Gluten, Your Gut, and You
BOOK APPOINTMENTWhat is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some other carbs that help bread rise and gives the elasticity and texture we expect from our pasta and noodles. But it can also cause problems in some peoples’ digestive systems.
What negative reactions can it cause?
- Celiac disease: The most severe of reactions, celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder inherited from a genetic disposition. If you have celiac disease, when you digest gluten, the cells lining your small intestine will flatten, which can cause inflammation, the malabsorption of nutrients in your food, and other related health issues. There are actually over 200 different identified symptoms of celiac disease, ranging from anemia to behavioral changes, to stunted growth and infertility. Current estimates believe that 1% of the population has celiac disease, although 83% of those people are undiagnosed. To determine if you have celiac disease, a doctor will hold a blood screening, and if that turns out positive, a small intestine biopsy.
- Wheat Allergy: Wheat is composed of hundreds of different proteins, and a wheat allergy is a reaction to any number of them. When you have a wheat allergy, your body sees it as an invader. To fight this infection, a type of white blood cell known as a B-cell releases immunoglobulin antibodies to attack the wheat. Simultaneously, the rest of your body sends out natural signals that there is an invader, which can result in a wide range of symptoms including nausea, itching, abdominal pain, swelling of the lips and tongue, issues breathing, and — in major cases — life threatening anaphylaxis. People with wheat allergy must avoid eating wheat but can consume gluten from other sources.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): Also known as gluten sensitivity or non-celiac wheat sensitivity, NCGS is not well defined at this time. It is neither an autoimmune reaction nor an immunoglobulin reaction like the two reactions above, and can only be determined via a process of dietary elimination. Tests are done for both celiac disease and wheat allergy, and if a trial run of a gluten-free diet leads to a decrease in symptoms, a person is considered NCGS.
If you think you might have one of the above conditions, contact the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health and schedule an appointment today. We’ll start you on a “rule-out” process to determine if you may be suffering from one of these disorders.
Our Blogs
Your Gut Health Goes Beyond Just Digestion
Your gut health affects more than just digestion—it impacts your whole life, from your energy levels and sleep patterns to your mental clarity and immune system. At the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health, we believe in personalized care that addresses the root...
Bloating, Heartburn, or Irregular Bowel Movements? Do Not Ignore the Signs
Your gut health affects more than just digestion—it impacts your energy, mood, and quality of life. At BH Center for Digestive Health, we specialize in diagnosing and treating:🔹 Acid reflux (GERD)🔹 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)🔹 Crohn’s disease🔹 Colon polyps &...
Whats the Safest Way to Find Out Whats Causing My Stomach Issues?
It’s a question we hear all the time—and it’s a valid one. When you're dealing with persistent bloating, pain, or digestive discomfort, guessing isn’t enough. At Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health, we use advanced tools like endoscopy and colonoscopy to safely...
Call to Schedule
Our office is available to answer your questions and evaluate your symptoms.

Phone
(310) 855-0222
Fax: (949) 404-6467
Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat - Sun: Closed