Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common complaints heard by doctors today. Still, many people fail to look beyond the symptoms when seeking relief, and as a result problems can worsen over time. Knowing that roughly 80 percent of our natural immune defenses are found in the digestive tract, it is time to reconsider how we deal with digestive issues—and with that comes getting a better understanding of certain things that can affect a healthy gut.

 If you have persistent gas and bloating, abdominal pain, or chronic constipation or diarrhea, here’s something you should know: More and more Americans are finding out that sensitivity to gluten may be at the root of their problems. But is it just gluten sensitivity or is it celiac disease? And what’s the difference? The following is a brief overview:

 Gluten sensitivity is a broad term used to include many different types of sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat. People who are sensitive to gluten may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild inflammation of the intestinal lining to abdominal discomfort and occasional irritable bowel, but not everyone with gluten sensitivity develops celiac disease (those who don’t are considered Non-celiac Gluten Sensitive, or NCGS).

 However, people with gluten sensitivity may be experiencing the beginning stages of celiac disease. In essence, gluten sensitivity implies that the immune system cannot tolerate gluten in the diet. As a result, it forms protective antibodies to try to neutralize the gluten, in the same way it reacts to harmful bacteria or viruses. When these autoimmune reactions cause intestinal damage, a person is then considered to have celiac disease.

 Celiac disease is genetic and in some cases may be triggered by a traumatic physical or emotional event. More than 2 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which can include severe abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, and in some cases even severe anxiety and depression, skin problems, as well as bone and joint pain.

 The bottom line is this: If you have unexplained, persistent gastrointestinal issues and you and your doctor can’t seem to figure out why, gluten sensitivity may be the culprit. The best way to determine if you are truly gluten sensitive or if you have celiac disease is to have a simple stool test performed. Visit www.enterolab.com to find out more, and once you have the results you and your health care practitioner can take the next step toward better gastrointestinal health.

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Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme required to digest milk sugar. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping when dairy foods are consumed. People who suspect they are lactose intolerant can perform a self-test by eliminating dairy products from their diet for 10 days. If the symptoms disappear and again reappear with the reintroduction of dairy products in the diet, lactose intolerance is probably the explanation for the symptoms.

Take the Lactose Intolerance Self-Test

Print this page and answer the questions below.

1. Do you experience cramping and diarrhea 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy products?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

2. Do you have uncomfortable gas and bloating after eating baked goods or dairy products?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

3. Do you experience nausea after eating?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

4. Do you suffer from headaches?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

5. Do you have persistent acne?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

6. Are you of Asian, African, Native American, Mexican or Mediterranean ancestry?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

7. Have you ever had inflammatory bowel conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease or IBS?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

8. Do you have celiac disease (gluten intolerance)?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

9. Do sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol or maltitol give you gas, bloating, cramping or diarrhea?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

10. Have you ever had parasites or a candida overgrowth?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

TOTAL SCORE ______

(A score of 3 or higher indicates you may be Lactose Intolerant, but as always, ask your primary care physician.)

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