Glutens impact on the gut, histamine intolerance, pregnancy and postpartum
Gluten intolerance or sensitivity is more than just a buzzword—it’s the real deal. It affects the body's overall health, especially the gut, inflammation levels, and can even impact pregnancy and postpartum wellness. But what’s really going on inside your body when you’re gluten intolerant? And how can it influence your histamine levels and overall health during such a crucial time?
What Is Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivity?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers a range of symptoms, many of which overlap with other common health issues, making it hard to pinpoint. Gluten intolerance differs from celiac disease—a more severe autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the small intestine when gluten is ingested. However, gluten sensitivity can still wreak havoc on your digestive system.
GLUTENS Hidden gastric Damage
When your body has trouble digesting gluten, it can damage the gastric mucosa which is the protective lining of your stomach and intestines. Over time, the microvilli which are tiny hair-like structures in your small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients, can become flattened or damaged. This reduces the surface area available for nutrient absorption, leading to malabsorption of critical vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folate, and calcium. During pregnancy and postpartum, when nutrient demands are at their peak, this damage can have widespread consequences for both you and your baby.
Why Gluten Intolerance Often Goes Undiagnosed
Gluten sensitivity doesn’t always come with an immediate reaction. Many people experience symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, or brain fog hours or even days after consuming gluten, making it difficult to connect the dots. Additionally, gluten-related symptoms can mimic other conditions like SIBO, IBS, histamine intolerance, or thyroid issues, leading to it being misdiagnosed or missed.
The Ripple Effect
Chronic exposure to gluten when your body can't tolerate it contributes to systemic inflammation. Your gut, which houses the majority of your immune system, becomes inflamed. This can trigger the release of histamine, exacerbating symptoms for those already dealing with histamine intolerance.
Histamine intolerance and gluten sensitivity share some overlapping symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. If you have both, your body is in a constant state of inflammatory response, which can intensify your symptoms. For pregnant and postpartum women, this double whammy can create additional stress on the immune and digestive systems.
How Gluten Intolerance Affects Pregnancy and Postpartum Health
During pregnancy, maintaining optimal gut health is critical for nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and immune function. Unaddressed gluten intolerance can lead to nutrient deficiencies, contributing to fatigue, anemia, and even preterm labor. Postpartum, unresolved gut issues from gluten sensitivity can hinder your recovery and may contribute to histamine-related issues such as mood swings, skin rashes, sinus and respiratory symptoms, and headaches. This is especially important when breastfeeding, as your nutritional status directly impacts your milk supply and quality.
Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea or constipation
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or feeling run down, especially after meals
Headaches or migraines
Joint pain or inflammation
Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, or acne
Mood swings or irritability
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B vitamins, calcium)
Hormonal imbalances (irregular cycles, PMS, or low libido)
For pregnant women: extreme fatigue, nausea, nutrient deficiencies, and slowed recovery postpartum
Could You Have Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivity?
Take The Quiz:
Do you frequently experience bloating or gas after eating bread, pasta, or baked goods? Y / N
Have you noticed a correlation between eating certain grains and feeling tired or foggy-headed afterward? Y / N
Do you suffer from unexplained skin issues, such as eczema, hives, redness or rashes? Y / N
Have you ever been diagnosed with IBS, but find that avoiding gluten improves your symptoms? Y / N
Do you feel like you often have “gut issues” but can't pinpoint the cause? Y / N
Have you experienced nutrient deficiencies (e.g low iron or B12) despite a balanced diet? Y / N
Do you suffer from frequent headaches, especially after meals? Y / N
Are you struggling with digestion, bloating, or nutrient absorption?
Y / N
Do you experience joint pain or inflammation without a clear cause?
Y / N
Have you or a family member been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder (like celiac disease or thyroid issues)? Y / N
If you answered "yes" to 3 or more questions, gluten intolerance or sensitivity could be playing a role in your health issues.
What Can You Do?
If you suspect gluten sensitivity, an elimination diet followed by reintroduction of gluten-containing foods is one of the best ways to confirm your intolerance. Working with a healthcare professional well versed in gluten intolerance and gut health is crucial to avoiding long-term damage, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Incorporating a gut health protocol to heal the gastric mucosa, reduce inflammation, and rebalance histamine levels is critical to support long term health.
This includes:
Removing gluten from your diet and avoiding cross-contamination.
Supporting gut healing.
Focusing on nutrient-dense foods to replenish any deficiencies caused by poor absorption.
Stress management strategies to lower cortisol levels, which can worsen gut inflammation and histamine intolerance.
Living with gluten intolerance, especially during pregnancy or postpartum, doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. My Complete Mind-Body Transformation program focuses on gut healing, histamine regulation, and holistic health, offering personalised reiki, naturopathy, and mindfulness programs tailored to meet your needs. You’ll also gain access to tools for managing stress and improving nutrient absorption, setting the foundation for a healthier pregnancy or postpartum experience.
Remember, if gluten sensitivity is left unchecked, it can have a lasting impact on your health—so addressing it now can create a brighter, healthier future for you and your family.
Curious if gluten intolerance might be behind your symptoms? Take the quiz above, and if you're nodding along thinking yes that’s me, let’s talk. It’s time to take control of your health—starting with your gut! Reach out today for a complimentary phone consultation.
