Gluten intolerance is a fairly common problem. It is characterized by an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Gluten intolerance can have several causes, including celiac disease, non-cellulosic gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy ( 1Trusted Source ).
All three forms of gluten intolerance cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion.
This article will take a closer look at some of the symptoms of gluten intolerance.
Symptoms of celiac disease
Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten intolerance.
It’s an autoimmune disease that affects about 1 percent of the population and can cause damage to the digestive system ( 2Trusted Source ).
It can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin problems, digestive problems, and mood swings.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of celiac disease.
- Diarrhea, constipation, smell of feces
People with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten.
This can damage the lining of the intestines, impair nutrient absorption, and lead to severe digestive discomfort, frequent diarrhea, and constipation ( 3Trusted Source ).
Persistent diarrhea can cause serious health problems, including electrolyte loss, dehydration, and fatigue ( 4Trusted Source ).
In addition, people with celiac disease may have pale, foul-smelling stools due to malabsorption of nutrients (5).