Celiac Disease is a genetically linked autoimmune disease which involves an immune system inflammatory response to gluten (found in wheat,barley,rye,[oats]) that damages the villi of the small intestine. All body systems, including the brain and nervous system, can ultimately be affected from this disease through either a direct immunological attack/response, or through vitamin deficiencies associated with malabsorption.
People with family history of any autoimmune disease, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease or autoimmune diabetes, are at greater risk for having Celiac Disease. In fact, some research is indicating that identifying Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease early in one’s life, and removing gluten from the diet, may actually decrease the risk of developing other autoimmune disease in the future. The research on this is ongoing.
Latest data shows the prevalence of Celiac Disease in the US at 1 in 100-250 range, much higher than previously thought. In the not too distant past, it was thought to be extremely rare. Most cases are going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It can be a diagnostic challenge, and early stage disease and a non-celiac gluten sensitivity are just starting to be recognized. Some estimate as many as 1/3 of the population has some form of gluten sensitivity, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
"Classic" Celiac Disease presents with GI symptoms and wasting, but most Celiac Disease does not present in classic form. It is important to note that Celiac Disease can be 'silent'- totally asymptomatic, until the complications of malabsorption begin to set in many years down the road. Some adults suffer depression or anemia as their only symptom. Children's symptoms can be as mundane as stomach aches and canker sores. One can be tall and/or overweight and have Celiac Disease, counter to many physicians outdated beliefs. Twenty percent of those with Celiac Disease suffer constipation rather than diarrhea...and only 50% have diarrhea. GI symptoms can be completely absent.
The most important message I have is that one can have Gluten Sensitivity causing serious symptoms, including neurological disease among many others, without having Celiac Disease. Many patients who fall short of a Celiac Disease diagnosis may still benefit greatly from a gluten free diet. Unfortunately, current mainstream practice falls short of recommending a gluten free diet to those who may have early stage Celiac Disease or a Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity because the diagnostics are unclear. Some patients continue to suffer a lifetime with their symptoms that might be alleviated with a relatively simple dietary change, if only they knew.
I believe patients should be aware that this possibility exists and decide for themselves whether to take a gamble toward better health by altering their diet, while the research continues on. Much of the supportive medical literature is referenced here in The Gluten File. Visit any Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity online forum listed on the Favorite Links page for personal testimonials.
A growing number of researchers and physicians do promote a gluten free diet to treat any symptomatic person who shows evidence of gluten sensitivity...even in the absence of biopsy proven Celiac Disease.
Articles on Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity
Detecting Celiac Disease in Your Patients by Harold T. Pruessner, MD
PODCAST - Celiac Disease by Dr. Allesio Fasano
Gluten sensitivity as a neurological illness, M Hadjivassiliou, et al.
The Neurology of Gluten Sensitivity: Science vs. Conviction by Hadjivassiliou and Grunewald
Gluten intolerance: a paradigm of an epidemic by Stacy Astor Shaul
Find more articles here: OVERVIEW ARTICLES
This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information presented here is done so for the sole purpose of connecting people to resources that may lead to solutions for their health problems. I have made a good faith effort not to violate any copyright. If I have unknowingly done so, please contact me and I will immediately correct it.
Leave your drugs in the chemist's pot if you can heal the patient with food. Hippocrates
"One must be taught to suspect, for if one does not suspect, he does not test, and if he does not test, he does not know."
H.J. Rinkel
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