8 Signs That You Are Gluten Intolerant

The Paleo diet is completely gluten free, since it omits grains entirely. When going Paleo many people (who previously thought that had no issues with gluten) find that many symptoms they used to have completely disappear. It also seems common for a rare gluten exposure to have quite an impact, even though the person may have consumed gluten everyday previously. Are you gluten intolerant?

What’s the difference between celiac disease & being gluten intolerant?

Celiac disease is a severe, sudden immune reaction to the protein gluten, which has immediate autoimmune reactions. It prevents the sufferer from absorbing essential nutrients. Gluten intolerance is on the same spectrum, but the reaction to gluten is not so sudden – and even harder to clinically diagnose. Unfortunately tests for celiac disease and being gluten intolerant are not as advanced as you might imagine – and it can be very difficult to get a clinical diagnoses. The best way to find out how gluten affects you is to undertake a strict elimination diet – luckily the Paleo diet does just this.

8 signs that you are gluten intolerant

1. Gastrointestinal (GI), stomach and digestive issues; perhaps gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea or IBS
2. Headaches or migraines
3. Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
4. Sudden mood shifts, irritability or depression
5. Dizziness, balance problems and tingling or numb hands and feet
6. Another autoimmune disease diagnose (perhaps as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Ulcerative colitis)
7. Hormone imbalances or unexplained infertility
8. Inflammation, swelling or joint pain

If you've got any of these symptoms and still consume gluten, it’s definitely worth strictly excluding gluten – and going strict Paleo – for 30 days.

And why you mustn't go “gluten-free”…

You can’t fail to notice the commercialism of “gluten-free”. There is a gluten-free version of everything – and often the ingredients are quite frightening. To achieve the properties that gluten provides in things like bread and cakes, the manufacturers often have to use dozens of ingredients that you probably haven’t heard of. Not Paleo – and not good for you either. Whilst gluten is a particularly problematic protein, lots of other grain proteins are believed to have similar reactions. The healthiest way to go gluten free, is to avoid substitutes – and eat real, whole, Paleo foods! Instead of buying gluten-free bread and cakes, find alternatives to bread – and change your diet completely!

Should You Cut Out Gluten for Good?

If you suspect gluten might be the cause of your symptoms – even if they seem unrelated to digestion – it's well worth trying a 30-day elimination using the Paleo diet. Because Paleo naturally removes all grains (not just wheat), it provides a clear and effective way to assess how gluten, and similar compounds, affect your body.

Remember: going Paleo is not the same as just going “gluten-free”. Many commercial gluten-free products are ultra-processed, high in sugar, and loaded with unfamiliar additives – far from the nutrient-dense, real food approach Paleo encourages. In fact, many people who go gluten-free without changing the rest of their diet don’t see any benefit at all. That’s why focusing on whole, unprocessed, naturally gluten-free foods is the best way to support your gut, energy levels, and long-term health.

If you're experiencing bloating, brain fog, joint pain, fatigue or any of the signs listed above – and still eating gluten – now is the time to test things for yourself.

Try this:
Commit to 30 days of strict Paleo (no grains, no dairy, no legumes, no processed foods). Keep a journal of how you feel. You might be amazed at the improvements – and shocked by how strongly your body reacts if you reintroduce gluten later on.

How does gluten affect you? Do you completely avoid gluten? I’d love to hear your comments, below!

Have You Gone Gluten-Free or Tried Paleo?

I'd love to hear from you. Did cutting gluten change your life? Are you still struggling with symptoms you suspect are food-related? Or maybe you've accidentally reintroduced gluten and felt the effects? Share your experience in the comments below — your story might be just the motivation someone else needs to take the first step.

Let’s continue the conversation and support each other on the journey to better health, one real food meal at a time.

Why Gluten Intolerance Is More Common Than You Think

Even though gluten has been a part of the modern Western diet for centuries, it’s only recently that we’ve started to question its role in chronic health issues. While coeliac disease is widely recognised, gluten intolerance and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity are far more common – and often missed. One of the most eye-opening parts of going Paleo is discovering just how many symptoms are linked to gluten — even in people who assumed they had no problem with it at all.

What Is Gluten, Really?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. Its elastic properties are what give bread its chew and pasta its bite. But these same proteins are increasingly being recognised as problematic for many people — not just those with a formal coeliac diagnosis.

Gluten can be inflammatory, difficult to digest, and disruptive to gut health. For some, the effects are immediate and obvious. For others, gluten causes subtle, chronic symptoms that can take years to link back to diet.

Gluten Intolerance vs Coeliac Disease: A Quick Overview

It’s important to distinguish between coeliac disease and gluten intolerance:

• Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine.

• Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity may not show up on blood tests or biopsies but still triggers symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, headaches, and brain fog.

In both cases, the body is signalling that gluten is not being tolerated — just in different ways.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Many people think gluten issues begin and end in the digestive tract, but that’s far from the full picture. Thanks to the gut-brain axis, gluten can also influence mood, concentration, memory, and even behaviour. Anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms have all been reported to improve on a gluten-free or Paleo diet — particularly when gut health is supported at the same time.

This is why keeping a symptom journal can be so powerful during your 30-day Paleo trial. You might discover that a foggy brain, restless sleep, or skin issues were quietly linked to the bread or cereal you thought was harmless.

What Happens When You Remove Gluten?

Once gluten is removed and the gut starts to heal, many people report benefits such as:

• Fewer digestive issues (like bloating, reflux or irregular bowel movements)

• Clearer skin

• Better mood and concentration

• Reduced joint pain and inflammation

• Increased energy

• Improvements in hormonal balance

• Enhanced immune function

The flip side? Many also find that a small reintroduction of gluten — even a crumb of bread or a splash of soy sauce — can lead to a strong reaction once they’re off it. This isn’t unusual; your body becomes more sensitive to something it sees as inflammatory once it’s no longer a regular part of your system.

Why a Paleo Diet Makes It Easy

Going Paleo automatically removes all sources of gluten — no label-reading required. You’ll be focusing on real food: vegetables, meat, seafood, eggs, fruit, nuts, and healthy fats. And without gluten acting as a hidden inflammatory trigger, your gut and immune system have a chance to reset.

Many people turn to Paleo after trying a traditional gluten-free diet and feeling frustrated that symptoms persist. That’s usually because gluten-free products are still highly processed and full of starches, sugars, and gums that can be just as disruptive as gluten itself. Paleo skips all that and focuses on real nourishment — the kind your body actually recognises and thrives on.

Still on the Fence?

If you’re unsure whether gluten is an issue for you, there’s only one way to know for sure: eliminate it 100% for a minimum of 30 days and observe how your body responds. At the end of the trial, try a small reintroduction (like a piece of bread or a baked good) and see what happens. You may be shocked at how clear your body makes it.

Over to you: Have you experienced any surprising changes after giving up gluten? Are you thinking about trying Paleo to see if your symptoms improve? I’d love to hear your story — drop it in the comments below. Let’s support each other on the journey back to real food and better health.