Hi! No, gluten intolerance and Celiac are NOT the same at all actually. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, like Type 1 Diabetes. It is when your body creates an immune response to gluten, which is the protein in wheat, barley and rye. Your body attacks the villi in your intestines, which allow you to absorb nutrients from food. Gluten intolerance can produce very similar symptoms but the key is no damage is done to the gut. It just feels awful. The only way yo know which you might have is to be tested for Celiac. First s blood test to see if you have elevated tTg antibody levels. If yes, then referral to a GI specialist for a gastroscopy and biopsy of the intestine. This will rule it in or out, based on looking for those damaged villi. A gluten free diet for life is the only treatment. Once you get a diagnosis you will st least know what is happening!
Good luck!
Theresa