Ask Dr. Etingin: Celiac Disease vs. Wheat Sensitivity; Fitness Bands
Q. Is there a difference between celiac disease and wheat sensitivity? I’ve noticed that I get a little bloated after eating bread, but that’s my only symptom. Could it be celiac disease?
A. It could be celiac disease, but only about one-third of adults with this condition have digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and constipation. These signs are much more common in children with celiac disease. Adults are more likely to have symptoms such as fatigue, depression, bone and joint pain, headaches, and any of dozens of other possible reactions, while some people experience no symptoms at all. Celiac disease can be a difficult condition to diagnose because it affects people differently. People who think they may have celiac disease are advised to ask their doctors to order a blood test that screens for this condition; testing is the only way to ensure an accurate diagnosis of celiac disease.
Non-celiac wheat sensitivity can produce bloating as well as other traditional celiac disease symptoms. People with this problem do not test positive for celiac disease, however. There are several related conditions, including gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy, that all fall under the umbrella term “wheat intolerance syndrome.”
If you suspect that you have one of these conditions, try avoiding foods that contain gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. If the post-meal bloating goes away, you have a solution. Of course, other foods, such as beans, lentils, and certain cruciferous vegetables, can also cause bloating. High-fat foods are common culprits, too. In addition to limiting or avoiding foods that cause bloating, you may also want to drink more water and consume more probiotics, the “good” bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods, or in supplement form.
Q. I’ve been told that I can use a fitness band for strength training instead of weights. Are these elastic bands really a good alternative?
A. Using fitness bands—or resistance bands, as they’re sometimes called—has some advantages over free weights and weight machines. Fitness bands are inexpensive, and also very portable, so you can take one with you to the office or when you travel. And because the bands rely on tension and resistance instead of actual weight, there is less chance of injury while you work out.
Fitness bands come in a variety of sizes and resistance levels, and some have handles. If you buy a set of bands, it will probably come with a booklet of exercises—you can also find dozens of different exercises online. To improve your strength, do fitness band exercises twice a week. Warm up first, with simple stretches that will increase the blood flow to your muscles, and help you avoid injury. Then do 10 to 12 repetitions of an exercise, building up gradually to two or three sets of reps. You can also challenge yourself by moving to a band with greater resistance.
If you’re unsure how to use fitness bands safely and effectively, book an appointment with a personal trainer who is familiar with these handy exercise tools. Your local YMCA also can advise you.
–Orli R. Etingin, M.D., Editor-in-Chief
The post Ask Dr. Etingin: Celiac Disease vs. Wheat Sensitivity; Fitness Bands appeared first on University Health News.
Read Original Article: Ask Dr. Etingin: Celiac Disease vs. Wheat Sensitivity; Fitness Bands »
Powered by WPeMatico
