What is a Wheat Allergy?

The moment we hear the term 'wheat allergy', immediately our mind starts wandering towards 'an allergy due to consumption of wheat'. Let us understand this in a better way and clear up that statement. Wheat allergy is primarily a type of food allergy that takes place due to our body’s adverse reaction to the proteins present in wheat. Due to this, the moment we take in some form of wheat, several kinds of reactions takes place and we tend to experience symptoms that force us to think the cause behind the same.

People may experience the following wheat allergy symptoms: 

• nausea
• difficulty in breathing
• hives
• asthma
• skin allergies
• skin infections
• intestinal bloating
• abdominal cramps
• sore throat
• swelling all over the face and mouth
• inability to focus
• urticaria
• itching all over the body
  
• vomiting
  

This list is just indicative of the basic symptoms of wheat allergy; many people might experience many more symptoms not mentioned in the list.

If left untreated wheat allergy may lead to several devastating and debilitating conditions in the long run. People may experience brain fog, anxiety and even depression.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance and wheat allergy may be similar, except the fact that with gluten intolerance you experience the symptoms as soon as you eat food containing gluten in any form. Gluten is found in cereal based products such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut and sometimes even in oats. Oats do not contain gluten but traces of this protein can be found due to cross contamination during the production stage.

It needs special mention here that unlike several allergic reactions, sensitivity to gluten and patients suffering from Celiac Disease do not always exhibit these symptoms immediately. This means, that these disorders are not type I hypersensitivity. However, one must not consider this less seriously; as in reality these disorders have life long serious effects on health of the individuals.

Understanding the Treatment of a Wheat Allergy

Living with wheat allergy is difficult, but certainly not impossible. With several small measures and careful dietary regime you can easily make yourself comfortable and avoid the wheat allergy symptoms. The best way to combat symptoms of wheat allergy and gluten intolerance is by following a strict dietary regime wherein you eat a diet absolutely free from gluten. Today, with the growing incidence of gluten intolerance, you will find many products free from gluten in most grocery stores or at any convenient market. You can also read my gluten free recipes that will help you to begin with a gluten free diet. When you visit the restaurants make preference for places such as an Asian restaurant and as accompaniment order for wheat free soy sauce.

If you are still confused about what to eat and what not to, rather if you are still are not sure as what harm is wheat causing you, then the best solution is to take some antihistamines (ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN FIRST) and that may provide some relief to these allergic reactions. As I mentioned before, make sure you consult a doctor before taking these or any medications. Never ever try out any medications just by reading or self diagnosing on the internet; it is always better to consult a doctor. You also need to know that antihistamines are of no use when you are suffering from gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease because they are unrelated. These are only meant for providing relief in case of allergic reactions.

All medications have some or the other side effects. So, when a wheat free diet can be beneficial in controlling the allergic symptoms then it is no use taking the medications which will bring relief but at the same time bring along side effects too. If you aren’t still convinced, you can consider natural alternatives such as quercetin. Quercetin is basically a flavonoid derived from the plants of grapefruits, green tea, apples and red onions. It works well as an alternative to antihistamines, but I have heard many people complaining about mild heart burn on taking quercetin.

Once you know the cause of your allergic reaction, it is better to strictly follow a wheat free diet and put an end to all the allergic reactions due to wheat.