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Do you or someone in your household experience digestive problems with bread after consuming it? If the answer is yes, you possibly have a food sensitivity to wheat. Bread plays a massive role in many people’s homes, and most cannot see themselves not eating it at least once a day.
Making a simple sandwich is one of the most prominent activities in many homes. Unfortunately, you must eliminate the cause to stop the bloating and digestive issues. Thankfully, there are options. You can eliminate bread, or you can try it gluten-free.
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If gluten-free bread does not stop the symptoms, you may have to look into other sources of wheat that you may also be consuming. The predominant ingredient in most bread is wheat flour, to which most people who suffer digestive issues are sensitive. However, those who are allergic to wheat will experience harsher symptoms.
Digestive Problems with Bread: Wheat Allergy
People allergic to wheat could experience wheezing, rashes, itching, and tongue and lip swelling, all within minutes of consuming bread. Those individuals should consult a physician immediately if the symptoms are severe.
Digestive Problems with Bread: Wheat Sensitivity
Individuals sensitive to wheat may experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, or bloating a few hours after eating it. However, in milder cases, especially after consuming large amounts, one may only experience stomach discomfort.
Digestive Problems with Bread: Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is the result of extreme gluten intolerance. Individuals with this condition will experience severe intestinal damage because of the gluten protein. Because of this damage, the intestine cannot naturally absorb nutrients into the body. If you or a loved one believe that you may have celiac disease, consult a physician because they will have to administer testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis so proper treatment can be issued.
Wheat-Based Foods to Avoid
People allergic or sensitive to wheat and its derivatives who made the difficult decision to abstain from it have mostly found relief from their symptoms. Wheat sensitivity has become a significant issue for many worldwide because bread and other products have become such main staples in the diet of many cultures.
What steps can one take if suffering from stomach issues such as bloating and discomfort after consuming products made with wheat? The most important thing to do is seek medical attention if your wheat allergy symptoms last for an extended period or if blood is in your stool.
Serious symptoms such as severe stomach cramps and vomiting should also be reported immediately. Milder symptoms, such as a bloated stomach, can be remedied by trying an elimination diet. Eliminate all foods made with wheat for at least a month. If your symptoms disappear, you know wheat was the source of all your problems.
However, if you want to rule out some wheat products, you can gradually reintroduce specific foods made with wheat. However, do not return to eating bread unless it is gluten-free. You can reintroduce foods such as pasta, but you can also purchase gluten-free pasta if symptoms reoccur.
Any food you consume contains wheat; you should monitor how you feel afterward. Some people have wheat sensitivity instead of an allergy and may consume wheat products only in moderation. Therefore, overindulging in wheat products will only cause more harm to the digestive system and cause discomfort and other symptoms to return.
Remember, bread is not the only food that contains wheat. Other foods include cakes, biscuits, soy sauce, beer, pastries, cereals, and donuts. Pay close attention to food labels when grocery shopping. If you adopt a wheat-free lifestyle, alternatives such as buckwheat pasta, quinoa, porridge, rice cereals, and cornflakes should be number one on your grocery list.
Many people who find wheat and its products problematic have adopted a FODMAP diet. This diet is beneficial to people with celiac disease, wheat allergies, and sensitivity because it cuts out fermented foods that lead to bloating and diarrhea. This diet is also used by people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Individuals with IBS tend to suffer from similar gut issues.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Reputable sites like Monash University’s resources on low FODMAP diets are useful https://www.monashfodmap.com/
