Wheat intolerance is an allergy to any foods that contain wheat. Because so many foods are prepared with wheat, even foods you might not suspect, this condition can be serious, severely altering one's diet and lifestyle. Most common in children, a wheat allergy produces symptoms of swelling, itching or hives, particularly around the mouth and throat. It can also cause stomach pain, stuffy nose, watery eyes and diarrhea. Wheat intolerance should not be confused with celiac disease, which is an allergy to the specific wheat protein called gluten rather than to all wheat proteins.
Step 1
Keep a food journal to track everything you eat. Note when you eat wheat and how much you consumed, taking care to look at the ingredients list for everything -- some things you wouldn't suspect might have wheat. Also note how you felt: Write down any potential symptoms, when they occurred and how severe they were. Write down anything unusual, not just allergy-related symptoms, and write down symptoms you have at any time, not just after eating wheat.
Step 2
Stop eating wheat for a month if you notice a correlation between your symptoms and consuming wheat. Maintain your food journal and note if you still experience any symptoms. Since allergens can take weeks to clear from your system entirely, you might not notice any changes right away.
Step 3
Gradually reintroduce products containing wheat, starting with very small amounts and waiting one or two days before moving on to a larger amount. Keep careful records of this in your food journal and note when any symptoms recur.
Step 4
Visit your doctor or an allergy specialist to receive a skin test if your food journal data indicate you have a wheat intolerance. In this test, a tiny purified amount of wheat is pricked into your skin. If you develop a red, itchy bump within about 15 minutes, you are likely allergic to wheat.
Step 5
Ask your doctor to test your blood instead of your skin if you have sensitive skin or a skin infection. Your doctor will be able to screen for specific antibodies in the blood to determine if you have a wheat allergy.
Tips and Warnings
- Work with your doctor while you keep your food journal if you have concerns or questions. Investigate with a scientific mind: Don't form your conclusions before you collect your data. You may miss another ingredient that could be causing your allergies. Research your family's medical history and record any medications you are taking. Your doctor will need to take these things into account.
- Visit your doctor immediately if any of your symptoms become severe. Carry epinephrine with you at all times, particularly when you go out to eat, in case you have a severe reaction. The adrenaline shot must be prescribed by your doctor; use it as directed by her and by the manufacturer.
Things You'll Need
- Food journal
