Are you gluten intolerant? First of all what is gluten and where is it found? Gluten is a special protein found in rye, wheat, and barley. Gluten helps make bread elastic and provides it with the chewy texture. 99% of processed foods contain gluten disguised as natural flavors or colors, malt etc...it is in most grains except rice, millet and corn. It is hiding in soy sauce, mustard, and BEER. People with gluten intolerance are said to have "Celiacs". Gluten is toxic to a Celiacs system and destroys the villi lining the intestines. Therefore vital nutrients are not absorbed and malnutrition is the result. If gluten continues to be ingested there are dangerous health complications that could result including colon cancer. The only treatment is a life-long gluten free diet.

The symptoms of gluten intolerance(or sensitivity) are most commonly digestion problems but can also effect emotional health. Depression and irritability can be attributed in some cases to gluten intollerance.

Only 1% of the population knows they have this disease but general thinking is that it probably occurs much more but is undiagnosed. Please contact me to learn more about this common disease. I was misdiagnosed for months before I suggested my own diagnosis to my doctor. I have heard similar stories from other celiacs. I do not understand why health care professionals are not readily testing for it.