Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity: Why Both Can Cause Serious Health Problems

Gluten has become one of the most controversial topics in modern health—and for good reason. At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, we see firsthand how gluten can drive chronic inflammation, digestive dysfunction, nerve irritation, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, and autoimmune stress in many individuals.

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
“If I don’t have celiac disease, gluten isn’t a problem for me.”

That assumption is wrong—and for many people, it’s costing them their health.

This article breaks down the critical differences between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, why both can be damaging, and why advanced testing is often the missing link to long-term healing.

---

What Is Gluten and Why Can It Be a Problem?

Gluten is a family of proteins—primarily gliadin and glutenin—found in wheat, barley, and rye. These proteins are sticky, resistant to digestion, and highly immunogenic in susceptible individuals.

For some people, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction.
For others, it creates chronic inflammatory stress without classic autoimmune markers.

Both pathways matter.

---

Celiac Disease: An Autoimmune Attack on the Gut

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine.

What Happens in Celiac Disease:

• Destruction of intestinal villi (nutrient-absorbing structures)

• Malabsorption of vitamins and minerals

• Chronic diarrhea, bloating, or constipation

• Iron deficiency, anemia, osteoporosis

• Increased risk of autoimmune and neurological disorders

Even small amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage—even if symptoms are mild or silent.

For individuals with celiac disease, strict lifelong gluten avoidance is non-negotiable.

---

Gluten Sensitivity: Not Autoimmune, Still Harmful

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity does not show the same intestinal destruction or autoimmune antibodies—but that does not mean it is benign.

In fact, we often see widespread systemic inflammation in gluten-sensitive individuals.

Common Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity:

• Chronic bloating, gas, reflux, or abdominal discomfort

• Brain fog, headaches, anxiety, or mood changes

• Joint pain, muscle tightness, and poor recovery

• Skin conditions, fatigue, and sleep disruption

• Nerve irritation and inflammatory pain patterns

Gluten sensitivity can quietly disrupt the gut barrier, nervous system signaling, immune balance, and inflammatory load throughout the body.

---

The Gut Barrier Connection: Why Gluten Impacts the Whole Body

One of the most important mechanisms behind gluten-related illness is gut barrier dysfunction, often referred to as “leaky gut.”

When gluten increases intestinal permeability:

• Inflammatory molecules pass into the bloodstream

• The immune system stays chronically activated

• Pain, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, and neurological symptoms can follow

This is why gluten-related issues often show up as joint pain, nerve symptoms, migraines, fatigue, or autoimmune flares, not just digestive complaints.

---

Why Standard Testing Misses the Problem

Many people are told:
“Your labs are normal—gluten isn’t the issue.”

Traditional testing often:

• Only screens for celiac antibodies

• Misses non-celiac immune reactions

• Ignores gut barrier integrity entirely

At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, we recommend advanced functional testing to go deeper.

---

Advanced KBMO Food Inflammation & Gut Barrier Testing

We recommend the KBMO Diagnostics FIT 176 Food Inflammation Test along with gut barrier testing to evaluate how gluten and other foods are impacting the immune system at a cellular level.

What These Tests Reveal:

• Delayed immune reactions to gluten (and other foods)

• Systemic inflammation patterns

• Gut barrier stress and permeability

• Root causes of chronic symptoms—not guesses

---

Dr. Sam’s Personal Experience With Gluten Sensitivity

When Dr. Sam Camarata took the KBMO FIT 176 test, the results were eye-opening.

His testing revealed extreme inflammatory reactivity to gluten—despite years of prioritizing health and fitness.

Dr. Sam made the decision to go 100% gluten-free, and has now been gluten-free for over one year.

Going gluten-free was one of the best health decisions of my life.
Energy improved. Inflammation dropped. Recovery improved. Mental clarity increased.

And Dr. Sam is not alone.

---

What We’re Seeing in Our Patients

Not every patient reacts to gluten—but many do.

A significant number of patients who complete KBMO testing discover:

• Severe inflammatory responses to gluten

• Gut barrier stress contributing to whole-body symptoms

• Long-standing symptoms finally make sense

For many, removing gluten becomes a turning point in their healing journey.

