Food Intolerances

Wheat hypersensitivity and Specific Conditions

Wheat may be viewed as a trigger of symptoms in particular conditions for some individuals. Two conditions in which this may be the case are discussed in more detail now.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Dietary management is important for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including healthy eating and improving the pattern of meals. Elimination diets are used for some patients, where other interventions have failed to make a difference to symptoms and where the IBS seems to be triggered by certain foods. If a reduction in symptoms is observed during the elimination diet, a reintroduction of these foods to identify the triggers and individual tolerance to them should be undertaken, preferably under the supervision of a state-registered dietitian. The dietitian will also then be able to help ensure your diet is healthy and balanced.

Recent clinical guidelines on irritable bowel syndrome, by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence), an independent organisation responsible for producing national guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health, recommend that individuals suspected of having IBS should be tested for coeliac disease before IBS is confirmed. This is due to the similarity in symptoms between the two conditions. More information on coeliac disease

Autism
Austism is a disability which affects a person’s ability to interpret and make sense of the world. As a result the person’s ability to communicate is often impaired. In addition restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviour may be observed in those with autism, for example selective eating. The causes are not fully understood.

A number of dietary changes have been suggested to help manage autism (or autism spectrum disorder- ASD), including the use of a gluten-free/casein-free diet. At present no clear evidence supports the use of these diets in the treatment of autism. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that the gluten-free/casein-free diet may help certain individuals. In these cases, where the individual with ASD would like to try this diet, a dietitian can provide support to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients.

There are a number of other conditions in which wheat may be viewed as a food trigger. If you have a specific condition and are concerned that you may have a food hypersensitivity click here