What is gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity? While it is similar to Celiac disease or a wheat allergy in that it is a condition where one cannot tolerate gluten, it is distinct from these conditions because the effects are less severe and not related to the immune system.

Far more common than the other conditions, NCGS affects about six percent of the population, or 18 million people. On the other hand, roughly one percent of people have Celiac disease and less than one percent have a wheat allergy.

Keep in mind that if you think you need a gluten intolerance test, your doctor may want to do a biopsy to test for Celiac disease as well in order to rule it out. There's a chance they will also test for a wheat allergy too, which involves a skin prick test and/ or blood test.

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

How do you know if you should get tested? Well, if you experience any of these symptoms after eating or drinking products that contain wheat, barley or rye, you could have NCGS:

• Bloating, gas, and/or abdominal pain
  
• Diarrhea and/or constipation
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Fatigue, headache, and/or brain fog
  
• Anxiety and/or depression
  
• Joint pain, skin rash, and/or anemia
  

Keep in mind that these symptoms may persist for a few days after eating even a small portion of gluten.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Keep in mind that irritable bowel syndrome, a very common condition affecting approximately 12 percent of the population, causes many of the same symptoms. IBS is still being researched, but it is thought to be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, and can appear in different ways.

Before you schedule an appointment to get tested for a gluten intolerance, it's always a good idea to test out an elimination diet first for at least six weeks. If your symptoms don't significantly improve, you may just have IBS. However, research indicates that about half of those with IBS may also have NCGS.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of NCGS are also caused by Celiac disease. However, there are some unique, rare symptoms that may also occur in those who have Celiac disease:

• Seizures
  
• Joint pain
  
• Mouth ulcers
  
• Acid reflux and heartburn
  

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder caused by a specific gene. This causes the body to respond to gluten like a virus, and those who suffer from it can experience permanent damage to their intestinal lining. Because of this, it is also linked to the malabsorption of nutrients due to the damage in the small intestine.

Wheat Allergy Symptoms

A wheat allergy is similar to Celiac disease in that it is a response by the immune system. However, it responds to wheat and all wheat proteins, gluten included. The one good thing about having a wheat allergy as opposed to Celiac disease is that the negative effects on the digestive tract are not permanent.

Perhaps the biggest risk for those with a wheat allergy is anaphylactic shock, a rare but life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are throat and mouth swelling, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and pale and/or blue skin. To avoid a fatal contact with wheat, people who have this allergy must carry epinephrine (brand name: EpiPen).

It's important to know that not just bread products contain gluten. Beverages, sauces, meat products, and many processed foods that you wouldn't expect can contain gluten. For example, ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, mayo, soy sauce and gravy are some condiments that could contain gluten.

Other less-suspecting places where you can find gluten: alcohol other than beer like vodka, bourbon and mixed drinks; other drinks like chocolate milk, coffee creamer and flavored coffee; snacks such as flavored potato chips, granola bars and candy bars; and processed food like lunch meat, cheese slices and french fries.