---

Why Ignoring Gluten Sensitivity Can Lead to Chronic Problems

Unchecked gluten-driven inflammation can contribute to:

• Chronic pain syndromes

• Autoimmune progression

• Nervous system dysregulation

• Poor recovery from injury

• Hormonal and metabolic dysfunction

Addressing gluten sensitivity early helps reduce total inflammatory load, allowing the body to heal more efficiently.

---

Final Thoughts: Celiac or Sensitivity—Both Deserve Attention

Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are different—but both can cause serious health consequences when ignored.

The goal isn’t to follow diet trends.
The goal is to remove inflammatory triggers your body is reacting to and restore gut, immune, and nervous system balance.

If you’ve tried “doing everything right” but still struggle with pain, fatigue, inflammation, or digestive issues—gluten may be part of the missing link.

---

Get a Hold of Us

If you want to know whether gluten is affecting your health, our team at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness can help guide you with advanced testing and personalized care.

Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness
3237 Union St, North Chili, NY 14514
Phone: 585-617-4145
Email: info@camaratachiropractic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camaratachiropractic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camarata_chiro/

New Patient Scheduler Online Here!

Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity

Is gluten sensitivity real if I don’t have celiac disease?

Yes. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a well-documented condition where gluten triggers inflammation, digestive distress, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and nervous system symptoms without causing the autoimmune intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Many people suffer for years without realizing gluten is driving their symptoms.

---

What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten causes direct damage to the small intestine. Gluten sensitivity does not cause the same intestinal destruction but can still create widespread inflammation throughout the gut, joints, nervous system, and immune system. Both conditions can significantly impact health if not addressed.

---

Can gluten cause joint pain, nerve pain, or inflammation?

Absolutely. Gluten can increase systemic inflammation, disrupt the gut barrier, and overstimulate the immune system. This inflammatory response can show up as joint pain, muscle tightness, sciatica-like symptoms, headaches, nerve irritation, and chronic inflammatory pain patterns—especially in sensitive individuals.

---

Why do I have symptoms even though my celiac test was negative?

Standard medical testing often only screens for celiac disease. It does not detect delayed immune reactions or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Many patients with negative celiac labs still experience significant inflammation from gluten that goes undiagnosed without advanced functional testing.

---

How do you test for gluten sensitivity?

Our team recommends the KBMO FIT 176 Food Inflammation Test along with gut barrier testing to identify immune reactions to gluten and other foods at a cellular level. This testing helps uncover hidden inflammatory triggers that traditional lab work often misses.

---

What is gut barrier dysfunction and how does gluten affect it?

The gut barrier is the protective lining of your intestines. Gluten can increase intestinal permeability (often called leaky gut), allowing inflammatory particles to enter the bloodstream. This can activate the immune system, worsen inflammation, and contribute to pain, fatigue, autoimmune stress, and neurological symptoms.

---

Do I need to go gluten-free forever if I’m sensitive?

Not always, but many people experience dramatic improvements when gluten is removed—especially if testing shows severe inflammation. Some individuals may reintroduce gluten later under guidance, while others benefit from long-term avoidance depending on their immune response and gut health.

---

Did Dr. Sam Camarata go gluten-free?

Yes. After completing advanced testing, Dr. Sam Camarata discovered extreme inflammatory sensitivity to gluten. He has now been gluten-free for over one year and considers it one of the best health decisions he has ever made, experiencing improvements in inflammation, energy, recovery, and overall well-being.

---

Can gluten sensitivity affect my nervous system and brain?

Yes. Gluten-related inflammation can impact the nervous system and brain, contributing to symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, headaches, poor sleep, mood changes, and nerve pain. The gut-brain connection plays a major role in these symptoms.

---

How do I know if gluten is causing my health problems?

If you experience chronic inflammation, digestive issues, joint or muscle pain, poor recovery, fatigue, or neurological symptoms despite “doing everything right,” gluten may be a contributing factor. Advanced testing and a personalized evaluation can help determine whether gluten is impacting your health.

---

Where can I get tested for gluten sensitivity in North Chili or Rochester, NY?

You can get advanced food inflammation and gut barrier testing through KBMO if you are a patient at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness in North Chili, NY, serving individuals and families from Chili, Churchville, Spencerport, Rochester, and Monroe County. Our team focuses on identifying root causes—not just managing symptoms. 

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Content shared on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Individual health needs and circumstances vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider or speak with our team at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness before making changes to your health, nutrition, hydration, exercise, or lifestyle routines.