Dairy, wheat, gluten – do I need to avoid?
FOOD INTOLERANCE NETWORK FACTSHEET
Dairy Foods, Wheat, Gluten - Do I have to avoid them?
Signs of problems with dairy foods
Signs of problems with wheat or gluten
Some symptoms associated with gluten intolerance
Keywords: diary, wheat, gluten, irritable bowel, coeliac disease
People with severe symptoms of any kind (health, behavour, learning) may have to avoid dairy foods and/or wheat or gluten.
Signs of problems with dairy foods
- pale face and/or dark circles under eyes
- a history of lactose intolerance as a baby
- frequent ear infections as a baby or toddler, or grommets later on
- crave dairy foods, unwilling to give them up
- love dairy foods, would live on them if allowed
- or the opposite - don't like milk
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Signs of problems with wheat or gluten
A relative with coeliac disease or irritable bowel is a warning sign or problems with wheat or gluten. One mother had been doing the diet with what she considered success for two years but still received complaints from school. When her sister was diagnosed as a coeliac, she removed gluten from her son's diet and he became a completely different person.
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Some symptoms associated with gluten intolerance
- low-key stomach aches and ill-health
- unexplained low iron levels
- female infertility
- patchy baldness or Alopecia Areata
- a range of neurological dysfunctions including behaviour and depression
- insulin-dependent diabetes
If you have a family history of some of these, you may want to consider coeliac disease. There is a blood test which can indicate whether you are likely to have it.
Some people react only to wheat, and can eat rye, oats and barley. Consider wheat or gluten intolerance if your irritable bowel symptoms started suddenly after a gastrointestinal infection such as rotavirus or giardia, or if someone in your family has to avoid either of those.
The information given is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for underlying illness. Before beginning dietary investigation, consult a dietician with an interest in food intolerance. You can write for our list of supportive dietitians (confoodnet@ozemail.com.au)
© Sue Dengate update 2003