Gluten?

Question
Sarah
Is it possible to be sensitive to wheat or flour,especially in but not have celiac disease?
There seems be be a trend toward gluten free foods lately.
I have done several food avoidance diets, to find if there is a food cause to my digestive issues, mostly bloating, heartburn, and some nausea. Its not all starches, as I am fine with potatoes, rice,  and pasta! Its also not meat. It seems to be bread, or things that contain a lot of flour like home baked cookies. I cant see why the pasta doesnt affect me, unless the  processing and secondary cooking has changed  the chemical composition?
When I avoid bread/flour for a few days, I feel a lot better.
Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Hi Barry! You can absolutely have a gluten intolerance without a diagnosis of Celiac disease. I actually hear it all the time. Potatoes and rice do not contain gluten,  so I wouldn't expect them to bother you. The pasta is a bit trickier. The most likely answer is that pasta is rinsed after cooking, if it isn't, it sticks together. That sticky-stuff that gets rinsed off is gluten. You probably are extra sensitive to bread because gluten is added to help with shape and texture.  The cookies fall in between those examples. I always advise patients to stay away from foods that cause undesirable symptoms. Medical diagnostic tests are great but do not provide all of the answers. You know your body best!  

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