We’ve all seen the rise of gluten-free everything — from cakes to crisps to dog treats. But does you going gluten-free actually make sense? And why is it getting such a bad rap in the first place?
Here’s the lowdown — five essential things you need to know, plus what to do if you suspect gluten isn’t your gut’s best friend.
1. Coeliac vs Gluten Intolerance: Not the Same Thing!
Let’s clear this up first: coeliac disease is not the same as gluten intolerance.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten attacks your gut, damaging the delicate villi lining your small intestine. It’s serious — no gluten allowed, ever.
Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, doesn’t wreck your villi, but it can still make you feel downright awful. And here’s the kicker: you can be negative for coeliac and still struggle with something called Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS).
2. How Gluten Intolerance Shows Up (Hint: It’s Not Just Your Gut)
Think gluten sensitivity is all about tummy troubles? Think again. Watch for signs like:
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Bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux
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Brain fog
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Headaches
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Mood swings, anxiety, depression
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Skin issues (eczema, dermatitis)
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Achy joints + muscles
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Thyroid or hormone issues
Basically, gluten can stir up chaos anywhere in the body.
If you’re worried about your gut health, I’d highly recommend downloading my online course The Ultimate Gut Health Programme to help support your digestive system, whilst avoiding triggering symptoms.
It’d be impossible to include all you need to know in one blog, but the programme will have all you need to know to ensure you’re soothing your digestive system, whilst eating delicious and filling foods.
3. Gluten and Your Gut Microbiome: The Hidden Link
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria (aka your microbiome), and gluten can mess with that balance — especially if you’re sensitive.
A disrupted microbiome = poor digestion, inflammation, and immune chaos. Not fun.
4. It’s Not Just the Gluten — It’s the Bigger Picture
Whether or not gluten causes you grief can depend on:
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How healthy your gut bacteria are
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How much gluten you’re eating (think cereal → sandwich → pasta → biscuits… yikes!)
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Overall diet quality
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Hormone balance
And remember: gluten lurks in sneaky places — sauces, processed foods, even some supplements.
5. Gluten is an Anti-Nutrient (Yep, Really)
Gluten belongs to a group called anti-nutrients — natural compounds in plants that can block nutrient absorption. So, even if you don’t have sensitivity, loading up on gluten-heavy foods might still make your gut work harder than it should.
So… Should You Go Gluten-Free?
Here’s the deal: the only way to know if gluten is your problem is to cut it out completely for 2-4 weeks.
👉 If your symptoms improve → bingo, gluten is likely an issue.
👉 If you reintroduce it and feel worse → it’s time to seriously rethink gluten.
👉 If nothing changes → gluten probably isn’t the villain.
Want Help Figuring This Out?
If you’re ready to ditch the guesswork, I’m here to help!
💬 Book your FREE 30-minute chat with me, the link is below — let’s get to the bottom of what’s going on and map out your next steps.
If you would like to speak to me about any aspect of your gut health, then please use this link to book into my diary for a FREE 30 minute chat so I can find out more about what is going on for you. Alternatively please use the ‘Learn More’ link below.
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