Long term gluten consumption in the gluten intolerant can take a serious toll. 

  1. Gluten Ataxia – An autoimmune disease that is brought on by the consumption of gluten in people with a genetic predisposition. Symptoms of ataxia include the inability to control the speed or power of movements, inability to speak or form words, and poor coordination.
  2. Fertility Problems – Though the link between fertility problems and being gluten intolerant is contested, studies have shown that gluten exposure may be a primary contributing factor in women with unexplained infertility. Additionally, many fertility doctors recommend a grain, sugar, and dairy free diet before attempting conception.
  3. Female Hormonal Problems – Gluten intolerance’s often reveal themselves when women reach peri-menopause. The adrenal glands respond to the stress of unstable blood sugar and gastrointestinal tract inflammation (caused by gluten consumption) by increasing cortisol. This causes increased body fat, fatigue and unstable moods.
  4. Endometriosis – The painful overgrowth of uterine cells outside of the uterus may be attributed to a gluten induced hormone imbalance. There are different ways these imbalances are at play: malabsorption of fat leading to hormone deficiency, malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, inflammation that damages organs, or gluten induced autoimmune reactions that attack hormones and hormone receptors.
  5. Increased Risk of Cancer or Disease – Sufferers of Celiac who continue to consume gluten can expect a 30% increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer,  40X increased risk for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the small intestine, and 77X increased risk for Lymphoma.
  6. Bone and Teeth Problems – Failure to absorb nutrients like calcium and vitamin D can contribute to bone and teeth problems. Celiac sufferers and the gluten intolerant who do not adhere to a gluten free diet are found to be 4.5% more likely to develop osteoporosis and 70% more likely to have low bone density.
  7. Lactose Intolerance – Many gluten-sensitive people must also eliminate dairy from their diet. The cells that produce lactase (the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar) are destroyed by gluten sensitivity.
  8. Arthritis – As Celiac is an autoimmune disease, it functions by attacking the gluten you consume, causing pain in the intestines and digestive problems. But because gluten can be anywhere in your blood, it is common to feel pain and inflammation anywhere, including your joints. Additionally, since having an autoimmune disorder increases your chance of having a second autoimmune disorder, there is increased risk for Rheumatoid arthritis, even if you adhere to a gluten free diet.
  9. Autoimmune Disorders – Celiac is an autoimmune disorder. People with one autoimmune disorder are prone to getting other autoimmune disorders. For Celiac in particular, the later the age of diagnosis, the greater the chance of developing another autoimmune disorder. The most common disorders associated with Celiac are thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes.
  10. Gall Bladder Malfunction – The gall bladder lives below the liver and produces bile to break down fats. Small intestine damage can cause communication problems to the organs, like the gall bladder that secrete digestive enzymes. An estimated 60% of Celiac patients have liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic issues. Some studies suggest that Celiac disease is the cause of gallbladder disease.