other gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten ataxia.
Celiac disease is diagnosed when antibodies are elevated in blood tests and with an endoscopy showing vili and intestinal damage. With NCGS antibodies are not present nor is intestinal damage aside from inflammation.
Celiac disease also has a genetic component, Celiac is very prominent in 1st degree relatives (example: parents, siblings and children), where NCGS does not carry through genes.
Treatment:
Treating NCGS is to go on a Gluten-free diet. Doctors will recommend that a patient diagnosed with NCGS should see a Nutrition specialist for guidance with a gluten-free diet. There are many hidden sources of gluten that many people are not aware of, such as in medications, personal care products, and soy sauce!
Healing the inflammation with a “Leaky Gut” protocol would also be helpful to achieving optimal healing and wellness. Gut healing bone broth, soothing aloe vera, restoring healthy bacteria with probiotic fermented foods or supplements, would all be included in this plan.
A Low-FODMAP diet could also be beneficial to someone with NCGS. There has not been conclusive research on NCGS but it is suspected that people with NCGS may be intolerant to the FODMAP’s found in gluten containing grains. FODMAP stands for Fermented Oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyols, which are all short-chain carbohydrate molecules.
Unlike Celiac disease, which is a lifelong condition, people with NCGS may be able to reintroduce small amounts of gluten back to their diet. A Nutrition specialist would be able to help supervise a reintroduction after a period of healing.