Gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease affect a lot of people – the current statistic being 1 in 133 people have celiac disease {and a majority of those people are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed}.The truth is many more people have un-diagnosed gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity with an estimate of it affecting up to 10-15% of the population.
Gluten is a naturally difficult to digest protein for us – even for those without celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Like anything that is hard to digest – this can lead to bacteria and yeast overgrowth in the intestines which can flare up a chain of reactions in any healthy person – and even more so in someone who has an underlying condition.
In recent years the gluten free diet has been picked up as as part of the treatment plan for other disorders and ailments in hopes to alleviate symptoms. A few disorders that have been linked to success with a gluten free diet include:
It is also important to mention that if you have been diagnosed with any autoimmune disorder (like diabetes, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis etc) that you get a blood panel test for celiac disease. If the test comes back negative be sure to get retested every 5 years (every 2 years for children) because having one autoimmune disorder puts you at risk for developing others – including celiac disease.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: adayinmollywood
July 29, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Thank you for this info, Devan. I wanted to tell you that when I get back from blogher I made an appt to see a doctor. I really do feel like I have a food allergy to something as I am constantly feeling sick after everything I eat.
I want to find out once and for all what is going on!
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
July 29, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Molly – i am so glad that you are going to get tested for allergies/intolerance! The difference it made in my life has been amazing & i hope that you are able to begin to feel better!! If you have any questions at all – feel free to email me again & also, i hope to see you at Blogher next week!
Twitter: HStayingAfloat!
July 30, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Thank you Devan. My cousin has Crohn’s Disease. I wonder if she has ever been tested for celiac disease. Hmmm…something to ask her!
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
July 31, 2011 at 8:24 pm
It would be interesting to know! i would love to know if she has ever tried a gluten free diet for her Crohn’s.
Great post, thanks for helping raise awareness.
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
July 31, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Thanks Carol!
Twitter: acctodenise
July 31, 2011 at 1:04 pm
I have been gluten free (again) since early July because I feel better without gluten. I had an endoscopy which was negative for Celiac but I believe, for me, gluten = bad. I also have my younger kids eat mostly gluten free because it definitely affects their mood and behavior. It can be tough to stay on the GF path when a doctor is not telling you that you have to. But I have to keep reminding myself that it is worth it. This time I am still have a lot of GI symptoms but my well being is better. I hope the GI stuff gets better soon.
Twitter: AccustomedChaos
July 31, 2011 at 8:27 pm
It can be tough Denise because you can come across the people who think that gluten free food is “bad for you” if you dont need to be on the diet medically (diagnosed) or that you are “depriving your kids without reason”. I had encountered this with my sons pediatric doctor. I always say trust your gut & one negative test doesnt mean much. I hope you start to feel better soon!
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