NON-COELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY (NCGS)

This page will explain what it is, common symptoms, triggers and how to be tested.

What is NCGS?

NCGS occurs when a person experiences symptoms characterized by intestinal and/or extra-intestinal symptoms, following ingestion of gluten-containing grains. Those symptoms can be easily mistaken for coeliac disease (CD) due to the similarity in manifestations after the ingestion of gluten-grains. NCGS is not an allergy neither an autoimmune disorder as CD. There is not a clear definition for NCGS but as sensitivity, the symptoms are due to immune-mediated reactions that do not always occur in the same way when people ingest gluten-containing grains(1).

Even if NCGS is not an autoimmune or allergic reaction, symptoms are still causing problems for people with this sensitivity. Symptoms usually appear soon after the ingestion of gluten, that are relieved upon elimination of these grains from the diet.

Common Symptoms

Intestinal symptoms:
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nausea

Extra-Intestinal symptoms(2,3):
• Headaches, Migraines
• Foggy mind
• Joint and muscle pain
• Eczema
• Anaemia
• Leg or arm numbness

Triggers

There are 6 categories of foods that must be avoided if you are doing a gluten-free diet:

• GLUTEN CONTAINING GRAINS (wheat, barley, spelt, kamut, rye, couscous)

• CONDIMENTS (soy sauce, BBQ sauce, malt vinegar, ketchup, gravy mixes, spices blend)

• WHEAT-BASED PASTA AND BAKED GOODS (There are plenty of gluten-free options widely available in supermarket that you could try)

• BEVERAGES (Beer, pre-made coffee drinks, drink mixes)

• PROCESSED FOOD

How to be tested

If you suspect that gluten could be the cause of your problems/symptoms, our tests could help you identify the cause of your problems. Since there are no specific tests to diagnose NCGS, you will need first to rule out coeliac disease, wheat allergy, or any other possible causes of your symptoms. Here at LifeLab, we can help you test for allergies and intolerances/sensitivities.

Our comprehensive test, Complete Body Test, can help you check for 40 Allergies and 80 Intolerance, so you can rule out wheat allergy as the cause of your symptoms and test for wheat intolerance/sensitivity. If you already know that allergy is not the reason, you could use our Basic Intolerance (40 food and beverages) or Complete intolerance (160 food and beverages) tests. So what you are waiting for? Have a look at our products, and start your journey to find a better version of yourself.

Order Your Test Today

Allergies and intolerances can have a huge impact on your life. To manage your symptoms, it’s crucial to take a reliable allergy test that can tell you which foods are to blame. Browse our full range of testing kits available at Lifelab on our website.

References

1. Fasano A, Sapone A, Zevallos V, Schuppan D: Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Gastroenterology 2015, doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.12.049
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270825459_Non-celiac_Gluten_Sensitivity

2. Dieterich W, Laag E, Schöpper H, Volta U, et alt. Autoantibodies to tissue transglutaminase as predictors of celiac disease. Gastroenterology 1998; 115(6):1317-21
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9834256/

3. Sollid LM, Jabri B. Triggers and drivers of autoimmunity: lessons from coeliac disease. Nat Rev Immunol. 2013; 13(4):294-302
https://www.nature.com/articles/nri3407