Gluten is the general name given to proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale.
Several conditions relate to gluten, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy.
Celiac disease involves an immune response, which is why it is classified as an autoimmune disease (11).
When people with celiac disease are exposed to gluten, the immune system attacks the small intestine and can cause serious harm to the digestive system.
Wheat allergies are often confused with celiac disease due to their similar symptoms.
They differ in that wheat allergies generate an allergy-producing antibody to proteins in wheat, while celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten in particular (12).
However, many people experience unpleasant symptoms even when they test negative for celiac disease or a wheat allergy.
This is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a milder form of gluten intolerance that has been estimated to impact anywhere from 0.5 to 13% of the population (13).
Symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity are similar to those of celiac disease and include (14):
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
- Depression or anxiety
- Anemia
Both celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are managed with a gluten-free diet.
It involves adhering to a diet free from foods and products that contain gluten, including:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Cereals
- Beer
- Baked goods
- Crackers
- Sauces, dressing and gravies, especially soy sauce
SUMMARYGluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. People with an intolerance to gluten may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and headaches.
Caffeine is a bitter chemical that is found in a wide variety of beverages, including coffee, soda, tea and energy drinks.
It’s a stimulant, meaning it reduces fatigue and increases alertness when consumed.
It does so by blocking receptors for adenosine, a neurotransmitter that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and causes drowsiness (15).
Most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day without any side effects. This is the amount of caffeine in about four cups of coffee (16).
However, some people are more sensitive to caffeine and experience reactions even after consuming a small amount.
This hypersensitivity to caffeine has been linked to genetics, as well as a decreased ability to metabolize and excrete caffeine (17).
A caffeine sensitivity is different than a caffeine allergy, which involves the immune system.
People with a hypersensitivity to caffeine may experience the following symptoms after consuming even a small amount of caffeine (18):
- Rapid heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Jitters
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
People with a sensitivity to caffeine should minimize their intake by avoiding foods and beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, soda, energy drinks, tea and chocolate.
SUMMARYCaffeine is a common stimulant to which some people are hypersensitive. Even a small amount can cause anxiety, rapid heartbeat and insomnia in some individuals.
Salicylates are natural chemicals that are produced by plants as a defense against environmental stressors like insects and disease (19).
Salicylates have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, foods rich in these compounds have been shown to protect against certain diseases like colorectal cancer (20).
These natural chemicals are found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, teas, coffee, spices, nuts and honey.
Aside from being a natural component of many foods, salicylates are often used as a food preservative and may be found in medications.
While excessive amounts of salicylates can cause health problems, most people have no problem consuming normal amounts of salicylates found in foods.
However, some people are extremely sensitive to these compounds and develop adverse reactions when they consume even small amounts.
Symptoms of salicylate intolerance include (21):
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus infections
- Nasal and sinus polyps
- Asthma
- Diarrhea
- Gut inflammation (colitis)
- Hives
While completely removing salicylates from the diet is impossible, those with a salicylate intolerance should avoid foods high in salicylates like spices, coffee, raisins and oranges, as well as cosmetics and medications that contain salicylates (21).
SUMMARYSalicylates are chemicals found naturally in many foods and used as preservatives in foods and medications. People who are intolerant to salicylates can experience symptoms like hives, stuffy nose and diarrhea when exposed.
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