How to Find Out if You Have Wheat Intolerance

Wheat intolerance is caused by the body's inability to digest gluten, which results in nutrient malabsorption and deficiencies. This is not to be confused with wheat allergies, which cause such symptoms as hives, wheezing and abdominal cramps due to the immune system's overproduction of antibodies to protect the body. Individuals who think they may be affected by wheat intolerance can keep a food diary, go on a wheat-free diet, read food labels and obtain a skin prick test.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a notebook to use as a food diary. Record the food item eaten, how much of it and the time of day it was consumed. Make note of symptoms, such as hives, nausea, dizziness or watery eyes, experienced after eating. The diary may be presented to a primary care physician or an allergist for further diagnosis.

• 2

  Stay away from wheat products by going on a wheat-free diet. Substitute wheat for rye, rice and oats. Sticking to the diet may resolve wheat intolerance symptoms.

• 3

  Make a habit out of reading food labels at the grocery store. The following should be avoided: cereal extract, flour, high protein flour, spelt, gluten, wheat bran, wheat germ, food starches, natural flavorings and whole or enriched whole flour.

• 4

  Schedule an appointment to meet with a health care professional for a skin prick test. The physician will place a droplet of wheat protein on the arm. The physician uses a lancet to scratch the center of the droplet and observes it for a reaction. If the droplet area develops a red, raised bump, then wheat intolerance is evident. Treatment by the physician will follow.