At The Gardens assisted living community in Springfield, Missouri, we understand that health changes as you age, and sometimes that means adjusting your diet to feel your best. The good news? If gluten is causing you problems, there are more delicious alternatives available today than ever before, right here in Springfield.

Why Gluten Sensitivity Can Develop as You Age

It might seem strange that you can suddenly become sensitive to something you've eaten your entire life, but research shows this happens more often than you'd think. About 6% of the U.S. population is gluten intolerant, and studies have found that celiac disease can develop at any age, from infancy to older adulthood.

People tend to lose their ability to tolerate gluten as they age, with researchers finding that the number of participants who had celiac disease had doubled 15 years later. This could be due to changes in  intestinal bacteria, stress from surgery or illness or simply the natural aging process affecting your digestive system.

What makes this particularly challenging for seniors is that many cases are diagnosed in adults over 60 years of age, even though quite a few have had the condition for most of their lives. Even more concerning, a lot of celiac disease sufferers have symptoms that remain undetected.

Common Signs You Might Be Gluten Sensitive

The tricky thing about gluten sensitivity in older adults is that symptoms can be subtle or easily mistaken for other age-related issues. Here are the key warning signs to watch for:

• Digestive drama. Diarrhea, constipation and other digestive issues are common signs of gluten sensitivity. If you've been battling chronic digestive problems throughout your life, gluten could be the culprit. Painful bloating, gas after meals and feeling uncomfortable after eating bread-heavy meals are all red flags.
• Persistent fatigue. If you tend to get fatigued after meals, that's a good indication that the problem could be gluten. While fatigue can have many causes as you age, if you notice you're consistently tired after eating pasta, sandwiches or other gluten-containing foods, it's worth investigating.
• Mysterious skin issues. Unexplained skin rashes, red patches or persistent skin irritations that don't respond to typical treatments could signal gluten sensitivity. Your skin often reflects what's happening inside your digestive system.
• Nutrient deficiencies. Anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are common in people of all ages who have untreated celiac disease. If you're eating a balanced diet but still showing signs of iron deficiency, B vitamin deficiencies or other nutritional gaps, gluten damage to your intestinal lining could be preventing proper nutrient absorption.
• Neurological symptoms. If you feel dizzy or off-balance, this can be a sign of gluten sensitivity. Brain fog, difficulty concentrating or balance issues that can't be explained by other conditions might be connected to gluten.

Taking Action: Getting Properly Diagnosed

If these symptoms sound familiar, don't just assume it's part of aging. There's no gluten intolerance test, so your health care provider will likely recommend a specific process. It includes eating gluten for about 6 weeks while they rule out celiac disease and wheat allergies through blood tests, and then eliminating gluten from your diet for at least 6 weeks while carefully tracking your symptoms.

This process requires patience, but it's worth it. In elderly patients, timely diagnosis is essential. Without avoiding gluten, the damage it causes means you might not get the nutrients you need to protect yourself against heart disease and other age-related conditions.

Living Gluten-Free

The great news is that Springfield, Missouri, has plenty of gluten-free options available. Many local restaurants now offer gluten-free menus or can accommodate special dietary needs, and grocery stores stock extensive gluten-free selections to make shopping easier.

Making the Transition Easier

If you discover that you need to eliminate gluten, remember that this lifestyle change takes time to adjust to. Gluten-free diets can be difficult to understand and adhere to and expensive, and they may eliminate favorite foods. However, the improvement in how you feel often makes the effort worthwhile.

Start by focusing on naturally gluten-free whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, rice and quinoa. Read labels carefully, as gluten hides in unexpected places like seasonings and sauces. Don't hesitate to ask restaurant staff about preparation methods and cross-contamination prevention.

Your Health Journey Continues

Discovering a gluten sensitivity later in life might feel overwhelming at first, but it's actually empowering. You're taking control of your health and making choices that will help you feel more vibrant and energetic. At The Gardens in Springfield, we believe in supporting residents through all of life's changes, including dietary adjustments that help you thrive.

Remember, whether you live independently or are considering an assisted living community, your dietary needs deserve attention and respect. With Springfield's growing gluten-free scene and increased awareness among health care providers, you have more support than ever to navigate this change successfully.

The path to feeling better might require some detective work and patience, but the potential to eliminate chronic symptoms and improve your quality of life makes it worth the effort. After all, you deserve to enjoy every meal without discomfort.

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