Is there a gluten intolerance test?

Discover the official diagnosis process for gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance if you have food sensitivities.

The FDA Just Banned Red Dye No.

alt

3: The Future of Processed Foods

Is Red Wine Any Healthier for You Than White Wine?

Proffee Is the Hottest New Beverage Trendbut Should You Really Be Adding Protein to Your Coffee?

As far as food sensitivities go, gluten and lactose are two of the top culprits.

alt

registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition

(Many people dontonce childhood endsor theyve quit dairy for an extended amount of time.)

Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products like milk.

Here, it produces gas, which causes those unpleasant GI symptoms.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

You may also experience issues like bloat, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

NCGS, on the other hand, isnt well understood.

Thats why the two dietary intolerances are often confused with each other.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

While an allergy can be life-threatening, a gluten intolerance typically is not.

Lets start with gluten and wheat allergies.

While gluten allergy symptoms can sometimes be scary, dietary intolerances arent as severe.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition

Gluten sensitivity is typically much less serious than a true wheat allergy, says Gerber.

Lets start with lactose intolerance testing.

In this case, identifying food sensitivities is done through a breath test.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Diagnosing food intolerance in the case of NCGS is more difficult.

The official diagnosis process is tricky, as theres currentlyno reliableblood test for gluten intolerance specificallyjust celiac disease.

(So dont cut out the croissants just yet.)

red pigment in a wooden spoon

A biopsy of the small intestine can confirm positive blood-test results.

Its worth noting that celiac testing results arent always black and white.

The only way to know for sure is to see whether you feel better without gluten in your diet.

(Gluten-free diet, here you come.)

But there are some potential issues to keep in mind when diagnosing food intolerance with these types of tests.

The problem with these tests is that theyarent well validated in the literature, says Gerber.

They can also be very costly.

If youre wondering how to test for gluten intolerance at home, another option is a good old-fashionedelimination diet.

Basically, that means you just stop eating iffy foods and see how you feel.

(That is, just removing gluten and/or lactose.)

Unfortunately, this is probably the most time-consuming and restrictive plan of action.

But if youre diving into the challenge, heres how it usually goes down.

If this food is a problem food, you will likely experience symptoms, says Yeung.

Or maybe, you find another result thats completely unexpected.

Frequently asked questions about gluten intolerance

What are the warning signs of gluten intolerance?

According to Gerber, gluten intolerance is often associated with digestive symptoms.

If youre looking for a gluten intolerance diagnosis, read up on the intolerance testing options above.

Can you self-diagnose gluten intolerance?

Looking for a gluten intolerance diagnosis?

Gerber recommends trying a food elimination diet, which can help with identifying food sensitivities.

Its also a simple way to test for gluten intolerance at home.

Do gluten digestion pills help with food intolerance symptoms?

But are they atruefix when youre trying to manage a gluten intolerance diagnosis?

Why might someone suddenly be gluten intolerant when they were fine before?

Your body used to handle gluten just fine, but now youre experiencing digestive issues.

So whats causing the change in your health and food reactions?

Think sourdough or einkorn wheat vs. packaged and processed forms like wheat crackers and pasta, she says.

That way, it’s possible for you to discover exactly whats causing issues.

Why am I not lactose intolerant in Europe?

Dealing with digestive distress in the United States, butnot lactose intolerant in Europe?

There could be a reason for that.

Many people have shared how their dietary intolerances are different abroad.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.