Some people have trouble eating wheat. This may be due to a wheat allergy, which often affects kids but is usually outgrown before you reach adulthood. It could also be because of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the lining of your intestines when you consume gluten. This damage prevents your body from being able to absorb nutrients. Gluten is found in grains, including wheat. If you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, you have to avoid eating wheat. Symptoms of wheat allergies and celiac disease include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Wheat allergies may also cause hives, itchy skin or eyes, swelling of the mouth or anaphylaxis. Celiac disease can cause weight loss, unusual stools, abdominal pain and bloating. If you're having these symptoms, they could be the result of eating wheat.
Step 1
Write down the symptoms when they occur. For example, if you feel bloated and nauseated, note that along with the time and date it happened.
Step 2
Make notes on what you ate and what you were doing before the symptoms started.
Step 3
Make a list of any medications you're taking.
Step 4
Call and make an appointment with your doctor. Tell her that you think you might be allergic to wheat, or have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Step 5
Take your log of symptoms with you, along with the list of medications you're taking. Show the doctor your findings, if any.
Step 6
Speak honestly to your doctor about all symptoms. Digestive symptoms can be embarrassing to talk about, but your doctor has heard it all before and it's important that he knows exactly what's going on so he can make an accurate assessment.
Step 7
Allow your doctor to test you for allergies or celiac disease. If the results are positive, he will tell you that you can no longer eat wheat and will recommend alternatives.
Tips and Warnings
- You may outgrown wheat allergies, but there is no cure for celiac disease. The only way to control symptoms of wheat allergies or celiac disease is to eliminate wheat from your diet. If you have celiac disease, you also need to eliminate other grains.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Notebook
