Gluten may seem harmless, but for some people, it can trigger serious health issues that often go unnoticed. Since gluten intolerance symptoms can mimic other conditions, many people struggle for years without realizing gluten is the culprit. Identifying how your body reacts to gluten is key to protecting your well-being and preventing long-term damage.

Let’s explore 16 surprising symptoms that could indicate gluten sensitivity and why eliminating gluten might improve your overall health.

1. Fatigue and Brain Fog

Feeling constantly drained? Struggling to focus? These could be warning signs of gluten sensitivity. Many people experience extreme fatigue and “brain fog” after consuming gluten.

This happens because gluten triggers inflammation, disrupting normal brain function and leaving you feeling mentally sluggish. Symptoms can last for hours or even days after eating gluten.

2. Unexplained Loss of Eyelashes or Hair

Video

Symptoms of gluten intolerance

Losing eyelashes or experiencing thinning hair? Gluten intolerance could be to blame.

When gluten damages the small intestine, it interferes with nutrient absorption—especially biotin, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Over time, nutrient deficiencies caused by gluten can lead to eyelash loss, thinning hair, or even bald patches.

3. Digestive Problems That Mimic IBS

One of the most common signs of gluten intolerance is digestive distress. This can include:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain

Many people with gluten intolerance are mistakenly diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues and standard treatments aren’t helping, it might be time to consider cutting out gluten.

4. Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Recurring headaches and migraines—especially after eating gluten—could be a red flag.

Gluten triggers inflammation in some individuals, leading to intense, frequent headaches. If no other medical cause is found, eliminating gluten from your diet might help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

5. Unexplained Weight Changes

Gluten intolerance can cause rapid weight fluctuations, either unexplained weight gain or sudden weight loss.

This happens due to:

• Malabsorption of nutrients (leading to weight loss)
• Chronic inflammation (leading to bloating and weight gain)

If you’ve noticed weight changes without a clear reason, gluten may be affecting your metabolism.

6. Hormonal Imbalances and Irregular Menstrual Cycles

For women, gluten sensitivity can wreak havoc on hormones. It’s been linked to:

• Irregular periods
• PMS symptoms
• Mood swings and sleep disturbances

These hormonal shifts become more noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Since gluten can interfere with hormone production, cutting it out might help restore balance to your body.

7. Joint and Muscle Pain

Do you suffer from persistent joint or muscle pain with no clear cause?

Gluten can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to chronic pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles. This symptom is common in people with celiac disease and other inflammatory conditions.

8. Skin Problems: Eczema, Rashes, and Acne

Your skin can also show signs of gluten intolerance. Common gluten-related skin issues include:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy, blistering rash)
• Persistent acne that doesn’t improve with treatment

If you struggle with stubborn skin problems, a gluten-free diet might help improve your complexion.

9. ADHD and Concentration Issues

Gluten has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity

Some studies suggest that removing gluten can lead to improved focus and behavior, particularly in individuals with gluten sensitivity.

10. Poor Dental Health

Gluten intolerance can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to weaker teeth and more cavities. Common dental problems linked to gluten include:

• Tooth decay
• Enamel erosion
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Recurring mouth ulcers

If you maintain good oral hygiene but still have ongoing dental issues, gluten could be a hidden factor.

11. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can cause iron deficiency anemia, making you feel:

• Exhausted and weak
• Dizzy or lightheaded
• Short of breath

This happens because gluten damages the gut lining, preventing proper absorption of iron—even if you eat iron-rich foods.

12. Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Swings

Gluten doesn’t just affect the body—it impacts the mind, too. People with gluten sensitivity often experience:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Extreme mood swings

This is due to gluten’s effect on brain chemistry and gut health, which are directly linked to mental well-being.

Video

5 Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

13. Autoimmune Disorders Linked to Gluten

Gluten sensitivity can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases, including:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Rheumatoid arthritis

If you have any autoimmune condition, eliminating gluten may help reduce inflammation and symptoms.

14. Tonsil Stones and Frequent Infections

Some people with gluten intolerance report frequent tonsil stones, caused by chronic inflammation in the throat.

When these individuals go gluten-free, their tonsil stones often disappear or reduce significantly, suggesting a possible connection.

15. Hair Loss and Thinning

Gluten can disrupt nutrient absorption, leading to hair loss and brittle hair. Conditions like alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) have also been linked to gluten intolerance.

Going gluten-free has helped many individuals regain hair health and reduce hair loss.

16. How to Treat Gluten Sensitivity

If you suspect gluten might be affecting your health, here’s what you can do:

• Get Tested – A blood test can check for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Eliminate Gluten from Your Diet – Avoid foods containing:
  • Wheat
  • Rye
  • Barley
  • Flour and semolina

Check food labels carefully and choose gluten-free alternatives to maintain a balanced diet.

Video

Gluten Intolerance Symptoms (9 EARLY SIGNS You Are Gluten Intolerant!)

Gluten sensitivity can manifest in unexpected ways, from digestive distress to mood disorders and even hair loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider trying a gluten-free diet to see if your health improves.

Your body speaks to you in subtle ways—it’s time to listen.