Stomach bloating: Digestive symptoms after eating bread may be sign of something serious

Stomach bloating describes that uncomfortable sensation following a binge on certain foods. Symptoms of bloating could include a stretching sensation in the tummy and painful abdominal cramps. There is another common digestive condition where the small intestines become inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. The condition is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten and bread but is much more serious than a simple bloat. If you experience these symptoms it could mean you have Coeliac disease.

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Wheat and gluten can cause many digestive issues and there are three key health problems caused by wheat including a wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity or Coeliac disease.

Dr Isabel Skypala, specialist allergy dietician at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust said: “Probably a third of patients in my allergy clinic complain of digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain after eating bread.

“Bread-related symptoms are real and wheat can be to blame.

“Some people find certain foods are simply hard to digest and wheat appears to be one of those.”

Coeliac disease is a condition where the intestine lining can’t absorb and is damaged by gluten-containing foods including wheat, barley, oats and rye.

The NHS said: “Coeliac disease causes a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.

It is caused by having an adverse reaction to gluten, a dietary protein found in three types of cereal being wheat, barley and rye.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition.

This is where the immune system, the body’s defence against infection, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.”

Symptoms of Coeliac disease

Eating foods containing gluten can trigger a range of gut-related symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence, indigestion and constipation.

The other general symptoms of the condition include fatigue, unexpected weight loss, an itchy rash, problems getting pregnant, nerve damage or disorders that affect coordination you should speak with your GP.

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What to do if wheat triggers digestive symptoms

If you symptoms are severe and long-lasting, especially if you have blood in your poo, vomiting or painful stomach cramps, see your GP to rule out a medical condition.

The NHS added: “If you have bloating or other minor symptoms after eating bread, Dr Skypala recommends trying an elimination diet.

This is where you completely cut out what from your diet for four weeks, then gradually bring it back in to see if symptoms reappear.”

“If the symptoms return, it confirms you’re sensitive to wheat and will also show you which foods are especially troublesome. Some people may only have problems with pasta, for example, while others are fine until they eat bread.

“If you are sensitive to wheat, or you have trouble digesting it, the main way to relieve your symptoms is to embark on a wheat-free or partially wheat-free diet.”

Speak to your GP about the best diet to follow and what is the best treatment for your bloating. 

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