Candida vs. Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

The symptoms of gluten intolerance are very similar to candida symptoms.
The following is a list of common symptoms of low level Candida albicans infections used as a framework to compare with some of the symptoms of an undiagnosed gluten intolerant person.

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Gluten - Gluten free diet - Candida - Candida diet
The Permacult Project  - Acid / Alkaline diet - Chronic fatigue index

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Candida vs. Gluten Intolerance Symptoms

Celiac and gluten intolerance are used interchangeably below, though they really aren't. Celiac disease refers to a damaged intestinal mucosa. Gluten intolerance can be a sensitivity without much measurable damage:

Chronic fatigue - One of the most common celiac symptoms.

Weakness - One of the most common celiac symptoms.

Dizziness - About 5% of celiac patients get nerve damage that can vary from tingling and numbness in the feet to confusion, memory loss, dizziness and loss of balance, visual abnormalities. This sometimes happen in the absence of GI symptoms. Epilepsy (with calcification in the brain) does respond when gluten is fully removed.

Headaches - Common celiac symptom.

Cold sweats and/or night sweats - Have never heard of it as a celiac symptom.

Feeling bad all over, like having the flu - Typical celiac symptom, to the extent one thinks of flu as diarrhea, weakness, and muscular/bone aches and pains.

Muscle and joint pains - Common celiac symptom.

Sore throat - Not generally considered a celiac symptom, but I have heard reports from a few members of a support group. Also have heard about swollen glands in the neck.

Low grade fever - Not a known celiac symptom.

Numbness, especially in the hands or feet - See dizziness above. Another celiac symptom is called peripheral neuropathy (possibly due to folic acid deficiency). Also abnormal or impaired skin sensation (paresthesia), including burning, prickling, itching or tingling. Also the celiac FAQ lists central and peripheral nervous system disease.

Asthma - Celiacs are more susceptible to having allergies, possibly due to a deficiency of magnesium.

Chronic sinusitis - Celiacs are more susceptible to sinus problems.

Allergies - Celiacs are more susceptible to having other food intolerances and allergies.

Irritability - Common celiac symptom.

Abdominal pain - Common celiac symptom.

Constipation or diarrhea - Both common celiac symptoms.

Gas - Very common celiac symptom.

Chronic athlete's foot or jock itch - Not known as a celiac symptom, but celiacs would be a weakened host for fungi.

Yeast rashes - What does a yeast rash look like? Some celiacs have had eczema and hives clear up when going gluten-free. Also 5% of celiacs get dermatitis herpetiformis, which is very itchy rash which is most commonly on the outside of elbows, knees, top of buttocks, or on the back shoulders, neck and scalp.

Feeling worse when deprived of sugar containing foods or simple carbohydrates such as potatoes - An undiagnosed celiac can have food cravings as they are malnourished.

Feeling weaker on damp days or after bathing - Not a celiac symptom.

Feeling worse when exposed to mold, dust, chemicals, or pollutants - Celiacs are more susceptible to having allergies.

Elevated Epstein-Barr virus titers, indicating a recent reactivation of the virus - Don't know.

Heart pains - Not known as a celiac symptom. However, with severe anemia, there are often uncomfortable heart palpitations. Also, I suppose heartburn could be a symptom as some celiacs vomit after gluten consumption.

General reproductive problems - Infertility is a known celiac symptom in both sexes. It is due to malnourishment. Also gynecological disorders like spontaneous abortions.

Chronic vaginal infections - Don't know, but the host body is weakened.

Premenstrual syndrome like symptoms - Anecdotally a celiac symptom.

Irregular menstrual cycles or unusual menstrual pain - Untreated celiac women often have low estrogen levels and an erratic or non-existent menstrual cycle (amenorrhea). For young untreated celiac girls, the onset of menarche can be delayed. Women with a long history of malabsorption will sometimes reach menopause at a younger age; in some cases as early as in their late twenty's. Anecdotally unusual menstrual pain is a celiac symptom.

Country Kitchen Index - Health Index - Health Bookshop
The Permacult Project - Stevia - Candida - Candida diet
Gluten - Gluten free diet - Chronic fatigue index

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